Botswana Tours

Botswana Travel Guide

Brief history

Bush people were the first inhabitants of Botswana, originating in the north and migrating south. They mixed with the Hottentots and the Bantu tribes and all coexisted quite happily together. In the 10th century, the Shona settled in the north east followed by the first Tswana settling in the south east in the 15th century. It is thought the Tswana migrated up from the south and by the 18th century, they were well established in the area. In the late 19th century, hostilities broke out between the Tswana, the Ndebele and the mass of humanity that was fleeing from the Transvaal and the Boers. As the British were also rivals of the Boers, Bechuanaland as Botswana was then known, was put under British protectorate in 1885. In 1964, Britain accepted proposals for democratic self government in Botswana and full independence followed in 1966.

Geography and weather

There is no wrong time to visit Botswana with every month bringing different temperatures and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Between December and March it is the rainy season while during September and October it tends to get very hot. This is the best time to view big game with less water, they congregate in smaller areas.

Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of what the weather will be like on your tour.

Visas

Currently EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens do not need a visa to enter Botswana. It is your own responsibility to check all visa requirements before travelling and obtain them in advance as required. For many nationalities visas can be obtained on the borders however you should contact the embassy for further information.

Visa services like www.travcour.com can be very helpful.

Important: pounds sterling are not accepted at border crossings so bring US dollars cash for any visa expenses at the border.

Border Crossings

Into Botswana from Zambia: Kazungula
From Botswana into Namibia: Muhembo

Money

Please note: It can be very difficult to obtain US dollars in Africa, even in major cities like Cape Town. Many places will not accept any notes that are marked, torn or older than the year 2002, and you may have difficulty exchanging these notes elsewhere in Africa, so please check your cash carefully at the point of purchase.

The monetary unit in Botswana is the pula. For up-to-date exchange rates with your own currency visit www.xe.com.

In general, Visa is the only credit card that will work everywhere in Africa. Master Card, AMEX and Cirrus will work in some countries but not in others.

We recommend that you bring cash in US dollars or ZAR  only. When changing money, it is a good idea if at all possible, to get small denomination notes and coins in the local currency as often there is a lack of change when you are making purchases and no-one in Africa ever seems to have change.

Please note that it is not possible to withdraw US dollars from ATMs in Africa, only local currency.

Tipping

A small tip for your guides in the Delta is appropriate and welcomed. The suggested amount is between US$3 to US$5.

Local transport

Taxis are recommended for local journeys but they are rarely metered so you must negotiate your price before you get in. Your tour leader will be able to advise on what the fare should cost so that you have an idea of what you should be paying beforehand.

Security

Crime is not a great problem in Botswana, but you should still be careful and not become complacent. Don’t walk around lonely back streets, especially on your own, don’t wear expensive looking jewellery or a classy watch and don’t carry a wallet in your back pocket. Don’t carry your camera openly; always have it in a small day pack which is firmly attached to your body, preferably in the front in crowded places. Always wear a money belt or leave your valuables, including your passport, in the hotel security box. Please remember that if you go into the Okavango Delta by mokoro, you don’t need to take your valuables with you. If you do, they will almost certainly get wet so leave them in the safe at the campsite.

Photography

Caution should be taken when taking photos in and around the towns and cities. Locals should always be asked prior to taking a photo and it is not uncommon for them to ask for a small donation. Never take photos of police, military personal or buildings. The same goes for any government buildings, banks, post offices or the railway station. If you go in to the Okavango Delta by mokoro, you will need to protect cameras and binoculars in plastic bags as there is a good chance they could get wet.

Local food and drink

Most meals are included when camping and lunch is usually included on travelling days in the truck. When staying in hotels or hostels, all meals are at your own expense.

Your tour leader will be able to recommend restaurants.

In the villages, a popular evening meal is prepared in a three legged cast iron pot hung over a wood fire. Beef or goat meat forms the base with veg such as pumpkin, potato, and onion added and then slowly cooked. This method of cooking is common throughout Southern Africa but varies from country to country both in content and preparation method. In Northern Botswana and in the Delta fresh fish makes up a large part of the local peoples’ diet. As Botswana is a very arid country a lot of the fruit and veg has to be imported, but a wide variety is available in the modern supermarkets that we visit in the larger towns.

If you are a strict vegetarian you may experience a distinct lack of variety in the food available, especially in small towns. You might find that you are eating a lot of omelettes and other egg dishes. Our tour leaders will do their best to provide interesting vegetarian alternatives when arranging group meals in the campsite, but your patience and understanding is requested.

All drinks such as water, soft or alcoholic drinks are at your own expense at all times. The following is a guideline for drinks bought at the campsites that we use. If bought from shops in the street, prices are likely to be cheaper, but in restaurants and hotels can sometimes be more than double the prices specified below.

You should be wary of drinking the local tap water. Bottled water, carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices are widely available and are generally safe to drink. Please note however that fruit juices are sometimes made with un-boiled tap water and could upset your stomach.

There are various brands of beers found in Botswana including Castle, Windhoek, Olsen, Black label and several different types of cider as well. All of the campsites / hostels that we use have bars or serve alcoholic drinks. Beware imported spirit prices as they are very expensive so always ask for the local equivalent spirit if you want to remain within your budget!

Time Difference

GMT/UTC +2. For other time differences please visit www.timeanddate.com

Voltage

240 volts. Sockets are either 2 or 3 pin, and round or flat, but often electricity is provided by generator and can be erratic.