Frequently Asked Questions
What are the
entry requirements for travelers visiting Botswana?
Botswana maintains
customs requirements similar to many international destinations. For
complete details on duty-free allowances, restricted and prohibited
goods and more, please click here.
Are visitors
from the U.S. required to have a visa?
No, visitors from
the U.S. are not required to have a visa to enter Botswana.
What is the best
time to visit Botswana?
The months between
April and November, when large number of animals migrate towards the
waterways of the Okavango Delta, is best time to go.
November and December
- the calving months - are an excellent time to witness nature's own
timetable of regeneration. The rainy season, from January to March,
sees the migration of large numbers of game into the summer grazing
areas, while the delta comes alive with sounds of hundreds of bird
species.
In March and April
thousands of zebras and other animals migrate towards the Savuti area
of Chobe National Park.
Summers (particularly
from December through to February) can become exceptionally hot, and
rain may make some roads muddy and impassable.
During the rainy
summer season, animals in many game areas disperse, while in the dry
winter season they congregate around water sources, making for good
game viewing. This does not mean, however, that game viewing is impossible
during the summer season. (see climate).
What types of
items should travelers be sure sure to bring on a safari vacation to
Botswana?
In summer, lightweight,
light-coloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and
black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. Dress
is casual in Botswana. Shorts and trousers are permissible for women.
Most hotels have swimming pools, so do bring a bathing suit. Bring
a lightweight jacket and/or pullover for unexpected temperature changes.
In winter, bring
a pair of trousers, long-sleeved shirts or blouses and pullovers.
Make sure you have a very warm jacket for early mornings and evenings,
- it does get surprisingly cold at night but warms up during the day.
Comfortable walking
shoes are a must; supplement with sandals and plastic flip-flops.
Special attention
should be given to protecting yourself from the sun, particularly
in the summer when the sun can be scorching. Bring sunhat, sunscreen,
sun lotion and sunglasses.
Binoculars, torch
(with plenty of spare batteries and bulbs), matches, penknife, water
bottle, insect repellent (spray and coils), lip salve, water purification
tablets, sewing kit, safety-pins, tweezers, cello tape and masking
tape are all very useful. A basic first-aid kit is a must, as in many
instances you will be traveling to areas far from health facilities.
Camera film is available at most shops and petrol stations. Cosmetics,
medications, cigarettes and imported liquors are all available in
the major towns.
What kinds of
transportation are available to visitors to Botswana?
The national carrier,
Air Botswana, operates scheduled domestic flights from Gaborone to
several destinations, including Francistown, Maun, Kasane, while numerous
other carriers operate services to the capital and private operators
maintain links to a variety of tourist destinations. The air charter
industry is well developed in Botswana, offering flights to the national
airport network as well as private destinations. Maun Airport, which
serves a huge tourist market, is one of the busiest in southern Africa. Click
here to see Air Botswana domestic flights working timetable.
All of Botswana's
major cities are connected by highways and roads. Other areas are
being developed and road-tarring projects are moving ahead at a record
pace. As
in most other southern African countries, driving is on the left side
of the road. Seat belt use is compulsory, as is proof of no-fault
insurance.
There is a number
of passenger transport companies in Botswana which offer services
throughout the country. Some of them are Motlogelwa, JNG, Mahube and
Seabelo Express. They offer daily routes from Gaborone to: Selebi-Phikwe,
Palapye, Mahalapye, Serowe, Francistown, Ghanzi, Tshabong, Hukuntsi,
Orapa, Lobatse, Maun, Kasane, Ramotswa, and other routes.
Botswana Railways
operates one of Africa's few air-conditioned passenger rail services,
with a variety of passenger accommodation from luxury private sleeper
compartments on the overnight train to the modern well-serviced economy
class on the day train. All coach classes are air conditioned and
served with dining facilities, running water and toilets.
Daily rail service between Francistown - Gaborone and Gaborone - Lobatse.
Gaborone - Francistown costs approximately USD3.00 one-way.
Monday through Thursday, Saturday and Sunday departing both Gaborone
and Francistown at 10:00 am. Friday departures at 8:00 am and 2:30
pm.
Night services between Lobatse and Francistown.
All vehicles licensed
to carry passengers can be easily identified by their number plates,
which have blue backgrounds. Taxis carry up to 5 passengers at a time.
If however you would prefer not to share a taxi with other passengers,
at an additional fee, this can be arranged with the taxi driver.
Renting a vehicle,
especially 4WD, will allow you the freedom to explore some of Botswana's
most beautiful wilderness areas. To hire a vehicle in Botswana, you
must be in possession of a valid International Drivers license, or
a home drivers license as long as the details are in English (one
may use their home drivers license for a period of 6 months). There
are a few rent-a-car companies in Botswana such as: AVIS (tel. 353-745),
Budget rent-a-car (tel. 302-030), Imperial car rentals www.imperialcarrental.co.mz (tel. 307-233), etc.
The transport
between Gaborone, Francistown and Selebi-Phikwe and their respective
airports is serviced by mini buses, operated by AVIS or other rent-a-car
agencies, as well as, mini-buses from big hotels for their guests.
Taxi service is also available on phone call.
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