Botswana Information

GEOGRAPHY
Visiting this country you will give you a real taste of Africa. Bordered by Namibia in the west, Zimbabwe in the east, South Africa in the south and in the north Angola and Zambia. Majority of the country consists of desert, namely the Kalahari Desert which is a vast expanse of thornbush and dry grasslands. However in contrast to this is the Okavango Delta with its many swamplands. Roads are few so most travelling is done by small aircraft and by boat.

HISTORY
Original inhabitants were the Bushmen who from the 18 century were pushed into the central Kahalari by expansions of Tswana, Ndebele and the Afrikaner. In 1885 Britain made it a protectorate, Bechuana land, to keep it from German Expansion in Namibia. The protectorate was badly administrated and remained one of the poorest countries in the world with cattle ranching its main income provider. One year after gaining independence the worlds second largest diamond pipe was discovered in Orapa. It now provides 70% of export earnings and Botswana has one of the fastest growing economies.

CLIMATE
November to April are the summer months. Temperatures normally reaching about 38 C with hot sunny days and possible thunderstorms in the early afternoons and evenings. Night temperatures drop slightly to about 20/25 C. October/ November is the beginning of the rainy season which lasts until March.

May to October are the winter months and temperatures can reach about 20 C during the day but can drop to as low as 5 C at night. Days normally remain dry, sunny, cool and warm. Just remember that there can be extremely cold spells so be prepared.

PLACES TO VISIT
Despite the fact that two thirds of this land is dry dusty desert much of it has been allocated to National Parks and Game Reserves.

CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE
This is Botswana's largest reserve. This region has been set aside so that the Bushmen can live in their traditional way of life. However it is 51,800 square kilometres so it is unlikely that you will encounter them during your visit. Only parties with the right equipment, vehicles and experience should visit this area the reason being that the roads are no more than dirt tracks and there are no facilities of any kind.

There are three principal conservation regions located within the greater Kalahari region. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the Khutse Game Reserve in the central region and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the extreme south west corner of Botswana.

CHOBE AND SAVUTE NATIONAL PARK
The Chobe is made up of four distinct regions, Savute, Serondela, Linyanti and the Chobe River frontage. The Chobe National Park is well known for large elephant populations. During winter these elephants have to move to the banks of the Chobe River every day as water is scarce in the outer pans. Driving along here will bring you into constant contact with them. You will also be able to do plenty of other game viewing and bird watching.

Savute is located 180km north of Maun in the western section of Chobe. The 5000sq km Savute region is Africa's most densely populated predator area and also hosts the greatest concentration of plain antelope, zebra and wildebeest, in southern Africa. Nowhere else will the visitor find such a wealth, including 350 recorded bird species, and some of the most diverse landscapes in the country. Savute is renowned for its magnificent lions and the spectacular annual summer migration of plains game.

Serondela is a very popular destination for the beauty of the riverine landscapes and for the concentration of game along the Chobe River. Superb sightings and photo opportunities can be expected. Serondela is probably most famous for the large number of elephants which from one of Africa's remaining great herds.

Linyanti, north of Savute, is a mature wooded area with beautiful river frontage on the swamp. Although fairly small this is one of the most attractive areas in the park. The short strip of swampy river frontage is similar in many respects to the Okavango's permanent waterways with papyrus-lined lagoons, extensive reed banks and tall canopies of trees. The diverse wildlife of Linyanti is the principal attraction to this pristine region. Elephant and Zebra are plentiful as are giraffe and plains antelope. Many natural observation points overlooking the river provide excellent photographic opportunities. Birdlife is pentiful and the sunsets spectacular.

MOREMI WILDLIFE RESERVE AND THE OKAVANGO DELTA
The Okavango, which incorporates the Moremi Game Reserve, is a unique African wildlife paradise and one of the finest remaining wilderness areas in the world. There are a wide range of habitats to be found here ranging from flood plains to woodlands. You are bound to find many different kinds of wildlife like the rare Sitatunga Antelope. The area is a bird watchers heaven and has plenty of migratory birds look for. Travel through the delta in a dug out canoe or go on guided nature walks.

MAKGADIKGADI PANS GAME RESERVE
The famous salt pans of north central Botswana, the largest such pans in the world, were formed millions of years ago when the entire region was covered by a huge lake. The area is remote, even by Botswana standards and herein lies the attraction. The pans, which are filled to a greater or lesser extent by seasonal rains, become the feeding and breeding grounds for huge flocks of greater flamingos, pelicans and other waterbird species. On the perimeter of the pans live a wide variety of the plains game and predators. This area is also a wonderful place for bird watchers where you can see the legendary African Skimmer as well as fisherman who will be able to catch the well known fighting Tiger Fish.

TULI BLOCK
This unusual wildlife conservancy is situated in eastern Botswana within the area formed by the Shashe and Limpopo rivers. The combination of riverine and bushveld environments attract a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects which can be viewed either by special open safari vehicle or by mountain bike for the more adventurous. Skilled game rangers accompany all excursions. The Tuli Block conservancies are operated on privately owned land and it is therefore necessary to pre book accommodation. The environment at Tuli is varied from riverine woodlands, huge sculpted rock outcrops, to flat bushveld country. Tuli boasts a huge elephant population which makes sightings and photo opportunities a mere formality. Accommodation at the larger Mashatu Lodge and Tuli Safari Lodge are in luxury camps, which are fully equipped with all the necessary facilities. Mashatu also offers conference facilities. Self catering accommodation on the Limpopo River in the Tuli Farms area is becoming increasingly popular.

The region boasts a number of other attractions including some ancient and interesting archaeological and historical sites which have revealed remarkable evidence of early settlement, the most noteworthy being the Motloutse Ruins in the far eastern sector.

BEST TIME TO GO
Peak season is from July to October, and middle season from May to June. It is advised that your book your accommodation well in advance during these season. November to March are the best birding months and December to May are the best botanical months.

BORDER POSTS
(These can change, please check)

AIRPORTS:
Gaborone 06h00 - 20h00
Francistown 06h00 - 18h00
Maun 06h00 - 18h00

ROAD: Zimbabwe / Botswana
Kazangula (Victoria Falls / Kasane) 06h00 - 18h00
Ramokgwebana (Bulawayo / Maun) 06h00 - 18h00

ROAD: Namibia / Botswana
Ngoma (Caprivi / Chobe) 07h00 - 18h00
Mamuno (Windhoek / Maun) 08h00 - 16h00

ROAD: South Africa / Botswana
Martin's Drift (Johannesburg / Botswana) 08h00 - 18h00
Parr's Halt (Johannesburg / Botswana) 08h00 - 16h00
Tlokweng (Johannesburg / Botswana) 07h00 - 22h00

BANKS
BARCLAYS BANK
Maun and Kasane Mon - Fri 08h30 - 14h30
Sat 08h15 - 10h45

FIRST NATIONAL BANK
Maun Mon - Fri 09h00 - 12h45
14h15 - 15h30
Sat 08h30 - 11h00

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
Maun Mon - Fri 08h15 - 14h00
Wed 08h15 - 13h00
Sat 08h15 - 10h45

Major hotels normally have foreign exchange facilities and most shops, lodges and travel agencies accept travellers cheques.

WHAT TO PACK
Mainly casual and lightweight clothing but it is recommended you take a warm jacket or a sweater as well as jeans or safari trousers even in summer as it gets quite cool on game drives. As well as comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera and swimsuit. Try to limit your luggage to 10-12 kg as packing space is limited on safari transport.

Please remember that there may be a restriction on luggage limits on your safari - please ensure that you have the details from your agent according to your itinerary and ask your agent ahead of time if you would like details on the feasibility and costs of taking excess luggage with you on any of these restricted luggage safaris.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
International visitors require a valid passport together with onward travel documents.

All passport holders should verify with their relevant consulate concerning visa entry requirements. If you are extending your journey to other countries, please establish entry requirements for those countries as well.

Please ensure that you have all the necessary visas prior to departure (unless available on entry) AS NONE OF WYDAH TOURS, THEIR STAFF, THEIR AGENTS NOR THEIR OPERATORS CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Anti-Malaria tablets are a must. These should be taken 24 hrs before entering Botswana and continue taking them for 6 weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side affects try to take the pills at night after dinner as it seems to reduce the side affects. Speak to your doctor in this regard. No vaccinations are required as yet but check for latest info at time of booking. Bilharzia is another ever present threat in African streams and rivers, and the only way of avoiding contact is to stay out of the water. It is not caught by drinking untreated water, and the disease is easily cured today. There are some tsetse flies in certain areas in Northern Botswana, but they are harmless, other than a sometimes-painful bite. There has been no case of sleeping sickness reported in Botswana for about 25 years. You can also look at the following website for other information. www.travelclinics.co.za

TIPPING / GRATUITIES
Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:

a) Camp, Game Lodge and Specialist Guides
If the guide has done a good job, we recommend US$5 per guest per day for travel to Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe and R50 per guest per day for visitors to Namibia and South Africa.

b) The General Safari Camp / Lodge Staff
Here we recommend about US$3 per guest per day for safari camps in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe and R30 per guest per day for safari camps in Namibia and South Africa. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff at a later stage

c) Hotel Staff
Please allow between R5 and R10 per guest per day for hotel staff ie housekeeping etc

d) Porterage
Here we recommend about US$1 per person per movement.

e) Transfer and Touring Driver/guides
Transfer R10 per person
Half day tour R25 per person
Full day tour R50 per person

f) Blue Train and Rovos Rail
Cabin attendant R100 per person per journey
Waiter, Dining Car R75 per person per journey

g) Restaurants / Hotels
10% is customary on meal accounts but only if you are satisfied with the service.

CURRENCY
Botswana currency is known as Pula. However South African Rand, United States dollars and major credit cards are accepted at most lodges and camps.

LANGUAGES
Botswana's official language is English although most of the population also speaks Setswana. You do not need to worry as game drives and other tours are normally conducted in English.

SHOPPING
Shops in cities and towns are normally open between 8:30 and 17:00 Monday to Friday, and 8:30 to 13:00 on a Saturday. Most camps and lodges have curio shops. A really good buy is the baskets that are made in Botswana, a lot of time and effort is spent on each one.

ELECTRICITY
Camp generators produce 220/240 voltage. However not all camps have electricity so you will not find a socket in these rooms or tents.

PHOTOGRAPHY
The choice of the correct camera equipment and film will determine the quality of your photographs on the trip. For good photography of birds and animals, a good SLR camera and telephoto lens is necessary. A zoom lens can be extremely useful on safari and the minimum recommended size is 200mm. Consideration should be given before travelling with any lens bigger than 400 mm as most interesting shots are taken using hand held equipment. The new high-resolution digital cameras are outstanding and give great quality images, especially if you are using a digital camera body which takes normal camera lenses. Camera bodies like the Canon D60 and 1D are superb. The advantage of digital photography is that one can get instant feedback and adjustments can be made in the field to your techniques to ensure that your photographs are the quality that you would like.

Colour reversal film (slides) will give far better quality than prints. The guides have found that they are getting the best results using Fuji film. Fuji has brought out a good high-speed film that gives good colour with very little grain (less so than any of their competitors). This is especially useful when using a big lens in low light situations. The guides' personal preference is the slower film (either 50 or 100 ASA) as this gives almost perfect quality for normal light. However, you may consider going to 200 ASA for a larger lens in low lighting conditions. The new Fuji 400, we believe is giving great results too. The only disadvantage with the low ASA film is that you need a tripod for the early morning and evening shots.