Thursday, December 10, 2020

Botswana

Botswana Flag


"Gem of Africa"

Why visit Botswana?
The luxury adventurous traveler seeking birdwatching, culture, desert camping, fishing, golf, guided tours, hunting, off-road adventure, safaris and wildlife.


Chobe National Park, Botswana. Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, dolls, ostrich eggshell necklaces, pottery, stamps, tapestries, weavings and wood carvings.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Mopane (worm). Porridge (breakfast cereal). Seswaa (pounded meat). Vetkoek (stuffed pastry).
  • Local Drink to Try: Bojalwa ja Setswana (beer). Castle (beer). Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic). Lion (beer). Madila (sour milk).

Gaborone (Capital City), Botswana. Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 


Fun Facts
  • In 1824, evidence of first written records relating to modern day.
  • In 1966, became independent.
  • In 1967, diamonds were discovered.
  • Since 1998, has maintained a low corruption ranking.
  • In 2019, researchers reported to be the birthplace of all modern humans from 200,000 years ago.
  • Until 2019, homosexuality was illegal.
  • By 2029, projects diamond mining to end due material availability.
  • World's largest producer of diamonds.
  • Large exporter of beef to Europe.
  • Approximately 70% of land is the Kalahari Desert. 
  • Historical trade exchanges with Asia (for beads) gold, ivory, and rhinoceros horn.
  • The Economy is cattle, mining and tourism.
  • The Northern area is home to an endangered wild dog population.
  • Desertification and soil erosion has been accelerating due to grazing.
  • Indigenous San people were forcibly relocated to reservations because of the sought after diamond fields owned by being denied access to water on their land and facing arrest if hunting. 
  • Capital punishment of hanging (death) is practiced.
  • Some domestic production of electricity using coal.
  • Largest diamond mining company (Debswana) is 50% owned by the government.

Photo Credit: katja/Pixabay 


Woven baskets are used in three styles: 
  1. Large lidded for storage purposes.
  2. Large open sourced for carrying objects on the head or winnowing grain.
  3. Smaller plate for winnowing pounded grain.

Okavango Delta (Ariel View), Northern Botswana. Photo Credit: reisigl/Pixabay 


Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: Maitisong Festival (March), Maun Festival (April), Tjilenje Cultural Festival (May), Toyota 1000 Desert Race (June) and Kuru Dance Festival (August).
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Sir Seretse Khama Day, Presidents' Day, Botswana Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Baobab Tree (Adansonia), Botswana. Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 


Good to Know
  • For their natural assets protection mass tourism is discouraged.
  • Elevated infections of AIDS and HIV.
  • Official language is English. Other languages spoken include AfrikaansKalangaKgalagadi, NdebeleSarwaTswapong and Yeyi.
  • Do be mindful, water is a precious commodity.
  • Do not wear camouflage clothing!
  • Severe penalties removing any animal parts without a government permit or licensed shop receipt!
  • Malnutrition is common among children (under 5).
  • Many countries do not allow entry of ivory.
  • Malaria is present. 
  • Due to bilharzia (parasite) do not swim or wade in rivers and lakes.
  • Cellular service is limited.
  • Wildlife is generally most active at dusk and after sunrise.
  • Beware of poisonous snakes.
  • Bus overcrowding is common.
  • Soft duffle bags are best served for packing. Baggage restrictions are strictly enforced.

Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay 


This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and at least three blank pages.
  • Tourist VISA not required.
  • Vaccination for Yellow Fever. 
  • No Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit.
Okavango Delta, Botswana. Photo Credit: Jose Mizrahi/Unsplash

  • Best Time to Visit: August - October and March - November
  • Coldest Month: July
  • Hottest Month: October
  • Peak Season: July - October

Photo Credit: Poinger_Herzschlog/Pixabay 


Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Okavango Delta and Tsodilo

Maun, Botswana. Photo Credit: Freek Van Ootegem/Pixabay 


Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

                                   All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

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