SAFARIS IN AFRICA

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About Botswana

🔌 Electricity

  • Voltage: 230V / 50Hz
  • Plug types: Type D, G, and M (same as South Africa and UK).
  • Travelers from Europe/US may need a plug adapter and voltage converter.

đŸĻ Banking & Currency

  • Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
  • ATMs are widely available in towns and cities.
  • Credit/debit cards are accepted at most hotels, lodges, and larger stores.
  • Rural areas, markets, and smaller shops prefer cash.
  • Foreign exchange available at banks and forex bureaus.

🍴 Cuisine

  • Local staples: pap (maize porridge), beef, goat, chicken, and seswaa (shredded beef stew).
  • Game meat (kudu, impala, ostrich) is popular in tourist lodges.
  • Vegetables and beans are common side dishes.
  • Bottled water is widely available and recommended for travelers.

đŸŒĻ Climate

  • Semi-arid with hot summers and cool, dry winters.
  • Summer (Nov–Mar): Hot (30–40°C) with rainfall and thunderstorms.
  • Winter (May–Aug): Dry and cooler (5–25°C), chilly nights in the desert.
  • Best time for safaris: May to October (dry season – animals gather at waterholes).

🚗 Transport

  • Main roads between towns are tarred and in good condition.
  • 4×4 vehicles are essential for remote parks like Okavango Delta, Moremi, and Chobe.
  • Domestic flights connect Maun, Kasane, and Gaborone to safari areas.
  • Public transport: Reliable buses between major towns, but limited in rural areas.
  • Driving: Left-hand side, international license required.

👕 Dress

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors for safaris.
  • Warm jacket for early mornings/evenings, especially in winter.
  • Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
  • Avoid bright colors/white when game viewing (scares animals).
  • Casual wear is fine in cities, but modesty is appreciated.

đŸĨ Health

  • Yellow Fever certificate required if traveling from endemic countries.
  • Malaria risk in northern areas (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Moremi) – prophylaxis recommended.
  • Tap water is safe in cities, but bottled water is best when traveling rurally.
  • Good private clinics in Gaborone, Maun, Kasane, and Francistown.

🚨 Safety

  • Botswana is one of Africa’s safest countries.
  • Low crime rate, but exercise normal precautions in towns (petty theft).
  • Wildlife safety: Always follow guides’ instructions in parks.
  • Roads can be hazardous at night due to animals crossing.

📄 Visa

  • Most nationalities (including South Africa, EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia) do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months with 2+ blank pages.
  • Children under 18 may need to show unabridged birth certificates if traveling with one parent.

ℹī¸ General

Tipping: Not mandatory, but 10% appreciated in restaurants. Safari guides/drivers often tipped.

Capital: Gaborone

Official language: English (widely spoken), Setswana is national.

Time zone: GMT+2 (same as South Africa).

Known for: Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Kalahari Desert, Makgadikgadi Pans.