Botswana
Okavango Delta, Moremi Reserve, Chobe National Park and the Kalahari Desert……so many names that never cease to make us dream!
Botswana has been able to develop its tourism while maintaining a very strong environmental conservation and protection policy. Traveling by plane in Botswana remains very easy because almost all the lodges have their own runway.
Traveling by road requires some knowledge of the terrain and a mastery of 4×4 driving. We also favor small light circuits or join a group formed with a guide. To take full advantage of this fabulous animal sanctuary.
Located in the center of southern Africa, bordered by Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Botswana covers an area of 582,000 km².
It currently stands at 2.588 million inhabitants (less than 3 inhabitants per km²). The majority of this population lives in the east and south-east of the country.
Languages: English, the official language of the country, is practical for business and tourism. The national language is Setswana.
The season is dry and hot from May to October, the evenings are cool and the nights are cold, especially from June to August (especially in the Kalahari desert). The rainy season extends from November to April with high temperatures from September to October (which can reach 40° C). For all excursions, protect yourself from the sun! During the day, light clothing will be welcome (preferably Neutral for safaris).
In the evening and during the night, bring warm clothes because the temperatures can quickly drop once the sun goes down. Necessary to take a hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Jet lag. GMT+2.
Botswana is 80% covered by the Kalahari Desert. Immense expanses of sand and gigantic sections therefore represent the majority of the territory. The northwest is flooded with water as it hosts the fabulous Okavango Delta.
The infrastructures are of good quality but the distances to be covered in the desert, bush are important. Some parts of the country are not served (Okavango Delta for example) or have difficult conditions (sand).
Subscription to insurance covering cancellation costs, repatriation, loss of luggage, medical care and hospitalization costs is not included in our prices. It is strongly recommended.
A passport valid for 6 months after the return date is required. Please note that a minimum of 3 blank pages is mandatory (including two side by side when the passport is open). No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian nationals. For other nationalities, inquire at the embassies concerned.
Botswana is served by the following airlines:
- Air Namibia (flights from Frankfurt via Windhoek)
- British Airways (flights via London and Johannesburg).
There are many other companies serving Johannesburg or Cape Town, from where a connection to Maun is possible.
We do not issue international air tickets.
Phone
In accommodation in Botswana, telephone communications are often via satellite. The cell phone works mainly in cities.
Driving in Botswana
Driving in Botswana is on the left and an international license accompanied by the national license is compulsory.
Cash
The common currency is the Pula. US dollars and euros are accepted everywhere but change can be given in pula, plan for small denominations. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments. The most accepted cards are VISA and Mastercard.
Health
The risk of malaria exists all year round in the north of the country, especially around the Okavango Delta and the Chobe River. We recommend that you contact your doctor to consider prophylactic treatment. The country’s health services are excellent. Apart from the recommended tetanus vaccination, there is no specific vaccination for a trip to Botswana. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all passengers arriving within 6 days of leaving or transiting through an infected area.
