Botswana

Botswanahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southern-africa/botswanaBotswanahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southern-africa/botswana/botswana-animal-trophiesThe animals of Africa belong in Africa not on the wall in someone's lounge room. We take a look at how you can be an ethical traveler and avoid buying the wrong kind of souvenirs.2018-03-06T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southern-africa/botswana/botswana-animal-trophieshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Botswana's shadow</h2> <p>Botswana is a nation blessed with some of the most incredible natural wonders – The Okavango Delta, the Kalahari and the <a href="/explore/southern-africa/botswana/a-guide-to-exploring-the-makgadikgadi-pans-in-botswana" title="Why the Makgadikgadi Salt Plains Are So Much More Than Vast Emptiness">Makgadikgadi Salt Plains</a> – and remains some of Africa's must-see destinations.</p> <p>Along with the natural beauty, Botswana's animals are abundant and stunning. The game parks hold on the world's best collection of animals in Africa today. But, while many make a living off guiding tourists to see the animals in their habitat, there is a trade in animal skins and hunting, which sits like a shadow over the country.</p> <h2>Botswana's trade in animals</h2> <h3>Canned hunting</h3> <p>A sad truth of Botswana is the presence of hunting safaris aka canned hunting, it's an awful throwback to a bygone era but one which is still accepted.</p> <p>Wealthy tourists can shoot game still, but in most traveler circles this is frowned upon. Take aim with a camera, not a rifle.</p> <p>Thankfully, the hunting of lions is explicitly prohibited and leopards and elephants are covered under a strict quota regime.</p> <p>But it has been known for a lion to fall under the sights of a hunter. The government though does not look kindly on anyone wanting to do this without a permit.</p> <h3>Animal trophies and other curios</h3> <p>Botswana strictly enforces its laws controlling the trade in animal products. Poaching is a major crime and some poachers are killed in the pursuit of their profession.</p> <p>It's not rare to see the result of a poacher's work in Africa, and it's the unfortunate truth of the continent.</p> <p>Botswana's Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act makes it illegal to possess or remove from Botswana without a government permit any living or dead animal or animal trophy.</p> <p>A trophy is any horn, ivory, tooth, tusk, bone, claw, hoof, hide, skin, hair, feather, egg, or other durable portion of an animal, whether the item has been processed or not.</p> <p>Do yourself a favor and respect these laws. Take a photo home, not a tusk. You may want to return one day, so you will wish your return to be as amazing as your first trip.</p> <p>Curio shops and vendors throughout the country sell items such as animal skins, plain and decorated ostrich eggs and eggshells, and carved bones or teeth of animals protected by this law. All of the souvenirs, although widely sold, are subject to this act.</p> <p>Travellers departing the country with a trophy must have a receipt from a store licensed to sell such items.</p> <p>Ivory and endangered rhinoceros horn products obtained in Botswana may not be removed from the country under any circumstances.</p> <p>Elephant hair jewelry may be removed only with the appropriate license from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.</p> <p>Trophies may not be taken from the wild without a permit. Violators are subject to arrest and may face a penalty of up to five years imprisonment and a substantial fine.</p> <p>But as a rule remember to leave the animals in Africa, for fellow travelers to admire and avoid buying any animal products. It's all part of responsible travel.</p> <p>If people continue to buy animal goods, then the trade in animals will continue. </p>Getty Images/nicolamargaret 1184924338 Getty Images Woman photographer capturing an image from a boat at Chobe National Park, Botswana

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southern-africa/botswana/botswana-staying-healthyThere is a lack of access to medical care and help if you get injured or fall ill in Botswana – here's what you need to know before you go.2018-12-11T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southern-africa/botswana/botswana-staying-healthyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#vaccinations">Vaccinations for Botswana </a></li> <li><a href="#medical"> Medical Treatment in Botswana </a></li> <li><a href="#mosquito"> Mosquito Borne Disease </a></li> <li><a href="#insect"> Other Insect Borne Disease </a></li> <li><a href="#food"> Food and Water Borne Disease </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="vaccinations">Vaccinations for Botswana</h2> <p>Travelers need to make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date and it's a good idea to get the following for your trip to Botswana:</p> <ul> <li>Hepatitis A</li> <li>Typhoid</li> <li>Rabies (recommended for travelers who are planning to spend extended periods in rural and remote locations)</li> </ul> <p>Travelers who enter Botswana from countries where Ebola is present will likely be screened and travelers who have arrived from a yellow fever endemic country will also need to provide proof of vaccination.</p> <h2 id="medical">Medical treatment in Botswana</h2> <p>Botswana has a reasonably good standard of medical treatment available in the major urban centers including private hospitals. Public hospitals tend to have a lower standard due to lack of funding and overcrowding. As you would expect in more rural locations, medical facilities are rare or non-existent.</p> <p>Should you need to take any medications while you travel, it's best to <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/medications-and-travel">bring what you need</a> from home for the entire trip along with a doctor's letter outlining their use and dosage etc.</p> <p>If you plan to travel out of the urban areas, it's a good idea to take a first aid kit with you.</p> <h2 id="mosquito">Mosquito-borne disease</h2> <p>Malaria can occur throughout Botswana and is prevalent in the North of the country, especially during the rainy season (November to March).</p> <p>Malaria cases tend to increase near populated areas, but there is still some risk in more isolated spots and north of the capital, Gaborone. See a travel doctor before you go and grab some malaria prophylaxis.</p> <p>Aside from medication, <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/mosquitoes-and-bite-prevention">covering up is important</a>. Check your lodge or tent for mosquitoes and always use a mosquito net. If your lodge has a ceiling fan, sleep with that on.</p> <p>Apply insect repellent and wear loose light, long sleeved clothing.</p> <h2 id="insect">Other insect-borne disease</h2> <h3>African sleeping sickness</h3> <p>African sleeping sickness is present in Botswana. It's an infection with a parasite carried by the Tsetse fly.</p> <p>When an infected fly bites you, the infection spreads through your circulatory system and can it result in swelling of the brain. Symptoms include headaches, skin irritation, fever and joint pain, with advanced cases exhibiting disorientation, incoordination and change in behavior</p> <p>You will know when a tsetse fly bites you - its like a painful sting. They are attracted to dark clothing, <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/mosquitoes-and-bite-prevention">so wear light, long sleeved clothing and apply insect repellent</a>.</p> <h3>African tick-bite fever</h3> <p>If you intend to camp or walk in the bush you should be aware of the risk of tick bites.</p> <p>African Tick-Bite Fever is present throughout Botswana particularly in the eastern part of the country. It's an bacterial infection spread by tick bite. Symptoms are similar to many other conditions such as headache, fever, rash and muscle pain. It's important you seek medical treatment immediately to ensure you are treated properly. African Tick-Bite Fever requires antibiotics to eradicate it. <br /><br /><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/mosquitoes-and-bite-prevention">Avoid being bitten</a> by sticking to well worn tracks where possible, tucking your pants into your socks, wearing a DEET based repellent and wearing long, light-colored long sleeved clothing. Don't forget to check yourself over when you get back to your accommodation and check your bag etc.</p> <h2 id="food">Food and water-borne disease</h2> <p>Water borne and food borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and <a href="travel-safety/worldwide/travelers-diarrhoea-health-tips">gastro</a> bugs are prevalent in Botswana, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time.</p> <p>Make sure <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/bottled-vs-filtered-water">all water</a> has been purified before consumption, avoid ice cubes plus raw and undercooked food. Observing good personal hygiene practises can also help you avoid spending your trip laid up in hospital or bed.</p> <h3>Tuberculosis</h3> <p>Tuberculosis (TB) has been identified in Botswana. The disease is transmitted by sneezing, coughing and also unpasteurized dairy products such as milk. The symptoms of TB are similar to respiratory infections such as bronchitis, influenza and pheumonia so it's vital you seek medical treatment urgently as TB can be fatal.</p> <h3>Schistosomiasis</h3> <p>Avoid swimming in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as Schistosomiasis.</p> <p>Schistosomiasis is a human disease caused by parasitic worms called Schistosomes. Symptoms are similar to African Sleeping Sickness plus throw in chills, coughing and stomach pain. Seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. If treated early, the infection can clear in a few days.</p> <p>Over one billion people are at risk worldwide and ~300 million are infected. Schistosomiasis is common in the tropics where ponds, streams and irrigation canals harbor schistosomiasis-transmitting snails. Parasite larvae develop in snails from which they infect humans, in which they mature and reproduce.</p>Getty Images/Harri Jarvelainen Photography 1512537519 Getty Images Traditional mokoros (dug-out canoes) in Okavango

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southern-africa/botswana/botswana-whatever-you-do-dont-runBotswana is vastly different from the controlled safari experiences you might find in South Africa. It's the true African wilderness – which comes with both risks and rewards.2024-09-10T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southern-africa/botswana/botswana-whatever-you-do-dont-runhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>If you want to see vast herds of elephants and wetlands teeming with bird life, and don’t want to be surrounded by other safari vehicles when you spot a rhino or leopard, then Botswana is for you.</p> <h2>What makes a Botswana safari different?</h2> <p>Botswana is considered a luxury destination, and for good reason. To keep tourism numbers low and the environment well looked after, most lodges are five-star and remote. Here’s why a Botswana safari is unique.</p> <ul> <li>You can't just buy a ticket and enter the game parks in Botswana. Most locations involve a flight or very long drives to reach the game lodges. Guides will arrive early to check the runways for elephants and lions – no joke.</li> <li>Reserves in Botswana are unfenced, meaning animals are free to roam – across the country, and maybe into your camp. It's not uncommon for guests in safari lodges to get the occasional hippo or lion at their front door.</li> <li>The Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas, offers a one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing experience: a <em>mokoro</em> (canoe) safari. These silent boats allow close-up views of wildlife – but they are also at risk of being overturned by a hippo or crocodile.</li> </ul> <p>Hippos are one of the world’s most dangerous animals, but they don't charge because they’re aggressive – they do so because they feel threatened. Never get between a hippo and its source of food or water. During the day it’s rare to find them away from water, but at night they like to feed on grass, often around lodges.</p> <p>Guards and guides will walk through lodges at night to scare off any hippos or other wildlife who try and visit.</p> <h2>Tips for staying safe on safari in Botswana</h2> <p>Before you set out to see animals in Botswana, from Moremi to Savuti or Chobe, there are a few rules to keep you <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/safari">safe and confident on safari</a>.</p> <ul> <li>Do not run or turn your back if you are confronted by a wild animal. The only animals that run away in Africa are the prey, and predators – especially lions – will chase you if you run.</li> <li>Mokoro guides are very experienced and will stick to shallow waters and narrow channels to avoid hippos, but it’s still important to follow any instructions they give you.</li> <li>Be sure to use sunscreen, wear a sun hat, and stay hydrated.</li> <li>Animals tend to ignore safari vehicles unless the people in the vehicle start making loud noises and sudden movements. Keep still and quiet so you don’t scare the animal away, make it angry, or attract too much interest.</li> <li><a href="/travel-wiser/survival/staying-safe-on-an-african-safari">Always listen to your guides</a> – they will save your life.</li> </ul>Getty Images/mantaphoto 1941491662 Getty Images Giraffes in the wild

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southern-africa/botswana/crime-in-botswanaBotswana is one of the safer countries in Africa. Here are our tips for avoiding petty crime and staying within the law.2024-09-06T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southern-africa/botswana/crime-in-botswanahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Botswana is one of the safest destinations in Africa for travelers. But, like any travel destination, it's wise to take precautions.</p> <p>Be prepared for your journey with these tips for avoiding theft and pickpockets, safety advice for women and <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/lgbtq-travel-safety-tips">LGBTQ+ travelers</a>, and emergency contact information.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#street">Street crime in Botswana</a></li> <li><a href="#transport">Transport crime</a></li> <li><a href="#numbers">Emergency numbers in Botswana</a></li> <li><a href="#women">Women’s safety in Botswana</a></li> <li><a href="#lgbtq">LGBTQ+ safety</a></li> <li><a href="#laws">Local laws to be aware of</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="street">Street crime in Botswana</h2> <p>Botswana’s crime rate is relatively low compared to other African countries. In fact, according to the <a href="https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GPI-2024-A3-map-poster.pdf" target="_blank">2024 Global Peace Index</a>, Botswana is the third most peaceful country in Africa. But crime does still occur.</p> <p>Most of the violent crime is centered in the major cities like Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun (the gateway to the Okavango Delta). However, attacks on tourists are rare, and crime in the Delta itself is low.</p> <p>Petty crime such as pickpocketing or snatch thefts are more common. To reduce your risk, keep valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive items, and be careful when using your smart phone in public spaces.</p> <p>You should exercise particular caution in areas like Gaborone Dam and Kgale Hill, especially during the evening hours. Avoid walking alone at night or in poorly lit areas; instead, opt for reputable taxis.</p> <h3>Thefts from vehicles</h3> <p>Vehicle break-ins are a known issue in Botswana. Never leave valuables inside an unattended vehicle.</p> <p>Criminals have also been known to target cars waiting at traffic lights. Ensure your car windows are closed and doors are locked, keep valuables out of sight, and don’t stop for hitchhikers.</p> <h2 id="transport">Transport crime</h2> <p>If arriving in Botswana through South Africa, be aware of <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/baggage">ongoing baggage theft problems</a> at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International Airport. Keep valuables like electronics and jewelry in your carry-on luggage to avoid potential theft.</p> <p>When using taxis in Botswana, look for licensed taxis with blue plate numbers, or have your restaurant or hotel call a taxi for you. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid disputes.</p> <h2 id="numbers">Emergency numbers in Botswana</h2> <p><strong>Police:</strong> 999</p> <p><strong>Ambulance:</strong> 997</p> <p><strong>Fire department:</strong> 998</p> <h2 id="women">Women’s safety in Botswana</h2> <p>Botswana is generally safe for female travelers, with locals being respectful and polite. However, women may receive unwanted attention in bars or similar settings, particularly if traveling alone. While more casual attire is acceptable in tourist-heavy areas, it’s best to dress modestly in rural areas. As always, avoid walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and use taxis for transportation after dark.</p> <h2 id="lgbtq">LGBTQ+ safety</h2> <p>Homosexuality has been legal in Botswana since 2019. But while the country is relatively progressive compared to some of its neighbors, travelers should still be mindful of local attitudes and respect cultural norms. Public displays of affection may be met with varying degrees of acceptance, so be discreet.</p> <h2 id="laws">Local laws to be aware of</h2> <p>Possession and trafficking of drugs are illegal in Botswana, and prison conditions are notoriously harsh. It’s also illegal to photograph military or government buildings without permission. Always carry personal identification when traveling and respect local laws and customs.</p> <p>Botswana has strict laws against the illegal possession or export of animal trophies or parts. This includes items such as horns, tusks, and skins. Not only is buying these items against the law, it also encourages poachers. Help conserve African wildlife and <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-ethical-traveler-s-guide-to-souvenir-shopping">purchase a more responsible souvenir</a> instead.</p>Getty Images/Mara Duchetti 1943729444 Getty Images The Chobe National Park at sunrise in Botswana, Africa