TRAVEL ADVISORY

getting there - the easiest part

Fly into the Sir Seretse Kharma International Airport in Gaborone from Johannesburg. Airlines servicing the country include the local airline, Air Botswana, Air Zimbabwe and South African Express.

Roads within the country are limited but in good condition. This means that many outlying areas, including several tourist camps, can only be reached by air-charter or 4x4. Many of the roads are long, long, long and tedious - quite dangerous in the more rural areas due to the presence of many animals and high speed limits. Try and avoid travelling at night in these areas.

The Trans-Kalahari is a new project that aims to build a circular road route around the country.

Visitors require a passport and return airticket. Sufficient funds to prove one's intention to leave are also required. Visas are not required for most European Union visitors, nor for Japanese, South African, Canadian and USA passport holders.

Also, if you are coming from an endemic area you'll need a Yellow Fever certificate.

Useful addresses:
Department of Tourism
P/Bag 0047, Gaborone
Tel: +267-353024 /313314   Fax: +267-308675
Botswana High Commission
6 Stratford Place, London, W1N 9AE
Tel: +44-171-499-0031   Fax: +44-171-4958595
Botswana Embassy in USA
Tel: 1+202-244-4990/1   Fax: +1-202-244-4164
British Embassy in Botswana
Tel: +267-352841
American Embassy in Botswana
Embassy Drive, Government Enclave
Tel: +267-353982

Declare your cameras on arrival and any foreign exchange that you are bringing in.

The unit of currency is the Pula, divided into 100 thebe. Meaning rain, the Pula's value is tied to a basket of currencies including the British Pound which generally means it is stronger than its surrounding neighbours.

Major credit cards are accepted to a limited extent, mainly in the large hotels and tourist shops. Hotels will exchange foreign exchange but at high surcharges.

220/240 Volts AC, 50Hz
13 and 15 Amp plug sockets

There are a few non-violent disputes with neighbouring countries about boundary lines, most of which are currently being resolved or have been referred to the International Court of Justice.

Another thing to remember, while you are in Botswana you are subject to their laws and regulations (based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law). Penalties can include deportation or imprisonment - and you can't plead lack of knowledge! Dealing and possession of dagga, cannabis, motokwane is illegal and there are harsh punishments.