Botswana
Botswana is a unique destination with tourist ecology that is more diverse than any other African country. More than a third of the country is given over to wildlife conservation and management yet much of the country is unspoilt, untouched and virtually unexplored. Botswana offers all Africa’s big game animals in abundance, the migrations of the wildebeest, elephants, lions, girrafes, leopards and over 600 varieties of exotic birds.

Geography
Botswana is roughly the size of France or Texas. Its surface area is 582 00 sq km. It is entirely landlocked, bordered by its neighbours South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Botswana is 80% covered by the Kalahari. Most of the population is settled in the east and southeast of the country.

Climate
Subtropical: Summer is October to March. Temperatures soar to more than 40 degrees celcius at midday in December and January. The rains come between October and April, especially in December and January. Winters are dry with June, July and August being the driest months. Average daily maximum temperatures vary from 33 degrees in January to 22 degrees in July. Daily maximum temperatures: 19 degrees in January to 5 degrees in July.

Health
Malaria is prevalent especially in the north of the country. Get medical advise on what Malaria tablets to take and start taking anti-malaria tablets atleast a week before entering Botswana and keep taking the tablets for a further week on return home. Travellers should also be aware that HIV/AIDS is prevalent throughout Southern Africa including Botswana.

Air Travel
Best air communications are via Johannesburg in South Africa where there are several flights a day to Gaborone (Botswana’s capital) and regular flights from Windhoek (Namibia). Internal flights to Francistown, Maun, Kasane and the Limpopo Valley.

Visas
Visitors from the European Union, most commonwealth countries and the USA do not require visas. Visitors from other countries should check with Botswana embassies or conulates.