Here is to be found an abundance of African wildlife in admirably maintained reserves such as Chobe and Moremi as well as its inestimable treasure, the Okavango Delta which is a natural habitat for hundreds of different species. A fabulous watery labyrinth which you will be privileged to traverse on board a traditional pirogue (Mokoro) along the winding rivulets, the ideal vantage point for viewing birds, hippopotamus, buffalo and many more.


USEFUL INFORMATION

Botswana time
Two (2) hours ahead of GMT. Botswana does not observe daylight savings.

Tipping
Tipping is common practice for a range of services. In restaurants the accepted standard is around 10% of the bill.

Climate
Botswana has two seasons, summer an winter. Summer runs from November to April, hot and sunny with daytime temperatures as high as 38 C. Winter runs from May to October and is dry, sunny and cool with daytime temperatures averaging 20 C. Night can be extremely cold with temperature as low as 5 C. 

Language
The official language is English and it is spoken most widely in the country’s main tourist areas. Setswana is the national language and it is spoken almost universally.

Visa
A valid passport is required to enter Botswana.  The date of expiry should be at least six months after the visitor entends to end his/her stay in the country.
Important Note: This is a guide only - please check with your nearest Botswana consulate, embassy or Botswana diplomatic mission for up to date information.

Currency and Credit Card
The official currency is the Pula. Most hotels, lodges and main town shops and restaurants accept major credit cards. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club card are widely accepted.

Electricity
220/240 V. Two plugs are used : a three round pin and a two parallel flat pin with rectangular grounder.

Malaria
Malaria exists from  November to May/June. In the northern parts of the country : Chob, Okavango. ourist can help reduce the risk of malaria by using personal protection measures (mosquito net at night, long sleeves and long trousers at night, apply mosquito repellents to skin and clothing…) and prophylactics.

Personal safety
For tourists, Botswana is as safe as any other destination in the world. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking alone in deserted areas at night and being circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewellery you carry).

Driving
Driving is on the left side of the road ! A visitor’s INTRO drivers license is accepted as long as it is in English. Travellers with non-English language drivers licenses require an International Driving Permit.

Vaccinations
Immunization is recommended against hepatitis A and B, polio, rabies, tetanus and typhoid. Small Pox, cholera and yellow fever inoculations are only necessary if visiting or passing through an infected area.

Communication
the international county code for Botswana is +267. Cellular service providers arre Orange and Mascom. All major cities have  good coverage as do towns along the main highways.