Travel Guide to Botswana

Location

Botswana is a land locked country in the centre of Southern Africa.  It is bordered on the north and west by Namibia, on the north and east by Zimbabwe, and is connected by a narrow strip of land on the northern border to Zambia.

Geography

Botswana covers an area the size of 581,730 square kms, roughtly the size of France.  The eastern part of the country is formed by hills and valleys.  The vast Kalahari Desert covers more than 70% of the country.  The Okavango, one of Africa’s longest rivers flows into Botswana from the northwest, fanning out into the Okavango Delta which covers 16,900 km.

History

According to the 2001 census the population of Botswana was estimated to be 1.77 million with a growth of 3.5% a year.  The hunter gatherer San people were the first inhabitants arriving in fourth centaury AD.   Major settlements took place around the 16th centaury when Tswana communities entered the country.  In the early 1800s, invasion by Zulus and Boers prompted the Tswana tribal chiefs to seek protection from Britain.  The then Bechuanaland was declared a British Protectorate in 1885.  Botswana became independent in 1966.

Climate

Average Monthly Temperatures

The climate ranges from continental to semi arid.  The rains come between October and April and winters are dry with June, July and August being the driest months. The heat and humidity from October to April can become quite uncomfortable during this moderate rainy season.

Visas

No visa is required for entry into Botswana for visitors from the EU, most Commonwealth countries and the USA. Passengers must hold a return/onward ticket and sufficient funds.

Flying Time
From Uk via Johannesburg
Approx 12 ½ hrs including transit stop. 

Time Difference
GMT + 2 hrs

Currency
Botswana Pula (BWP)
Prior to your visit check the Exchange Rate.

Health

Immunisations that are recommended for Botswana are Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Tetanus. Yellow Fever is required for those travelling from a Yellow Fever infested country.  Anti-malarial drugs are recommended and should be taken prior to arrival and should be continued for 4 weeks after leaving Botswana.  It is also advisable to try and avoid mosquito bites by using repellent and by wearing suitable cover-up clothes in the evening.

It is absolutely essential that all visitors carry some form of medical insurance to cater for any eventualities.

Hotels and lodges supply clean drinking water but whenever in doubt, please drink only bottled mineral water (which is available in hotels and safari camps).  Drinking water from the tap is not encouraged. Bilharzia is endemic and swimming in untreated waters is dangerous. 

Always consult your GP before travelling.