Main Airports in Botswana
The Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE) Airport is 15kms / 9 miles northwest of Gaborone. There are no regular public bus or shuttle services to and from the city. Some hotels run shuttles.
Private taxis are available to the city centre and the journey takes about 20 minutes.

Maun Internatioanl Airport (MUB) is the gateway to the major tourist area of Okavango Delta. Maun receives direct flights from Harare in Zimbabwe, Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, and Windhoek in Namibia. The airport is less than 1 km / 0.6 miles. Private taxis are available. The other major airports in Botswana are Kasane, Selebi-Phikwe and Francistown

Banking in Botswana
Banking hours in Botswana are from 0900 hours to 1530 hours on weekdays and 0900hours to 1100 hours on Saturday

Climate of Botswana
The rainy, wet season occurs between October and April. This is also the summer when it is very hot. From May to September it is drier and cooler, with temperatures at an average of 25 degrees Celcius / 77 degrees Fahrenheight. During the winter season, the early mornings and the evenings are cold.

Clothing for Botswana Travel
Traveling during the winter times, it is advisable to carry warm clothes with layers so that one is able to peel of some clothing when the temperatures rise during the day. During the wet season – between October and April, please carry wet weather gear.

Use of Credit Cards in Botswana
Most hotels and tourist lodges accept credit cards, mainly Mastercard and Visa. It is however advisable to check this and re-confirm with your hotel or travel agent before travel to a specific hotel or lodge.

Travelers checks and major foreign currencies are easily accepted by hotels and lodges. The foreign currencies can also be easily exchanged though out the country.

Visa and Passport requirements for Botswana Travel
Visitors to Botswana must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months. Visitors from member-countries of the European Union, the United States of America and most of the Commonwealth countries DO NOT require visas to enter Botswana. Visitors are however advised to check for current information as these regulations may change at any time.

Currency of Botswana
The currency for Botswana is the Pula. It is one of the most stable currencies in Africa
1 Pula is divided into 100 Thebe

Customs and Excise regulations in Botswana
All persons arriving in Botswana or departing from Botswana – visitors and returnees, are required to declare all goods in their possession to the customs official on duty at the point of entry. The process is assisted by filling up the declaration form named: Form J
All persons are required to comply with the customs requirements both at the time of arrival and departure.

Baggage Declarations
When making declarations, whether written or verbal, travelers are advised to declare the correct number and value of ALL goods in their possession. Please note that a false declaration of items at a point of entry or exit in Botswana may lead to seizure of the items in question or criminal prosecution or a fine of up to 3 times the value of items in question.

Some of the items that must be declared
For persons arriving, all goods acquired outside Botswana, including gift items of any nature.

Repairs or alternations made outside Botswana, to any item, machine or vehicle. Declaration is required when the item/machine is brought back even if the repairs/alterations were done free of charge.

All items bought in any duty-free facility including on board aircraft or ship
All items being brought into Botswana for someone else.
All items intended for business use or for sale.

To Avoid Delays With Baggage Declarations:
Please keep all the purchase slips and receipts for all items bought outside Botswana.
In case you are not sure of the value of an item, please ask for assistance form the customs officials

Duty-Free Allowances
Customs duties are not levied on the following items
New or used personal items for sporting or recreational activities
-imported by persons changing their residence to Botswana
-imported by residents or non-residents of Botswana for their own use
-re-imported by residents after leaving Botswana with the same items

The following items may be brought in without any duty or VAT, if declared at the point of entry so long as they are not imported by way of trade or behalf of other persons.

Cigars - 20
Cigarette or pipe tobacco - 250 gms
Perfume - 50 ml
Wines - 2 litres
Spirituous and other alcoholic beverages - 1 litre
Cigarettes - 200

Note:
Please note that the customs regulations my change and therefore persons in need of specific additional information are advised to seek current information from the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Private Bag 0041, Gaborone, Botswana.

Drinking Water in Botswana
Avoid water taken directly from the tap. Drink water that has been boiled, disinfected or filtered. Bottled water is readily available. Only take fruits and vegetables that has been boiled or peeled.

Driving and Road Travel in Botswana
Driving in Botswana is on the left side of the road. Foreign drivers intending to drive by themselves are required to have their driving lisence or international driving permit.

Proper and correct documentation is required for all vehicles entering Botswana. If you hire a vehicle from neigbouring country, please ensure you have the correct documentation.

Traffic drives on the left. Reserve fuel and at least 20l of water, plus emergency supplies, should always be carried on longer journeys, and visitors are advised to make careful enquiries before setting out. Wildlife and stray livestock may pose a hazard.

Bus: There are bus services between Gaborone and Francistown, and from Francistown to Nata and Maun. Buses from Francistown to Maun run every day. The journey takes about 6 hours. Timetables can be obtained from bus operators. Taxi: There is a taxi service in all major towns, and it is generally safe. Prices should, however, be agreed before embarking on a journey. Car hire: Services are available in Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun. 4-wheel drive vehicles are necessary in many areas. Regulations: Seat belts must be worn. There is a speed limit of 120kph (75mph) outside built-up areas, and about 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is not legally required, but is recommended for stays of up to six months, but a European license valid for six months after arrival will also usually suffice; thereafter, a Botswana driving license must be obtained, which will be issued without a test if a valid British license is produced.

Electricity in Botswana
220 – 240

Emergency Numbers in Botswana
Medical Rescue International - 267 3901 601
Public Ambulance – 997

Currency Exchange in Botswana
It is advisable to exchange money only in banks and exchange bureaus. There are 4 main commercial Banks in Botswana – Barclays Bank, Stanbic Bank, First National Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. The banks have branches in major towns and centers.

Health Issues in Botswana
Botswana has a relatively good public health facilities in the major towns. It is advisable to have a travel insurance for travelers. There are also chemists in major towns. Due to the heat, sun scream lotion is advisable.

All visitors to Botswana from yellow-fever endemic areas should have yellow fever vaccination certificate

Malaria – Malaria is found in Botswana. Travelers should take necessary precautions before travel. You are advised to pack mosquito repelling creams. Between Dawn and dusk, cover most of your body.

HIV/ Aids
Currently, Botswana is thought to be the epi-centre of Aids in Africa. Caution is emphasized. Travelers to Botswana should also take precations against Bilharzia.

Medical Facilities in Botswana
Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana has well-trained medical personal and well-equipped facilities. However, medical facilities may be limited in smaller, remote towns. The medical facilities in Botswana are well-equipped to attend to routine, non-emergency medical issues. For life-threatening, more serious medical problems, it would be prudent to arrange for an air-evacuation to a country with appropriate medical facilities.

Languages in Botswana
English is the official language in Botswana, Setswana is the national language in Botswana. There are other 8 languages spoken in Botswana.

Public Holidays in Botswana
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.
1 Jan New Year.
21-24 Mar Easter.
1 May Labor Day/Ascension Day.
1 Jul Sir Seretse Khama Day.
15-16 Jul President’s Day.
30 Sep Botswana Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

Public Transport in Botswana
By air – most parts Botswana can be reached by air. There are Air charter companies that are mostly based in Maun and can fly to most tourist areas in the country. The major airports are in Maun, Francistown, Jwaneny, Kasane, Pont Drift and Selbi-Phikwe.

By Rail - Botswana Railway operates the railway services. The main railway line runs between Francistown – Gaborone – Lobatse. There is a daily service on this route.

By Road – Road transport is mostly on shared taxis in form of micro bus. Private taxis are also available.

Safety and Security in Botswana
Botswana is a relatively safe country in comparison with the other countries in the southern Africa region. However travelers should still take the normal precautions that would apply to them when they travel anywhere. Keep a close watch of personal items like wallets, cameras, handbags. Avoid narrow, isolated alleys and use taxis between places you are not familiar with.
All valuables should be placed in the hotel safety deposit box and only carry small amounts of cash.

Travelers to Namibia on Wildlife safari are advised to observe the following safety rules:
Always sleep inside a secure, zipped up tent while in the game reserves.
Keep the tent secure and zipped up even during the day to prevent crawling animals, insects and wild intruders like baboons from entering.
Keep all foods locked up at all times
Do not swim in rivers or streams – crocodiles, hippos abound
Do not liter the parks

Shopping in Botswana
Woodcarvings, handcrafted jewelry, woven goods and attractive basketry (particularly at Etsha, Shakawe and Shorobe) are recommended. Modern Bushman art can be seen, and perhaps purchased, at D'Kar, 40km (25 miles) north of Ghanzi. There also occasional exhibitions at the National Museum in Gaborone.

Telecommunications in Botswana
The country code is 276.

Mobile phone - Roaming agreements exist with few international mobile phone companies. Coverage is average.
Internet connection is available major towns.

Time Botswana
GMT + 2

Tipping in Botswana
Safari guides and hotel and lodge staff expect tip. It is however not mandatory. In some hotels a service charge is automatically added to your bill.