A Short History The Batswana, a term also used to denote all citizens of Botswana, refers to the country's major ethnic group (also known as the Tswana in South Africa), which came into the area from South Africa during the Zulu wars of the early 1880s. Prior to European contact, the Batswana lived as herders and farmers under tribal rule. In the late 19th century, hostilities broke out between the Batswana and Boer settlers from South Africa's Transvaal. After appeals by the Batswana for assistance, the British Government in 1885 put "Bechuanaland" under its protection. The northern territory remained under direct administration and is today's Botswana, while the southern territory became part of the Cape Colony and is now part of the northwest province of South Africa. Despite South African pressure, inhabitants of the Bechuanaland Protectorate, Basuotoland (now Lesotho), and Swaziland, in 1909 asked for and received British assurances that they would not be included in the proposed Union of South Africa, which is why today they are separate countries within South Africa. An expansion of British central authority and the evolution of tribal government resulted in the 1920 establishment of two advisory councils representing Africans and Europeans. Proclamations in 1934 regularized tribal rule and powers. A European-African advisory council was formed in 1951, and the 1961 constitution established a consultative legislative council. In 1964, Britain accepted proposals for democratic self-government in Botswana, and after elections in 1966, in which Seretse Khama, a leader in the independence movement was elected as the first president, Botswana became independent. He died in office in 1980 and vice president, Ketumile Masire stepped in who was again re-elected until he retired in 1998. Again the presidency passed to the vice president, Festus Mogae, who remains the country's president. Climate: Botswana's climate is semi-arid. Though it is hot and dry for much of the year, there is a rainy season, which runs through the summer months. Rainfall tends to be erratic, unpredictable and highly regional. As a desert region, there are large temperature fluctuations between day and night, and between summer and winter. Early mornings and evenings may be cold and frosty in winter (May-Sep). On all our tours, it's best to bring warm clothing - raincoat, warm hat, socks etc. - as across Africa wet/dry and hot/cool climatic periods change invariably. Health Matters Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas. Malaria: A malaria risk, predominantly due to P. falciparum, exists throughout the country. P. falciparum is resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine - pyrimethamine. Recommended prophylaxis: mefloquine. Precautionary measures to take to prevent contact with mosquitoes include: insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and wear long sleeve clothing and long trousers in the evenings. Other: Seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic at least six weeks prior to departure about what vaccinations you require. Typically the list includes typhoid, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B and meningitis. Tap water is considered safe to drink. Hospital facilities are generally good in towns and cities but in rural regions medical facilities are limited. Insurance: Health insurance is essential; adequate medical provision is often only provided privately and may require health insurance or a cash payment before admission. It is recommended that visitors carry personal medical supplies with them. Money Guide Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP) Exchange rates: US$1 = BWP6.11 GB£1 = BWP12.20 The following information is provided to assist you in planning the finances you will require for your safari. It is intended as a general guide only and may change with local conditions. African currencies tend to fluctuate more rapidly than your own currencies. Botswana is quite an 'expensive' country due to its good foreign currency reserves. The easiest and quickest place to change money in Botswana is the bureau de changes as banks charge commission to change either cash or traveller's cheques. It is easy to change most forms of currency including US$, GB£, Euros and South African Rand. ATM machines are available in Maun and Kasane towns and take mostly foreign visa-linked accounts. Mastercard, Diners and American Express are harder to use. Barclays and Standard Chartered Bank are the main banks accepting overseas ATM cards. All unused Botswana Pula can be changed in banks in Namibia or South Africa. All souvenirs, snacks, refreshments, tips for guides and local services such as internet and laundry are payable with Pula. Optional activities in Botswana include a game drive in the Chobe National Park, which can be paid in US$ or Pula cash or traveller's cheque. The Okavango Delta excursion and scenic flights over the Delta can be paid using US$, GB£, Euro, Pula, and South African Rand cash. It can also be paid for by credit card or traveller's cheques, but these each attract an additional 5% bank fee. Visa requirements: Most major nationalities do not require visas into Botswana. The few countries that do require visas; mostly Eastern European and Asian Nationals, need to obtain them prior to arrival at the border. Average Costs: Internet, BWP15 per 30 minutes. Beer, BWP 6-7.