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General Information
About Botswana
Botswana is a land of contrasts and striking beauty which is turning it into one
if the world's most exciting holiday destinations. Located here are some
of the most extensive and unspoiled wilderness areas in Africa with the Okavango
Delta is one of the world's most spectacular wetlands.
Botswana's major tourist attraction used to be hunting. Now most of the "hunting" is done with cameras on photographic safaris.
Popular with tourists is the Okavango Delta region which is a maze of waterways, lakes, and islands during the rainy season.
Another attraction is the Kalahari Desert. Tourist also enjoy watching the local inhabitants of the small villages as they work as
potters, rug makers, and tapestry weavers.
One place that must be visited is The Okavango delta formed by the waters of the
Okavanga River. The Okavanga River has its source high in the mountains of
Angola. It fans into the desert forming a vast water wonderland of series
of channels, lakes, lagoons, floodplains and islands, entirely surrounded by the
Kalahari desert. The Okavango delta is part of the larger geographical
network which embraces the Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, and
Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans.
For travel and destination information, contact the
Embassy
of the Republic of Botswana at 202-244-4990.
(The following information was taken from the CIA World Fact
Book)
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name
upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership,
progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one
of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond
mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due to
the country's conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Botswana
has one of the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one
of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the
disease.
Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest economic growth rates since independence in 1966, though growth slowed to 4.7% annually in 2006-07. Through fiscal discipline and sound management, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of more than $11,000 in 2006. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP and for 70-80% of export earnings. Tourism, financial services, subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. On the downside, the government must deal with high rates of unemployment and poverty. Unemployment officially was 23.8% in 2004, but unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. HIV/AIDS infection rates are the second highest in the world and threaten Botswana's impressive economic gains. An expected leveling off in diamond mining production overshadows long-term prospects. For additional information, visit https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bc.html
Passport
and Visa Information
All foreign visitors to Botswana will need
passports. As for visas, no visas are needed by the citizens of: Israel, Liechtenstein,
Iceland, Norway, Namibia, Pakistan, Switzerland, Uruguay, South Africa, Samoa,
San Marino and the United States. Others would include the citizens of:
Commonwealth countries (except for Ghana, India, Mauritius, Nigeria, and Sri
Lanka), and EU countries (except for Portugal and Spain). All enquiries for
visas can be made at Diplomatic representation and citizens can apply at British
high commission offices or by post to Immigration and passport control officer
in Gaborone. Visas are give 30 days, but may be extended to a period of three
months.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Shopping, Local
Crafts, and Culture
Botswana is famed for its basketry, wood carvings, and Bushmen craft, all of
which are available in curio and gift shops in Gaborone Francistown and
Maun. You will also find a good collection of arts and crafts items.
Most of the art works can be seen or purchased directly from producers or at
weavings co-operations in Gaborone and Fracistown, in some of the shops, or from
street vendors. The famous baskets of Botswana make a great souvenir of
your visit. There are also beautiful dolls from the Herero women in
north-western Botswana. The dolls depict the women's four life stages of
maturity. Ostrich eggshells, hand made beads, necklaces, and leather bags
are also good choices.
The language in Botswana is primarily Setswana (78.2%). Other languages spoken include: Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English 2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census)
I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Currency
The Currency of Botswana is the Pula, which is divided into 100
thebe.
All foreigners are required to declare how much currency they have as they enter
the country. Currency exchange services can be obtained in various banks.
In remote towns and villages where there are no banks, mobile banks are
available with regular schedules. Their exact schedule depends on where
you are and you can normally check to see when a mobile bank will be in the
area. The rural banking services do not change foreign checks. Credit cards are
accepted in most tourist centers.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
Weather Information
Most of the country has a subtropical climate, with cooler temperatures
prevailing in the higher altitudes. Winter days are warm and nights are cool,
with heavy frost common in the desert. Temperatures range from maximums of
26.6°C - 32°C (80°F-90°F) from October to February to minimums of 2° to 4.4°C
(30° - 40°F) from June to August. In August begin the seasonal winds that blow
from the west and carry sand and dust across the country. The summer rainy
seasons runs from November to March and rain is rare between the months of May
to August. Rainfall averages 18 inches but ranges from 27 inches in the north to
less than 9 inches in the Kalahari
What to Wear and
Clothing Recommendations
During summer months, light clothing would be
advisable with items of cotton being the first choice. You should also
travel with clothing that can be layered to suit the climate of the day.
The winter months are cold, especially in the mornings and evenings, and warm
clothing for the cooler nights is recommended. Be sure to carry a sweater
or light jacket.
Telephone, Post,
and Communications
Post services are available, but they may be somewhat unreliable and
slow sometimes. Passport or Photo ID are often required when picking up parcels
at the post offices. You can normally find telephone, or call boxes,
around post offices in all major towns. International calls can be made
from cities like Gaborone and Francistown, but the offices are open only during
normal business hours. Fax and Internet services are also available in
major towns.
Electricity
Botswana 230V (ac) and it is recommended that you
travel with a converter and adaptor kit.
Find the converter you will need in the
Getting Away
Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and
everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or
to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you
need in the Getting
Away Travel Store!
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory and, in most places, you
will find that a service charge has already been added to your tab. So, be
sure to check or ask if you believe you should tip, such as in a
restaurant. Taxi drivers are generally not tipped. However, if you
use a taxi driver as a 'guide,' it would then be polite to provide a tip.
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. The countries listed below meet those criteria. Additionally, the State Department issues Country Specific Information for every country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. Check with the U.S. State Department for Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public Announcements.
For the best time when you travel you must be informed
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the
money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on
Fodor's Travel Guides
to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
Date this page was last edited: Saturday, 18 April 2009 21:07:07
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