Welcome2Africa

WELCOME 2 AFRICA-BOTSWANA INFO!

Official name: Republic of Botswana
Area: 600,370 sq km
Capital: Gaborone
Population: 1,6 million, Batswana 60%, Bakalanga, Basarwa, Bakgalagadi
Language: English, Setswana
Religion: Indigenous beliefs, over 50%, Christian 30%
Government: Parliamentary Republic
President: Festus Mogae

Holidays:
January 1st: New Year's Day
May 1st: Workers' Day
May 20th: Ascension
July 1st: Sir Seretse Khama Day
July 15th & 16th: President's Day
September 30th: Botswana Day
December 25th - 27th: Christmas

Climate:
Mainly temperate climate. Summer, between October and April, is very hot and combined with the rainy season. Dry and cooler weather exists between May and September with an average temperature of 25ºC. Early mornings and evenings may be cold and frosty in winter. Annual rainfall decreases westwards and southwards.

Currency:
In Botswana the local currency is called Pula. The exchange rate was as of the 1st of March 2004: P100 = USD 20,38 and P100 = EUR 16,74. Money should be exchanged in banks at market rates. Owing to limited facilities in small villages, it is advisable to change money at the airport or in major towns, where credit card cash advances may also be available. MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted on a limited basis. However, the majority of tourist facilities accept credit cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Most hotels accept travellers cheques, but the surcharge may be high.

Tips:
A discretionary 10 per cent in urban centres. It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari.

Time difference:
GMT/UTC +2 hours. In Botswana you do not go from wintertime to summertime.

Food & Drink:
Restaurants and bars can be found in main towns, often within hotels. Most lodges and safari camps also have restaurants and licensed bars, although food is generally basic outside major hotels and restaurants. The standard of food in lodges and camps is generally very good.
There is local beer and in general no restrictions on alcohol.

Shopping:
Woodcarvings, handcrafted jewellery, woven goods and attractive basketry are recommended. Shopping hours are: Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat 0830-1300.