BOTSWANA TRAVEL INFO

GENERAL INFORMATION - BOTSWANA

Botswana, a land-locked country, the size of France or Texas, stretches across the length of the Kalahari. This barren land is the perfect example of what a successful African government can achieve. Botswana gained its independence in 1966. It is a multi-party democracy headed by the president - Mr Festus Mogae. Botswana's economic success is owed largely to its mineral wealth, although beef and tourism are becoming increasingly important. The vast majority of this wealth comes from diamond mining.
Diamonds were discovered in 1967 and that discovery turned one of the poorest countries in the world into one of the wealthiest African countries today.

Most travellers visit the country as part of a jaunt around Southern Africa, but Botswana has many attractions. Namely the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland maze of lagoons and channels – a pristine environment teeming with wildlife, the Chobe National Park with its prime wildlife habitats, the Kalahari desert, the Makgadikgadi Pans, the world's largest saltpans and much more.

Population

Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Africa. The current population is 1,7 million with the highest densities occurring in the eastern parts of the country.

Language

English is the official language of Botswana and used extensively in most government departments and major businesses. The most common language, however is Setswana, a Bantu language in the Sotho-Tswana group, which is understood by 80% of the population. It is the language of the dominant population group, the Batawana. The second Bantu language is Sekalanga, a Shona derivative spoken by the Bakalanga who live in the area of Francistown.

Tours will be conducted either in English or Italian.

Currency

Botswana's unit of currency is the pula which is divided into 100 thebe. 'Pula' means rain, which is as precious as money in this largely desert country and, predictably, 'thebe' means 'raindrop'.

Security

Botswana enjoys a low crime rate compared with other African (and most Western) countries. Robberies are rare and mostly opportunistic rather than violent. Visitors should simply take the normal precautions about carrying money and expensive items.

Electricity

Botswana generates electricity at 220 volts, AC 50Hz. Confusingly, two types of plugs are commonly used throughout the country: the South African type, with three large, round pins/prongs; and the smaller UK type, with three square (actually rectangular) pins/prongs. Adaptors for both are readily available in major airports as you fly in.

Time

Botswana is two hours ahead of GMT. There is no daylight-saving time.

Local Operators

We are an African company. We were born here and work here. We have the local knowledge.