Botswana

The Republic of Botswana is a landlocked country constituted by a vast plateau that provides a natural habitat for a huge variety of African wildlife. This scenic wonderland draws thousands of tourists from around the world throughout the year. Most visitors arrive under the auspices of expensive safari-package operators.

At the time that it gained Independence in 1966, Botswana was counted among the ten poorest nations on earth. A dramatic turnaround came just a few years later when a treasure-trove of diamonds was discovered. Now the country is the third largest producer of diamonds in the world and Botswana is enjoying a growth rate and economic buoyancy unparalleled in Africa.

The country is bordered by South Africa in the south and southeast; Zambia and Zimbabwe in the northeast; and Namibia in the north and west. It is the northwest corner of the country that is the most sought-after by wildlife enthusiasts because it is here that the Okavango River drains inland from Angola to form the Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world - which provides sustenance to a rich profusion of wildlife. The delta is extremely beautiful, big sky country with spectacular scenery across grassy plains and limpid lagoons. The Moremi Wildlife Reserve, covering 700 square miles (1,812 sq km) in the northeast corner of the Okavango Delta, is the ultimate African safari destination.

Climate

Botswana weather is generally quite enjoyable. The hottest time of year in Botswana is also the wettest. The rainy season occurs in summer between October and April. 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). The months between April and October are ideal for tourists in terms of weather and game viewing. This is the time when the wildlife is most prolific and easily spotted around the natural waterholes and dams.

Money

The unit of currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), which is divided into 100 Thebe. The word 'Pula' means rain and 'Thebe' means shield. The shield appears on the national coat of arms. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and travellers cheques and foreign currency are accepted at most large hotels and lodges. There are banks and exchange bureaux in all the main towns, as well as ATM machines. Surcharges are often high on travellers cheques, and it is best to carry cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Passport Visa

All visitors require a passport, return or onward tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Botswana. Visa extensions are possible and should be organised prior to arrival.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
• UK nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
• Canadian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
• Australian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
• South African nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
• Irish nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
• New Zealanders do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

Health

Malaria is a particular risk in Botswana between November and June in the northern parts of the country. Visitors who are camping or walking in the bush should be cautious of tick bites. There are no compulsory vaccinations, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected countries. Occasional outbreaks of anthrax occur among wild animals, and visitors to affected areas should seek local advice and not touch dead animal carcasses. Botswana has a good public health system, but facilities are limited outside urban areas. Health insurance for visitors is vital. Tap water in towns is safe to drink, and all foodstuffs are safe to consume.

Embassy Consulates

• Botswana Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 244 4990.
• Botswana High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7499 0031.
• Botswana High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6290 7500.
• Botswana High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 9640.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Gaborone: +267 395 3982.
• British High Commission, Gaborone: +267 395 2841.
• Consulate of Canada, Gaborone: +267 390 4411.
• Australian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Botswana): +27 (0)12 423 6000.
• South African High Commission, Gaborone: +267 390 4800/1/2.
• Irish Honorary Consul, Gaborone: +267 390 5807.
• New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Botswana): +27 (0)12 435 9000