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Capital : Gaborone
Independence : 30 September 1966
Time : GMT plus 2
Population : Approximately 1.4m
Area : 581,730 sq. km
Currency : Pula
A country the size of France, but with a population
of only 1.4m people, Botswana is a model of prosperity
and stability for the continent. It is a land of harsh
contrasts, of compelling beauty, a true untamed wilderness,
encompassing a hugely diverse variety of habitats, each
one home to an astounding array and density of animal
and bird life. The country's more than 80,000 elephants
alone make up the largest free-roaming herds in Africa.
Botswana is perhaps the best known secret in Africa!
The variety of wildlife and habitats combined with a
vast selection of safari programs, provide travellers
with numerous possibilities.
Reasons to go:
- Prolific wildlife.
- Pristine wilderness.
- Unlimited birdlife.
- Okavango / Kalahari / Savute / Linyanti / Selinda
the
names roll on
see the Main Attractions listing.
- San bushmen and rock art sites (Tsodilo Hills).
- Safe and secure - established and experienced safari
operators.
Botswana
is an all year round wildlife destination. However there
are certain seasons for special interest groups to take
note of :
- Best birding months are Nov - March when the Delta
is brimming with migratory birds.
- Best botanical months are Dec - May when the vegetation
is lush and green, and also when most plants are in
flower.
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SELECT Tours 2008
Take a look at our selection of unique tours to Botswana:
Essential Botswana
Botswana Explorer
Southern African Splendour
Main
Attractions
Botswana has many well known attractions, many of which
are featured in more detail within our Destinations,
Special Interest, Adventure & Off the Beaten Track
Portfolios'. Browse through the selection below:
Okavango
Delta and Moremi GR
Makgadikgadi
& Nxai Pan NP
Central
Kalahari
Linyanti,
Kwando, Selinda & Savuti
Kgalagadi
Transfrontier Park
Tuli
Block
Tsodilo
Hills
Elephant-Back
Safaris
Horse-riding
Safaris
Walking
Safaris
Mobile
(Tented) Safaris
Balloon
Safaris
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National Parks
- Link to National
Parks: Botswana
Accommodation Options
- Link to Botswana:
Places to Stay
Climate
SUMMER: November - April, days are hot and generally sunny
in the morning with possible afternoon thunder storms. Daytime
temperatures can rise to 38ēC and night temperatures drop
to around 20ēC - 25ēC. The 'rainy season' begins late in October/November
and ends in March. The Northern areas receive up to 700mm
while the Kalahari Desert area averages as low as 225mm.
WINTER: May - October, days are dry, sunny and cool to warm
while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures
generally reach 20ēC and can drop to as low as 5ēC at night.
Please note that exceptionally cold spells can occur (although
this is the exception rather than the rule) so it is recommended
to bring appropriate clothing, just in case!
Health
Issues
It is imperative that you obtain Malaria Prophylactics before
entering Botswana.
Any person entering Botswana from, or via, a yellow fever
infected area must be in possession of a valid International
Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever.
Entry
Requirements
PASSPORTS : Required by all. Passports must be valid for
6 months beyond the intended length of stay and please ensure
that there are sufficient blank pages for any visas as well
as for entry stamps upon arrival.
VISAS : Updated in December 1999. It is the responsibility
of all visitors to Botswana to obtain all necessary visas
in advance. Visas are required by all nationals of foreign
countries excluding the following:
Most Commonwealth countries, except Ghana, Mauritius, Nigeria,
Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Rep. of Ireland,
Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway,
Samoa (Western), San Marino, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland,
Uruguay, USA.
Any visitor, whether visa exempted or not, wishing to stay
more than 90 days should apply for prior permission to the
Chief Immigration Officer in Gaborone, Botswana. No visitor
is permitted to work or seek employment.
Communications
A great deal of the commications in the remote safari areas
utilise HF radio (which also allows for email - called Bushmail).
In other words, do not expect to be able to make a phone call
home from your safari camp!
Electricity
(220/240 Volts AC, 50hz.)
Lodges in the more remote areas of Botswana do not have
electricity. These lodges generally rely on generator power
for lighting and refrigeration but this power only runs at
critical times of the day. Please be aware that you will not
find a plug socket in your room/tent at these lodges.
Other
Considerations
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