Luxury Botswana Special

Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. 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 a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.

In June 2017 it was declared that all Non-SADC visitors entering Botswana would  be required to pay $30 tourism levy at the point of entry. However, this was never implemented (though could be at any time); it is just something to be aware of. 

Currency

Botswana's currency is Pula (which means 'rain' in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (which means 'shield' in Setswana). Travellers' cheques and foreign currency may be changed at banks, bureaux de change and authorised hotels. 

The US dollar, Euros, British Pound and the South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies (and accepted by some estabishments - but, generally, then an inflated rate of exchange will be applied). 

Banking

Seven main commercial banks, as well as a number of foregin exchange bureaux, operate in Botswana. Operating hours are Monday to Friday 08h30 to 15h30 and Saturday 08h30 to 10h45.

Full banking services are available in major towns, although ATMs are sprouting up all over the country. Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants. Cultural sites and community art and craft outlets usually only accept cash.

Public transport in Botswana is geared towards the needs of the local populace and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Botswana’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.

Driving off the main roads in Botswana is only recommended to experts in 4x4 vehicles, that are equipped correctly. Most lodges offer transfers or they can be arranged. If, however, you will be driving in Botswana: your home driving licence will be accepted (with an official English translation if necessary; driving is on the left side of the road; and the national speed limit is on tarred roads is 120km/h and 60km/h in towns and villages.

If you are entering Botswana by road from Zimbabwe or Zambia, here are a few tips to assist you with the border formalities:

Botswana Border Formalities

A representative from a ground-handling company will accompany guests at all times and they will assist in any possible way. While these representatives are all very experienced at crossing these borders, however, the border posts are not under their jurisdiction, and as a result, guests may on occasion experience some of the scenarios laid out below.

ZIMBABWE – BOTSWANA

• You will be required to present yourself at Immigration

• Possible queues at Immigration.

• When crossing from Zimbabwe to Botswana you will change from one coach to an open 4x4 game viewing vehicle. 

• You may need to walk a short way with your bags to change vehicles.

• On the Botswana-side you will be required to step on a treated mat for foot and mouth disease control. The foot & mouth control is a regular occurrence and should be advised to guests as a matter of procedure. Please note that you will be required by Port Health at the Botswana border to disinfect your shoes before entering Botswana. With this in mind, we request that you carry ALL your shoes as hand luggage in a separate bag for the border crossing.

ZAMBIA – BOTSWANA

• You will be required to present yourself at Immigration

• Possible queues at immigration

• On the Zambian side of the river, you will be required to walk a short distance from the transfer vehicle to the boat.

• You will cross the Zambezi River in a speedboat (approximately 5 minutes). The general public and heavy commercial traffic cross the river on state-operated ferries.

• On the Botswana side of the river, you will be transferred in an open 4x4 game viewing vehicle  to the Botswana immigration and customs hall. Every passenger is required to present themselves in person to the officials. Again scanning equipment will be encountered, however you may be required to complete manual declaration forms at either border should the computer systems be offline.

• On the Botswana-side you will be required to step on a treated mat for foot and mouth disease control. The foot & mouth control is a regular occurrence and should be advised to guests as a matter of procedure. Please note that you will be required by Port Health at the Botswana border to disinfect your shoes before entering Botswana. With this in mind, we request that you carry ALL your shoes as hand luggage in a separate bag for the border crossing

• Possible delays due to heavy truck congestion.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Have your passport and visa (or cash for visa) ready. Botswana does not process visas at the border without prior arrangement and they will only accept BWP as payment

• The best currency to carry is US Dollars

• Have some water and reading material nearby

• Keep an eye on your belongings as this border is a busy one with a lot of foot traffic

• When entering Botswana, we request that you carry ALL your shoes as hand luggage in a separate bag for the border crossing for foot & mouth disease control

Be sure to watch out for wild animals on the roads!

There are major airports in Maun, Kasane and Gaborone, while smaller charter flights are used to get to the other top attractions and camps.

Safari lodges and camps serve international-style cuisine, generally of an extremely high standard, along with local beer and imported wine and spirits. Good restaurants and bars can be found in main towns, often within hotels. Beef and goat are very popular meats. Elsewhere, food is more basic: millet and sorghum porridge are the local staples.

Tap water is considered safe to drink, although outside main cities and towns, visitors are advised to check first and sterilise water if in any doubt. Bottled water is available in most tourist centres. Filtered water is available at most camps and shops offer bottled water - it is advised to be well stocked of bottled water if you are travelling off the beaten track. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally safe.

A discretionary five-to-ten-percent tip is typical for restaurant bills. In many places, a service charge is automatically added. It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari.

Botswana's climatic pattern is typical of southern Africa, although its rainfall is less than countries further east. The rains in Botswana come mostly between December and March, when average minimum temperatures are in the low 20°s. Some days will be bright and sunny, some will have afternoon thunderstorms, and some will just be grey.

As with Namibia, April and May in Botswana are generally lovely, with the sky clear and the landscape green. Night temperatures start to drop during these months, especially in the Kalahari. Note that places in and around the Okavango tend to have less extreme, more moderate temperatures than the drier areas of the Kalahari.

From June to August the night-time temperatures in drier areas can be close to freezing, but it warms up rapidly during the day, when the sky is usually clear and blue. It's now very much 'peak season' for most safari areas: the land is dry in most areas so the animals congregate around the few available water sources.

This continues into September and October, when temperatures climb again, drying the landscapes and concentrating the game even more. This is the best time for big game safaris – although October can feel very hot, with maximum temperatures sometimes approaching 40°C.

November is difficult to predict, as it can sometimes be a continuation of October's heat, whilst sometimes it's cooled by the first rains; it's always an interesting month.

In summer, lightweight, lightcoloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. In winter, wear trousers, longsleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys. From May – August, night temperatures can fall below zero degrees celsius, so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing. Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain. Closed, comfortable walking shoesor 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 sun hats are essential.

Some hotels, lodges and guest houses offer internet access or WiFi (free or paid), and there are internet cafe's in Gaborone and Maun. Internet access in more remote rural areas is often hard to come by.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana are the 'Type M' South African SABS1661 ('Large' 15 amp BS-546) sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The 'Type M' South African plug and socket is not to be confused with the 'Type D' Indian plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. 

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.

New Regulations for Travelling with Children - Botswana

Please note that as of the 1st October 2016, the Botswana Government updated their laws concerning travelling with minors. The Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs informs the general public and travel industry that it has imposed requirements for minors (children under 18) travelling through the country's ports of entry.

Minors travelling through Botswana's 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 travelling with the child, the other parent's affidavit consenting to such travel should be presented. However, an affidavit will not be required if the father's name does not appear on the child's birth certificate. The Director of Immigration and Citizenship, Mr Mabuse Pule has been spoken to, and whilst there is yet to be updates to various government websites, it has been communicated in an official letter received from the Botswana Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, it was stated the decision is due to an enactment of the United Nations Anti Human Trafficking Protocol.

The following documents will be required when travelling to Botswana with minors (18 years and below):

Valid Passport
Valid VISA, if required
Unabridged Birth Certificate (Birth Certificate containing the particulars of a minor and those of the parents)
A letter of consent from the other parent should the minor be travelling with one parent

These requirements are similar to the ones introduced by South Africa in June 2015, and as such, should not affect our guests to a great extent as most of them travel through South Africa before entering Botswana and should already have the correct documentation.

Tipping/Gratuities

Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you would like to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you. The amounts are not set in stone and you can tip less than the guidline or more.

You may wish to add a nominal amount ranging between US$ 10 to US$ 30 per day for incidentals (subject to personal budget choice) – i.e. if additional activities are booked once on your journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc.

Guides, Specialist Guides & Butlers – We recommend US$5 to US$ 10 per guest per day.

Mokoro Paddlers & Trackers – We recommend that each paddler receive US$ 3 to $5 per guest per day and that camp/lodge trackers receive US$ 3 to $5 per guest per day.

The General Safari Camp, Lodge or Hotel Staff – We recommend about US$ 5 to $10 per guest per day for safari camps/lodges. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.

Transfer Driver – We recommend about US$ 2.00 to US$ 3.00 per guest per movement.

Porterage – We recommend about US$ 2.00 to US$ 3.00 per guest per movement.

We recommend tipping your guide directly and making use of the gratuity box in the main area for the general camp/lodge staff.