Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIV/AIDS is a serious issue but, unless you fail to take common-sense precautions,
there should be no undue risk. In fact, the greatest danger to the traveller is posed by wild-
life and the risks of driving in the bush.
CRIME
Crime is rarely a problem in Botswana, and doesn't usually extend beyond occasional
pickpocketing and theft from parked cars.
Maun's recently acquired reputation for such petty theft resulted in a rigorous police
crackdown, with a resulting drop in crime.
POLICE & MILITARY
Although police and veterinary roadblocks, bureaucracy and bored officials may be tire-
some, they're mostly harmless. Careful scrutiny is rare, but drivers may have to unpack
their luggage for closer inspection at a border or veterinary checkpoint.
The Botswana Defence Force (BDF), takes its duties seriously and is best not crossed.
The most sensitive base, which is operated jointly with the US government, lies in a re-
mote area off the Lobatse road, southwest of Gaborone. Don't stumble upon it accident-
ally! Also avoid State House, the official residence of the president in Gaborone, espe-
cially after dark. It's located near the government enclave, where there's not much else
going on in the evening, so anyone caught 'hanging around' is viewed suspiciously.
ROAD SAFETY
Although vehicle traffic is light on most roads outside of the major towns and cities, the
most significant concern for most travellers is road safety. Botswana has one of the
highest accident rates in the world, and drunk and reckless driving are common, especially
at month's end (wage day). Cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys and even elephants are deadly
hazards on the road, especially at dusk and after dark when visibility is poor. Never drive
at night unless you absolutely have to.
Telephone
The operator of Botswana's fixed-line telephone service is
Botswana Telecom
(BTC;
www.btc.bw
)
. Local and domestic calls at peak times start at P35 per minute and rise ac-
cording to the distance. When deciding when to call, remember that prices drop by up to
one-third for local and domestic calls and 20% for international calls from 8pm to 7am
Monday to Friday, 1pm to midnight Saturday and all day Sunday. These discounts don't
apply if you use the operator.
