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NEWS

Botswana

CLIMATE

Most of the country has a subtropical climate, with cooler temperatures prevailing in the higher altitudes. Winter days are warm and nights are cool, with heavy frost common in the desert. Temperatures range from maximums of 26.6°C - 32°C (80°F-90°F) from October to February to minimums of 2° to 4.4°C (30° - 40°F) from June to August. In August begin the seasonal winds that blow from the west and carry sand and dust across the country. The summer rainy seasons runs from November to March and rain is rare between the months of May to August. Rainfall averages 18 inches but ranges from 27 inches in the north to less than 9 inches in the Kalahari.

Climate Chart for Gaborone
Climate Chart for Gaberone

For today's weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all nationals except those of Commonwealth countries, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Rep. of Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Western Samoa, San Marino, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay and USA. Visa ARE required for nationals of Ghana, India, Mauritius, Nigeria and Sri Lanka. Stay permits, which are extendable up to 30 days, are issued at the border.

Listing of Botswana Tourist offices and/or embassies location around the world

MONEY

Currency: Currency 1 Pula.=100 Thebe
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

Full banking services are available in most major towns. Barclays Visa may be used to purchase UK dollar or UK pound travellers cheques. Credit card cash advances can in made in most major towns and are accepted at hotels and restaurants in larger towns.

Banking Hours
In major towns banking hours are from 9am to 2:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and on Wednesdays from 8:15 am to noon.

Location of Visa ATM's
Barclays Bank Cash Machine Locations

LOCAL TIME

GMT +2 hours

TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND

Air:	International Flights KLM - Flights from Europe Domestic Flights Internal flights between Gaborone, Francistown and Maun are available from Air Botswana.
Train:	Botswana has an inexpensive and fairly good way rail service between Francistown, Gaborone and Lobatse. First and second class are comfortable and sleepers are available. Third class is basic. Bedding is available for a small fee. Botswana Railways P/Bag 00125, Gaborone. Tel. +(267) 300163 Fax. +(267) 374360.
Bus:	Bus and minibus services operate mainly in the eastern part of the country but the service is not so good, with no schedule departure times. Intercape Mainliner Luxury Inter City Transport provider covering Southern Africa. Travel in the lap of excellance with Intercape Mainliner
Hitching:	One the main routes it is fairly easy to hitch in Botswana but, as always, this should be done with caution. You may have to pay a small fee for the journey - check before you accept the lift. If you are travelling on lesser known routes you will have long waits, it is often best to organise a lift at lodges.
Car Hire / Self Drive/ Maps:	Maps & Atlases for Sale
	The main roads are mostly sealed and in a fair condition. Problems occur on gravel roads during the rainy season and some roads can wash away completely. If you plan to travel on gravel roads or visit game reserves during the raining season a 4 wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Petrol is available throughout the country but fill up when you get the chance. There are a number of international and local car rental companies, so shop around. Look out for the small print and make sure you have insurance. Driving is on the left hand side and an international drivers license is required. It is law to wear seat belts.

INTERNET CAFES

Sakeng Internet Access Point - Gaborone
P.O Box 41173 Gaborone Botswana

Maun Sedia Hotel - Maun
Shorobe Road
email: icafe.maun@info.bw

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January	New Years Day
Moveable	Good Friday & Easter Monday
15 July	President's Day
30th September	Botswana (Independence) Day
December 25th	Christmas Day

ELECTRICAL POWER

Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pins with ground - view
Rectangular blade plug - view

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Botswana, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.

	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....

	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .

	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.