Entry
requirements
All persons arriving in Botswana
are required to unreservedly
declare all goods in their possession
to a Customs official on duty
on a baggage declaration document
called, Form J. Customs has
a duty to protect Botswana from
illicit goods. To do this, checks
may be made on travellers and
their baggage. If you are stopped
and your baggage checked, please
co-operate. When making baggage
declarations, whether verbal
or written, you must ensure
that you declare all goods in
your possession as well as their
correct values. Failure to declare
goods and their correct values
can lead to seizure of your
goods and can result in criminal
prosecution or the imposition
of severe penalties of up to
three times the value of the
goods.
Visas
Foreigners from Commonwealth
countries are not required to
obtain visa for entering Botswana,
except in cases where the Minister
of Labour and Home Affairs has
directed otherwise. Botswana
has alsosigned visa abolition
agreements with a number of
countries, and their nationals
are not required to obtain entry
visa. Please check before hand
on visa requirements from your
country to Bostwana.
Best time
to visit
The months between April and
November, when large number
of animals migrate towards the
waterways of the Okavango Delta,
is best time to go. November
and December - the calving months
- are an excellent time to witness
nature's own timetable of regeneration.
The rainy season, from January
to March, sees the migration
of large numbers of game into
the summer grazing areas, while
the delta comes alive with sounds
of hundreds of bird species.
In March and April thousands
of zebras and other animals
migrate towards the Savuti area
of Chobe National Park. Summers
(particularly from December
through to February) can become
exceptionally hot, and rain
may make some roads muddy and
impassable.
During the rainy summer season,
animals in many game areas disperse,
while in the dry winter season
they congregate around water
sources, making for good game
viewing. This does not mean,
however, that game viewing is
impossible during the summer
season.
What to
bring
Clothing
In summer, lightweight, light-coloured
cottons are preferable. Avoid
synthetic materials and black
clothing, as they increase perspiration
and discomfort. Dress is casual
in Botswana. Shorts and trousers
are permissible for women. Most
hotels have swimming pools,
so do bring a bathing suit.
Bring a lightweight jacket and/or
pullover for unexpected temperature
changes.
In winter, bring a pair of trousers,
long-sleeved shirts or blouses
and pullovers. Make sure you
have a very warm jacket for
early mornings and evenings,
- it does get surprisingly cold
at night but warms up during
the day.
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes are
a must; supplement with sandals
and plastic flip-flops.
Sun protection
Special attention should be
given to protecting yourself
from the sun, particularly in
the summer when the sun can
be scorching. Bring sunhat,
sunscreen, sun lotion and sunglasses.
Miscellaneous
Binoculars, torch (with plenty
of spare batteries and bulbs),
matches, penknife, water bottle,
insect repellent (spray and
coils), lip salve, water purification
tablets, sewing kit, safety-pins,
tweezers, cello tape and masking
tape are all very useful. A
basic first-aid kit is a must,
as in many instances you will
be traveling to areas far from
health facilities. Camera film
is available at most shops and
petrol stations. Cosmetics,
medications, cigarettes and
imported liquors are all available
in the major towns.
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