GENERAL INFORMATION ON BOTSWANA

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

The Republic of Botswana is nestled between South Africa to the south, Zimbabwe to the North East, Zambia to the North and Namibia to the West.
Roughly the size of Kenya or France, Botswana has a land area of approximately 581,730 square kilometers.

TOPOGRAPHY

The western part is mainly flat and semi arid to arid with the Kgalagadi desert covering about 70% to 80% of this area. The North and North East are characterised by lush vegetation and forest while the Eastern part has greater diversity of altitudes. It is in this region where the highest and lowest altitudes are found. The Otse mountain which stands at 1 489 metres is the highest point while the lowest altitude of 503 is situated near the confluence of Shashe and Limpopo rivers. The Okavango Delta, the world’s largest in-land delta, is a prominent feature in the North-West whose vast crystalline waters meander through a lush environment and disappear in the sands of the Kalahari Desert.

RAINFALL

The rainy season is from November to March with January and February regarded as the peak months. The minimum annual rainfall varies from 650 mm in the Chobe District to a minimum of less than 250 mm in the southwestern part of the Kgalagadi. The country often experiences severe droughts and generally has high evaporation rates.

TEMPARATURES

The highest maximum temperatures ranging from 32 to 35 degrees Celsius are recorded during the month of October in the Northern part of the country and during the month of January in the South. In June and July temperature scan go down to 23 degrees in the Northern half of the county and 21 degree sin the south. The weather in May is normally mild with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees celsius.

TYPE OF GOVERNMENT

Botswana is a multi-party democracy with a tri-cameral system of government.

POPULATION

The 2001 population census recorded an estimated 1.7 million people, the majority of whom live along the eastern corridor. More than 25% of the people live in urban areas.

LANGUAGES

English is the official language while Setswana is the national language. There are nonetheless a number of other local languages.

MAJOR CENTRES

GABORONE:

As the capital city as well as the economic and administrative centre, Gaborone houses most government institutions, business enterprises,diplomatic missions and many other attractions.

FRANCISTOWN: The second largest city and a major centre in the north of the country. Francistown, the oldest town in Botswana , is an important transit point for tourists traveling by road to the destinations in the Okavango Delta and the Game Parks of the Northwest.

SELIBE PHIKWE: Located in the eastern belt of the country, this is a copper nickel mining town and beneficiary of the Sysmin Arrangement.

LOBATSE: This major town in the South hosts the largest beef abattoir in Botswana

– the Botswana Meat Commission which exports to the EU under preferential terms. The town is also the seat of the Judiciary.

ORAPA and JWANENG situated in the central and the southern parts of the country respectively are considered the hub of

Botswana’s mineral wealth because at present the bulk of the Botswana Diamonds are mined at these two towns.

MAUN is the gateway to the Okavango and a major tourism services centre with an international airport. From Maun, one can easily access the MoremiGame Reserve to view a wide variety of wildlife and bird species in their natural habitat. The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s most pristine natural inland water attractions. Africa’s best kept secret indeed!

KASANE This is the northern-most town and situated along the banks of the ChobeRiver and on the fringes of the Moremi Game Reserve. This town boasts of a unique co-existence of man and nature and produces high quality basketry. Kasane has an international airport for easy accessibility.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Botswana has a good digital telecommunication system which provides a widespread and reliable service for public phones and mobile phones. There are two reliable mobile phone operators namely Orange and Mascom Wireless Delegates with dual band (900/1800 MHz) GSMs can connect to the GSM network in Botswana. For international calls dial double zero to access the international line, followed by the country code, the area code and the desired telephone number.

INTERNET

Most hotels have internet services and internet cafes are found at most shopping centres.

ELECTRICITY

The electricity supply in Botswana is predictable and reliable. The standard voltage is 220 volts and sockets are common British type.

WATER

It is safe to drink tap water, however, bottled water is widely available.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There are a number of 24 hour taxi services available. Taxis are generally safe. Some of the reliable providers are:-

Taxis are not metered.

The estimated charge from the Airport to the city centre is P52.00(E10.00).

For destinations within the city, expect to pay P17.00(E3.00).

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:

Visitors to Botswana are generally not required to take any preventive vaccinations. However those wishing to visit tourist sites in the north and the northwestern parts of the country are strongly advised to take anti malaria precautions, as well as immunization against Tetanus and Typhoid

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Botswana is regarded as a safe country with few incidents of petty crime and violence. However, ACP/EC delegates are requested to take normal precautions to ensure their own safety and that of others.

CURRENCY

The national currency is Pula (BWP), which is approximately (US$0.20) or(Euro 0.16). A small commission is levied on currency transactions. Cash,travelers Cheques and major credit cards are accepted as form of payment.Non local personal Cheques are not acceptable. There is no restriction on the importation and export of foreign currencies provided such currency is declared upon arrival.

SHOPPING

Botswana offers a selection of shopping facilities catering for both the businessman and tourist. There are modern shopping centres and curio shops in all the malls in Gaborone.Most shops open from 0800 to 1800 hours and on the weekends 0800 to 1300hours.

DINING IN GABORONE

Restaurants in Gaborone offer a wide selection of local and international cuisine. We invite you to taste the famous Botswana beef in its various forms– steak, barbequed, shredded, dried etc.Fast food outlets are spread out in Gaborone to cater for a wide range of tastes.

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)

VAT is charged on a number of goods and services at a standard rate of 10%(rate is under review)

Information on Logistics

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

It is the desire of the Botswana Government that each delegate should experience smooth travel to Botswana. All delegates must be in possession of valid passports.

Nationals of countries requiring a visa to enter Botswana are advised to obtain such visa prior to departure for Botswana. Botswana entry visas can be obtained from the nearest Botswana Diplomatic Mission.

Delegates from countries that require visas and do not have access to a Botswana Mission, will be issued visas upon arrival in Botswana but proof of exemption must be obtained before departure.

For these delegates, it is important that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is informed of the names, passport numbers and flight details as early as possible,so that arrangements can be made to facilitate onward travel to Botswana.

Delegates are advised to verify from the annexed Visa schedule as to whether they require entry Visa to Botswana

N.B. The room rates as reflected above are subject to change. The Conference Secretariat is in the process of negotiating discounted rates. All hotels are within 25 minutes drive to the Conference Centre.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

The following are designated hotels where delegates shall be accommodated. These hotels have been specially selected for security, comfort and ease of accessibility.

Hotel		Single Room Rate	Double Room Rate	Telephone	Facsimile	Distance From GICC
1	Gaborone Sun	P737.00 (E140.00)	P737.00 (E140.00)	+ 267 395 1111	+267 390 2555	7 km
2	Grand Palm	P711.00	P711.00	+267 391 2999	+267 391 2989	Adjacent to
		(E135.00)	(E135.00)			the GICC
3	Cresta Lodge	P570.00 (E108.00)	P656.00 (E125.00)	+267 397 5375	+267 390 0635	8 km
4	Syringa Lodge	Studio:	P1200.00	+267 319 0600	+267 319 0600	9 km
		P590.00	(E228.00)
		(E112.00)
		per person
		Single:
		P750.00
		(E143.00)
5	President Hotel	P495.00	P630.00	+267 395 3631	+267 295 1840	5 km
		(E94.00)	(E120.00)
6	Oasis Motel	P250.00	P300.00	+267 392 8396	+267 392 8568	12km
	(Budget)	(E48.00)	(E57.00)	+267 392 8501
7	Crystal Palace (Budget)	P185.00 (E35.00)	P188.00 (E36.00)	+267 565 067	+267 565 111	8 km

 

Delegates are requested to indicate their hotel preferences on the attached form– Form A which should be completed in full and returned to the Conference Secretariat no later than 15 March 2004.Whilst the conference secretariat will do its utmost to meet the accommodationrequirements of each delegate, there can be no guarantee that all delegates will be accommodated in the hotel of their preference.

ARRIVALS

Delegates will arrive at Sir Seretse Khama Airport which is approximately 20minutes drive from the city centre. Protocol officers will assist with luggage and customs clearance at the airport. In order to facilitate a smooth reception, delegations are requested to provide the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy of Botswana in Brussels, with full details about their travel arrangements not later than 15th April 2004.

ACCESS

Botswana is easily accessed by regional and international airlines. From Johannesburg International Airport, delegates can connect to Gaborone by Air Botswana or South African Express. Both airlines operate several daily flights between Gaborone and Johannesburg. Air Botswana also operates scheduled flights from Harare and Windhoek.

VENUE

The two meetings will be held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre(GICC) which is situated adjacent to the Grand Palm hotel in the west of the city.

The newly constructed state-of-the-art, multi-faceted convention facility has a full fledged business centre which offers among others, International Direct Dialing (IDD), facsimile, and Internet and e-mail facilities for the use of delegates at a cost.

A health clinic will be available at the centre. Delegates are encouraged to visit and patronise the stalls where a wide selection of Botswana souvenirs will be on sale within the GICC grounds.

REFRESHMENTS AND MEALS

The host will provide delegates with tea/refreshments during the morning and afternoon sessions. Delegates are responsible for their meals. The GICC has the capacity and capability of providing meals. The prices of meals will also be made available to delegates.

TRANSPORTATION

All Ministers and Heads of Delegation will be provided with chauffeur driven cars. All other delegates will be transported in shared minibuses and buses for:- -Transfers between the airport and the designated hotel(s) on arrival and departure;
-All programmed official events; (Regular scheduled shuttle bus service will be provided to transport delegates between their hotels and the GICC.

No transport will be availed to delegates who do not reside in the designated hotels.

SECURITY AND ACCREDITATION

ACP/EU member States are required to communicate their official delegation to the conference Secretariat by 15th March 2004. Appropriate identity cards will be issued to Ministers and all other delegates as well as the Secretariat staff to allow them access to the Conference Facility and Meeting Rooms. For security reasons and easy access, participants are requested to wear identification cards at all times during the meetings and official functions.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

Representatives of the Media should complete the attached Media Accreditation Form (form B) and are required to submit it to the Secretariat by 9th April 2004.

BANKING FACILITIES

Banks operating in Botswana include among others; Standard Chartered Bank,Barclays Bank and First National Bank. Hours of business are 0830 to 1530 weekdays; 0830 to 1045 on Saturdays. All Banks have foreign exchange facilities. ATM facilities are available at shopping malls, major banks and major hotels.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

In addition to commercial banks there are a number of Bureaux de Change in most shopping centres in Gaborone.

TIME

Botswana time is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND GABORONE

Delegates are encouraged to visit the following places of interest during their stay in Gaborone:-

- Gaborone Game Reserve

Wildlife that can be seen include white Rhino, Eland, Kudu, Impala, Ostrich, Gemsbok and Zebra.

- National Museum Monuments and Art Gallery

Conveniently located in the heart of the City and is a one-stop centre for viewing historical relics, indigenous art work and craft.

- Oodi Weavers and the Mochudi Craft Village:-

Located 18km north of Gaborone. Take home unique hand-woven rugs and wall hangings which depict Botswana traditional life.

- Mokolodi Nature Reserve:-

This private reserve offers a sample of Botswana’s renowned wildlife comprising of Zebra, Elephants, Giraffe, Leopard, Cheetah, and Lion among other beauties of the wilderness.

- The National Parliament:-

This is a unique attraction which is also a symbol of Botswana’s democratic heritage. In these grounds one can view the statue of Botswana’s founding Leader Sir Seretse Khama.

- Thamaga Pottery:-

Located 45km west of Gaborone. Pottery of high-class quality and design can be bought at very reasonable prices. The wares include coffee sets, decorative art pieces, a must for every visitor to take along.

- Botswana Craft:-

Situated towards the North of the city. The Craft showroom carries an intriguing selection of Botswana handi-crafts and works of art, most notably the famous Botswana baskets.

PROGRAMME FOR ACCOMPANYING PERSONS

The host country will organize a programme for accompanying persons or Spouses for the duration of the meetings upon receiving such indication from delegates who intend to travel with their Spouses. (see Form A)

PRIVATE EXCURSIONS TO THE TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF BOTSWANA

Some delegates may wish to make private arrangements to sample Botswana’s incredible tourism destinations, before or after the Council Meeting. The host would be happy to assist, but requires advance notification in order to facilitate your arrangements. Please indicate your request on FORM A.