BOTSWANA - Travel Information

Climate
Most of the country has a subtropical climate, with cooler temperatures prevailing in the higher altitudes. Winter days are warm and nights are cool, with heavy frost common in the desert. Temperatures range from maximums of 26.6°C - 32°C (80°F-90°F) from October to February to minimums of 2° to 4.4°C (30° - 40°F) from June to August. In August begin the seasonal winds that blow from the west and carry sand and dust across the country. The summer rainy seasons runs from November to March and rain is rare between the months of May to August. Rainfall averages 18 inches but ranges from 27 inches in the north to less than 9 inches in the Kalahari.

Visas & Immigration
Visas are required by all nationals except those of Commonwealth countries, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Rep. of Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia , Netherlands , Norway , Pakistan , Western Samoa , San Marino , South Africa , Sweden , Switzerland , Uruguay and USA . Visa ARE required for nationals of Ghana , India , Mauritius , Nigeria and Sri Lanka . Stay permits, which are extendable up to 30 days, are issued at the border.

Money
Currency: Currency 1 Pula.=100 Thebe
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

Full banking services are available in most major towns. Barclays Visa may be used to purchase UK dollar or UK pound travellers cheques. Credit card cash advances can in made in most major towns and are accepted at hotels and restaurants in larger towns.

Banking Hours
In major towns banking hours are from 9am to 2:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and on Wednesdays from 8:15 am to noon.

Local Time
GMT +2 hours

Transport and getting around
Air: International Flights
KLM - Flights from Europe
BA.com - Flights from Europe
Domestic Flights

Internal flights between Gaborone , Francistown and Maun are available from Air Botswana .

Train: Botswana has an inexpensive and fairly good way rail service between Francistown , Gaborone and Lobatse. First and second class are comfortable and sleepers are available. Third class is basic. Bedding is available for a small fee.

Botswana Railways P/Bag 00125, Gaborone . Tel. +(267) 300163 Fax. +(267) 374360.

Bus: Bus and minibus services operate mainly in the eastern part of the country but the service is not so good, with no schedule departure times.

Intercape Mainliner
Luxury Inter City Transport provider covering Southern Africa . Travel in the lap of excellance with Intercape Mainliner
Hitching: One the main routes it is fairly easy to hitch in Botswana but, as always, this should be done with caution. You may have to pay a small fee for the journey - check before you accept the lift. If you are travelling on lesser known routes you will have long waits, it is often best to organise a lift at lodges.

Self Drive / Car Hire:
The Africa Guide's recommended Map
Botswana ,1:1.75 Sheet map (Maps Worldwide)
Published by Freytag & Berndt Maps - Series International Road Maps
High quality road maps with place name index. In many countries these are simply the best maps available. Scales vary according to the size of the country. Index is in several languages.

Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
The main roads are mostly sealed and in a fair condition. Problems occur on gravel roads during the rainy season and some roads can wash away completely. If you plan to travel on gravel roads or visit game reserves during the raining season a 4 wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Petrol is available throughout the country but fill up when you get the chance. There are a number of international and local car rental companies, so shop around. Look out for the small print and make sure you have insurance.

Driving is on the left hand side and an international drivers license is required. It is law to wear seat belts.

Internet Cafe's
Sakeng Internet Access Point - Gaborone
P.O Box 41173 Gaborone Botswana
Maun Sedia Hotel - Maun
Shorobe Road
email: icafe.maun@info.bw

Public Holidays
1st January New Years Day
Moveable Good Friday & Easter Monday
15 July President's Day
30th September Botswana ( Independence ) Day
December 25th Christmas Day

Electrical power
Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pins with ground - view
Rectangular blade plug - view

Travel insurance
If you need medical care whilst in Botswana , it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

SOURCE: The Africa Guide for more information visit their website
http://www.africaguide.com/country/botswana/info.htm