Welcome to Botswana

Botswana is located in southern Africa and is bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is roughly the same size as France or Texas, with a surface area of 581,730 sq km.

Botswana uses the pula (BWP) as its national currency. The pula is divided into 100 thebe. The pula is freely traded and there are no currency restrictions. It is one of Africa’s strongest currencies. Notes are P200, P100, P50, P20 and P10. Coins are P5, P2, P1 and thebe 50t, 25t, 10t, and 5t.

Summer is from December to March. High temperatures average 30C to 35C with lows around 18C and rain particularly in December and February. Winter is June to August. Daytime temperatures around 23C with night-time lows averaging 5C.

The official languages of Botswana are Setswana and English.

Botswana is on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is GMT+2 hours.

HATAB

The Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana(HATAB) was formed in 1982 and over the past 38 years ,the association has helped to improve and promote the tourism industry which is the second-largest contributor to the country’s economy. In addition, HATAB ensures that high standards are maintained throughout the industry.

HATAB is a non-profit organization which represents the various sectors of the hospitality and tourism industry including:

• Airline & Air Charter
• Camps & Lodges
• Conservation & Wildlife Management
• Hotels
• Mobile Safari
• Services
• Self Catering
• Tour Operators

The association has an annual publication This is Botswana which acts as a membership directory. Click on the cover to browse the guide online.

HATAB’s vision is to ensure that each and every visit to Botswana is positive and that each visitor feels compelled to return after a fantastic experience.