Bushmen

Kalahari Desert

Safari

Chobe National Park

Okavango Delta

Handmade baskets

Summer from October to April can be very hot, temperatures oscillate around the 30 ° C. The rainy season grass from January to March. Winter, from May to September is a period of cooler temperatures around 25 ° C, early mornings and evenings tend to be cool - especially in the area of the Kalahari desert.

The best period to visit the country is the period from May to September - when the largest avoid the heat and the rainy season.

Bessie Emery Head (1937-1986) is considered the most important writer of Botswana. She was born in the Republic of Połudiowej Africa as the daughter of a rich, white woman and a black servant. In 1964, he emigrated to Botswana, where he settled in Serowe.

Most people in Botswana are Christians (71.6%). The rest mostly professes Islam and Hinduism. Many local Christian sects over some elements of local religious beliefs (especially the impact on the lives of ancestors). What's more, local Christians cultivate in private practice in order to obtain protection of the ancestral homestead, or expulsion of illness and misfortune.

Not very provocative dress and common civility are the elements of culture that should be observed by tourists visiting Botswana. Much of the population lives according to their traditional customs and norms. The main elements is their respect for elders, women's inferiority to men and modest dress for women. If we do not know how to act in the circumstances, we should not seek to konforntacji.

You can not photograph airports, military and government buildings and residences.

English is widely spoken in cities and among young people. The problem with communication in English can occur in rural areas or in contact with the older generation that often uses the language of Setswana.

81.2%

Citizens from 67 countries, including Australiai, Canada, Great Britain and the U.S., does not require a visa. For citizens of other countries, the visa must be obtained before arrival.

Polish citizens are obliged to hold a transit visa and residence. Residence visas or transit visas can be obtained from the diplomatic missions abroad in Botswana.

Are required to have a passport valid at least 6 months, a return ticket or proof of possession of a transit and a sum of money for each day of stay.

Can be imported to Botswana:

400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250 grams of tobacco.

2l of wine and 1 liter of spirits.

50 ml of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette

Imports of drugs and pornography are prohibited. There are restrictions on the importation of firearms, ammunition, food, plants, animals, boats and vehicles.

Botswana Tourism Board

Plot 50676, Block B, Ground Floor, Fairgrounds Office Park, Gaborone, Botswana

Postal address: P / Bag 0047, Gaborone, Botswana

Tel: 391 395 3024 or 3111th

The Department of Tourism

Private Bag 0047, Gabarone;

Tel: (+267) 3953024;

Fax: (+267) 3908675;

Poland has no diplomatic mission in Botswana, the nearest is in Brussels:

Avenue de Tervuren, 169

Brussels, Belgium 1150

Phone:

+32-27-352-070

+32-27-356-110

Email:

embasofbotswana@yahoo.co.uk

In the area of Botswana is not Polish diplomatic. Country under the jurisdiction of the territorial Embassy in Pretoria (South Africa).

Polish Embassy in Pretoria

14 Amos Street,

Colbyn 0083,

Pretoria

Postal address:

PO Box 12277,

Queenswood 0121,

Pretoria,

South Africa

Phones: (+ 27 12) 430 2631, (+ 27 12) 430 2632;

Secretariat of the Embassy: (+27 12) 430 2621;

Fax: (+27 12) 430 2608;

E-mail: @ amb.pol pixie.co.za , e20@mweb.co.za

There is no obligation meldunkowego.

There is no fee charged for leaving the country.

All the traditional items and antiques should be of adequate documentation for their deportation from the country.

Can not be exported or bring świżego meat and some foodstuffs.

Settlement visa in one of the neighboring countries, it usually takes 1 to 3 days.

A visa is best handled by any travel agent or intermediary in the embassy in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia or Zimbabwe.

The dust and the sun can cause discomfort for some tourists. The main attention should be paid to protection against the sun.

Public health system is very good. All major cities have hospitals and pharmacies which are available virtually all drugs. Health insurance is very important.

It is recommended to have personal insurance renowned international companies because only these risks are recognized. Mandatory must be purchased at the border of third party liability insurance and license to use the roads (road permit).

Emergency - 997/911

Health risks in Botswana is much lower than in other parts of Africa, but you must take precautions and follow the recommended vaccination or avoid risky situations.

Botswana is the second largest country in the world in terms of the number of people infected with HIV, approximately 24% of the population, so you should pay special attention when dealing with local people to avoid danger.

The northern part of the country (Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta) is a vulnerable zone malarycznego should be considered the appropriate prophylactic medication.

In dużuch cities drinking water is safe to eat, be careful on it in rural areas.

Botswana compared to other African countries is relatively safe. People are very friendly and helpful to tourists in most cases. But remember the basic principles underlying all safety and common sense that will allow us to avoid unpleasant situations. It should be: always close the door to the car and hotel room, leave valuables in the safe, or carry it with you securely stowed. Pickpockets are a threat mainly in public places: nightlife, shopping cent and tourist attractions.

Country is not involved in international conflicts. The situation prevailing between Botswana and its neighbors is also stable although it enjoyed in tension. Problematic issue is the illegal movement of refugees from neighboring Zambabwe declining economically to Botswana. Seal the borders is therefore a very important aspect of international politics.

Police, Ambulance, Fire brigade - 997 / 911

Botswana has 24 border crossings with neighboring countries. South Africa - 15 crossings, Namibia - 3, Zambia - 1 and 5 border crossings from Zimbabwe.

In most of these are in very good condition and have very different opening hours: 8:00 - (18:00, 20:00, 24:00), zalżnie size.

The main airport in Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama in Gaborone. Most flights arriving in Botswana are from Johannesburg in South Africa.

Botswana has no international flights except those in South Africa and Zimbabwe. It is possible to have a connection to Maun (Namibia), which is frequently visited by tourists.

Railways in Botswana as one of the few in Africa and offers a very comfortable air-conditioned railway carriages with comfortable deluxe sleeping compartments. The trains are toilets, running water and restaurant cars.

Services are performed according to schedule and rarely opuźnienia.

There is a possibility of a rail link with the town situated on the border with South Africa - Ramatlabama. There are rail connections from Zimbabwe: Bulawayo-Francistown, train rides in this section three times a week.

There are regular bus service between Johannesburg and Gaborone - the journey takes approximately 6 hours. It is also possible to connect to Windhoek, Namibia. This bus route of the Chobe National Park, which gives the opportunity to visit him on the way. Also runs a bus from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Mandatory must be purchased at the border of third party liability insurance and license to use the roads (road permit).

Glistens with a land border crossing between Botswana and South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Crossing the border by car is not a problem, the majority of border crossings is rather modern, and the roads kept in relatively good condition.

Ferry - ferry arrival is the possibility of the Zambezi River from Zambia.

For the most convenient ways of crossing the border to be an airplane and a car. Everything depends on the nature of our journey.

The main areas of the country are linked by air. There are airports in Francistown, Ghanzi, Jwaneny, Kasane, Maun, Pont Drift and Selebi-Phikwe. Many tourists are choosing the private charter flights as a way to travel pokraju. However, this is a wile expensive solution than other means of transport. Most companies charterers aircraft is based in Gaboronr and Maun.

The main railway route in Botswana: Francistown-Gaborone-Lobatse. The train travels daily, is very comfortable and air conditioned. The ticket may be purchased directly at the station.

Bus in Botswana are relatively good and with well developed network of mini-buses and private cars off-road without any problems should we go to reach every corner of the country. Be sure to come to the bus station in advance because very often filled with vehicles traveling. Driving comfort is fairly low because such. air conditioning is rare.

In Botswana, drive on the left which could be a primary obstacle for most tourists. International Driving Permit is not required, but recommended for people residing in Botswana for six months. European Driving Licence is respected for a period of six months stay in the country.

Main roads and highways in Botswana are kept in very good condition. As for local roads are often gravel or only hardened. Choosing a longer journey to be with you always have supply of fuel and drinking water.

High risk on the roads are wild animals and therefore should receive careful especially at night.

International car leasing companies are based in: Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun. Trans-Kalahari Highway connects directly to Windhoek, Namibia to Gaborone, Botswana. Travelling around it is very comfortable, but the trail itself is quite long and monotonous.

Hitch-hiking

It is a very popular means of transport. However, please note that in some circumstances it may entail some risks.

Taxi

Occur in all major cities, and are generally safe. However, the price should be agreed before departure.

In large cities or resorts, you can find internet cafes or free wi-fi.

Poczotowe Offices are located in every major city. Providing foreign shipments may take up to 3 weeks.

Opening hours:

Mon-Fri 08.15-12.45 and 14.00-16.00, Sat 08.00-11.00.

Botswana does not have a postal system in Europe or the American meaning of. Shipments are not delivered to their homes, and received directly from the safe deposit boxes at the post office. This follows from the fact that many streets in Botswana does not have their names and numbers.

Asking for directions usually receive information about the direction, not the exact address. Streets, even in major cities, are often nieponumerowane - even if they are residents do not know their names. Therefore, always indicate the direction to go.

Cellular network coverage to the entire country, but in some regions is rather weak.

Pot

1 Pula = 100 Thebe

Banknotes: 100, 50, 20, 10

Coins: 5, 2,1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 Thebe

Banks

They have branches in all major cities. It is recommended that they exchange money and travelers checks. The main existing banks in Botswana are: Bank of Baroda, Barclays Bank of Botswana, First National Bank, Stanbic Bank Botswana and Standard Chartered Bank.

Opening hours are: Mon - Fri 08:00 - 17:00, Sat 08:00 - 12:00.

Credit Cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

ATMs

They are available in most cities and towns.

Travellers Cheques

Are accepted at banks in large cities, unfortunately, the commission is quite high. The safest course is to have traveler's checks in dollars or pounds sterling.

$ 6 - lunch

$ 3 - a meal at the food stisku

$ 70 - 4x4 jeep hire

2 Pot - 0.5 liters of water

9 Pula - 5 l of water

$ 5 - hand-made baskets

Etsha villages and Shorobe

They are very familiar with making traditional baskets.

D'Kar (40 km from Ghanzi)

Buszmeńska art, ostrich eggs, biużuteria.

National Museum, Gaborone

Held here periodically, exhibitions and auctions

Sculptures

Jewelry

Fabrics

Basketry

Can be imported to Botswana:

400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250 grams of tobacco.

2l of wine and 1 liter of spirits.

50 ml of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette

Visiting Botswana, remember that approximately 50% of the population of this country live below the poverty line - for $ 1.25 per day.

At the same time from uzuskania independence Botswana has become one of the fastest growing countries in the world, thanks to its exports Kamini precious natural resources and consequently tourism.

Tips are very popular not only in bars and restaurants, but also for the safari guides.

The main urban centers in Botswana - Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun - have a very extensive database maintained accommodation at an appropriate level. There are numerous hotels, motels, private villas and cottages located mainly in the reserves and national parks.

Best Hotels and resorts offer all the attractions and amenities available in more developed countries: air conditioning, swimming pools, dining, live music and demonstrations of local dances.

If there is only więksszych cities, and they form the majority of cases, shelters for backpackers. Outside urban areas often meet with motelami camping or cottages which are also available at prices leap.

They are very popular, but practically only in national parks where you can pitch a tent and spend the night. By contrast, practically absent in urban areas. The presence of wild animals in national parks is a reason to take particular care. Visitors may not leave the vehicle outside the areas in which it is permitted.

Mobile Safari

This is a very popular way to spend the night and experience wildlife in Botswana. Every two days the place changes and Support pobutu moves completely encampment (tents, toilets, kitchens). It is less comfortable than homes on a safari, but it gives a much better experience with pobutu wild animals.

Safari lodge

They are very comfortable cottages with air conditioning, bathrooms and a full catering service and. Are usually rented by tourists who come to the north of the country to beautiful views of national parks and wildlife.

$ 8-20 - hostel

$ 23 - a private house

$ 4 - Camping

$ 100 - ... - Luxury hotel

The greatest extent depending on the season and the climate during the period. This follows from the fact that only 2% of the total land are cultivated fields, and as much as 70% - pastures. Therefore, in the kitchen of this country is always dominated by the meat, mainly beef and meat of goats. Good bars and restaurants are located in towns, often at international hotels.

- Morama-subterranean tuber

- Kalahari truffle.

- Mopane worms, boiled or fried

- Beans

- Peanuts

- Morogo (wild spinach) is very tasty.

- Palm Wine

- Kgadi - made from the distillation of sugar and mushrooms

- Traditional beer - a drink apple smaju

- Ginger beer - homemade

- Bush tea (Rooibos) tea, red delicious caffeine-deprived

The best place to board the hotel are restaurants serving international cuisine and local dishes.

The usual 5-10% is often added to the bill.

Water in most cases it is safe to drink, but outside urban areas is recommended to consume bottled water or care.

Bottled water is widely available in shops and tourist centers.

Milk and milk products are pasteurized, meat, poultry, vegetables and seafood are generally safe for consumption.

Safari

Strongly favored by tourists spend their leisure time in Botswana. Organised by local guides and travel trips trawają usually a few days and take in its price flight to Chobe National Park and overnight stay in a cottage or camping in a tent in the midst of wild nature.

Gaborone

The capital of Botswana is the starting point of many holidays and package tours into the country.

Serowe

In the middle of the road between Gaborone and Francistown, this is the largest village in Botswana. It is also the seat of the tribe Bangwato.

Kasane

This popular tourist city located between the Chobe National Park and the border with Zimbabwe. It is an excellent starting point for expeditions to the safari, or to the Victoria Falls.

Maum

Located in the northern part of the country the city is frequently visited by tourists who want udaś on safari, city.

Makoro (Canoe)

The possibility of the passage of a traditional canoe on the Okavango Delta waters, is a great way to experience unforgettable and oglądnięcie delta from a different perspective.

Balloon flight

Balloon Flight over the Kalahari Desert makes possible to view this incredible landscape from a bird's eye. This is a very popular attraction among tourists visiting Botswana.

Maowidła the Tsodilo

UNESCO World Heritage site, the paintings are called "Desert Louvre".

National Museum, Gaborone

Held here periodically, exhibitions and auctions of local art.

Chobe National Park

This is one of the most visited by tourists of national parks in Botswana. It is famous for its huge elephant population (120 000 individuals) and the presence of other animals such as rhinos, antelopes, lions and tigers. An ideal place for safaris.

Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta)

Recognized as one of the finest wildlife reserves in Africa - commonly known by the vast quantity and diversity of birds.

Okavango Delta - a unique geological formations, where delta is formed by the river (Okavango) flowing in the Kalahari desert instead of the ocean. Part of Delta Moremi National Park occupies.

Kalahari Desert

This represents over 70% of the country and is an obligatory part of any trip to Botswana.

Tsodilo Hill

The hill considered sacred by the Bushmen is almost completely covered with priceless paintings on the rocks. The oldest of them are even 100 000 years.

1 January      New Year's Day         Ngwaga o mosha'"Gole dzwa in kalanga"

2 January      Public Holiday          

March/April  Good Friday   Labotlhano yo o molemo'

March/April  Easter Monday          

May    Ascension Day           Tlhatlogo

1 July  Sir Seretse Khama Day         

19 July           President's Day          tsatsi la ga tautona

20 July           Public Holiday          

30 September            Independence Day     Boipuso

25 December Christmas        Keresemose"khisimose in kalanga"

26 December/27 December Boxing Day   

30 April - Maun Festival - many street parades and live music and traditional dances

March / April - Maitisong Festivel - the biggest festival in Botswana in Gaborone Area. Numerous performances, music, street dances and parades.

Nightlife, nave in the capital, is not very rich in attractions. Most people get up early and relations, they are not in the habit of long games. Number of places is limited to a few bars where you can enjoy a cold beer. Some tourist-oriented music flats let go and are open till late during the weekend - they are primarily in and around hotels.

- Sunglasses, hat

- Protective filter

- Measure insect

- Water purification tablets