Language, Culture & History

History of Botswana

The first people to settle in Botswana were the San Bushmen, nomadic hunter-gatherers whose territories are also thought to have spanned present-day Namibia, Angola, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Their influence is still evident in southern Africa, where these indigenous inhabitants eke out traditional lives as hunter-gatherer. Examples of their early rock art are also still visible across the region.

From the 17th century the San Bushmen started to come under pressure from migrating Bantu tribes, who had migrated from sub-Saharan Africa. A further series of migrations followed and by the 18th century these migrants were firmly established in the southern part of Botswana, and had established a powerful military state controlling hunting, cattle-breeding and copper mining.

The 19th century brought another period of upheaval, as inhabitants from the north of the continent, dislocated by slavery and the collapse of their local economies, moved to new territories.

British colonialists and Boer settlers then came along and vied for control of Botswana; the local rulers allied themselves with the British against the Boers, and Botswana was eventually brought under British protectorate control in 1890, remaining so until independence in 1966.

Popular Seretse Khama became the country’s first president – a position he held until his death in 1980 – and subsequent elections have remained peaceful and democratic.

In the late 1960s, diamonds were discovered in Botswana and became the primary driving factor for the country’s economic growth and independence. These riches have, unlike in other parts of Africa, helped the country become a veritable African success story.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Botswana was an important player in South Africa’s apartheid struggle, providing refuge for a number of guerrilla fighters and political exiles. Today, Botswana’s key domestic priority is to tackle the AIDS pandemic. Botswana’s infection rate, estimated at 25 per cent of the total population, is among the world’s highest.

For any persisting issues, under current president Ian Khama, first elected in 2008, Botswana continues to be a shining light of peaceful, non-racial, multi-party democracy on the African continent.

Did you know?

• The jwaneng diamond mine, located in the south of the country, is the world’s richest diamond mine.
• The word lekgoa, which locals often use to refer to foreigners, literally translates as ‘spat out by the sea’.
• The wife of Botswana’s first president, Seretse Khama, and mother of current president, Ian Khama, was an English woman named Ruth Williams.

Botswana Culture

Religion in Botswana

Christianity, Roman Catholic and indigenous beliefs. There are numerous small Zionist and Apostolic churches in rural villages, as well as United Reformed (Congregational and Methodist), Dutch Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist and Anglican churches, and predominantly expatriate Muslim, Quaker, Hindu and Bahai congregations in major towns.

Social Conventions in Botswana

As most people in Botswana follow their traditional pattern of life, visitors should be sensitive to customs which will inevitably be unfamiliar to them. Outside urban areas and safari destinations, people may well not be used to visitors. Casual clothing is acceptable and, in urban centres, normal courtesies should be observed.

Photography: Airports, official residences and defence establishments should not be photographed. Permission should be obtained to photograph local people.

Language in Botswana

English is the official language. Setswana is the national language, with minorities speaking Kalanga and Sekgalagadi.

Geography & weather

Weather and climate

Best time to visit

The landlocked Botswana is semi-arid and has two main seasons: wet and dry.

The dry season is from May to October. This is peak season for wildlife safari as animals are much easier to spot because the vegetation is less dense, and animals tend to congregate around waterholes. Temperatures are around 25°C (77°F), but they are at least 10 degrees cooler in the south. The Kalahari Desert, in the southwest, may experience cold and frosty early mornings and evenings too.

The wet season is from November to April. November can be very hot and humid, while January and February are the wettest months. Some safari lodges and camps are closed during this period too.

If you are visiting the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, the months from June to September are the best time.

Required clothing

Loose, natural fabrics are recommended, with wet-weather gear and warmer clothes according to the season and area visiting.

Geography

Botswana is landlocked, bordered to the south and east by South Africa, to the northeast by Zimbabwe and to the north and west by Namibia. It also touches Zambia just west of the Victoria Falls. The tableland of the Kalahari Desert covers the centre and south. The principal wildlife areas are the Okavango Delta to the northwest, the largest inland delta in the world, which includes the Moremi Game Reserve; Chobe National Park in the north, including Savute and the Linyanti Marshes; and Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park in the far southwest, co-managed with South Africa.

The majority of the population lives in the southeast around Gaborone, Serowe and Kanye along the South African border. The vast arid sandveld of the Kalahari occupies much of central and western Botswana. The seasonal rains bring a considerable difference to the vegetation, especially in the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Okavango Delta.

Business Opportunities

Doing Business in Botswana

Lightweight suits should be worn.

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1700 April-October; 0730-1630 October-April. Government office hours: 0730-1630 all year round.

Economy

Diamond mining, tourism, financial services and livestock farming are key foreign exchange earners. Botswana is economically connected to South Africa and is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). It also hosts the Southern African Development Conference, which is the principal mechanism for economic co­operation.

Prudent management and the successful development of new mineral resources have afforded Botswana consistent economic growth at a rate of around 5% in recent years. The country has been seeking to reduce its economic dependence on diamonds and agricultural products, both of which are vulnerable to price fluctuations, and to increase its focus on high-revenue investment services and upmarket safari tourism. Unemployment is officially around 20%, but many citizens support themselves through subsistence agriculture.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic, which is extremely serious in Botswana and mainly afflicts the productive, young and middle-aged population, is starting to have a negative effect on the economy.

GDP

US$15.27 billion (2016).

Main exports

Diamonds, copper, nickel, beef and textiles.

Main imports

Food, machinery, electrical goods, vehicles and fuel.

Main trading partners

European Free Trade Association (EFTA); fellow members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

Keeping in Touch in Botswana

Telephone

There are very few public phone boxes.

Mobile Phone

Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage is average.

Internet

Available in large cities and resorts.

Media

There are claims that there are government limits on ability to broadcast freely but, overall, Botswana welcomes public debate and freedom of expression, as its constitution dictates. State-run television did not appear until 2000 and radio still has more dominance as a medium. Printed media are mostly limited to major cities and towns.

Post

There are post offices in all towns and the larger villages. Airmail service to Europe takes from one to three weeks.

Post Office hours

Mon-Fri 0815-1245 and 1400-1600; Sat 0800-1100.

Staying there

Hotels

Botswana’s main urban centres – Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun – all have a number of hotels and motels which generally maintain a reasonable standard. The top-end hotels offer air conditioning, swimming pools and entertainment such as film screenings, live music and dance shows; there are also budget places with fairly basic amenities. Botswana Tourism Department (see Contact Addresses) lists accommodation options online.

Grading: Botswana operates a standard 5-star rating system for all hotels, lodges and camps.

Nightlife & Shopping

Shopping in Botswana

Woodcarvings, handcrafted jewellery, textiles and attractive basketry are recommended. The Okavango Delta villages of Etsha and Shorobe are particularly famous for Ngamiland-style baskets. Modern Bushman art and ostrich-eggshell jewellery can be browsed and purchased at DIKar, 40km (25 miles) north of Ghanzi. There also occasional exhibitions at the National Museum in Gaborone.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat 0830-1300.

Nightlife in Botswana

Most people get up early in the morning, and even in the capital, Gaborone, nightlife is not very extensive. It’s limited to a few bars and restaurants, a cinema and a cultural centre which stages theatrical productions. Some bars host live music sessions at weekends. Despite its steady tourist traffic, Maun is even sleepier, with just a handful of restaurants, a small cinema and a clutch of places to grab a cold beer.

Meal & Beverages

 Most of Botswana’s safari lodges and camps serve excellent international-style cuisine that incorporates local influences such as game meats or traditional maize or sorghum-based Botswanan staples.

Good restaurants and bars can be found in most major towns and cities, often in the hotels. In rural villages and less developed areas food is generally more basic, usually consisting of a stiff maize-based porridge (pap) with some form of stew. Goat, beef, chicken and river fish are all common sources of protein for locals.

There are plenty of locally grown vegetables and fruits available at local markets, including the interesting marula fruit and tasty local wild spinach. Watermelons are also believed to have originated in Botswana.

Specialities

Pap: A stiff, maize porridge, the main local staple.

Seswaa: Botswana’s national dish, a meat stew made with onions and peppers and served with pap.

Kalahari truffles: A desert species of mushroom with a rich earthy flavour.

Mopane worms: Large, protein-rich grubs, boiled, grilled or deep-fried and served as a side or snack.

Morogo: Wild spinach, often served as a side with pap and stews.

Vetkoek: A deep-fried dough ball similar to a savoury doughnut, often served with curried mince.

Serobe: Goat, sheep or cow intestines cooked until soft; trotters are sometimes also included.

Biltong: Seasoned and dried beef or game meat.

Dikgobe: A stodgy mixture of beans and maize or sorghum.

Bojalwa: An opaque, sorghum-based beer.

Tipping

A discretionary 5 to 10%. In many places, a service charge is automatically added. It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari.

Drinking age

18.

Getting Around

Air

Major areas of the country are linked by air. There are airports in Francistown, Ghanzi, Jwaneng, Kasane, Maun and Selebi-Phikwe. Air Botswana (www.airbotswana.co.bw) runs domestic flights from Francistown, Kasane and Maun to Gabarone.

Many visitors use charter companies based in Maun to fly to the various lodges in Botswana. These include Mack Air (www.mackair.co.bw), Kavango Air (www.kavangoair.com) and Kalahari Air Services (www.kalahariair.co.bw).

Road

Side of the road

Left

Road Quality

Botswana has good tarmac roads on major routes; generally roads range from tarmac to either gravel or sand tracks. Visitors should be careful as many drivers ignore safety rules. You should always carry reserve fuel, emergency supplies, and at least 20L of water on longer journeys. Make careful enquiries before setting out. Wildlife and stray livestock may pose a hazard.

Car Hire

Major international companies and local firms offer car hire in Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun. In many areas, you need 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Taxi

There is a taxi service in all major towns, and it’s generally safe. Make sure you agree prices before embarking on a journey.

Regulations

Speed limits are 120kph (75mph) outside built-up areas, and about 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas.

Documentation

To drive in Botswana, you need a valid national driving licence, which you can use for up to six months. If it’s not in English, an International Driving Permit is recommended.

Urban travel

Public transport within towns consists of share-taxis or minibus services operating at controlled flat fares. Exclusive use of taxis is sometimes available at a higher charge.

Rail

An overnight train runs daily from Francistown to Gaborone and Lobatse.

Healthcare

*A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age travelling from infected areas.

Health Care

The dust and heat may cause problems for some people. Visitors should use sun protection, especially due to Botswana’s high altitude. The public health system is good. All main towns have chemists, and pharmaceutical supplies are readily available. Health insurance is essential.

Food and Drink

Tap water is considered safe to drink, although outside main cities and towns, visitors are advised to check first and sterilise water if in any doubt. Bottled water is available in most tourist centres. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally safe.

Other Risks

Vaccinations for tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Hepatitis C occurs. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Tick-bite fever can be a problem when walking in the bush. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting clothes and to search the body for ticks. Rabies is present in animals. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays in Botswana

New Year’s Day

01 January 2020

Good Friday

10 April 2020

Easter Monday

13 April 2020

Labour Day

01 May 2020

Ascension Day

21 May 2020

Sir Seretse Khama Day

01 July 2020

President’s Day

20 July 2020

Botswana Day

30 September 2020

Christmas Day

25 December 2020

Duty free & Currency

Currency and Money

Currency information

Pula (BWP; symbol P) = 100 thebe. Notes are in denominations of P100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of P5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 thebe.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are available in most larger cities and towns.

ATM

ATMs are available in most larger cities and towns.

Travellers cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Traveller’s cheques are accepted in some banks in large cities but with a high surcharge.

Banking hours

Banks open 0800 and 0900, Mon-Sat, closing between 1615 and 1715 on weekdays and 1045 and 1200 on Saturdays.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currencies, provided declared on arrival. Export of local currency is limited to P50 and foreign currencies up to the amount declared on arrival.

Currency exchange

Money should be exchanged in banks at market rates. The main commercial banks include Bank of Baroda, Barclays Bank of Botswana, First National Bank, Stanbic Bank Botswana and Standard Chartered Bank with branches in major towns and villages. Owing to limited facilities in small villages, it is advisable to change money at the airport or in major towns, where credit card cash advances may also be available. There are also bureaux de changes at major border posts. Safari lodges accept payment in US dollars.

Botswana duty free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Botswana without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of wine and 1L of spirits.
• 50m1 of perfume and 250m1 of eau de toilette.
• Goods up to the value of R500 (South African Rand) from within the SACU zone (Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland) and to the value of R3,000 from outside the zone.

Tobacco and alcohol allowances are only applicable to travellers over 18 years old.

Banned Imports

Prohibited imports include firearms and ammunition, narcotics and pornography.

You may bring in small amounts of fresh food, but you require an import licence for larger amounts. Note that the import regulations on importing meat change regularly according to disease outbreaks in different countries.