Botswana - Useful Information CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Pula which is divided into 100 Thebe. Three commercial banks operate in Botswana. The Bank of Botswana, a government subsidiary, allocates generous foreign currency allowances out of Botswana.Bank hours are Mondays to Fridays 08h15 - 12h45 and on Saturdays 08h15 - 10h45. Major hotels have foreign currency facilities. Most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept travelers cheques. Many lodges however, will NOT accept credit cards. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted in most other hotels. If travelling from South Africa, you are allowed R500.00 in cash only, so you should carry the balance of your spending money in travellers cheques. Foreign currency can be used at the lodges - change will be given in Pula. AIRPORT TAXES
Domestic departures tax of BWP 10.00 p/p in Botswana.
International departure tax of BWP 25.00 p/p ex Botswana.
Departure of SAR 39.00 ex Johannesburg TIPPING
Gratuities of 10% are normal for hotels and restaurants staff, porters, d this does not include camera equipment within reason. Luggage must be in a soft dust proof bag. IMPORTANT FOR AIR BOTSWANA FLIGHTS
Please check in early at Johannesburg International Airport for your flight to Gaborone as this flight is often overbooked (if taking the scheduled flight). If your flight is via Gaborone on arrival at Gaborone please ensure that you claim your baggage and check in immediately for you connecting flight to Maun, as this flight is also often overbooked. PHOTOGRAPHY
The choice of the correct camera equipment will determine the quality of you photos on your trip. For good photography of birds and animals a telephoto lens is necessary. Please remember to bring plenty of film and a spare battery. Binoculars are also essential. RECOMMENDED READING
1. "Land Mammals of South Africa - A Field Guide" - Smithers
2. Laurens Van Der Post has a series of good books on the Kalahari - "The Heart of the Hunter", etc.
3. "Okavango - Sea of Land of Water" and "The Bushmen" - Anthony Bannister and Peter Johnson.
4. "The Lions and Elephants of Chobe" - Bruce Aitken.
5. "Which Way Botswana's Wildlife" - Russel Friedman books.
6. "A Brush with the Wild" - Paul Augustinus.
7. "Kalahari - Life's Variety in Dune and Delta" - Michael Main.
8. "Birds of Prey of Southern Africa" - Peter Steyn.
9. "Okavango - Jewel of the Kalahari" - Karen Ross.
10. "Birds of Southern Africa" - Ken Newman
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