General Botswana Info

[Papsak]

Apologies if not the correct thread - but might be pertinent to OP.

We've just been told that police clearance is now a requirement at border crossings for Botswana - is there any clarification on this?

Nope.

Read all entry requirements here, http://www.gov.bw/Visitors/topics/En...-Requirements/

[Falstaf]

Hi everybody,
have a question regarding payment of park fees in Botswana. On the website from "Maunselfdrive4x4" they have written that park fees must be paid in advance and only in certain places, for example, they have written that for CKGR you have to pay entrance fees in DWNP office in Gabs, Leithakane, Ghanzi or Kang. Is that true or not? Can we pay entrance fees at Matswere gate or not (we will be arriving from Maun so going to Leithakane would be a long way off).

Also for Chobe and Moremi, can we pay at all the entrance gates (Ngoma, Mababe) or just at Sedudu gates?

Gregor

P.s. we have all the camp booking organised

[ortelius]

Park fees can be paid at any park gates, provided that you have campsite payment sorted (you'll have to show your campsite vouchers). Although some of the gates have credit card facilities, have cash ready in case POS terminals are not working.

[lekhubu943]

Send DWNP a e-mail with a copy of your park booking attached. Ask them for a invoice for park fees and credit card form. Fill form in, fax to them and mail them that you have faxed it.

They will mail your entry vouchers to you within a week to 14 days.

Easy peasy and no need to carry all the cash or stand at the ATM to draw it.

[NDMBots]

Hi

If you have your campsites booked and paid, you do not need to worry, you can pay for park fees on arrival at Matswere, make sure you have cash with you.

Thanks

Maile

[subarujo]

Is it still necessary to have an unabridged birth certificate? (we've applied 6 months ago - still busy)

[lekhubu943]

You can take the risk, but we were asked for my son's twice in April.

[Schalk Raath]

You can take the risk, but we were asked for my son's twice in April.

Same here, went in through Skilpadshek / Pioneer Gate in March 2016 and had to produce the documents for the kids.
Mother and Father was also required to be with the kids at the counter, otherwise they did not want to process us

[VickyV]

Good morning

I am interested to know how many of you take Malaria Tablets on your trips to Botswana?
My husband and I did on our last trip in 2011 (August)... and we didn't see even 1 mosquito (touch wood).

We are going to Savuti & Moremi next month (September) and we are wondering whether we should take Malaria Tablets again.

Any thoughts?

Kind regards
Vicky

[Hardekool]

Good morning

I am interested to know how many of you take Malaria Tablets on your trips to Botswana?
My husband and I did on our last trip in 2011 (August)... and we didn't see even 1 mosquito (touch wood).

We are going to Savuti & Moremi next month (September) and we are wondering whether we should take Malaria Tablets again.

Any thoughts?

Kind regards
Vicky

Rather be safe than sorry...We always take precautions when entering malaria area

[lekhubu943]

Vicky, you should rather ask why should we NOT take anti malarials. I have as yet not been able to find a good answer.

You might not see the mozzies, but you only need one to get malaria.

[Stan Weakley]

The recommendation to take malaria prophylaxis for northern Botswana is supported by all responsible experts and I also do not understand why people are so opposed to complying. Most of us as occasional visitors to malaria areas are at an appreciable risk of contracting severe malaria.

A simple comparison would be not wearing a seat belt because you had never been involved in a motor vehicle accident.

[Die Lem]

Goeie middag Almal

Ons vertrek oor so bietjie meer as 'n week botswana toe.
Sien baie uit.

Ons beplan om aan die einde van ons trip die hunters road te ry, wat die regulasies en goed deesdae rondom dit.

Dankie

Groete

Lem

[VickyV]

Vicky, you should rather ask why should we NOT take anti malarials. I have as yet not been able to find a good answer.

You might not see the mozzies, but you only need one to get malaria.

Thank you for your reply...
I guess my reason would be the effects of the drug if you are a female that might want to conceive.
I have been told that you should not try to conceive for at least 3 months after you have stopped taking them.
I understand that contracting malaria would be worse... I was just wondering what the current situation is in Botswana... if anything has changed since our last trip and maybe they have managed to control the disease in those areas.

[Stan Weakley]

Vicky, the incidence of malaria varies a little from year to year depending on the rainfall and other factors. The incidence in Moremi and Savuti has not improved appreciably over the years.

As far as a possible pregnancy goes, have you looked into the effects that malaria and its treatment might have on early pregnancy and a foetus? I suggest you consult your GP and ask him to look into this.

EDIT. I also need to add that malaria is often more severe in pregnancy.

[VickyV]

Vicky, the incidence of malaria varies a little from year to year depending on the rainfall and other factors. The incidence in Moremi and Savuti has not improved appreciably over the years.

As far as a possible pregnancy goes, have you looked into the effects that malaria and its treatment might have on early pregnancy and a foetus? I suggest you consult your GP and ask him to look into this.

EDIT. I also need to add that malaria is often more severe in pregnancy.

Thanks Stan

If there is no significant change in the situation regarding malaria in Moremi & Savuti we will rather wait, take extra precaution and take our malaria tablets...not worth the risk.

[martcassidy]

Definately get the birth certificates - friends were not allowed through - even at the Platjan Border which is tiny.

[Monika Roode]

Thank you very much for the information. Does anyone know if the border entry fees are going up in September. I heard a roomer but I'm struggling to confirm that.

Thank you
Monika

General Botswana Info

NOTE: This thread is not for discussions. Only add here if you think any info needs to be updated or amended.
Start a new discussion (thread/topic/post) if you need information.
THANK YOU


Border Posts Opening/Closing times:
* Pont Drift - Mashatu 08:00 - 16:00
* Platjan 06:00 - 18:00
* Zanzibar 08:00 - 16:00
* Martins Drift 06:00 - 22:00
* Parrshalt - Stockpoort 06:00 - 18:00
* Sikwane - Derdepoort 07:00 - 19:00
* Tlokweng Gate - Kopfontein 06:00 - 24:00
* Ramotswa - Swartkoppie 07:00 - 19:00
* Pioneer Gate - Skilpdshek 06:00 - 22:00
* Ramatlabama 06:00 - 20:00
* Phitshane Molopo - Makgwebi Stad 07:30 - 16:30
* Bray 08:00 - 16:00
* Makopong 08:00 - 16:00
* McCarthy's Rust 08:00 - 18:00
* Middlepits 08:00 - 18:00

Entry Requirements
Look at the Botswana Tourism website

Border Entry Fees
Vehicle Levy: P40-00 per vehicle less than 3.5 Ton. Trailer is P40-00 as well. (Payable every time you enter)
Road Safety: P20-00 per vehicle. Trailer is also P20-00. (This is valid for the calendar year. Jan 1 to Dec 31)
3rd Party Iinsurance: P50-00 per vehicle. If you are planning to go through Botswana to Namibia/Zambia and back through Botswana, ask for a Multi entry Permit. P90-00.

Border Procedure
At “Immigration”, ask for a “blue form” (all passport holders older than 16). Fill out the form and hand it in with your passport. The driver must ask for the “vehicle register” and complete the details. You will receive a “Gate Pass” (missing one stamp). The driver must proceed to “customs”, pay all applicable “entry fees” (see above) and get the second stamp. Declare anything if needed. That will do it. (Something personal…. Please remove your hat and sunglasses when you approach the official at the gate. It is just good manners. Ummm – and safety belt ON)

Vehicle Registration Papers
You will need the following:
1. If you are the owner: The original reg. papers. Certified copies are dodgy.
2. If you are not the owner, copy of registration papers and an original letter from owner, giving you permission to take vehicle into Botswana.
(Personal note: In my 8 years crossing the border frequently, I have never been asked for the papers. BUT !!! Rather be safe than sorry. Please note: This is with a Botswana registered vehicle.)

On the Road
The general speed limit is 120km/h, and 60km/h in towns and villages. There is 80km/h limit when passing intersections or villages (where not indicated) on the main roads. Respect and obey these.

Money Matters
Cash in Pula is King. 1 Pula (rain) = 100 Thebe (shield).
Most shops in the bigger towns will accept ZAR, but at a "not so good" exchange rate. Use Pula in cash in small towns and villages.
I have found XE.com to be the most accurate for the exchange rate. The actual rate will be 5 to 10 thebe higher or lower (buying or selling), depending on where you exchange.
Where credit/debit cards are accepted, your Visa will work. Cash can be withdrawn from most ATMs with Visa cards. It is worthwhile to withdraw large sums at a time, as there is a fixed fee per transaction. (Ask your bank for the current international fees)

Fuel
See here for the latest price.
All fuel originates from the South African refineries and is usually about 50c per liter cheaper than in sunny South Africa.
Fuel can be bought by credit card in most main towns, but cash is always the best.
No "Petrol Cards" or "Garage Cards" are accepted.

National Parks and Bookings
(DWNP = Department of Wildlife and National Parks)
DWNP Official Website

All bookings for the Parks and Reserves must be done at the Parks and Reserves Reservation Office.
Gaborone: Tel +267 318 0774, Fax +267 318 0775 or Fax +267 391 2354
Maun: Tel +267 686 1265, Fax +267 686 1264
EMail : [email protected]

General Park Fees
Park Fees

Kgalagadi Transfrontier & Mabuasehube Parks
Wilderness Trail: (One way - Mabuhasehube to Nossob. Including one nights accomodation at Mosomane) - P200-00pp.

Accommodation for Public Campsites in the National Parks must be booked with the Private Operators.
Here is a MS Word Doc with all the operators and the Campsites.
The same info is on the Getaway Blog.


Meat
It is allowed to bring 25kg per family…. BUT, if there is any word out on Foot and Mouth disease, it will not be allowed. Meat in Botswana is in any case of good quality, and not expensive. Rather buy it here.
Even if you buy it here, the following rules apply… Now concentrate a little on this one: (Thanks to FreeFlyd for this explanation)
You can move meat from South to North.
You can move meat from East to West.
You can however not move meat from North to South or West to East.
So meat that you bought in Maun, for example, you can not take to Nxai Pan or Makgadigadi, but you can take it to Tsodillo Hills or Moremi, Chobe and Savute. Meat that you bought at Woolworths in Gauteng, you can drive with to Maun, to Chobe, to Kasane, to Livingstone and beyond… But as soon as you turn south, you can’t have it any more. (Understand ? )

Communications
Botswana has three Mobile Operators. Mascom, Orange and beMobile. Look at the websites for coverage maps.
All providers in SA have roaming agreements with the Botswana service providers

Other Links
Botswana Tourism
Maun Self Drive 4x4
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Daily News

[GEOFFMC]

We are visiting Mabua in December and am just getting all of my final info together, i would like to know were the nearest medical facility is and if anyone has contact details for it, should we have any unfortunate medical emergency durning our stay, thank you

[Tony Weaver]

We are visiting Mabua in December and am just getting all of my final info together, i would like to know were the nearest medical facility is and if anyone has contact details for it, should we have any unfortunate medical emergency durning our stay, thank you

Google Tsabong Primary Hospital - basic facilities in a small town. If you anticipate possible medical problems (ie a current condition) it would be advisable to take out medical evac insurance and carry a satphone.