Botswana Tourist Information

The Kalahari Desert covers four-fifths of Botswana and 17% of the country is covered by National Parks and a further 22% has been set aside as wildlife management areas. The region in the north and northeast is where the main tourist areas are found. This region plays host to the famous Okavango Delta, The Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Chobe National Park and the Savute Marsh (south-western Chobe).

The Delta, Moremi and Savute are accessed by light aircraft from Maun or Kasane. There are daily flights from Johannesburg to Maun. Chobe can either be accessed via Vic Falls (80 kms away) or Kasane. There are flights from Johannesburg to Kasane three times a week.

Travel within Botswana is mainly by light aircraft (Cessna 206, 210, Caravan or Islander). This allows the guest to fly directly into the lodges. Inter-camp transfers are usually done by air, or occasionally by boat (depending on the combination of camps). There is also an optional road transfer service between the Botswana lodges, should you not wish to fly.

Due to its proximity to Victoria Falls, Botswana is often combined with a stay in the Falls. This would mean flying into Maun and out of Vic Falls, or vice versa. Itineraries can be designed around the guest's requirements and we will be as flexible as airline schedules will allow.

Location:

Central southern Africa. Botswana is landlocked and is bordered by South Africa to the south, Zimbabwe to the east, Namibia to the west, Angola to the north and Zambia to the north east.

Area: 582 000 sq kms ( 224 711 sq miles), roughly the size of France.

Capital: Gabarone (South east)

Language: English & Setswana

Time: GMT +2

Tourist attractions:

The Okavango Delta (largest inland delta in the world covering over 15 000 sq.km)
Moremi Wildlife Reserve
Chobe National Park & Savute

Health:

The areas covered in our tours are endemic Malaria areas. We suggest you consult your doctor or pharmacy regarding anti malaria medication

Visas:

Most non Commonwealth passport holders do require a visa. Please contact your nearest Botswana consulate for more detailed information.

Botswana is an all-year-round wilderness destination though general game viewing is at its best during the winter months (June - October) when the game concentrates around water sources and the bush and plains grasses are substantially thinned out. The Okavango Delta floods annually during the same time, as the river takes some 6 months to reach the delta from its source 1000km away in the Angolan Highlands. Calving season throughout the region is from November - February, during the rainy season. Fishing for tigerfish, bream and pike is especially good September - December.

Other seasonal activities for special interest groups to take note of:

Best birding months are November to March when the Delta is brimming with migratory birds.

Best botanical months are December to May when the vegetation is lush and green and also when most plants are in flower.

Source: Tourist Information

Self drive Information

Self drive itineraries are arranged to encompass every detail - with world-class comprehensive documentation ensuring total peace of mind during a getaway with a difference.

An ever increasing number of travellers are shying away from organised and guided holidays and prefer to explore a destination at their own pace depending on their interests. On the African continent, this type of holiday is generally not possible, bar for the seasoned adventure traveller. South Africa is one of few exceptions on this continent and offers itself as an ideal, user friendly self drive destination of unexpected variety.

South Africa has an excellent network of tarred roads allowing easy travel to any area visited. Road signs are frequent and easily followed, petrol is widely available and relatively well priced, cellular networks cover most of the country and communication is easy and affordable. Generally distances travelled are substantial, especially by European standards, however traffic density is relatively low and in conjunction with the excellent road network, travel times are reasonable. Kindly note that South Africa and its neighbouring countries have left-hand side traffic.

We have included approximate travel times on the some of the itineraries which give an indication of the travel time directly from point a to b and does not include stop-off touring time. One of the concerns often raised is the safety aspect of self drive holidays, the traveller can be assured that any areas of tourism value are safe. A general attitude of care and the acceptance that one is in a third world country, will allow for a trouble free holiday.

We differentiate our self drive tours with the following benefits:

• 24 hour, 7 day a week Manager on Duty
• A country-wide infrastructure
• Our years of experience has resulted in innovative routings combining the highlights of South Africa as well as lesser-known attractions
• World-class self drive documentation
• Our grading system, where an indication of the class of tour is given
• Free cellular phone rental when pre-booked

Silver Class Tours

Comfortable accommodation, facilities and services with excellent value for money. The car hire category used is a Group B 1600cc vehicle with power steering, manual transmission, air-conditioning, radio and tape.

Gold Class Tours

Above average to very good quality accommodation, facilities and services. The car hire category used is a Group D 1600cc vehicle with power steering, automatic transmission, air-conditioning, radio and tape.

Platinum Class Tours

Superior accommodation, facilities and exceptional personalised services, these properties will exceed all expectations. The car hire category used is a Group G 1800cc vehicle with power steering, air-bag, automatic transmission, air-conditioning, radio and tape.

The itineraries provided in this section gives one an idea of the potential routes available with suggested accommodation offerings. Within such a diverse country offering so many special interest opportunities and as we place huge emphasis on creating lifetime experiences, self drive tours can be tailor made to meet specific time constraints, budgets and individual client preferences.

All Self Drive programms listed are well travelled and enjoyed by previous clients. Please note that all itineraries may be tailormade to suit your individual requirements and interests.

Accommodation are suggestions only, and once again, may be replaced with alternatives perhaps more suited to your travel requirements.

VEHICLE HIRE CATEGORIES

Group B: Manual Transmission / Airconditioning / Radio / Tape / Powersteering / 1400 or 1600
Nissan Almera or similar

Group C: Automatic Transmission / Airconditioning / Radio / Tape / Powersteering / 1600
Nissan Almera or similar

Group D: Automatic 2 Litre / Airconditioning / Powersteering / Radio / Tape
Toyota Camry / Mazda 6 or similar

Group G: Mercedes Benz C 180 or BMW 318i : Automatic / Airconditioning / Powersteering / CD Player

For larger groups of travellers we would suggest the Mercedes Vito 7 Seater or similar.

COSTS

As each travellers has their own specific requirements - whether it be vehicle hire / accommodation or number of days available for travel - we prefer to quote on each request.

You are assured of a reply to your enquiry within 24 hours from request.

The following information is applicable to all featured self drive itineraries:

Recommended Clothing

During the warmer months (January - April and September - December) light casual clothing is sufficient during the day and a rain jacket for the occasional rainfall.

From April - September, warm clothing, jackets for evening game drives and smart casual wear for the evenings is recommended.

Health Requirements

No inoculations are required but an anti-malaria precaution is highly recommended.

Special Requests

Should you have any special requests i.e. dietary or other requirements, please advise us at time of booking.

Included

Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary; car rental as per category booked, inclusive of supercover, personal accident insurance and unlimited mileage; meet and greet on arrival; tourism levy on accommodation; documentation pack and unlimited access to the African Welcome Safaris back-up team.

Excluded

Accommodation and meals not specified in the itinerary; fuel deposits and additional driver/younger driver/one way drop off surcharges; fuel; oil; scheduled flights and airport departure taxes; entrance or conservation fees; gratuities; laundry; drinks; extras and items of a personal nature. Recommended or mentioned excursions are not included unless specified.

Source: Self Drive Information

Botswana Tourist Information

TRAVELLING IN BOTSWANA

The Kalahari Desert covers four-fifths of Botswana and 17% of the country is covered by National Parks and a further 22% has been set aside as wildlife management areas. The region in the north and northeast is where the main tourist areas are found. This region plays host to the famous Okavango Delta, The Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Chobe National Park and the Savute Marsh (south-western Chobe).

The Delta, Moremi and Savute are accessed by light aircraft from Maun or Kasane. There are daily flights from Johannesburg to Maun. Chobe can either be accessed via Vic Falls (80 kms away) or Kasane. There are flights from Johannesburg to Kasane three times a week.

Travel within Botswana is mainly by light aircraft (Cessna 206, 210, Caravan or Islander). This allows the guest to fly directly into the lodges. Inter-camp transfers are usually done by air, or occasionally by boat (depending on the combination of camps). There is also an optional road transfer service between the Botswana lodges, should you not wish to fly.

Due to its proximity to Victoria Falls, Botswana is often combined with a stay in the Falls. This would mean flying into Maun and out of Vic Falls, or vice versa. Itineraries can be designed around the guest's requirements and we will be as flexible as airline schedules will allow.

Location:

Central southern Africa. Botswana is landlocked and is bordered by South Africa to the south, Zimbabwe to the east, Namibia to the west, Angola to the north and Zambia to the north east.

Area: 582 000 sq kms ( 224 711 sq miles), roughly the size of France.

Capital: Gabarone (South east)

Language: English & Setswana

Time: GMT +2

Tourist attractions:

The Okavango Delta (largest inland delta in the world covering over 15 000 sq.km)
Moremi Wildlife Reserve
Chobe National Park & Savute

Health:

The areas covered in our tours are endemic Malaria areas. We suggest you consult your doctor or pharmacy regarding anti malaria medication

Visas:

Most non Commonwealth passport holders do require a visa. Please contact your nearest Botswana consulate for more detailed information.

Botswana is an all-year-round wilderness destination though general game viewing is at its best during the winter months (June - October) when the game concentrates around water sources and the bush and plains grasses are substantially thinned out. The Okavango Delta floods annually during the same time, as the river takes some 6 months to reach the delta from its source 1000km away in the Angolan Highlands. Calving season throughout the region is from November - February, during the rainy season. Fishing for tigerfish, bream and pike is especially good September - December.

Other seasonal activities for special interest groups to take note of:

Best birding months are November to March when the Delta is brimming with migratory birds.

Best botanical months are December to May when the vegetation is lush and green and also when most plants are in flower.

Source: Tourist Information