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A highlight of any safari in Botswana must be a visit to Chobe National Park.
Time Zone:
GMT +2 hours.
Population:
The official figure as per the preliminaries of the National Census held in 2000 is 1 678 891. With an average population density of 2,5 people per sq km, Botswana has one of the lowest population densities in Africa.
Geography & Climate:
Most of the country forms a high-lying continental plateau with few mountain features. Arid grasslands and semi-desert conditions dominate the central and southern regions while the far north is tropical, including the Okavango Delta area. Summer is from October to March with temperatures soaring to more than 40°C at midday. The rainy season is between September and April, the highest rainfall occurring in December and January.
Communications:
Most major towns have post offices which are open from 08h15 to 16h00. Most villages and towns have public pay phones; however not every pay phone can connect to international lines. A local telecommunications office or a post office can be contacted for assistance.
Major Cities:
The capital is Gabarone, situated in the south-east of the country. Francistown is the main city in the northern region. Other main centres include Maun, Ghanzi, Selibe-Phikwe, Serowe-Ghanzi and Lobatse.
Language:
English is the official language and Setswana is the national language. There are other tribal languages spoken, however generally the population has a good command of English.
Culture:
Botswana has many cultures due to the diverse ethnic composition.
Religion:
The majority of the population is Christian. There are other religions such as Islam and Hindu, as the people enjoy freedom of religion.
Electricity & Water:
Water supplies are safe in urban areas but not reliable in rural regions. With a large number of wildlife and cattle, the limited water sources in rural areas are heavily utilized. All water from unknown sources should be boiled, filtered and purified. It is also advisable to carry water when travelling in remote areas, including national parks and game reserves. The electricity supply is 220/240v AC, 50 Hz.
Traditional Cuisine:
The majority of Botswana are farmers; therefore traditional food is derived mainly from farm products. These include sorghum, millet, maize-meal and bean leaf relish. Beef, mopane worms and game meat are used as relish “There is no feast without beef”.
Transport Services:
There is a good road network linking Botswana to its neighbours (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia). Daily flights are also available between Johannesburg in South Africa and Gabarone. The national carrier, Air Botswana, operates flights between Gabarone, Maun, Francistown and Kasane as well as the Limpopo Valley. Air Botswana also flies to Harare (Zimbabwe) and Windhoek (Namibia). There are scheduled bus services operating between main centres and other villages. Most centres have a taxi service. Trains also offer competitive fares between centres in the east of the country.
Entry Requirements:
All visitors must have valid passports and return tickets, but nationals of Japan, America, Canada, some of the commonwealth countries and most EU countries do not require visas. Travellers must seek advice from their travel agents or the nearest Botswana mission. Apart from the normal inoculation certificates, precautions against malaria are recommended as the disease is prevalent in the more popular wildlife areas.
Health:
Malaria is a serious problem, especially in the north of the county. Travellers should seek medical advice on what malaria tablets to take before leaving and should start taking the tablets at least a week before entering the country. Although Botswana has not experienced an outbreak of cholera or typhoid, special precautions need to be taken. There is a high incidence of Aids throughout Southern Africa, including Botswana. Water is safe to drink in urban centres. Medical facilities in the major centres are sufficient to cope with most emergencies.
Items to Bring:
Sun block lotion, sunglasses, hats and insect repellent are essential. Binoculars are an absolute must. Comfortable, cool clothing and good walking shoes are advised.
Getting There:
Best air connections are via Johannesburg in South Africa with daily flights to Gabarone and regular flights to Maun and Kasane. There are also regular flights from Windhoek (Namibia) and Harare (Zimbabwe). There are no direct flights to Gabarone from Europe. Main roads are tarred and driving conditions are good. Border posts are open by day only. There is a good road network linking Botswana to its neighbours (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia). Daily flights are also available between Johannesburg in South Africa and Gabarone. The national carrier, Air Botswana, operates flights between Gabarone, Maun, Francistown and Kasane as well as the Limpopo Valley. Air Botswana also flies to Harare (Zimbabwe) and Windhoek (Namibia).
Accommodation:
In Gabarone, Francistown, Selebi-Phikwe, Palapye, Mahalapye and Maun, there is plenty of accommodation facilities such as guest houses have been developed.
Economy:
This sparsely populated country is largely dependent on diamond exports, being the world’s largest producer of these gems. Under the enlightened government economic policies, other sectors of the economy have been stimulated, giving the country one of the best growth rates in the world. Significant contributions to the GDP are now made in beef export, tourism and manufacturing.
Internal Transport:
Botswana travel can be conducted by road on good tar surfaces between major centres. For access to wilderness areas, air charter flights are the most convenient, or in the case of very remote sites, professionally organised 4x4 safaris are essential.
Safety:
Civil unrest and disorder are rare. Petty crime and crimes of opportunity, such as stealing of personal possessions, remain the most common form of crime in Botswana.
What to Buy:
Woodcarvings, handcrafted jewellery, woven goods and attractive basketry are available.
Business Hours:
Barclay’s Bank of Botswana, Standard Chartered Botswana Limited, Stanbic, First National Bank of Botswana and Bank Baroda Botswana keep the following hours: Monday - Friday 09h00 - 15h30, Saturday 08h00 - 10h45.
Government:
Botswana is a parliamentary republic. Although Sir Seretse Khama died in 1980, his Botswana Democratic Party still commands a substantial majority within the Botswana parliament. The country’s current premier is Festus Mogae who succeeded Dr Quett Masire who retired from the presidency in 1998. Mogae has served with distinction, continuing his predecessors’ sound leadership, while the government generally follows similarly pragmatic policies for the economy.
Currency:
The local currency is pula (P), made up of 100 thebe. Most hotels and lodges accept credit cards. It is however advisable to carry traveller’s cheques in US dollars, sterling or euro.
Public Holidays:
1 January - New Year's Day
2 January- Public Holiday
March/April (Variable) - Good Friday and Easter Monday
1 May - Labour Day
May (Variable) - Ascension Day
1 July - Sir Seretse Khama Day
July (Variable)- President's Day
30 September - Independence Day (and the following day)
1 October - Public Holiday
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
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Tours 
