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Botswana
Formerly Bechuanaland, Botswana achieved independence in 1966
and then discovered three of the richest diamond formations
in the world. It’s a hugely wealth and successful country
by African standards, and has a black ruled multi racial government
unrivalled elsewhere in black Africa. It’s a great and
safe country for travelling in, but attracts only high-cost
low-volume tourism to preserve the countries natural beauty.
It’s a country you need big bucks to live and travel
in, but some areas around the tourist nature spot the Okavango
Delta are less expensive. It’s a fantastic country
to visit if you want to discover wetland wildlife and the
wilderness of the Wild Kalahari desert.
Namibia
Situated between the Kalahari desert and the South Atlantic
on South Africa’s west coast, Namibia is rich in natural
beauty, resources and boost a diverse range of cultures and
habitats. There are great opportunities in store for bushwalking,
exploring European influenced African cities, and strolling
along isolated ragged coastlines. Its population is a tiny
1.7 million, that’s less than one person per square mile,
many of which are concentrated in the capital of Windhoek,
so there’s plenty of room to spread out.
Climate
Namibia
Although very dry, much of Namibia made up of desert coastal
plains, dunes and bush. It is sunny all year round, with the
rainy season falling from December to March, although there
is much natural beauty to be seen then.
Zimbabwe
Situated on a high mountainous plateau, it’s average
temperature is 60F on the plateau and a scorching 80F in the
Zambezi valley in summer, ranging from 50F – 65F during
winter.
Botswana
Land locked and mainly desert land and scrub, the rainy season
runs November to March, the dry season (May to August) is
the best time to discover the county’s wildlife.
People
Naimbia
Naimbia is made up of 11 ethnic groups, a mixture of African,
and some European and Afrikaners.
Zimbabwe
With a population of over 11 million, the people are based
of two native ethnic groups, the Shona and the smaller
Ndebele in the west.
Botswana
With a population of one and a half million, over half of
these are of Tswana heritage. European, Asian and other
tribes live in the cities and regionally.
Languages
Namibia
English and Afrikaans are the official languages,
though tribal languages are widely spoken.
Zimbabwe
English is the official language, but Shona
or Sindebele are most of the people’s first language.
Botswana
English is the official language, although Seswana
is the native language of nearly everyone.
Cash
Namibia
Namibian Dollar ($N)
4.7 N$ = 1$ US.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Dollar ($Z)
$10 $Z = $1 US.
Botswana
The currency is the pula. Credit cards are accepted at tourist
places, banks only exist in the major towns.
P3.63 = $US 1.
For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Be prepared to spend, spend, spend. Prices compare to Europe
for food, but accommodation and safari can reach sky high
prices. |
