Botswana: Essential Information

Official Name: Republic of Botswana.

Surface Area: 582,000 sq km

Population: 1,586,119

Capital: Gaborone.

Languages: English (official), Setswana.

Predominant Religions: Animist, Christian.

Currency: Pula

Time Zone: (+2 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

International Dialling Code: 267

Voltage Requirements: 220 volts.

When to go: The best time is between June and September when the days are clear, warm and sunny, and the nights are cool to cold. Best wildlife viewing is in the dry season months of May to August.

Passport/Visa Requirements: The following are exempt from visas and given an initial 30 days: Citizens of Canada and the U.S. All commonwealth countries (except Ghana, India, Mauritius, Nigeria and Sri Lanka). All EU countries (except Spain and Portugal). South Africa, Namibia, Norway and Pakistan.

Highlights Include:

• ChobeNational Park Experience a complete untamed wilderness in one of Africa’s largest national parks, with the largest concentration of elephants.
• Kalahari Desert Vast open plains, salt pans, and riverbeds surrounded by dense vegetation make this more than an arid desert. Notorious for its night skies and cloud formations.
• Okavango Delta A spectacular and beautiful network of islands, lagoons and waterways teeming with wildlife. Choose amongst a variety of safaris on offer for the best experience.
• Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Visited less for the game, even though it is there, and more for the experience of feeling true remoteness and pure isolation.
• Tsodilo Hills For the intrepid trekker, where over 2750 ancient rock paintings can be seen.