Travel to Botswana

Getting there: By Air:
Air Botswana is Botswana's national airline. It provides international flights between Gaborone and Johannesburg, Gaborone and Harare, Maun and Johannesburg, Kasane and Johannesburg and Francistown and Johannesburg. Domestic flights run between Gaborone and Francistown, Maun and Kasane, and the airline has recently re-introduced its Maun to Kasane flight (three time per week.)

Luggage Restrictions:
It is advisable to adhere to the luggage restrictions for both scheduled international, domestic and charter flights: 20kg (44lbs) on domestic flights, 12kg (26 lbs) on lights aircrafts (including Okavango Delta charter flights), and 20kg (44lbs) on international flights.

Most major international airlines from Europe, the United states, Asia and Australia fly to Johannesburg, South Africa, where connecting flights can be booked to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, or to Maun, Francistown or Kasane.

Vaccinations:
If you are reveling to Botswana from areas infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise no other immunisations are required.
However, it would be wise to have an updated TPD (tetanus, polio, diphtheria) vaccine, and a Hepatitis A vaccine.

Customs:
All goods acquired outside Botswana must be declared when you enter the country.

Boats:
Not boat, mokoro or aquatic apparatus may be imported into Botswana, unless the owner is in possession of an import permit issued by the Department of Water Affairs.

Pets:
The importation of animals is closely regulated for public health reasons and also for the well being of the animals. Domestic pets and livestock may be imported subject to animal health restrictions.

Note: A valid certificate of identity, rabies vaccination and movement permit issued in Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia or Zimbabwe will be excepted at the time of importation into Botswana.

What to bring:
Binoculars, touch, inset repellent, lip salve, sunscreen, sunglasses. Cosmetics, medications, and cigarettes are all available in the major towns, but if specific brand names are needed, it is best to bring enough to last your stay.

However, please remember to comply with international aviation security regulations for items in carry on luggage.

What to wear:
- In summer, lightweight, light coloured cottons are preferable. Neutral colours that blend into the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing.
- Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing.
- Bring a lightweight jacket or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain.
- In winter it is advisable to wear trousers, long sleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys.
- From May to August, night temperatures can fall below zero degrees celsius, so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives.
-Closed, comfortable walking shoes or gym shoes are a must in all seasons.
- Special attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and polarised sunglasses.
-Wide brimmed hats are a preferable to baseball caps.

Communications:
Most of Botswana is networked by automatic telephone exchanges, with public telephones in eve the most remote places.

The international access code in Botswana is 00. When calling internal to Botswana, dial +267.

Cellular phone coverage is provided by three mobile networks in Botswana: Mascom, Orange and be Mobile. Mobile Sim cards are available in most supermarkets and service stations. All major towns in Botswana are network covered, as well as portions of the national highway.

Mobile networks in Botswana offer various services to their subscribers, including internet access, fax and international roaming. It is always important to seek advice about network services so as to choose one that will work for your.

Using a cellular phone whilst driving is against the law in Botswana, and liable to a P300 fine. Earphones or hands-free devices are recommended.

Money:
Currency:
The Botswana currency is the Pula (meaning 'rain' in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (meaning 'shield' in Setswana).
Travellers cheques are foreign currency may be changed at banks, bureaux de change and authorised hotels.

The US dollar, Euros, British Pound and South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies.

Automatic teller machines accept foreign visa cards, but are mostly found in larger towns and cities. Cultural sites and community are and caraft outlets usually only accept cash.

Banks:
Seven main commercial banks, as well s a number for foreign exchange bureaux, operate in Botswana.
Banking hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 -15:30, Saturday 8:30 to 10:45.

Credit Cards:
Major credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, are accepted throughout the country, in most hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and safari companies. However, shops in remote areas and service stations may only offer cash.

Office hours:
Government offices / Departments 7:30 - 12:45 and 13:45 - 16:30
Business 8:00 - 13:00 and 14: 00 - 17:00
Shops 9:00 -18:00 Monday to Friday
9:00 -15:00 Saturday
9: - 13:00 Sunday.

Time:
GTM Plus 2 Hours.
Eastern Sea Board time
Pacific Sea Board time
Botswana is on the same time zone as South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia

Electrical Supply:
Electricity is supplied at 220/240v. Both square and round wall plugs are used.

Health:
Botswana is one of the healthiest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with good primary health care faculties available throughout the country. However, the following health precautions are advised.

Travel Insurance:
It is essential for visitors to remote areas of Botswana to have a comprehensive medical insurance policy, to provide coverage for the treatment of serious illnesses / accidents, and if required medical evacuation. Personal effects insurance is also advisable.

Check that your insurance policy will be accepted by service providers in Botswana. Ensure that you are treated by licensed medical personnel to enable you to provide your insurance company with appropriate documentation and receipts.

Reasonably priced medical services are available at government clinics and hospitals throughout the country. Private medical practitioners are available in the cities and major towns, suck as Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. Gaborone Private Hospital is the largest private hospital in Botswana. The hospital requires medical coverage, or cash payment in advance where medical coverage is not available.

Drinking Water:
Tap water throughout the country is safe to drink. Bottled mineral water is readily available in most shops and supermarkets, and at camps and lodges. Tourists traveling by road are advised to carry sufficient water at all times.

HIV/AIDS:
Visitors are advised to make the necessary precautions against HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Malaria:
Malaria, including cerebral malaria, is common in northern Botswana, in the Okavango and Chobe areas, particularly during the immediately following the rainy season, from November to April.

As the strains of malaria, and the drugs used to combat them, frequently change, and as certain stains can become drug resistant, it is best to seek medical advice before your departure and take any medication prescribed. Pregnant or very young children are not advised to travel to malarial areas.

Other precaution are: to wear long sleeves, sock,s closed shoes, and generally keep the body covered, to sleep with a mosquito net and to use mosquito coils and repellent.

Sun and Heat Related problems:
Always take preventive measure that include wearing a wide-brimmed sunhat and sunglasses, liberally applying sunscreen every three or four house, regularly taking re hydration mixes, drinking plenty of water and fruit juices (at least three litres of liquid daily), avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol, with causes dehydration.

Shopping:
All major towns in Botswana, including Maun and Kasane, have shopping centres and supermarkets, and all basic commodities can easily be purchased. Many regional chain stores operate in Botswana. In addition, there are 24-hour convenience shops at most fuel service stations.

There is an increasing range of local arts and crafts on sale in Gaborone, Maun and Kasane and other tourist areas, they include Botswana's renowned worldclass baskets, wood cravings, jewellery, pottery, tapestries, fabrics and clothing, glassware, and San crafts.

Value Added Tax:
To claim 10% VAT refund for total value of goods purchased, the amount spent should be more than P5 000. In such cases, the following is required: a tax invoice stating VAT Paid, your passport number and your bank account details.

Is is always advisable to keep a copy of the VAT form as a record for any following up on the transactions.

VAT claims usually can be made at all major border posts and airports.

Safety:
The self-drive camper driving the open roads in Botswana should always drive at a reasonable speed, and avoid over-taking, except when absolutely necessary.

Crime:
Botswana remains a relatively safe place to visit or live. Take the normal precautions you would take anywhere else:

- Always lock care doors
- Always lock hotel rooms
- Dont leave valuables in cars or hotel rooms
- Take care with your bags in shopping centres and other crowded places, and after coming out of banks or ATM kiosks
- Avoid walking alone at night.