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BOTSWANACapital: Gaborone Language: Setswana, EnglishPopulation: 2.1 million Time Zone: EST plus 6 hoursCurrency: Pula (BWP), US dollar Electricity: 220-240V/50Hz

Fun Facts● Botswana is the oldest democratic state in Africa.● The border between Botswana and Zambia is only 150 meters (492 feet) long – the shortest border

in the world.● Nearly 40% of Botswana’s land is national parks and wildlife reserve.● Botswana is home to the world’s biggest concentration of African elephants, most of which are

found in Chobe National Park.● The country’s Jwaneng Diamond Mine, the richest in the world, was reportedly discovered when

termites pushed specks of diamond to the surface.

Nestled between South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia, the Republic of Botswana is a land of starkbeauty and tremendous contrast. Although dominated by the vast Kalahari Desert, the largest stretch ofsand on Earth, Botswana is also home to the life-sustaining Okavango Delta. It is one of the most sparselypopulated countries in the world and, as a result, contains some of the most pristine and uninterrupted wildlifehabitat on the continent. Chobe National Park alone encompasses more than 4,200 sq. mi. (11,000 sq. km.)– the size of a small country. This makes it the ideal place for spotting resident elephants and zebras, hipposand rhinos, African wild dogs, meerkats, cheetahs and hyenas, Cape buffalos and blue wildebeest, morethan 400 species of birds, and even black-maned lions and the reclusive leopard.

VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all entry documents (visas, etc.) and for meeting all healthrequirements (inoculations, etc.) as required by the laws, regulations, or orders of the countries you will visit.We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country for failure to carrycorrect documentation.

A visa for your visit to Botswana is not necessary for Canadian Citizens. If you hold a passport from anothercountry, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Botswana.

All passengers travelling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that thepassport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip, so please check the expirationdate carefully. It is also recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport whentraveling, as many countries require blank pages. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on youand do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that require you to carry yourpassport with you at all times.

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Health RequirementsIt is imperative to find out from your physician what inoculations may be required for travel to SouthernAfrica, and if any other health precautions are recommended (such as anti-malaria pills). For moredetails, you might also like to consult the internet site of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention athttp://www.cdc.gov/travel.

Traveling with childrenThe Botswana government has approved new regulations pertaining to children under the age of 18 visitingthe country. All children will be required to produce certified/notarized copies of unabridged birth certificatesin addition to their valid passports. In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the otherparent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. However, an affidavit will not be required ifthe father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate. We recommend you visit the Botswanaembassy website (www.botswanaembassy.org) for the latest details prior to travel.

COUNTRY CODES

The country code for Botswana is 267. When calling to Botswana from overseas, dial your internationalaccess code (011 from the US/Canada), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phonenumbers in Botswana are 8 digits in length. Dialing from the US/Canada: 011 267# ### ####.

CURRENCY

As a general guideline, bring a variety of payment means, particularly in the event that you have difficultieswith your preferred method of payment.

U.S. Dollars are widely accepted throughout Botswana. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also exchangeU.S. Dollars into the local currency, the Botswana Pula. For initial convenience we recommend you bringsome US dollars with you from home. It is advisable to bring newer US notes that are in good condition assome merchants will not accept those that are tattered and/or old.

ATMs are the most convenient way to obtain money in Botswana, as they are readily available throughoutthe country and the vast majority of ATMs dispense U.S. Dollars.

1 Botswanan Pula = 100 Thebe

● Banknote denominations: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 Pula● Coin denominations: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 Thebe, and 1, 2, 5 Pula

For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at globusfamily.com/currency.

Credit cards are accepted in Botswana at all lodges and camps and at most establishments in major citycenters. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or may havea minimum amount required to use a credit card.

Bank hours:● Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: Typically, 9 am–2:30 pm● Wednesday: 8:15 am–Noon● Saturday & Sunday: Closed

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BUDGETING AND SHOPPING

The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person.Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages asprovided by our experienced personnel.

● The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is US$1-$2.● An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately

US$5-$10.● Dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at

approximately US$40.

ShoppingPlease be warned that if you buy items on tour to be shipped to your home, customs import charges arerarely included in the price. If you use a credit card for your purchase, you will be debited in the local currency,and your bank will establish the rate of exchange on the debit. Sales tax or GST (Goods & Services Tax) isnormally already included on price tags; GST refunds, if applicable, are processed at the departing airportfrom the relevant country.

TIPPING

Tipping is a common practice in Botswana and usually well received. In restaurants and bars, a tip of10%-20% is acceptable.

Tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare.

For hotel and room service, a common tip amount is 10-20 Pula per service if warranted (excludingporterage, which is included).

ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

At Lodges & CampsIn Botswana, many lodges and camps offer electricity 24 hours a day, however some do shut down theelectricity late at night and/or midday to conserve energy. Rest assured, this is a normal practice and partof the safari experience. There is still hot water for showers and enough time to charge batteries/electronicequipment. If you require 24-hour electricity for a breathing device, please let us know prior to departure.

OutletsVoltage for outlets is 220-240V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, you will need aconverter for your travels. Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet, but these may notconvert the voltage, so both devices are necessary.

TEMPERATURES

Botswana experiences its semi-arid season from April to October, when it tends to be slightly cooler, whileheavier rains usually occur from November to March.

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To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for northern Botswana.

Chobe National ParkJanuary

February

March

April

May

June July

August

Septem

ber

October

Novem

ber

Decem

ber

19/32°C 18/31°C 9/28°C 6/25°C 13/33°C 19/32°C19/31°C 14/31°C 6/25°C 9/28°C 18/35°C 19/33°C

To convert to Fahrenheit, multiply by 2, then add 30. While not exact, this simple formula will give a closeestimation.

A TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI

Below is an outline of a typical day on safari. It is important to note that there is no way to predict 100%what will happen each day as nature is always full of wonderful surprises! Changes may be implementeddue to weather or due to a spontaneous and magical safari moment that captures your attention. Gameactivities vary by itinerary and lodge, so please refer to your itinerary or lodge description for a summaryof game activities offered.

All meals are provided while on safari in Botswana.

Morning – Wake up early between 5 am and 5:30 am, for coffee/tea. Although this may seem very early,it is essential to head out early, as this is the time of day many animals are most active. Depart your lodgebetween 5:30 am and 6 am. The game activity generally lasts around 3 hours; with breakfast is served uponyour return to the lodge.

Late morning/Midday – Time to relax at your lodge. Read a book, take a nap, or go for a swim! Lunch isgenerally served from 12/12:30 pm until 2 pm.

Afternoon – Around 3:30 pm, gather for tea and snacks before embarking on your afternoon game activity.This allows time to see the animals during the daylight, but also to witness a spectacular African sunset!Arrive back at your lodge between 6:30 pm and 7 pm to freshen up for dinner.

Evening – Dinner service starts between 7 pm and 7:30 pm and is normally quite lively as everyone sharesstories from an exciting day on safari. Afterward, grab a drink in the bar or proceed to bed…you may haveanother early day tomorrow!

FOOD SPECIALTIES

Botswana boasts excellent fresh produce, a variety of meat including beef, lamb, and chicken, and river fish.Types of dishes served include seswaa or chotlho (salted, mashed, and cooked meat), bogobe (porridge),and matemekwane (dumplings).

Drinking WaterTap water is not safe to drink in Botswana. Water served at your lodge is safe; otherwise, we recommendyou drink bottled water, which is generally available on all game activities and in all lodge/camp guestrooms.

CUSTOMS AND CULTURE

● African culture is diverse. You will encounter new customs and different lifestyles as soon as youenter the country. Appreciate and enjoy the differences. A majority of the locals speak English andwill greet you with a smile.

● In some African countries, a warm smile and a handshake are a perfectly acceptable greeting. Ifyou are not a local, do not extend your hand first. Wait for the other person to do so. Local men do

Last Updated 10/1/19

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not normally shake hands with women in public. When greeting an elder, it is acceptable to bowyour head slightly in place of a handshake.

● Although not necessary, many visitors like to bring gifts for the local children. If you would like togive a gift, we suggest that gifts and donations be made through local schools and orphanages.This gives you the chance to help the local community without reinforcing the culture of begging. Ifyou do choose to give gifts directly to children you encounter, please do not give out candy. Giftssuch as school supplies or clothes are much better options. In addition, we do not recommend thatanything be given to street beggars and street children encountered in the towns and cities, as itpromotes a negative lifestyle.

● Always ask permission before taking a photograph of a local resident.● Poverty is a fact of life in many African countries. You should be prepared to see it but not be

scared by it, as most people are still very happy and friendly. Out of respect, it is best to avoidexcessive displays of wealth.

A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE

Afrikaans:Good morning / day: Gooie Môre, Good evening: Gooienaand, Hi: Haai/Hallo, Goodbye: Totsiens,Please: Asseblief, Thank you: Dankie, Yes: Ja, No: Nee, Do you speak English?: Praat jy Engels, Idon't understand: Ek begryp nie dit nie, How much?: nic, 1 (one): Eeen, 2 (two): Twee, 3 (three): Drie, 4(four): Vier, 5 (five): Vyf, 6 (six): Ses, 7 (seven): Sewe, 8 (eight): Ag, 9 (nine): Nege, 10 (ten): Tien, Whereis … ?: Waar is, WC: Badkamer, Tea: Tee, Coffee: Koffie, Bottled water: Gebottelde water, Cheers!:Gesondheid, Have a nice day!: Lekker dag,

Setswana:Good morning / day: Dumela, Good evening: Dumela, Hi: Dumela, Goodbye: Sala sentle, Please: Tsweetswee, Thank you: Ke itumetse, Yes: Ee, No: Nnyaa, Do you speak English?: O bua sekhowa, I don'tunderstand: Ga ke thlaloganye, How much?: Ke bo kae, 1 (one): Ngwe, 2 (two): Pedi, 3 (three): Tharo,4 (four): Nnee, 5 (five): Tihano, 6 (six): Thataro, 7 (seven): Supa, 8 (eight): Robedi, 9 (nine): Robongwe,10 (ten): Lesome, Where is … ?: O kae, WC: Thoelete, Tea: Tee, Coffee: Kofi, Bottled water: Batla metsi,Cheers!: Have a nice day!: Tlhola sentle.

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA – TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Additional country-specific information for Canadian citizens can be found on the Government of Canada’swebsite https://travel.gc.ca. Here, you can find information for Canadian travelers, including details aboutpassports/visas, travelling abroad, returning to Canada, travel advice/advisories, and how to stay connectedwhile travelling. For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travelinformation, regulations, and requirements.