GENERAL INFO
TRAVEL IDEAS
- Botswana Explorer, 10 days
- Chobe Wilderness Tented Safari, 3 days
- Classic Lodge Okavango Safari, 8 days
- Premier Lodge Okavango Safari, 8 days
- Green Desert Expedition, 8 days
- Okavango & Big Game, 6 days
- Wings Over Botswana, 7 days
- Group Travel
- Ichobezi Safariboats, 4 days
- Chobe Elephants & Livingstone, 5 days
RELATED IDEAS
- Victoria Falls, Chobe Elephants & Okavango Delta, 7 days
- Chobe Elephants, 5 days
Botswana
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Language: The official language is English and the national language is Setswana.
Currency: Pula and Thebe (one Pula = 100 Thebe).
Banks: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone - Barclays Bank Hours: Mon-Fri 09h00-18h00; Sat 09h30-18h30; Sun closed. Regular banking hours: Mon-Fri 09h00-15h30; Sat 08h30-11h00.
Currency Control: Import - There are no restrictions on foreign currency notes brought into the country as long as they are declared. Export - Travellers can carry up to P10 000, or the equivalent in foreign currency, out of the country without declaring it.
Visas and Passports: All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months, and the means to leave the country, ie., an outgoing ticket and sufficient funds. Some nationals of Commonwealth countries require visas to enter Botswana. Citizens of European Community countries, Scandinavia, USA and South Africa do not require visas. Visitors will be given a one-month visa at the border. Extensions may be granted at any immigration office in Botswana, but visitors will not be allowed to stay more than 90 days without a residence permit application waiver.
Duty-Free Allowance: The following goods, declared on arrival, are duty free: Two litres wine; one litre spirits and other alcoholic beverages; 400 cigarettes; 50 cigars; 250 gm cigarette and pipe tobacco; 50 ml perfume; 250 ml toilet water. All goods acquired outside Botswana must be declared when you enter the country. Goods brought into the country, acquired within the Common Customs Area - comprising Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland - are free from customs duties, but may be subject to sales tax and additional duties.
Departure Tax: International P25 Local P10.
Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted on a limited basis. Most hotels and lodges accept major foreign currency or travellers cheques, but the surcharges may be high. It is advisable to change money at the airport or major towns and villages as bank facilities may be limited in the remote villages.
