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Botswana - Useful Tips

Botswana is a land of extremes. Whether you are visiting the lush delta of the Okavango or the arid wastes of the Kalahari, there are some things that you can remember to make your stay a lot better.

Accommodation
Some parks and reserves do have extensive lodges and resorts available to visitors.
Note that camps and rest camps often only offer very basic amenities such as washing water and a pit latrine. Food, drinking water and other accoutrements need to be supplied by the visitor.

Entry
A valid passport (dates valid up to six months after date of departure) and a return ticket is required to the enter the country.
A visa is required by all foreign nationals except for visitors from: some Commonwealth countries, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Samoa (Western), San Marino,  Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay and the USA.
The following Commonwealth countries require a visa for entry: Ghana, India, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.
A valid and up to date yellow fever vaccination and Yellow Card is required if you are travelling from yellow fever area.
 
General Information
Electricity is 220-240V, 50 Hz.
Time Zone is Greenwich Mean Time 2 during daylights saving time and GMT 1 for the rest of the year.
Official language is English. Setswana is the national language and is spoken throughout the country, but all signs and information are in English.
Please note that wearing any military themed clothes (camouflage pants, military uniforms, etc.) is not recommended as the people of Botswana are very sensitive to this.

Health
The water in urban areas is safe to drink from the taps.
The water in camps and rural areas are not safe to drink.
Malaria is a problem during the rainy season. Check with your tour operator and remember to use prophylactics.

Money
The local currency is the Pula.
Money can be exchanged at airports or banks.
Credit cards are accepted in major lodges and in urban centres. Note that Diner's Club and American Express is not always accepted in restaurants.

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