Other Interesting Facts and Pointers about Botswana
The Land and Population
Botswana is roughly the size of France or Texas but remarkably only has a population of 1.7 million people. As recently as 1920 there were only 120,000 people in the entire country! Population growth is at around 4% per annum. The small population can be attributed to the fact that 85% of the country is covered in semi-arid Kalahari Desert thus making living areas limited. The majority of the people live on the southern and eastern side or the country (around 80%).
The Towns
Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and is the fastest growing city in Africa. Other large towns include Francistown, Serowe and, to a lesser extent, the tourism town of Maun.
The Wilderness
Botswana is best known for is its pristine and wildly beautiful wilderness areas. Over 37% of our land mass is dedicated to wildlife management and conservation. From the vast expanses of the Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Pans to the watery paradise of the Okavango Delta, Botswana is the ongoing guardian of some of Africa greatest numbers of mammals and birds. Chief among these are 150,000 Elephants who roam the central and northern part of the country and large numbers of the fabled “big cats” Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs.
The Climate
In summer (October to April) temperatures soar to 40degrees and the rain pelts down regularly in the primary wet season (December to February).
Winter is from May to September and consists of dry, cloudless days with warm to hot days. However, night time temperatures can plummet to zero, especially in the early ours before dawn.
Currency – the Pula, which also means rain and “cheers” consists of 100 thebe (meaning thunder). The currency is stable and is usually worth around $6 US.
Changing a major currency in banks and bureau de change offices is easy. Pounds, Euros, Dollars and Rand can be exchanged. ATMS are also widespread and available in the most towns you visit.
Travel – you will arrive on an Air Botswana plane from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Maun in Northern Botswana. Travel is very laid back and safe in Botswana. Make sure you check your bag in all the way from home to Maun and take any valuable in your hand luggage.
Clothing and religion – you will find a fairly laid back approach to both subjects in Botswana. Most people practice some kind of Christianity, usually in the form of Anglican, Catholic or Church of Zion African Church faiths. Being such a rural area there is also a good deal of belief in ancestors and other traditional beliefs particularly with the Bushman.
Be respectful with your clothing especially when moving around within a rural community. Also remember bare in mind the heat and wet in the summer and the hot and cold of the winter. We recommend khaki or neutral clothing while on safari and in particular is you are walking.
Things to look out for – Please make sure you have a good insurance package befire you come away. Hospitals are fairly common and efficient but please consult a doctor before you travel on illnesses such as malaria and take inoculations that your doctor recommends. Please feel free to contact Last Wilderness at any time for any worries you have or recommendations we might have. Your safety is our number one priority in the wilderness. Clean drinking water is also readily available on Last Wilderness Safaris.
Local time – GMT or BST plus one hour
Recommended Reading on Botswana
Lonely Planet Botswana or Southern Africa – the most comprehensive guidebook on the area with all the facts, figures, places to stay, eat and play you could ever need.
The Miracle Rivers – a beautiful commentary on the peoples and wildlife of Northern Botswana. If you don”t buy it before you come here you certainly will when you leave.
Okavango River: The Flow of a Lifeline – everything you ever wanted to know about the Okavango and how it works from an scientific viewpoint.
Always Lightly Tread – a historical look at adventure and travel in old Botswana during the days of the British Protectorate
Cry of the Kalahari – an intimate look at life in the Kalahari with particular emphasis on conservation, research and the importance of water and wilderness to Botswana “s wildlife.
Trekking the Great Thirst by A.W. Hodson
Lost World of the Kalahari by Laurens Van der Post
Jewel of the Kalahari by Karen Ross
