Attractions
Francistown
Francistown, the 19th century Gold Rush industrial town at the confluence of the Tati and Inchwe Rivers, is the base for visitors to the Okavango, Moremi and Chobe Reserves and is served by Air Botswana from Gaborone. The Supa-Ngwao Museum is worth seeing.
Gaborone
The capital is in the southeast of the country. Worth seeing is the excellent National Museum (Tue-Fri: 08.00-18.00, Sat-Sun: 09.00-17.00) with its historical and ethnological collections. In addition to the interesting and constantly changing exhibitions, various symposiums and congresses are also held there. The museum also has an extremely helpful and varied brochure on Gaborone. The Botswana Room in the university library is reserved exclusively for publications about the country. There are several lovely craft shops and markets selling leather goods, ceramics, wicker and hand-woven fabrics.
- Topmbadirectory: Offers information about politics, geography, and known people in Botswana.
Trips
Gaborone Dam on the Notwane River near the capital offers good water sports. Also worth a visit is Gaborone Game Park just outside of town, where you can see rhino and antelope. Those interested in local crafts can take day trips to Odi, Thamaga and Pilane. A visit to the weaving mill at Lentswe-La-Udi, north of Gaborone, is highly recommended. Crafts here cost a fraction of the city prices, and the proceeds go directly to the artisans. Mochudi, also north of Gaborone, is the regional capital of the Bakgatla tribe. in thePhuthadikabo Museum allows visitors to learn the history of Bakgatla.
Francistown, the 19th century Gold Rush industrial town at the confluence of the Tati and Inchwe Rivers, is the base for visitors to the Okavango, Moremi and Chobe Reserves and is served by Air Botswana from Gaborone. The Supa-Ngwao Museum is worth seeing.
Shopping
Overview
Wood carvings, handwoven textiles, basketwork and jewelry are popular souvenirs. Shop opening times: i. General Mon-Fri 08.30-13.00 and 14.00-17.00, Sat 08.30-13.00.
Culinary
Overview
In larger cities there are restaurants and bars, mostly in hotels. Most safari lodges and safari camps also have bars and restaurants, but eating out is fairly basic outside of the larger hotels and restaurants.
Accommodation
Hotels
Although there is no formal star system, most hotels are of a good standard, particularly in the larger cities and tourist areas. Most hotels and motels are in and around Gaborone, Francistown Kasane and Maun. Amenities and comfort vary and some are basic, not all hotels have air conditioning. General information from The Hotel and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB), Private Bag 00423, Gaborone. (Tel: 35 71 44. Internet: www.hatab.bw).
Camping
Campsites with a capacity of up to six people are available in all national parks: roadside camping is also permitted. Permission must be obtained before camping on private property. Grass fires must be avoided at all costs, rubbish should be taken away or buried. There are lions in remote areas. The Where To Stay in Botswana brochure has information on prices and facilities. The brochure is available from the Department of Tourism (see addresses).
Culture
Religion
Predominantly natural religions (85%), Christians (15%), alongside Muslim and Hindu minorities.
Social Rules of Conduct
Tradition plays a big role, visitors should respect the customs, which are sometimes unusual for Europeans. In the country one is not used to tourists. Casual clothing is common. Photography: Airports, official buildings and military installations should not be photographed. If you want to take pictures of people, you should ask for permission beforehand. Tipping: Around 10% in cities.
Climate
Best travel time
In the rainy season in summer (November – March) very hot with downpours and heavy thunderstorms; in winter (May – September) dry and cooler, especially at night there is a significant drop in temperature. Annual rainfall decreases westward and southward.
Country data
Phone prefix
+267
Area (sq km)
581730
Population
2,351,627 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
4
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
997
