Essential Information for Traveling to Botswana
Climate, Roads, Health Precautions And Safety
May 28, 2009
Whether on Big 5 safari, seeking out the excellent arts and crafts or exploring the rich cultural and geographical diversity of Botswana, tourists must prepare themselves with the essential information to ensure a pleasant visit.
Best Time During The Year to Visit Botswana
Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa and is bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Bisected by the Tropic of Capricorn, approximately two-thirds of the country lies in the tropics.
According to Botswana Tourism Office, annual summer rainfall varies between the northern and southern parts of Botswana. In the north, where the Okavango-delta and Chobe nature reserves are, rainfall of over 650mm per year was recorded, while in the south in the Kalahari desert and Mabuasehube game reserve as little as 150 mm of rain may fall in a year.
Summer temperatures can often exceed 40° Celsius in the desert areas, while winters can be bitterly cold at night. The summer thunderstorms usually do not last long, but cool the baked earth off for a short while after the storm had passed.
The best months for tourists to visit Botswana is from April to October when the climate is not so severe and in the dryer months, wildlife congregate around the little available water, facilitating better game viewing.
How to Get Around in Botswana
Tourists to Botswana can choose between air transport, road transport and trains. With a well-developed infrastructure between the larger towns, exploring the sights of Botswana is made easy.
By air:
Air Botswana operates scheduled domestic flights between Gabarone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane, while several other commercial and private operators maintain links to the popular tourist destinations.
By road:
Driving is on the left hand side of the road in Botswana. Tarmac roads connect the main centers and these roads are generally in a good condition. The speed limit is 120 km/h on the tarred roads, dropping to 60 km/h when approaching towns and villages. Drivers may use international driver's licenses for 6 months and must have the license as well as proof of compulsory no-fault insurance with them at all time.
Outside the main centers, roads vary from good gravel to deep, rutted sand. Several vehicle hire companies have offices in the main towns and tourists may hire any tipe of vehicle, including 4-WD sedans to explore the country.
Mini busses and taxis regularly transport tourists around the main centers and the mini busses also operate in rural areas.
By train:
Regular, scheduled transport by air-conditioned passenger rail services makes Botswana's rail system virtually unique in Africa. Trains run on a daily basis between the major towns.
Health and Safety Information for Botswana
Malaria and tick-bite fever are prolific in Botswana and visitors must take preventative medicine before visiting. Visitors should keep their bodies well covered to prevent bites from mosquitoes and ticks. Bilharzia is present in many of the streams and tourists must stay out of the water. The water in the urban areas is safe to drink.
Botswana is known for its intolerance of crime. Local law enforcement deals with offenders swiftly and efficiently and the punishments are harsh. The government has a zero tolerance for drug use and smuggling.
The political climate in Botswana is stable and except for petty criminals, like bag - snatchers and thieves in busy towns, no real dangers lurk.
The wildlife parks of Botswana are unfenced, leading to stray animals crossing the roads and endangering drivers.
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