STEVE@THEGLOBALTRAVELERONLINE.COM

BOTSWANA

VISA/PASSPORT INFO

US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. For current requirements click HERE

HEALTH INFO

The major health risks in Botswana are Malaria, Typhoid and HIV/Aids. A Polio booster is recommended for any adult traveler who completed the required childhood series, but never had a vaccine as an adult. Malaria is a particular risk between November and June in the northern parts of the country. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age coming from infected countries, otherwise the vaccine is at your discretion. Note: Health requirements are liable to change at short notice. For current requirements click HERE

WEATHER INFO

In my opinion, the best time to travel in Botswana is between May and September (avg. temp 78°/50°). Nights can get rather cold and frosty even during these months so a warm fleece is suggested, especially if you are planning night safari. October through April tend to be much warmer and there is a considerable amount of rain.

COMMUNICATIONS INFO

Internet cafes are available in Gaborone and Maun and in some hotels. Connectivity at hotels is quite expensive and very slow. Cell phones operators use the GSM 900 network and have agreements with most carriers.

MONEY/BANKING INFO

Currency: Botswana Pula. For currency converter click HERE

Credit Cards: Visa and Master Card widely accepted, American Express in Major Cities

ATM: Plenty of machines in tourist areas and accept Visa, Master Card and Cirrus

TRAVEL INFO

AIR: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) is the primary entry point into Botswana if you are arriving from the US or Europe. There is really no easy way to get to Botswana from the US. There are no direct flights from Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Airport to Botswana. However, you can fly from Atlanta to Europe and connect from Amsterdam-Schiphol (KLM Airlines) to O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg, South Africa then to Botswana on South African Airlines. In addition, Atlanta to South Africa direct, then to Botswana.

AIR BOTSWANA is the national airline and some limited domestic and international routes. Kasane (Chobe National Park) and Maun (Okavango Delta) are the major tourist airports

CAR: You will most likely enter Botswana by car from South Africa or Namibia (I do not advise going to Zimbabwe, but you can also cross from there.) If you are coming from Zambia, you will most likely cross the Zambezi River and enter Botswana at the Kasane Border Post. Pretty cool. Although, it is very hectic as people, freight, etc cross here. Once across and through immigration you will be asked to clean the soles of ANY shoes you are carrying in a chemical solution to stop the spread of Hoof and Mouth disease.