General: Botswana

I went on a camping trip to Botswana a few years ago, on an organized tour with Explore (www.explore.co.uk) feeling that it was safer to have everything coordinated and someone at least knowing whom to contact if I was eaten by a hippopotamus or honey badger. It turned out to be a wise precaution (no I didn't get eaten by a honey badger) We flew from London to Windhoek in Namibia via Frankfurt. Our baggage flew to Frankfurt, where it decided to stay. We stayed the night in Windhoek after quite a hurried shopping trip to Woolworths, which is an African shop selling clothes and everything else ... more

Compared with other African countries, Botswana has a lower profile among foreign tourists. Say safari and most people think of Kenya, which means you end up seeing 25 trucks around every lion. Go to Botswana and you may have the whole pride to yourself. The Botswanan government has tried to encourage lower volume, higher price tourism in an attempt to keep away the flocks of backpackers who add little to the local economy. Yes you can get around independently, but car hire can be expensive and don't expect to turn up at the gates of the gamepark and be able to get in. They only allow a ... more

About four years ago I went to work in Gaborone, Botswana. I spent two wonderful months in what's known as 'Baby Africa' by the majority of the ex-pats living and working there. The people I met whilst working in this beautiful were very friendly and helpful and helped to make my time there most enjoyable. Being based in the capital, Gaborone was a lot of fun. There is plenty to see and do even if you're not working, and there are some great restaurants. The Bull & Bush is the main hangout on a weekend, but I can definately recommend 'rib night' on Monday night. The Bull & Bush is a pub out in ... more