Facts
Overview
Zambia’s scenic splendor has left many of its visitors breathless. Incredible African sunsets and beautiful wetlands contributes to this beauty. Zambia has 17 waterfalls of which the Victoria Falls is by far the most impressive. If you have ever dreamt of an African safari then a Zambian journey will marvel you awake. The local Bantu culture promises a rich and educational voyage through these lands.
CAPITAL:
Gaborone
CURRENCY:
1 Pula = 100 Thebe. Major hotels have foreign currency facilities and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller's cheques. USD traveller's cheques are recommended. Purchases must be made in Pula, but at tourist facilities, hard currencies are accepted. An unlimited amount of foreign currency may be imported and exported as long as it's declared. On leaving, you can take P200 maximum.
CUSTOMS:
Duty Free Allowances
- - BWP500 worth of goods
- - 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
- - 2 litres of wine
- - 1 litre of spirits
- - 50ml of perfume
- - 250ml of eau de toilette
Prohibited Goods
Fresh meat from Zimbabwe
Special Notes
- Up to 25kg of fresh meat (beef, mutton, chicken and fish) per vehicle can be brought in from South Africa without a permit
- Heat-treated animal products, e.g. canned meat and pasteurised milk need a veterinary movement permit depending on the quantities. Small quantities for personal consumption can enter without a veterinary import permit.
- Border posts in Botswana will accept only original documents. No faxes or copies will be accepted.
(NB! For full information, please contact the nearest Embassy of Botswana.)
ELECTRICITY:
220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 2-pin & 3-pin round and flat.
HEALTH:
There are no vaccination requirements for international travellers. Pre-arrival precautions are advised against malaria (risk exists Nov-Jun in northern parts of Botswana incl. Maun, Boteti, Chobe, Ngamiland, Okavango, Tutume districts/areas) and Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Other health concerns include influenza (risk throughout the year) and AIDS.
Due to the dry, dusty atmosphere, those with extreme respiratory problems (e.g. severe asthma or acute allergies) should avoid travels to Botswana as medical facilities are inadequate. As a precaution boil or sterilize drinking water when outside towns.
HOURS:
Banking Hours
9am-2.30pm Mon-Fri; 8am-noon Wed; 8am-10.45am Sat.
Office Hours
8am-5pm Apr-Oct; 7.30am-4.30pm Oct-Apr.
Shopping Hours
8.30am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Mon-Fri; 8.30am-1pm on Sat.
LANGUAGE:
English is the official language and Setswana the local language.
Population:
11.2 Million
Head of State:
President Levy Manawasa
Literacy:
80%
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Years Day (1 -2 Jan); Easter (9 - 12 Apr); Labout Day (1 May); Ascension Day (20 May); Sir Seretse Khama Day (1 Jul); President's Day (15 - 16 Jul); Botswana Day (30 Sep); Christmas (25 - 26 Dec)
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
Most people follow a traditional lifestyle and may be unused to visitors, be sensitive to this. Obtain permission from locals to photograph them. Some hotels don't permit jeans and T-shirts. On safari, wear dull colours, white is not practical. The majority of the population hold animistic beliefs.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT +2
TIPPING:
No service charges are included and tipping is expected, 10 percent is recommended.
Geography and climate
The country is landlocked. Zambia consists mainly of an undulating plateau sloping to the south. There are three distinct seasons namely: cool and dry from May to August; hot and dry from September to October; and rainy between November and April.
Getting there:
Fly to Gabarone International