Dragonfly Africa - Marion Pearson: 3 Night Chobe Package

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.

Americans, UK Nationals, Canadians & Australians do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

For more information about countries subject to/exempt from Botswanian visa requirements, please visit: http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/getting_in/visas.html

Starting 1st June 2017 the Botswana Government has introduced a Tourism Levy payable at all ports of entry including airports and border posts.

Payments are done at the ports of entry through electronic payment machines through cash (US Dollars), debit and credit card. After the payment, a unique receipt corresponding to the passport will be automatically generated. The receipt should then be presented to Immigration Officials. The passport and the receipt will be stamped and handed back to the traveller. The receipt will valid for a 30-day period and can be used for multiple entry. Travellers to Botswana will pay USD30.00. Not applicable to residents and citizens of SADAC countries.

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 used).

Banking

Full banking services are available on 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.

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.

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 expects 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 is accepted, with Engligh translationDriving is on the left side of the roadThe national speed limit is on tarred roads is 120km/h and 60km/h in towns and villages.

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.

Malaria is of particular risk in the northern parts of Botswana between November and June and prophylactics are recommended.

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 passing through yellow fever zones. Botswana has a good public health system, but facilities are limited outside urban areas.

HIV/Aids infections are at a high level. Common sense should prevail in all liaisons with local people.

Travel Insurance is recommended and should include medical evacuation by air if this is not specifically catered for by your ground agent. Travelers should carry an adequate supply of their prescribed medicines with them.

Tap water in urban areas is safe to drink and all foodstuffs are safe to consume.

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 climate is semi-arid and therefore hot and dry for much of the year. The official ‘rainy season’ occurs during the summer months, between December and March, but rainfall can be highly erratic and regional. Heavy localised downpours are usually immediately followed by sunshine. Summers can be exceptionally hot and humid with the rain affecting roadway access in certain areas.

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, between April and November. During this time, large numbers of animals migrate towards water sources in the Chobe and Delta regions.

There is little distinction between average summer and winter temperatures although it can be chilly at night during the winter months.

In summer, lightweight, light-coloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. Dress is casual in Botswana safari packages. Safari clothing like shorts and trousers are permissible for women. Most hotels/lodges do have swimming pools, so bring a bathing suit. Bring a lightweight jacket and/or pullover for unexpected temperature changes.

In winter, bring a pair of trousers, long-sleeved shirts or blouses and pullovers. Make sure you have a very warm jacket for early mornings and evenings, – it does get surprisingly cold at night but warms up during the day.

Footwear for safaris in Botswana - Comfortable walking shoes are a must; supplement with sandals and plastic flip-flops.

Sun protection during Botswana holidays - Special attention should be given to protecting yourself from the sun, particularly in the summer the time the sun can be scorching. Bring sunhat, sunscreen, sun lotion and sunglasses.

Binoculars, insect repellent (spray and coils) and most important - Cameras!

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.

230 volts, 50Hz. Round three-pin plugs are used. Lodges in the more remote areas of Botswana do not have electricity. They generally rely on generators for lighting and refrigeration but this power only runs at critical times of the day.

Common Words & Phrases

When greeting a man/woman – Dumêla rra/mma
When greeting a group of people – Dumêlang
How are you? – O tsogile jang, Le kae or Wareng? (informal)
I am fine – Ke tsogile sentle or Ke teng (informal)
Yes – Ee
No – Nnyaa
Help! – Nthusa!

I am lost – Ke la tlhegile
Today – Gompieno
Tomorrow – Kamoso
Yesterday – Maabane
Everything is fine / no problems – Go siame
Please – Tsweetswee
What is the price? – K bokae?
What is your name? – Leina la gago ke mang?
Where do you come from? – O tswa kae?
Cheers – Pula or Sharpu (slang)
Thank you – Ke itumetse or Kea leboga
Goodbye/stay well (if you are leaving) – Sala sentle
Goodbye/go well (to person leaving) – Tsamaya sentle