Zambia's scenic splendour has left many of its visitors breathless. Incredible
African sunsets and beautiful wetlands contribute to this beauty.
Zambia has 17 waterfalls of which the Victoria Falls is by far the
most impressive. If you have ever dreamt of an African safari then a
Zambian journey will marvel you awake. The local Bantu culture
promises a rich and educational voyage through these lands.
CAPITAL
Gaborone
CURRENCY
1 Pula = 100 Thebe.
Major hotels have foreign currency facilities and
most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller's
cheques. USD traveller's cheques are recommended. Purchases must be
made in Pula, but at tourist facilities, hard currencies are
accepted. An unlimited amount of foreign currency may be imported and
exported as long as it's declared. On leaving, you can take P 200
maximum.
CUSTOMS
Duty Free Allowances
- BWP 500 worth of goods
- 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco
- 2 litres of wine
- 1 litre of spirits
- 50 ml of perfume
- 250 ml of eau de toilette
Prohibited Goods
Fresh meat from Zimbabwe
Special Notes
Up to 25 kg of fresh meat (beef, mutton, chicken and fish) per vehicle can be brought in from South Africa without a permit
Heat-treated animal products, e.g. canned meat and pasteurised milk need a veterinary movement permit depending on the quantities. Small quantities for personal consumption can enter without a veterinary import permit.
Border posts in Botswana will accept only original documents. No faxes or copies will be accepted.
(NB! For full information, please contact the nearest Embassy of Botswana.)
ELECTRICITY
220 volts, 50 Hz. Plugs are 2-pin & 3-pin round and flat.
HEALTH
There are no vaccination requirements for international travellers.
Pre-arrival precautions are advised against malaria (risk exists
Nov-Jun in northern parts of Botswana incl. Maun, Boteti, Chobe,
Ngamiland, Okavango, Tutume districts/areas) and Hepatitis A, polio
and typhoid. Other health concerns include influenza (risk throughout
the year) and AIDS.
Due to the dry, dusty atmosphere, those with extreme respiratory problems
(e.g. severe asthma or acute allergies) should avoid travels to
Botswana as medical facilities are inadequate. As a precaution boil
or sterilize drinking water when outside towns.
HOURS
Banking Hours 9 am-2.30 pm Mon-Fri; 8 am-noon Wed; 8 am-10.45 am Sat.
Office Hours 8am-5 pm Apr-Oct; 7.30 am-4.30 pm Oct-Apr.
Shopping Hours 8.30am-1 pm and 2 pm-5 pm Mon-Fri; 8.30 am-1 pm on Sat.
LANGUAGE
English is the official language and Setswana the local language.
POPULATION
11.2 Million
LITERACY
80%
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Years Day (1 -2 Jan); Easter (9 - 12 Apr); Labour Day (1 May);
Ascension Day (20 May); Sir Seretse Khama Day (1 Jul); President's
Day (15 - 16 Jul); Botswana Day (30 Sep); Christmas (25 - 26 Dec)
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
Most people follow a traditional lifestyle and may be unused to visitors,
be sensitive to this. Obtain permission from locals to photograph
them. Some hotels don't permit jeans and T-shirts. On safari, wear
dull colours, white is not practical. The majority of the population
hold animistic beliefs.
TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT+2
TIPPING
No service charges are included and tipping is expected, 10 percent is
recommended.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
The country is landlocked. Zambia consists mainly of an undulating
plateau sloping to the south. There are three distinct seasons
namely cool and dry from May to August; hot and dry from September
to October; and rainy between November and April.
GETTING THERE
Fly to Gabarone International
