Botswana is one of the most developed and successful nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, and one of striking contrasts; deserts, deltas, salt plains and hundreds of kilometres of rolling safari make it a paradise for budding explorers. It is also one of the safest countries in Africa and a great place to start for first-time visitors to the continent.
Botswana has been an independent democracy since 1966 and has built its economy on diamond mines discovered in the 60s and 70s. Market freedom is heavily promoted and with a healthy, competitive business environment its economy continues to grow at an astonishing rate. The people are friendly and pride themselves on being a regional leader in international relations; doing business there is genuinely a pleasure.
The main challenge is simply getting around. The capital, Gabarone, is located far to the south, almost 1000km from the best sights in the north. The public transport system is erratic at best and renting a car is often the best option for getting the most out of a stay. It’s worth it though; about 40 percent of the country is covered by national parks and the highlights include the Okavango Delta, sometimes referred to as the ‘largest oasis in the world’, and the Chobe National Park, where elephants, zebras and the famous wildebeest migration can all be viewed on safari.
Getting there
Maun and Kasan airports are the main international entry points. Sir Seretse Khama International, 15km from Gabarone, is well served from South Africa and Namibia. Land crossings from Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are relatively painless by car, though be sure to check border opening times before travelling.
Getting around
Public transport in Botswana is erratic and only serves major population centres. The best option for long distance travel is to rent a car. Cheaper deals are available across the border in South Africa.
Local information
Language(s): English, Setswana
Time: UTC + 2
Climate: Semi-Arid. Hot, relatively wet summers and cool, dry winters. Temperature: Max 33°C (October), Min 4°C (June). Rainfall: Max 96mm (January), Min: 2mm (July)
Currency: Pula (BWP)
Business etiquette: Meetings are formal and lightweight suits should be worn. When shaking hands, touching the arm of the hand used for shaking is a sign of respect. Learn a little Setswana, even just to say hello, to make an excellent first impression.
Tipping: Tips can be given in US dollars. $5 is a respectable minimum for waiters, $10 for guides. Tipping is widely practiced.
Duty free: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2l of wine; 1l of spirits; 50ml of perfume; 250ml of eau de toilette.
Safety: Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa and tourist attacks are rare.
Laws: Drug offences result in long prison sentences. Murder, treason and other serious crimes carry the death penalty.
Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A, malaria, tetanus & typhoid. Tap water in cities is usually fine to drink. Health insurance is recommended but the public health system is fairly good.
Socket type: Type M
