Country Information

HISTORY

The Republic of Botswana originally a British protectorate called Bechuanaland Protectorate gained its independence after 80 years on the 30thSeptember 1966.

The country has established itself as one of the few successful multi-party democratic states in Sub-Saharan Africa. Free, fair and peaceful general elections are held after every five years. Though English is the official language, the country is multiracial and inhabited by different ethnic groups who live peacefully and in harmony with each other.
Botswana has enjoyed remarkable economic growth since independence; from being one of the poorest to being amongst the fastest growing economies in the world.

TOTAL LAND AREA:

600,370.00km²
231,804.15miles²
(slightly smaller than Texas)

CAPITAL:

Gaborone

LANGUAGE:

English is the official language, Setswana is the national language, but there are another eight languages spoken throughout the territory.

TIME:

GMGMT + 2

ELECTRICITY & VOLTAGE:

220-240V 15 - 13 amp plug sockets are in use. Plugs are 2-pin & 3-pin round and flat.
Only a few safari lodges have electrical power; however, most offer facilities to generate battery operated camcorders / video cameras.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

1 Pula = 100 thebe
The Botswana currency is one of the most stable in Africa.

CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

Most hotels and lodges will accept foreign currencies. US$ can be easily exchanged throughout the country, as can Euro and pounds sterling.
Most lodges accept credit cards, mainly Visa or MasterCard, although this should be checked before arrival.

COMMUNICATIONS:

Country code: 267

CLIMATE:

The climate of Botswana is best described as dry, generally warm to hot. Winter (May to September) nights can fall below freezing.
Summer - October to March with a high of 40° C and a low of 18° C.
Winter - June to September with a high of 20° C and a low of 0° C.
Rainy season - The average annual rainfall across Botswana is between 250mm and 650mm and the rainy season would be considered late October to early April.
Rainfall does not usually occur every day, and generally takes place in the afternoon with mornings being fairly clear.

MAUN 19 98 S, 23 41 E, 2952 feet (900 meters) above sea level.

HEALTH:

No Vaccinations are required

Malaria

Botswana has endemic malarial areas. Consult a doctor at least 2 weeks prior to entering Botswana, and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. You are advised to use repellent during the most active times – dawn and dusk. Camps do supply repellent, mosquito netting and also mosquito coils for use in the rooms.
As lights attract any insect, guests are advised not to leave lights on in the rooms while they are not inside.

SAFETY:

It cannot be stressed enough that while in the game reserves, a responsible attitude must be adopted. The animals are wild and need to be respected as such.
Always sleep inside a zipped up tent.
Keep your tent zipped during the day to prevent insects/snakes and baboons getting in.
Keep all food in lockable steel trunks, preferably inside a vehicle at night.
Take your litter away with you.
Do not wander off on your own and make sure young children are safely protected.
Swimming in any river is dangerous as the waters teem with crocodiles.

CLOTHING:

Outdoor summer clothes in neutral tones. Thermals for winter nights and in general wear a number of thin layers that can be peeled off as the day progresses.
Check with your tour consultant before arrival.

BANKING HOURS:

09h00-15h30 - Week Days
09h00-11h00 - Saturday

SHOPPING HOURS:

08h00-13h00/14h00-17h00 Monday-Friday
08h30-13h00 Saturday

WHAT TO BUY:

Woodcarvings, handcrafted jewellery, woven goods and attractive basketry are recommended.

INDUSTRY:

Diamonds, Copper, Nickel, Coal, Salt, Soda Ash, Potash; Livestock Processing

AGRICULTURE:

Sorghum, Corn, Millet, Pulses, Groundnuts (Peanuts), Beans, Cowpeas, Sunflower Seed; Livestock

NATURAL RESOURCES:

Diamonds, Copper, Nickel, Salt, Soda Ash, Potash, Coal, Iron Ore, Silver