Africa - Botswana - Country Information

Beyond the narrow eastern corridor where the majority of the population is concentrated, Botswana is a largely roadless wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and salt pans. Skinflints and softies beware: This remains a destination for the intrepid, well-heeled traveller.

Botswana is an African success story. It achieved independence from Britain in 1966 and in a mad stroke of luck then unearthed three of the world's richest diamond mines. Though suffering from a high HIV rate, it enjoys relatively stable governence and good educational and economic standards.

To ensure the country's natural assets are preserved, Botswana's government has embraced a policy of courting primarily high-cost, low-impact tourism, although recent years have seen options for independent, budget-minded travellers grow.

Key Facts
Full Country Name	Republic of Botswana
Area	600,370 sq km
Population	1.6 million
Capital	Gaborone
Time Difference	GMT +2
Visa	Visa is not required for British passport holders
Currency	Pula
People	Tswana (60%), Bakalanga, Basarwa, Bakgalagadi
Language	English, Setswana
Dialling Code	00 267
Electricity	231V 50HZ

Visas:

Visa is not required for British passport holders

Health risks:

Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Malaria

When to Go:

 

The safari season in Botswana runs from the beginning of March to the end of November. The winter and early spring months from May to October are generally regarded as the best times for game viewing. The days are generally warm although the nights can become very cold.  This is the dry season.  December to March is the wet season and although the days are very hot, the air is dry and humidity is low.  The rain falls normally in the late afternoon, in the form of a thunderstorm.  At this time of year, the bush is lush and the bird life is at its best. As temperatures can vary so much, it is worth taking clothing that can be layered to account for this.