Botswana is a safe country to travel in and tourists are attracted to visit this African country because of the outstanding natural wilderness areas. Home to several well-managed National Parks and Reserves, accommodation ranges from expensive bush-luxury lodges and safari camps to affordable accommodation for the budget conscious.
Languages in Botswana
English is the official business and government language, but the first language for the majority of the population is Setswana. There are also several minority languages.
Botswanan Visas
Citizens of most western European countries, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. South African and Namibian citizens may stay visa-free for up to 3 months of each year.
Health Precautions Botswana
Tap water is safe to drink, generally throughout the entire country. There is the risk of malaria in the northern parts of the country and precautions are advisable. There is no risk of yellow fever or water-borne diseases, unless of course, water is stagnant.
Currency Botswana
The unit of currency is the Botswana Pula. At the time of writing, exchange rages were US1 – P6.85 or 1 Euro – P8.75. Visa, American Express and Master Card are accepted at larger shops, hotels, car rental agencies, banks and filling stations. If going off the beaten track, carry cash in pulas.
Cost of Visiting Botswana
If self-driving on a budget, count on around $30 per day per person for camping and eating cheap, besides petrol/diesel costs. Hiring a fully equipped 4 x 4 vehicle costs from 800 pulas per day upwards (approximately $120).
The cheapest safaris will cost in the region of 800 pulas ($120) per person per day. There is no upper limit in Botswana, as signature properties can cost up more than $600 per night. It must be remembered, however, that these lodges are generally in very remote regions and the logistics of providing a world-class service in wilderness areas without an infrastructure adds considerably to the costs. At these prices, first-class meals, transfers and guides are part of the package.
Air and Road Transport Botswana
Air Botswana is the national carrier (www.airbotswana.co.bw), which connects Gaberone to Johannesburg, Harare and Lusaka. Domestic destinations include Maun, Kasane and Francistown. Local buses run along major highways and although the distances are huge, highways are generally well-maintained. There are no local buses accessing national parks, the best way to get around the country is to self-drive.
International Dialling Code for Botswana
The international dialing code is +267. There is internet connectivity in the larger cities such as Gaberone, Maun and Francistown.
Best Times to Visit Botswana
Weather is a major factor in determining when to visit Botswana. The best game-viewing season is between May to October, before the seasonal rains. This time period is sunny and dry, although temperatures can plummet in the winter months and campers need to be well-equipped for sub-zero temperatures at night. Animals are forced to stay around waterholes during this time, and the area is arid and dry which makes game-viewing easier.
The wet months between December to March can render the closure of national parks, but this is a good time to avail oneself of discounts generally available at this time. Predators and herbivores generally disappear into the bush at this time due to the abundance of water and food and this makes game-spotting much more difficult.
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Fleur Hupston - Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer based in Botswana, Southern Africa. From this unique perspective, she writes travel ...
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