Botswana

Overview

Visa & Entry

You need a visa to enter Botswana, You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. In addition, your passport must have at least 2 blank visa pages per country to be visited.

Health

The WHO recommends for anyone traveling to or coming from a yellow fever endemic country to take the Yellow Fever vaccine prior to travel. The WHO deems certain parts of Kenya to be at risk of yellow fever

The northern part of Botswana, including Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, is in a malaria zone. Take precautions against getting mosquito bites, and talk to your doctor about taking a prescription medicine to prevent malaria (before, during and after your trip). Also ask your doctor about vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis A and be sure you are up-to-date with other routine vaccinations like such as measles.

Weather

April through May in Botswana offers clear skies and lush landscapes. The temperature at night begins drop during this time of year, particularly in the Kalahari Desert. Night-time temperatures in drier areas drop close to freezing from June to October, but increase rapidly during the day. The intense heat dries the landscapes, concentrating game to watering holes.

Dressing

We suggest bringing clothes made of cotton, preferably in neutral colors (especially for game drives). A hat, scarf, sunscreen and insect repellent are also valuable accessories for your trip. Bring at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes. Since weather can be unpredictable anywhere in the world and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we recommend that you carry a small folding umbrella (or poncho) and take with you a light jacket or sweater. Binoculars are also suggested. Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are the order of the day for most occasions when traveling.

Credit Cards & Money

The currency in Botswana is the Botswana pula. Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for "street shopping" you will need local currency. You will be able to exchange your cash to local currency at foreign exchange bureaus. We highly recommend that you bring crisp, new bills in small denominations. Old, torn, crumpled bills may not be accepted. Travelers’ checks are no longer widely accepted.

Shopping

Shop for handicrafts, jewelry, quilts and musical instruments in Botswana.

Electricity & Power

230 volts. Plug M. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Cell Phones & Internet

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Check in google world connections before

Photography

Cameras and video recorders are permitted, and photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will be available in major cities.

For your info

English is the official language of the country. It also has a national language, Setswana.
If you want to see elephants, you’ve definitely come to the right place! Chobe National Park is known for having the biggest elephants – in both size and number.
The majority of the land is desert.
Nearly 30% of the world’s cheetah population lives in Botswana. Organizations such as Cheetah Conservation Botswana works with local communities to help reduce human-wildlife conflict and preserve the cheetah population.
Flooding occurs during the dry season in the Okavango Delta. The animals and plantsthat live in the Delta have synchronized their biological cycles to match this unique feat.