Botswana Travel Tips

If it’s your first time to the country, you might find these Botswana travel tips useful, even invaluable.

Time
GMT+2

Public holidays
01 and 02 January; 29 and 30 March; 01 April; 01 and 09 May; 01 and 15 July; 30 September; 25 and26 December

Visas
All visitors entering Botswana must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months. Visitors must also have outgoing travel documents and sufficient funds for their stay. Visas are not required by South African, Commonwealth and the United States.

Electricity
Botswana uses 220-240 volts AC (50 Hz)

Communication
International dialing code: +267

Language
English is the official language and Setswana is the national language. Other major languages are Kalanga, Kgalagadi and Shona, however, generally the population has a good command of the English language.

Currency
Botswana's decimal currency is the pula. All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. However, certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners or American Express. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.

Transport
By Air - Domestic air services operate between the 4 major Airports: Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane Airport. The modern Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is just eight kilometres out of Gaborone Charter services can be arranged to reach remote areas.

By Road -. Botswana is linked by tarred road to South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Vehicles for rental including 4x4s are readily available. Road conditions in the reserves of Botswana are extremely rough and dusty, and the roads can be badly signposted. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential, as are good driving skills to negotiate these roads in the wild. Botswana is not recommended as a self-drive destination, except as a 4x4 adventure.

By Train -There is a weekly train service between Johannesburg and Gaborone.

By Bus - There is a daily service from Johannesburg via Pretoria and Rustenburg to Gaborone. Local buses also run between the major towns within Botswana.

Food
The majority of Botswana inhabitants are farmers; therefore traditional food is derived mainly from farm products. These include sorghum, millet, maize-meal and bean leaf relish. Beef, mopane worms and game meat are used as relish. "There is no feast without beef."

Water
Tap water is safe to drink in the main centres, hotels and game lodges but it is advisable to exercise caution in rural areas

Safety
Botswana is a very safe destination with a low crime rate. The people of Botswana are generally very friendly. The greatest dangers are out in the wild and visitors should adhere to the rules when visiting parks. Never get out of your vehicle and never confront wild animals.

Health
Botswana does not have a national health welfare scheme. It is therefore advisable to obtain medical insurance prior to arrival. Health care standards in Botswana are high, with excellent hospitals in Gaborone and Francistown. All main towns have well stocked pharmacies, but as most tourist areas are in remote areas, it is recommended that you bring any medicines you may require with you.

Vaccinations
Malaria is a serious problem especially in the north of the country and it is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Botswana. Any person entering Botswana from or via a yellow fever infected area must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever. Immunization against tetanus, typhoid and yellow fever should be completed before departure to Botswana. Travellers should be aware that there is a presence of bilharzia and sleeping sickness.

For more detailed information about these various Botswana travel tips, or to make a booking for a Botswana tour, please don’t hesitate to contact us.