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BOTSWANA DESTINATION GUIDE
Time Zone
GMT + 2 hours
Language
The official languages are English and Setswana.
Currency
The currency of Botswana is the pula, divided into 100 thebe.
Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50 and 100 pula. Coins come
in 5, 10, 25, and 50 thebe, and 1,2 and 5 pula.
Money Matters
There will be little access to ATMs or banks while on safari. We
suggest guests travel with cash in small denominations for tipping.
Accepted currencies are USD, GBP, Euro and Pula - change will be
given in the local currency. All cash should be locked in the
safes, or safe bags, provided. Sanctuary lodges and camps in
Botswana accept credit cards, apart from Diners and American
Express. Travellers cheques are accepted as payment in camp, but
change will be given in local currency.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but general suggestions are as
follows:
US $5-10 per couple per day for a guide
US $5-10 per couple per day for the camp staff box
PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
For most passports, a visa is required. Please check with local
authorities for details. Two blank passport pages are required when
travelling to Southern Africa. Check the number of days given on
arrival at the immigration desk as there are steep fines for
overstaying the number of days given. Passports should be valid for
at least six months after the intended departure date.
Weather
Botswana straddles the Tropic of Capricorn and experiences
extremes in temperatures. Days are normally clear, warm and sunny
while the nights range from cool to cold. Botswana is primarily a
dry country, but a summer rainy season lasts from November to
March. Average annual rainfall is around 500mm. During the summer,
days are generally sunny with short, abrupt rainstorms which
usually clear within hours. Average temperatures during this
period range between 20°C and 38°C. From late May to August, rain
is rare anywhere in the country. During this dry season
temperatures can plummet as low as 0°C at night and the average
maximum temperature is around 27°C.
Health
We advise all travellers to take precautions against malaria and
we recommend speaking with your GP or personal physician four to
six weeks before departure.
Electricity
Botswana uses 220-240 volts, 50 Hz. There are a small stock of
adaptors availablein camp but it is recommended that guests bring
their own. 220 volts are available in Chief's Camp and Chobe
Chilwero 24 hours a day. 220 volts are available in Stanley's Camp
and Baines' Camp when the generator is running.
Photography
The main rule when visiting the Botswana is "take nothing but
photographs and leave nothing but footprints". If you wish to take
photos of the local people it is customary to ask for their
permission before taking any photo's. Do not use flash photography
for close-up animal shots.
Clothing
Clothing should be cool and comfortable, muted colours are the
most suitable on safari. Jerseys and heavier jackets are required
for winter mornings and evenings. It is recommended to wear long
sleeves and trousers in mornings and evenings all year round due to
mosquitoes. Sturdy shoes are essential. All Sanctuary camps and
lodges provide a fully complimentary laundry service.
Additional Information
Luggage is restricted to 20kg. Bags should be soft-sided.