About Destination
Most citizens of European and Commonwealth countries do not require a visa to enter into Botswana. All Guests should check with their respective Botswana embassies, or tour agents before starting their journey.
It is crucial for a visit to have with them valid passports and enough money to use during their stay.
Please note: Countries that do not have diplomatic representation with Botswana can get their visa processing information from British Embassies and High Commission.
Countries that need Visas
All citizens of Commonwealth countries do not require a visa except those from Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Foreign nationals whose countries have signed a Visa Abolition Agreement with Botswana are also not required to apply for a visa. Click here to view all the states that require permits to visit Botswana.
Climate
Botswana has a is semi-arid climate. It is mostly hot and dry much of them, but during the summer we have our rainy season that is characterized its unpredictability.
Usually, a torrential downpour may occur in one area while 10 or 15 kilometers away there is no rain at all. Showers are typically followed by intense sunshine leading to most of the rainfall not penetrating the ground only lost to evaporation and transpiration. ‘Pula,’ one of the most frequently heard words in Botswana, is not only the name of Botswana” Not just the word for money but also rain because in Botswana they are both scarce commodities.
Seasons in Botswana
Summer season in Botswana begins in November and ends in March. It comes with very high temperatures but, summer also the rainy season, which brings a lot of cloud coverage and rain that cools things down considerably, although only usually for a short period.
Winter season starts in May and concludes in August. Winter is also the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cold to warm; but, evenings and at night temperatures can fall below freezing point in especially in the southwest.
Between periods April, early May, and September/ October –still tend to be dry, but the days are less hotter than in summer and the nights are warmer than those in winter.
Rainfall
During the rainy season, the rainy season during the summer, October and April are transitional months. January and February are generally viewed as the top months.
Mean annual rainfall usually varies from a maximum of over 650mm in the last northeast area. Only 10 percent of the yearly precipitation falls during the winter majority of all rain falls during the summer months. The number of rainfall decreases in amount the more you travel west.
Temperature
Summer days are hot, especially in the week that precedes the coming of the cooling rains, and shade temperatures rise to the 38c mark and higher, reaching a blistering 44c sometimes.
Winters have no clouds and are dry the air warm during the day but due to the lack of cloud cover, cold at night and in the early mornings bitterly so-frost is common sometimes small in quantities of water can freeze.
In the morning during the summer humidity ranges from 60% to 80% and falls in the afternoon to 30% to 40%. The best time to visit is April through October regarding game viewing and the weather.
The game during this time game gathers around water sources, and it is evident.
In case you are traveling to Botswana from areas infected with yellow fever, you must have a valid yellow fever shots certificate.
Otherwise, no other immunizations are needed. Besides, it would be advisable to have updated on immunizations like tetanus, polio, diphtheria, Hepatitis vaccines.
The official language of Botswana is English. English is widely spoken in all urban centers and taught in schools. Still in rural areas, many local villagers especially young ones who have received some education will be able to speak English.
Most of the all general staff working in the lodges, camps, and hotel can also speak English. Translators in various languages like German, Italian and French translators, are available when needed and can be arranged through your travel agent.
When staying at a private camp or lodge, your guide will be very able to introduce you to his or her friends and family and will act as an interpreter if necessary.
Electrical supply
The power is served at over 300MW Coal Plant. This voltage will soon be increased at a level never used before in this Country that long suffered from lack of electricity. The power will support the whole country. Electricity is supplied at 220/240v. Both square and round wall plugs are used.
Diamond purchase
Visitors to Botswana have the opportunity to buy diamond jewelry from authorized merchants. A strict system with guidelines that allow buyers to inquire about the origin and quality of the diamond, value.
Gratuity Guide
In Botswana, a person is under no obligation to offer tips for services rendered at restaurants, bars, hotels, and many more. It is at the choice of the individual whether or not to pay gratuity for services.
Drivers License
Drivers are expected to carry their licenses at all times. Licenses from neighboring countries are in Botswana, if not written in English, a certified written translation is required. International drivers’ licenses are accepted in Botswana.
Luggage Restrictions
It is desirable to follow all luggage restrictions that are in place for both scheduled local, international and charter flights; Which is usually 20kgs (44lbs) on international flights, 20kgs (44lbs) for domestic flights, 12kgs (26lbs) on small aircraft which includes Okavango Delta charter flights.