Africa > Botswana

Situated on the Tropic of Capricorn, this country has however a relatively temperate climate.

Summer, which lasts from November to March, is the rainy season with high humidity and temperatures, the heavy rainfall can make roads impractical at times.

The dry season continues from April to October with temperatures of around 25°C during the daytime falling to around 0°C at night in July.

Sandy winds from the west often blow during the month of August.

During this period of winter the days are sunny and warm which make it the best time to visit this country.

Mainly geared to high end tourism, Botswana generally attracts wealthier clients.

Gaborone, the Capital, offers various museums, nightclubs and numerous sporting activities that are generally expensive. From here you can also visit the Mokolodi Nature Reserve which is home to various species of African wildlife.

The north east area equally covers the National Parks and Reserves such as the Chobe National Park (one of the most popular), the Makga Dikgadi and Nxai National Park, with grandiose landscapes which is also the home of the biggest tree in Africa, the Chapman Baobab with a 25m diameter.

It is difficult to not continue up to the Okavango delta which spreads over a large area inhabited by extraordinary wildlife in a fabulous setting.

The Kalahari Desert in its turn offers an unparalleled sight: Its multitude of animals including the brown hyena, its diamond deposits at Jwaneng, and the rare animal species such as the red hartebeest and the blue wildebeest at Mabuasehube-Gemsbok National Park are just a few reasons for visiting this extraordinary place.

As you have no doubt gathered, nature is the principal commodity of Botswana which is jealously preserved and therefore has great tourist appeal.

Air companies serve Botswana through Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa.
A visa is not necessary; a current valid passport will suffice.

The currency in circulation is the pula.
The budget required for Botswana is fairly high; the prices are around the same as those in Europe unlike many other African countries. However the services and quality, from accommodation to the food, are also to an equally high standard.

The main health precautions to be taken concern the risk of malaria (protect yourself against the mosquitoes) and the high incidence of AIDS here. Take care when you visit nature reserves or stay in wildlife areas.

Travelling within the country is best undertaken by car.