h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello Navigator,

I read your article on the bar in Gaborone with interest. I am planning a visit to Botswana in September to visit a family member who lives there. I would appreciate any advice on anything re the visit, from airline, weather, jabs etc. This visit is a surprise, so I would rather the info from a third party, please post to my personal space. Many thanks, Shorty.

It is now about 2 years since I last went there but I may be going later this year. I usually fly to Johanesburg and hire a car and then drive up to Gabs, but I enjoy driving, it is possible to fly from Joburg to Gabs, I think South African Airways and Air Botswana fly the route. Flying is usally a bit quicker depending on connection timings. (the actual flight is about 45 mins but you may have to wait in the airport) driving takes 4 to 6 hours. Car hire is also available at Gabs airport but it used to be more expensive.
Are you going to Gaberone or further North in the country?
Check the weather on a web site such as Yahoo, it can be suprisingly cold at night at certain times of the year (down near freezing) It certainly feels cold after a scorching day!
My doctor said not to worry about Malaria Tablets unless visiting the North, but it is probably worth a check for the latest info. I am not sure about other injections cos I travel to nasty places a lot and have had most of them anyway. In Gabarone I found the Cresta Lodge Hotel to be the best compromise of comfort and cost, it is near the edge of 'town' though so if you are not planning to drive a more central location may be preferable. Overall I like Gaberone, the people are friendly and generally well educated, it is one of the bettter African countries though there is still a big divide between the rich and the poor. The poor are a lot better off than most other areas though.
Enjoy your trip, if you have any other questions I will attempt to answer them,
Navigator