Local traditions and culture in Botswana

Yes! You may laugh but I wondered why some of the folk were staring at me. Of course, my husband had his ideas - puny, little white girl. I thought it may have been that I was wearing shorts and a t.shirt whilst all the locals were in puffer jackets and winter hats (in their 40 degrees winter sun!).
Nope apparently the reason some of the older generation stared was because of my blue eyes - blonde hair, blue eyes - in witchcraft is the sign of the cat. I am not sure if this is good or bad... but nothing bad happened to me and nothing bad seemed to happen to any of those who were around me...

Make sure you have enough currency (pula or dollars) to tip local guides and helpers. For example, in the Delta we were told that it is best to tip the head poler, rather than each poler individually. Also, this should be separate to the other helpers' tips.
This does make sense, and shows appreciation for their responsible tourism that they promote in these parts. Our poler was a fantastic tracker as well, and with a good tracker you are more likely to see the ultimate - wild lions - which we did. Go Morotse!

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Many campsites, motels and holiday ranches have big metal gates you must open before you can drive your car though. Please always shut and latch them behind you. They not only keep livestock and wild animals in – they keep them out. One of the places they keep them out of is the road you were just driving down. It also helps keep down the spread of Foot & Mouth Disease. Also remember to make sure the gate won’t swing back and hit your car as you drive through!

If you rent a car from South Africa and drive into Botswana for example at Martins drift border post,you have to pay for vehicle crossing.At that moment of year 2007 I paid 60 pula for a simple 4x4.The rate is depend on the size of your vehicle.This border post accept SA rand as well.Try to get there in early morning time to prevent lots of traffic that can make you wait in line for long time for the border crossing.It can be from 2 to 6 hours.I arrived there at Grobler bridge border post( SA side) in early morning,it took us only 30 min to get through,and 15 min at Martins drift border post(Botswana side).But I heard that 3 days after me some body arrived there in late afternoon and they have to wait for 6 hours!!

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It is good manners to always greet a person, particularly government persons but everyone generally too by saying 'dumela rra' to a man and 'dumela mma' to a lady.

When shaking hands it is a sign of respect to touch the arm of the hand you are using to shake hands with (see pic)

Thank you = Ke a leboga
How are you = Lo Kae
Yes = Ee
No = Nnyaa

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Botswana uses a 220/240 volts AC 50 Hertz system for domestic electrical plugs. They utilise the South African style – 2 circular metal pins with a large circular grounding pin (pictured). Adapters can be very expensive, so shop around. I paid $2 in Gantsi.

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Safari is the Swahili name for "journey", specifically an overland expedition undertaken for exploring or hunting. Today, the word is synonymous with adventure and discovery of the wildlife and habitats of the great African continent!

An African safari can be undertaken in many ways - from self driving a 4x4 to luxury fly-in African safaris. Essentially, however, there are threebasic categories - lodge safari, permanent tented safari and mobile safari, while the journey can have many themes - honeymoon, canoeing, elephant back, horse back and Big Five to name a few.

Check out the Budgeting / General Tip for more on safari types and budgeting.

There are certain points of etiquette to remember when traveling anywehre in Africa and Botswana is no exception. Hate speech, racist remarks and outbursts are not tolerated and will probably lead one into confrontation with locals. Refrain from criticism of governments or authorities, particularly at border posts. Be polite and corteous and the locals will return the compliment!