Botswana
The Republic of Botswana’s huge variety of African wildlife attracts thousands of tourists from around the world throughout the year.
It is landlocked-bordered by South Africa in the south and southeast; Zambia and Zimbabwe in the northeast; and Namibia in the north and west.
The Okavango Delta situated in the northwest corner of the country is the most sought-after by wildlife enthusiasts with the northeast corner-the Moremi Wildlife Reserve being the ultimate African safari destination.
Health
Botswana has a good public health system in the urban areas. Health insurance for visitors is vital.Malaria medication is recommended.
There are no compulsory vaccinations, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected countries.
Public Holidays
01 Jan – New Year’s Day
25 Mar – Good Friday
28 Mar – Easter Monday
01 May – Labour Day in Botswana
05 May – Ascension Day
01 Jul – Sir Seretse Khama Day
18 Jul – President’s Day Botswana
30 Sep – Botswana Day
25 Dec – Christmas Day
26 Dec – Boxing Day
Money & duty free
The unit of currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), which is divided into 100 Thebe. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and foreign currency are accepted at most large hotels and lodges.
Travellers to Botswana over the age of 18 can enter the country with 400 cigarettes; 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of alcoholic beverages; 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette ;Gifts and personal goods to the value of P500
Passports and Visa
Contact your closest Botswana Consulate for details:
South African Contact: Botswana Consulate Johannesburg
Tel: +27 (11)403 3748/403 3749
NOTE: It is highly recommended to have six months’ validity remaining on your passport, as border agents occasionally apply different guidelines to those stated.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice.
Botswana Tourism: www.botswanatourism.co.bw
Link: https://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/embassy/south-africa-botswana-consulate-general
Important Notice:
REMINDER: Requirements for travel with Children to Botswana
We have had many instances in the past week where families are travelling WITHOUT the unabridged birth certificates, this has caused unnecessary distress to all concerned.
PLEASE REMEMBER the following;
The Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs Tourism advised:
“Effective from the 1st October 2016 minors (= children under 18) traveling through the countries borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports.
In the event that one parent is not traveling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. However an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.” Please find a link to the copy of the press release here.
Here is an overview on the regulations, which are currently in place:
Child + Both Parents:
Parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate and a valid passport.
Child + 1 Parent:
Parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate, a valid passport and a court order/ death certificate/ affidavit confirming the absent parent has given permission for the child to travel.
Child + Guardian Only:
Guardian must produce an unabridged birth certificate, a valid passport and a court order/ death certificate/ affidavit confirming the parents have given permission for the child to travel.
Child Unaccompanied:
Child must produce an unabridged birth certificate, a valid passport and affidavit confirming permission to travel from both the parents or legal guardians and letter from person who will receive child in the final destination including their full contact details and a certified copy of their passport or ID.
PLEASE NOTE:
* Travellers need to make sure that they issue all the required documents already in their country of residence prior to travel. Please be aware that some countries may require more time to process these documents. So we advise these are applied for well in advance of the date of travel.
* The documents need to be valid for at least 6 months before travelling. Certificates & affidavits older than 6 months at the time of travel will not be valid.
Electricity
230 volts, 50Hz. Round three-pin plugs are used.
Time Difference
GMT +2
Dialing Code
The international access code for Botswana is +267. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa).
Language
English is the official language but Setswana is widely spoken.
Immigration & border crossing
- Valid passport of the driver
- Certified copy of vehicle registration papers in the name of the driver
- Letter of authority from the registered owner if the vehicle is not owned by the driver
- If vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle license papers.
- ZA Sticker: Available at any AA Accredited Sales Agent store
- International Driving Permit: Recommended
Botswana / South Africa
Border Posts Business Times
Pont Drift – Mashatu 08:00 – 16:00
Platjan 08:00 – 16:00
Zanzibar 08:00 – 16:00
Martins Drift 08:00 – 18:00
Parr’s Halt – Stockpoort B 08:00 – 18:00
Sikwane – Derdepoort B 06:00 – 19:00
Tlokweng Gate – Kopfontein 06:00 – 24:00
Ramotswa – Swartkoppie 06:00 – 22:00
Pioneer Gate – Skilpadshek 06:00 – 24:00
Ramatlabama 06:00 – 22:00
Phitshane Molopo 07:00 – 16:00
Bray 07:00 – 16:00
Makopong 08:00 – 18:00
McCarthy’s Rust 08:00 – 18:00
Middlepits 07.30 – 16:00
Botswana weather is generally quite enjoyable.The rainy season occurs in summer between October and April and is the hottest time.
Dry and cool weather, with cold and often frosty nights, occurs between May and September, when the average daytime temperature is a pleasant 77ºF (25ºC).
Between April and October are ideal for tourists in terms of weather and game viewing.
- Sunblock and lipsalve – for vital protection from the sun
- Binoculars – totally essential for game viewing
- A small pocket torch
- ‘Leatherman’ tool – never go into the bush without one
- A small water bottle, especially on flights (see Camping equipment)
- Electrical insulating tape – remarkably useful for general repairs
- Camera – long lenses are vital for good shots of animals
- Basic sewing kit – with some really strong thread for repairs
- Cheap waterproof watch (leave expensive ones, and jewellery, at home)
- Couple of paperback novels
- Large plastic ‘bin-liner’ (garbage) bags, for protecting luggage from dust
- Light, loose-fitting cotton clothing.Simple medical kit and insect repellent
- Lightweight walking boots (with ankle support if possible) are sensible
And for those driving or backpacking, useful extras are:
- Concentrated, biodegradable washing powder
- Long-life candles – African candles are often soft, and burn quickly
- Nylon ‘paracord’ – bring at least 20m for emergencies and washing lines
- Hand-held GPS navigation system, for expeditions to remote areas
- Good compass and a whistle
- More comprehensive medical kit
- Lightweight walking boots (with ankle support if possible) are sensible
- Light, loose-fitting cotton clothing.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Department of Tourism, Gaborone: +267 391 3111 or www.botswana-tourism.co.bw
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BOTSWANA EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Emergencies: AMBULANCE 997 /FIRE 998 /POLICE 999
AIRPORT IN BOTSWANA
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Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
LOCATION-15 KM north of Gaberone
Hotel minibuses and taxis provide transport to the city centre.
CONTACTS-Tel: +267 351 191
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Maun International Airport (MUB)
LOCATION-3 miles (5km) from central Maun.
There are shuttle buses and taxis available into town.
CONTACTS
Tel: +267 660 238.
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Kasane International Airport (BBK)
LOCATION-4.5 km from Kasane town.
There are shuttle buses and taxis available into town.
CONTACTS
Tel: +267 625-0555/625-2210/1
Dear Valued Partner,
Please be advised that the new Botswana Tourism levy that was meant to come into effect 01 June 2017 has been postponed to a later stage and we will update you once a revised date has been declared.
For further information please visit the BTO website www.botswanatourism.co.bw/tourismlevy
For enquiries please email: tdl@botswanatourism.co.bw or call +267 391 3111.
The Botswana government has announced the banning of plastic carrier bags and other plastic products with effect from the beginning of next month (November 2018).
Frank Molebatsi, a deputy director in Botswana’s Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism ministry, said repeat offenders faced a fine of up to P5,000 (approximately US$500) or a prison term of up to 30 days.
Plastic litter is a massive headache for conservationists and nature enthusiasts across the world.
“Guests travelling to Botswana should be aware of this and are advised to not carry plastic bags into the country. The proposed fine for carrying plastic bags will be US$500.” Wild Horizons warned in a statement.
“This means that it will be considered an offence to have these plastic bags in the country, and tourists will also be affected and will need to know not to bring in plastic bags into the country. An offence is punishable with a fine of up to P5,000 (approx $500 depending on the exchange rate).”
Wild Horizons advised tourists to use reusable bags and biodegradable products.
Plastic litter is a massive headache for conservationists and nature enthusiasts across the world.
Source: News 24-16 Oct 2018 By Nokuthaba Dlamini
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta (or Okavango Grassland) in Botswana is a very large inland delta formed where the Okavango River reaches a tectonic trough in the central part of the endorheic basin of the Kalahari.The scale and magnificence of the Okavango Delta helped it secure a position as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.The Okavango delta is both a permanent and seasonal home to a wide variety of wildlife which is now a popular tourist attraction.
With it being so accessible, you will certainly enjoy the following while staying at some of its luxurious wild accommodation:
- Mokoro Trips – a dug out local canoe
- Guided game drives
- Bush walks
- Photographic safaris
- Horseback Safaris
Chobe National Park
Botswana’s first national park, the park consists of sandy tracks all year round and in summer muddy roads too. The Chobe floodplains and Chobe River form a unique eco system. This area is well known for a high concentration of wildlife and is the highlight of the Chobe National Park. It is not uncommon to see between 500 and 1000 elephant on these floodplains at one time. With unfenced camps and open to wildlife to roam free, camping in Chobe is a true wilderness experience. A 4×4 vehicle is essential to entering the Chobe National Park.
Activities that are enjoyed in the national park are:
- River Cruises
- AM and PM game drives
- Photographic safaris
- Chobe Day Trip from Vic Falls
Makgadikgadi and Central Kalahari
Desert, salt pans and sweeping grass plains form one of our planet’s most spectacular wilderness areas at Makgadikgadi and the Central Kalahari. In complete contrast to the lush Okavango, the semi-arid central Kalahari is a must for those who want to enjoy the diversity of Botswana.
Fossilised river valleys and salt pans add variety to the open plains and grass covered dunes and allows in the dry months for activities like sleeping under the stars. You will find game like: springbok, gemsbok and eland here as well as the density of predators is good, particularly lion and cheetah.
In the Central Kalahari you can visit San communities for half day, full day or multi day tours to learn more about their way of life. It is also one of the only places in Botswana where you can find rhino, though sightings are rare.
