OUR BOTSWANA TOURS
#BTBAMO-04-SSB
USEFUL BOTSWANA INFO
ABOUT
A place like no other, Botswana is a land of enchanting beauty and boundless adventure. From the lush Okavango Delta to the arid Kalahari Desert, Botswana’s diverse landscapes offer a feast for the senses. A paradise for nature lovers, the country offers a wide range of activities, from birding and canoeing to hiking, biking and game drives through one of Botswana’s many national parks. Cultural attractions include traditional dances, music, and art, which can be experienced firsthand by attending a traditional ceremony.
Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host significant lion prides; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.
Capital: Gaborone
Official languages: English and Setswana
International airports: Sir Seretse Khama Gaborone (GBE), Maun (MUB), Kasane (BBK), Francistown (FRW)
Driving side: Left
Dialing code: +267
BANKING & CURRENCY
BANKING
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Generally, no
Visa: Yes
American Express: Generally, no
Diner’s club: Generally, no
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08h00 or 09h00 – 16h15 or 17h15
Weekends: 08h00 or 09h00 – 10h45 or 12h00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
CURRENCY:
Local currency: Pula (BWP)
Symbol: P
ISO code: BWP
Central bank: Bank of Botswana
Subunit: Thebe
Banknotes: P100, P50, P20, P10
Coins: P5, P2, P1; T50, T25, T10, T5
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT, AND GETTING AROUND
AIR
Inbound / Outbound Airlines: Search for flights here.
Local Airlines: Mack Air and Kalahari Air
International Airports: Sir Seretse Khama Gaborone (GBE), Maun (MUB), Kasane (BBK), Francistown (FRW).
Note: Most Naturecrazi package tours include airport Meet & Greet and shuttle services.
ROAD
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes (only if your national licence is not in English. If your national licence is in English, you may use it for up to 6 months).
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No, but similar services are available.
BUS & RAIL
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: No
Local city bus networks: No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, overnight train from Francistown to Gaborone to Lobatse.
Subway System: No
WATER
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No, except for House Boats on some rivers and lakes.
FOOD, DRINK, AND CUISINE
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water? Yes, within hotels and lodges.
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, within hotels and lodges.
Ice: Yes, within hotels and lodges.
Meat: Yes, within hotels and lodges.
Street food: Yes, but be cautious about hygiene standards.
Local cuisine:
Food generally focuses on meat dishes, such as goat, beef, chicken and fresh water fish, and a maize meal known locally as “pap”. Adventurous culinary enthusiasts may want to try the traditional speciality of Mopane Worms, while those with a sweet tooth should make sure to sample the local Kalahari Truffles (made as a dessert) and unusual fruit called Marula. It is believed that watermelon originated here.
Drinks:
Local alcoholic drinks include Bojalwaja Setswana (the beer of Botswana) – created using fermented sorghum seeds.
Tipping:
10% is usually added to the bill at restaurants. It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.
SEASONS, WEATHER, AND BEST TIME TO VISIT
Seasons:
Botswana has two seasons – summer and winter. The Summer (also known as the green season) runs from November through to April and the Winter (aka dry season) from May to October, with October being the hottest month. Botswana doesn’t really have a Spring and Fall season.
Climate and Weather:
Annual rainfall: 475 mm
Average temperature: 27°C
Summer:
Average in highs: 31°C
Average in lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 23°C
Average in lows: 22°C
Best time to visit:
It’s best to visit Botswana between April and September – the dry winter months. At this time, animals usually stay close to their water sources, increasing your chances of seeing them.
CLOTHING AND DRESS
Summer Clothing:
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable:
Yes
Lightweight warm clothes:
Yes
Winter:
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets:
Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots:
Yes
General:
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
INTERNET, ELECTRICAL, AND PLUG STANDARDS
Internet Availability:
Internet cafes: Yes, in cities
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes, in cities
Cafes: Yes, in cities
Shopping malls: Yes, in some cities
Public parks: Yes, in some cities
Libraries: Yes, in cities
Electricity and Plug Standards:
Plug Type: D/G*
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
