Botswana – Rafiki X-Dream Safaris in Malawi %

Botswana captivates with a unique mix of impressively untouched nature and dreamlike landscapes. For safari lovers and nature enthusiasts, Botswana is the perfect destination.

The name Botswana is derived from the Tswana people, who form the majority of the population in the country of Botswana. Botswana is often referred to as Africa’s model country because, since its independence in 1966, it has had a free democratic basic order and a government legitimized by regularly held elections. This stability makes Botswana a very popular vacation destination in southern Africa.

The country between Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa is characterized by two fascinating contrasts. On the one hand, Botswana consists of 80% Kalahari desert, on the other hand, the Okavango basin of about 15,000 km² offers hundreds of animal species, a lot of forest and countless small waterways that join together to form lagoons. Especially during the rainy season a unique fauna and flora can be marveled at on trips and safaris here

Country info

Entry requirements

Visitors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. A toll-free Visitors Entry Permit is issued upon arrival at all official border crossings. A valid passport is sufficient (six months validity beyond the end of the trip – at least two blank pages for stamps must be free!). When entering the country from a yellow fever infected area (Central and East Africa), a yellow fever vaccination card is required. Occasionally, upon entry, sufficient funds are asked for, or a return ticket is required. Normally, upon entry, the official issues a residence permit for up to 30 days. If you stay in the country for a longer period of time, you have to get your visitor visa extended in your immigration office (in Gabaron, Maun, Francistown etc.). The entry and exit processing of tourists is usually very courteous, controls are rare.

Children under the age of 18 must have a birth certificate listing their parents in addition to their passport. In order to avoid difficulties when entering and leaving the country, it is therefore recommended until further notice to carry international birth certificates or, if necessary, certified English translations.

Flight

Botswana is not flown to directly from Europe until today! The national airline Air Botswana also flies exclusively to destinations in Africa. There is usually a stopover in Johannesburg, Harare or Windhoek.

Flights to Johannesburg, Harare or Windhoek are easy to get and often relatively cheap. It is recommended to book the onward journey to Botswana already from Germany. You can get information about this at any travel agency or book directly with the airline Air Botswana on the Internet, which regularly offers cheap flights.

Climate

The climate of Botswana is subtropical, dry and hot. The seasons are opposite to those of Europe, as the country is located in the southern hemisphere. Thus, from September to April is summer and rainy season at the same time and the period from May to the end of August is considered winter and dry season.

Health

All travelers must be in good health, as medical assistance is often difficult to obtain in remote areas. There is currently no mandatory vaccination for a Botswana trip. Useful vaccinations are currently protection against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid and hepatitis. For hepatitis A and B, there is a double vaccination that provides protection against both diseases for up to 10 years. Schistosomiasis pathogens are found primarily in inland waters where swimming and wading should be avoided. Bathing is safe in some places in the Okavango Delta. Your guide will inform you about safe swimming spots. Well-maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are also safe.