Overview
Botswana is a country in Africa according to neovideogames. Botswana’s dramatic landscape includes dramatic salt pans, diamond-rich deserts and fertile plains that are home to numerous animal species. The north in particular is one of the best safari areas in southern Africa. More than 40% of Botswana’s area is national parks, nature reserves and private lands where green tourism is practiced. The jewel of the crown is undoubtedly the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. Seasonal lagoons and waterways are populated by countless bird species, while giraffes and zebras roam the vast grassy plains. Northeast of the delta is the Chobe National Park, home to gigantic herds of elephants of up to 400 animals. Botswana is an African success story. Since its independence in 1966, the country has achieved stable economic growth. Despite controversy – the AIDS/HIV problem and the alleged mistreatment of Kalahari Bushmen – Botswana is a peaceful and stable country of amazing beauty.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
The national airline Air Botswana (BP) operates only within Africa. Flight connections from Europe include Johannesburg, Windhoek and Harare. South African Airways (SA) and Lufthansa (LH) in cooperation with Air Botswana (BP) fly from Frankfurt/M. via Johannesburg to Gaborone; Feeder flights to Frankfurt/M. with Austrian Airlines (OS) and Lufthansa (LH) from Vienna. Swiss (LX) flies in cooperation with South African Airways (SA) from Zurich via Johannesburg to Gaborone.
Flight times
Frankfurt – Gaborone: 12 hours 50 minutes; Vienna – Gaborone: 14 hrs 20 mins; Zurich – Gaborone: 12 hours 55 minutes
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
By land, entry is possible via South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Full information on the various border crossings can be found online at Botswana Tourism. Long-distance bus: The Intercape bus company offers regular connections between Botswana and South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Toll: Some roads are toll roads; the amounts are to be paid in cash. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license or an official English translation of the national driver’s license must be carried.
Arrival by train
The only current international railway line connects Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) with Francistown, Gaborone and Lobatse in Botswana.
Arrival by ship
A car ferry operates on the Zambezi River at Kazungula between Botswana and Zambia.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Air Botswana (BP) connects the country’s cities with regular scheduled flights. Charter airlines such as Northern Air, Helicopter Horizons and Kalahari Air Services fly to lodges in Botswana and offer scenic flights. Mack Air mainly serves the Okavango Delta.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network is best developed in the east and south-east of the country. Almost the entire rest of the country is desert with only a few roads. When traveling to remote areas, you should take petrol reserves and at least 20 liters of drinking water with you. When driving between cities, it is advisable to regularly use the available gas stations due to the long distances involved.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
The roads are paved on the following routes: – Ramatlabama – Lobatse – Gaborone – Francistown – Kazangula; – Francistown – Ramaquebane (Zimbabwe border); Francistown – Orapa – Maun; – Trans-Kalahari: Lobatse – Kanye – Iwaneng – Ghansi to the Mamuno (Namibia) border crossing; – Gaborone – Molepolole – Letlakeng; – Serule – Selebi – Phikveh; – Palapye – Serove. The other roads are mostly gravel and sand tracks. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential on these slopes; in heavy rains they are often completely impassable.
Car rental
Rental cars are available at the airports and in the cities. Drivers must be at least 18 years old (depending on vehicle category) and have held a driver’s license for at least one year. A young driver fee is sometimes payable locally under the age of 25; Some car rental companies state 75 as the maximum age.
Taxi
Taxis can be found in all major cities.
Coach
There are a variety of bus companies in Botswana; one of the largest is Seabelo, which has regular bus services between Gaborone and all major cities in the country. In addition, a good minibus network connects the larger towns. Night drives are not carried out for safety reasons, as there are sometimes animals on the road at night.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Seat belts are compulsory. – alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰; Absolute ban on alcohol on the road. – The police must be informed within 48 hours of accidents with injuries. – Accidents involving wild animals often lead to lengthy investigations. – Driving at night should be avoided; there is an increased risk of accidents due to animals on the road. Speed limits: – urban: 60 km/h; – extra-urban: 120 km/h; – in national parks: 30 km/h. Speeding offenses carry heavy fines.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company must always be notified first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license or an official English translation of the national driver’s license must be carried.
Traveling in the city
To get around cities, travelers have a choice between taxis and shared taxis, identified by their blue number plates, and minibuses that operate on set routes.
Locally on the way by train
The only railway line in the eastern part of the country is operated by Botswana Railways. Trains run between Lobatse and Francistown via Gaborone, Mahalapye and Palapye.
