Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana are the “Type M ” South African SABS1661 (“Large” 15 amp BS-546) sockets. 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.

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). Cash payments made to camps for curios and also gratuities need to be in one of these currencies. To check the current exchange rates, visit www.xe.com.

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.

Credit Cards

International Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted throughout Botswana but American Express and Diners Club are often not accepted.

Visitors are advised to drink bottled or filtered water. Filtered water is available at most camps and shops offer bottled water.

Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally safe.

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.

A discretionary 5 to 10% tip is typical for restaurant bills. In many places, a service charge is automatically added.

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 60°s. Some days will be bright and sunny, some will have afternoon thunderstorms, and some will just be grey.

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 100°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.

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 in 4×4 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. 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.

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 freezing, so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives.

Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain.

Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing.

Closed, comfortable walking shoes or 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.

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations, and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits, and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:
• Yellow Fever- required for travellers coming from a yellow fever infected country. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:
• Malaria prophylaxis – highly recommended for all travellers (even if you are only visiting malaria-free areas as there has been an increase in malaria in southern Africa) • Hepatitis A – recommended for all travellers over one year of age
• Hepatitis B – if not previously vaccinated
• Typhoid – recommended for all travellers
• Rabies – recommended for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors

Malaria
It is inadvisable for pregnant women to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental to both mother and child. Malaria can be prevented if you are sensible and take basic precautions, such as:

• Use plenty of mosquito repellent. Some camps provide a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
• Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
• If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
• Mosquito coils are also effective.

Ticks
Ticks are also well known as carriers of diseases that affect both animals and humans, and in Southern Africa this is referred to as tick bite fever. After walking in the bush it is best to brush your clothes down and to examine your body for ticks. If a tick is found, remove it entirely without leaving the biting mouth parts in your skin. Anti-tick sprays such as Bayticol can be very effective against ticks and wearing long pants will prevent many bites.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Passport
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended departure date. Please ensure you have at least three blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport.

Visa
U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.

Children under the age of 18
Children under the age of 18 travelling to or from Botswana require additional documentation. Airlines will deny boarding and Immigration will refuse entry or departure, if these requirements have not been met. The following website is a great reference: http://www.drivesouthafrica.co.za/child-visa-checklist/. Please contact your consultant at Alluring Africa for further clarification.

What is an unbridged birth certificate? An unabridged (unedited/complete) birth certificate reflects the particulars of both parents.

Do you have to have the original document? No, a certified copy of the birth certificate is sufficient. It must be certified as a true copy of the original by a Commissioner of Oaths.

Do the copies of the parents’ passports/ID’s have to be certified? Yes, they must be certified as a true copy of the original by a Commissioner of Oaths.

How do you obtain approval from the Director General when you do not reside in South Africa? Through the nearest South African diplomatic or consular representative abroad.

Yellow fever certificate
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers coming from a yellow fever infected country. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Language
The national language is Setswana; however, the official language is English.

Public Holidays
The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.

Jan 01 New Year’s Day
Varies Good Friday
Varies Easter Monday
May 01 Labor Day
May 25 Ascension Day July 01 Sir Seretse Khama Day
July 17 President’s Day
Sept 30 Botswana Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day

Time Zone
Botswana is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round.

National Emergency Numbers
Ambulance 997
Police 999 or 351161
Fire Service 998

The telephone provider of Botswana is the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation. Another emergency telephone number of the country of Botswana is +27 82 558 7686. The people of Botswana or the tourists to Botswana can call in this number to report any problem or to meet any query. The telephone operators communicate in both English and local Botswana language.

US Embassy
Physical Address: Embassy Drive, Government Enclave, Gaborone, Botswana
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 90 Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: (+267) 395-3982 (Mon-Fri, 7:30AM – 5:00PM), (+267) 395-7111 (After Hours)
Fax: (+267) 318-0232

Website: botswana.usembassy.gov

VAT
VAT of 10% is levied on all goods and services. When leaving Botswana, non-residents may claim a VAT refund on goods exported as accompanied luggage. The value of the goods must exceed P 5,000 per export and goods must be available for inspection. Refunds are made by way of a check payment which is mailed. In order to claim, the original tax invoice with passport details reflected thereon, must be presented to the designated Customs Officer together with the VAT 006.1 claim form and the BW500 export declaration form.