Botswana is situated in central Southern Africa, on the Northern border of South Africa. Botswana is a land-locked country and is home to the Sotho-Tswana tribe. Botswana generates it's income from two main industries, tourism and the diamond industry, these are supported by the role Botswana plays as a hub of the cattle industry in the region.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

With Gaberone as it's capital, travel to and from Botswana is usually though the international airport which has direct flights to many countries and is linked with regular flights to and from O.R. Thambo airport in Johannesberg and internally to the tourist gateway of Maun. Motor travel is popular with those camping and/or doing self-drive holiday, usually from South Africa, distances are however vast and some roads are only for the brave. Other than between the main centres, off-road vehicles are recommended, if you are planning to self-drive, particularly in the West/North West  region or outside the main roads, we recommend further research on road conditions.

ACCOMMODATION AND ACTIVITIES

Do the safari "thing" as it was intended and just like you imagined it to be when you were a child reading or listening to your fathers stories. Botswana truly offers a safari and game experience that is difficult to match.

The real way to do it is to camp, get down and do it as nature intended. There are however far more comfortable and easier options such as the many privately owned game lodges who offer accommodation of all levels and who will take care of your every need. A short flight into Maun will take you into the centre of the safari region where one can either join up with a Safari orgainser; start off on your own or fly from there into the many hidden accommodation gems along the Okavango River and Delta.

Before you rush off to buy a tent, let caution prevail, if camping is your plan and you are not yet a seasoned or experienced camper, we recommended you  go with someone who knows the ropes or under the guide of a professional safari organiser, Botswana is not the place to test your camping skills for the first time, more research is reommended before you head out with this objective. We recommend all bookings and reservations are made long in advance, Botswana is a popular destination and we recommend efficient planning and preparation to ensure a great holiday.

GAME RESERVES

Kgalagadi, Moremi, the name rolls off the tongue like a young lion roaming the savannha. Savuti, another name that makes the saliva run a little, if this is not enough , doesn't "Dead Tree Island" or Chobe  (pronounced tshobee) appeal to you. These are all part of the African experience Botswana is able to offer. centred around the Okavango Delta and River, Botswana has an arraay of Game Resrves and accommodation offers to suit all tastes.

CLIMATE AND GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Botswana's climate is semi-arid, hot and dry for much of the year with the exception of the erratic summer rainfall. Squalls or pockets of rain roam Botwana in an erratic manner with strong sunshine dominating and ensuring most of the rainfall is lost to evaporation. It is generally rain in the more central areas of Africa that feed the region after weeks of travel into the Okavango, one of natures wonders. The African rains slowly fill the streams and rivers, arriving in the Okavango during early summer, August-October, one can only watch in awe as the waters slowly arrive and feed the parched river beds. The animals wait patiently, some having followed the water on it's way down, some sat waiting, be patient as the region comes alive before your eyes. 

Summers can be hot, particularly from November to January, temperatures easily reach 40+ deg.c on occasion, sometimes cooled by showers and a few clouds, winter days are beautiful and warm but it gets cold sometimes during the night, occasionally dropping below freezing. April to October is arguably the best period to visit, climate is moderate and the opportunity to see and watch game is better.

The Pula is the currency of Botswana, with USD; Euro's and the South Afrcan Rand being exchanged quite easily, Pula  is also the Setswana word for rain, an essential and rare commodity. Communication and toursim facilities are scarce in some areas, with access to telephones limited.

MALARIA - Malaria is common in Botswana, as it is in the region in general. Malaria is carried by mosquito's, more prevalent in the summer months. Visitors are advised to take precautionary measures and to seek advice from a suitable medical practitioner or travel clinic. malaria can be managed and provided this is included in your plans. Other innoculations might be required or advised depending on your point of departure. 

For more info contact info@staysa.co.za