TIME:                                                                                                                                               Back to the TOP
GMT + 2 

ELECTRICITY & VOLTAGE: 
220-240V 15 - 13 amp plug sockets are in use. Plugs are 2-pin & 3-pin round and flat. 
Only a few safari lodges have electrical power; however, most offer facilities to generate battery operated camcorders / video cameras. 

LOCAL CURRENCY: 
1 Pula = 100 thebe 
The Botswana currency is one of the most stable in Africa. 

CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES: 
Most hotels and lodges will accept traveller's cheques and foreign currencies. US$ can be easily exchanged throughout the country, as can Euro and pounds sterling. 
Most lodges accept credit cards, mainly Visa or MasterCard, although this should be checked before arrival.

COMMUNICATIONS: 
Country code: 267

CLIMATE:                                                                                                                                       Back to the TOP
The climate of Botswana is best described as dry, generally warm to hot. Winter (May to September) nights can fall below freezing.
Summer - October to March with a high of 40° C and a low of 18° C.
Winter - June to September with a high of 20° C and a low of 0° C.
Rainy season - The average annual rainfall across Botswana is between 250mm and 650mm and the rainy season would be considered late October to early April.
Rainfall does not usually occur every day, and generally takes place in the afternoon with mornings being fairly clear.

HEALTH: 
No Vaccinations are required

Malaria                                                                                                                                            Back to the TOP
Botswana has endemic malarial areas. Consult a doctor at least 2 weeks prior to entering Botswana, and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. You are advised to use repellent during the most active times – dawn and dusk. Camps do supply repellent, mosquito netting and also mosquito coils for use in the rooms.
As lights attract any insect, guests are advised not to leave lights on in the rooms while they are not inside.

HIV/Aids
Botswana is currently thought to be the epicentre of this disease in Africa with as many as 50% of adults infected in some areas.

Bilharzia (schitztasoma parasite) is another threat in streams and rivers, and the best way of avoiding contact is to stay out of the water although because of the alkalinity of the delta this is less of a worry. 

SAFETY:
It cannot be stressed enough that while in the game reserves, a responsible attitude must be adopted. The animals are wild and need to be respected as such.
Always sleep inside a zipped up tent.
Keep your tent zipped during the day to prevent insects/snakes and baboons getting in.
Keep all food in lockable steel trunks, preferably inside a vehicle at night.
Take your litter away with you.
Do not wander off on your own and make sure young children are safely protected.
Swimming in any river is dangerous as the waters teem with crocodiles.

CLOTHING:                                                                                                                                     Back to the TOP
Outdoor summer clothes in neutral tones. Thermals for winter nights and in general wear a number of thin layers that can be peeled off as the day progresses. 
Check with your tour consultant before arrival. 

BANKING HOURS: 
09h00-15h30 - Week Days
09h00-11h00 - Saturday

SHOPPING HOURS: 
08h00-13h00/14h00-17h00 Monday-Friday
08h30-13h00 Saturday 

WHAT TO BUY: 
Woodcarvings, handcrafted jewellery, woven goods and attractive basketry are recommended.

INDUSTRY:                                                                                                                                      Back to the TOP
Diamonds, Copper, Nickel, Coal, Salt, Soda Ash, Potash; Livestock Processing

AGRICULTURE: 
Sorghum, Corn, Millet, Pulses, Groundnuts (Peanuts), Beans, Cowpeas, Sunflower Seed; Livestock

NATURAL RESOURCES: 
Diamonds, Copper, Nickel, Salt, Soda Ash, Potash, Coal, Iron Ore, Silver

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