Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic expectations of me in Botswana?
While in Botswana you will be representing not only yourself but also the University of Pennsylvania.  It is critical that you remember this at all times.   Public errors in judgment or conduct in Botswana are likely to not only be a problem for you, but could result in compromising the entire program.  You are all adults and will not be monitored.  It is up to you to think carefully about the potential negative implications of questionable behavior.  Though you will be working in Botswana this program is an official part of the University of Pennsylvania curriculum and as such we are all subject to the same Penn policies as if working in Philadelphia. 
Things to remember:

1. You represent the University of Pennsylvania.  Your actions, positive or negative, intentional or unintentional, have implications for the entire program
2. You live communally.  Be mindful of the “rules of the flats” or dorms.
3. If you travel outside of Gaborone or Francistown, it is important that someone in charge knows your itinerary.

 

Where is Botswana?
Botswana is a land-locked country, slightly smaller than Texas, in the center of Southern Africa.  The Tropic of Capricorn runs through it.  It is bordered by South Africa on the south and east, Namibia to the West, Zambia and Angola to north, and Zimbabwe on the northeast. It encompasses 600,370 square kilometers, of which, only 15,000 square kilometers has water.  It is predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland, with the Kalahari Desert to the southwest, occupying 87% of the territory.

 

Where is Gaborone?
Gaborone is located in the southeastern corner of Botswana on the Notwane River, a mere 15 kilometers from the South African border.  Pronounced “Ha-bor-ron-e” or “Gabs” it is the capitol city.  It combines feelings of both rural Africa with thatched or tin roofed houses in some sections with a more western architecture.  There are now several “modern” malls on the outskirts of town.  We work at Princess Marina Hospital, which opened in 1966 at the time of independence.  It is in the center of Gabs.

 

What is the weather like in Gaborone?

Climate is semiarid with warm winters (June- August) and hot summers (December-February), much like Arizona.  The country suffers from periodic droughts given its desert climate.  The rainy season is in the summer and is characterized by intense, brief, dramatic thundershowers. 
Temperature ranges:  Average daily temperature range in January from 22 C. to 33 C, with high temperatures well above 40 C and July from 5 C. – 19C.  Clearly the overall temperature range can be quite wide.  Typically there are long periods of bright sunshine daily throughout the year with clear skies and low humidity.  In the winter months multiple layers, including a jacket, fleece or sweater is a must in the morning and at night.  There is no heating and little air conditioning.

 

What are some facts about the population of Botswana?
Botswana is sparsely populated country of 1.8 million.  Because of the uninhabitable Kalahari Desert, the population is heavily concentrated along the eastern corridor, from the capital city of Gaborone to Francistown.  Of the population, 39.5% are 0-14 years old; 56% are 15-64 years old; and only 4.5% of the population is older than 65 years old.  Most people are Tswana (or Setswana), and the remaining 21% are Kalanga (11%), Basarwa (bushmen is considered a derogatory term) (3%), and other (7%) which includes Kgalagadi and white.
At 17%, Botswana has one of the highest overall rates of HIV/AIDS infections is the world.  Among pregnant women, the rates are 34%, and among citizens ages 15-49, 24%.  The effects of excess mortality due to HIV/AIDS, has caused life expectancy to drop by 20 years in the past decade to ~ 45 years, infant mortality to increase to 67 deaths/1,000 live births, and to lower population and growth rates.    In addition, the socioeconomic impact is considerable including loss of skilled laborers and teachers, loss of per-capita household income, and growing number of orphans. Despite all this, the economy is still growing in Botswana.
The people of Botswana are Batswana, and one person from Botswana is called a Motswana.  Using the term “Botswanan” is incorrect and will identify you are a foreigner.
Approximately 85% have indigenous beliefs, and 15% are Christian. English is the official language, but many older Batswana speak only Setswana, the native language. 

 

What do I need to do to get ready to go to Botswana?
Pick up a “check-list” from Dr. Gluckman or download it from the Global Health website:
http://www.med.upenn.edu/globalhealth/UPENNSOMGlobalHealthPrograms--InternationalOpportunitiesforStudents.shtml#africa
This will cover all of the things that you will need to do to get ready for the trip.   Do not forget to sign the release and deliver it to Dr. Gluckman (resident) or Nancy Biller (student) in Penn’s office of Global Health.

 

How do I get there?
There are a number of travel agents and websites for getting tickets.  You will have to search around to get the best deal. Medical students should check with Nancy Biller, Global Health Program office (nbiller@mail.med.upenn.edu), residents, faculty and all other visitors should check with Judy Lotsis, Infectious Disease Division (lotsis@mail.med.upenn.edu).

 

Do I need a visa to travel to Botswana?
No visa is needed if you stay in Botswana for 90 days or less in any one revolving year.  Upon entering the country, let the immigration officer know how long you are planning to stay and ask for the appropriate amount of days on the immigration form.  You may be given an entry form on the plane, otherwise they are available at immigration once you land.

 

Students whose primary plans are research-related need to apply for a Research Permit if they are staying in the country for longer than 90 days.  The application for a Research Permit should be coordinated with your research mentor and mailed to the Office of the Permanent Secretary in Gaborone at least 2 months prior to leaving for Botswana.  The Botswana Embassy in Washington, D.C. may be somewhat helpful in the preparation of this application, and the forms can be downloaded from the Embassy of Botswana in Washington, D.C. website (http://www.botswanaembassy.org/).

 

What Immunizations do I need before I go to Botswana?
You should be immunized against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid (IM or oral).   If you plan to travel to Chobe Game Reserve in Kasane or any other place up north, you will need to bring malaria prophylaxis.  Gaborone and Francistown are free of malaria.  You can obtain immunizations from your personal physician, the immunization clinic at HUP (expensive), or if you are licensed as a physician, you can write your own prescriptions and have someone give you the injections.  You should have a tuberculin skin test before and 6 – 8 weeks after the trip (contact Dr. Gluckman’s office to coordinate).  The water and food are safe to eat in Gabs and Francistown.

 

What should I pack for Botswana?
Hospital wear can be casual but neat.  Some male physicians do wear a tie but most do not.  Women wear slacks or skirts.  Medical students:  Bring at least two white coats, your stethoscope, and a pocket flashlight.  If you have a portable ophthalmoscope it would come in handy on occasion.  A half-dozen N95 surgical masks and a small bottle of disinfectant hand washing solution are worth taking with you.  Do not despair if you forget a crucial item; nearly everything you need can be found in Gaborone.  Do not wear the white coat around town. This seems to have become a common occurrence and is as inappropriate as it would be in the United States.  DO NOT CHECK-IN ANYTHING THAT YOU ABSOLUTELY CANNOT DO WITHOUT OR THAT IS OF VALUE (MEDICATIONS, CAMERA, ETC.).  THERE IS A HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF BAGS GETTING DELAYED/LOST OR ITEMS BEING STOLEN FROM SUITCASES. 
Many people deliberately pack clothes that they plan on leaving behind for the maids or for the orphanage.  This is much appreciated and leaves more room to bring back purchased items.

 

What should I read to prepare for my time in Botswana?
The UPenn flats have an abundance of Southern Africa, Botswana, and Gaborone travel guides.  There is absolutely no need to bring one.
Highly recommended are the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander MacCall Smith.  To date, 6 books have been written.  Smith was born in Zimbabwe and taught law at University of Botswana for over twenty years.   He is a long time chum of Howard Moffat, ex-Superintendent of PMH.  The books are fun and really capture the nuances and details of life in Botswana.   If you plan a trip to South Africa, a Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, is also recommended.  In addition, most bookstores in Gaborone have an African fiction/nonfiction section.  Other books include; Screaming of the Innocent and Far and Beyond.   Books by Bessie Head are also worth considering.  You can visit her home town/museum in Serowe.
Books are extraordinarily expensive in Gaborone, but the Mallach House has a reasonable and growing library.  There is an excellent second hand bookstore in the BBS (Broadhurst) mall on the second floor above the Woolworths.  It is called J and B bookstore and the owner can be a great help in suggesting books. 

 

How do I communicate with home?
Before you leave, one option is to buy some African calling cards for your friends and family.  Cards can be found at many of the newspaper stands in Philadelphia, especially around Penn’s campus (i.e. the kiosk across the street from the bookstore at 36th and Walnut Sts.).  Cards cost $5 or $10, and will last 1-3 hours depending on the number of calls, as there is a large connection fee.   At this time most people use Skype for communicating with the United States (www.skype.com). Go to the website and establish an account for each party (you and whoever you want to talk to).  There are a number of low cost Internet “cafes” in Gabs.  As of this writing it costs about $3 for an hour.  Internet connection is fairly reliable.  Each UPenn flat has a computer with a satellite Internet connection.  Each flat is wireless.  There is certainly no necessity to bring your own laptop, but if you do you will be able to access the Internet via the wireless interface.  Gill Jones will give you the access code. Each computer also has Skype software installed. The phones in the flats are capable of local calls, and receiving international calls.  They are not set up to make international calls. 

 

What is it like living in Botswana?
THEY DRIVE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE – WATCH OUT WHEN CROSSING THE STREET!
Dress in Gabs is “westernized”.  Pretty much anything decent is acceptable for men or women. People usually greet one another by saying “Hello” (even strangers) when passing on the street.  “Dumela mma” (to a woman) or “Dumela rra” (to a man) is the minimum Setswana everyone should learn.  Like much of the rest of the world people are not nearly as time driven as in the USA.  So do not expect meetings, cabs, etc. to be precisely on time.  Just relax and enjoy the saner lifestyle.  Botswana is 6 (daylight savings) or 7 hours ahead of Philadelphia.

 

Holidays
July 1st
July 18 & 19
Sept 30
Oct 1
Dec 25, 26 & 27
Jan 1
Easter ~ the Friday and Monday
May Labor Day (1st May) and Ascension Day

 

UPenn Flats and Communal Living
Medical Students and Residents are housed in a series of UPenn leased flats. Undergraduate semester abroad students and all summer interns will be housed at the University of Botswana dormitories. Assignments for trainees or volunteers in other categories are decided on an ad hoc basis by Drs. Gluckman or Friedman.

1. Penn has four three-bedroom flats and a house in Gabs and a flat in Francistown. The flats in Gabs are located in a safe and beautiful complex.  They are Flats 4b (plot 2559, 3a (plot 2552) and 5a (plot 2551).  There is a swimming pool and several fruit trees.  The house (Mallach House) is on Buffalo Close (plot 2423) a few minutes away.  The flats are about a 15 minute walk from PMH, while Mallach House is a 10 minute walk. Both are 15 minutes from the nearest shopping center.  It is also a walk from UB, the main stadium, the tennis courts, and the squash courts.  The flat in Francistown is located in a similar type of complex.  It has a swimming pool and tennis court.  It is 1 km from a gym and 6 km from the hospital.  There is no local mail service in Botswana so any mail should be addressed to the post office box.  It takes about 2 – 4 weeks to get mail.  Each flat has a housekeeper.  They keep the places clean, make beds, and do the laundry/ironing.  They do not pick up after us. It is communal living, so be respectful of other’s space and try to be neat.  RE: COMMUNAL LIVING.  We have tried very hard to keep all of the UPenn people in the flats – even if that means a bit of overcrowding on occasion.  It is less expensive and potentially more fun so be prepared and “go with the flow”.  You may be asked to change rooms during you stay to better accommodate others based on gender and other considerations.  Be prepared for this.  The cost of food is shared.  We have done this on an honor system basis so please remember to contribute. When you leave the accommodations it is customary to give a “Bone Sela” to the maid who has looked after you.  The suggested minimum rate is P100 per month pro rate, so for 6 weeks the Bon Sela is P150

 

What is personal safety like in Botswana?
As noted in the checklist you should register with the US embassy on line before you travel to Botswana.  https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/

You will generally feel safe in Botswana.  The government is stable, and the Batswana are uniformly kind, friendly, and helpful.  Reported crimes were almost exclusively robberies (usually cell phones), and car break-ins while parked at the foot of Kgale Hill.  Crime is rarely against a person.  There is a general feeling that robberies are on the increase.  They are blamed on the influx of refugees from Zimbabwe.  Remember your street smarts.  Do not walk by yourself on the paths after dark, use the streets.  Do not have your cell phone on display while walking.

From the US Embassy: “Wild animals pose a danger to tourists.  Tourists should bear in mind that, even in the most serene settings, the animals are wild and can pose a threat to life and safety.  Tourists should use common sense when approaching wildlife, observe all local or park regulations, and heed all instructions given by tour guides.  In addition, tourists are advised that potentially dangerous areas sometimes lack fences and warning signs.  Exercise appropriate caution in unfamiliar surroundings”.

AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS pose a particular risk to travelers in developing countries and Botswana is no exception.  We strongly advise short-term travelers to NOT DRIVE themselves.  In addition, it is not a good idea to be on inter-city roads after dark.  Many experienced drivers have had accidents involving cattle (and other cars).  Never take chances in a vehicle.

 

What is the cost of living in Botswana?
Living in Botswana is less expensive than in the United States.  Food and entertainment are 1/2 that of the US.  The unit of currency is the Pula and there are about 6 to the dollar.  There are 100 Thebe in a Pula.

 

How do I communicate in Botswana?
Having a cell phone makes life a lot easier.  It seems like just about everyone in Gaborone has a cell phone, as phones are answered everywhere- at work, on the combi (public mini-van taxis), in the movies! You can buy a phone once you arrive (P245 or $40 dollar for an inexpensive one including SIM card) or buy a phone from a leaving ex-pat.  You can also rent a phone for the time you are there.  If you bring your own cell phone from the states confirm that you will be able to substitute a Botswana SIM card with your USA cell phone vendor.  If you can do this then you can just purchase a Botswana SIM card when you get there that will make your phone usable in Botswana. Instead of having a phone plan, most people buy pre-paid units, which they can add to the phone as needed.  Phone cards are found just about everywhere, and cards can be purchased for as little as P10 or P20 and up to P500.  Phone calls during the day are about P1/minute, but text messages can be sent for about 25 thebe.  Phone numbers are all 8 numbers.
If you do not have a phone but need to make a phone call, you can easily find a phone around town.  Pay phones, as well as some landlines, will only call landlines, as calls to cell phones are more expensive.  If you need to call a cell phone, you can use the phone at the phone stands.  Generally, calls are P1/minute.  Remember the landlines in the flats are only for local calls.  It will call both cell phones and other landlines.
It is important to let family and friends know how to contact you while you are in Botswana.  Phone cards are useful and cheap for this purpose, and although there are many phone card vendors around Philadelphia, the kiosk on the corner opposite the Penn Bookstore on 36th and Walnut has good deals.  The “Simply Africa” card enables people to call to land lines or cell phones in Botswana for about $0.08 a minute.  Furthermore, with this card there is no connection fee.  Another good card is the “GoLoAfrica” card.  However, the best is to use Skype.

 

Can I receive or send mail in Botswana?
Post offices can be found at the Main Mall and at Riverwalk.  Hours are generally 800-1600, Monday through Friday.  Letters are priced according to the size of the envelope and not the weight.  Letters in business sized envelopes cost P 3,30, and larger letters cost P11.  There is no home delivery of mail in Botswana. 
It takes several weeks to get mail.
Our post address in Botswana is: 
C/O Gill Jones
Suite 157
Private Bag 324
Riverwalk
Gaborone,
Botswana

 

How do I get or change money in Botswana?
Bring very few dollars to Botswana.  You will just have to hide them somewhere. It is much easier to get Pula as you need it from banks or ATM’s.
American Express cards are almost never accepted; Visa and Master Cards are usable at many restaurants, stores and supermarkets.  You can get Pula in an ATM machine with a Visa or Master Card pin number. ATM’s at the Gaborone Sun Hotel, the Riverwalk Mall and some other locations will accept a debit card, particularly those with a “PLUS” symbol (not Cirrus, or Nyce).  Banks will change dollars and traveler’s checks to Pula.  You should check the back of your ATM prior to departure because without a card that is on this network (PLUS) you WILL NOT be able to obtain cash through your bank account with a bank card.  You should definitely bring a card that you can use in a machine to get money.  Some have had difficulties with obtaining money from certain ATM machines in Gaborone.  As a fallback you can always go to Barclays near the Main Mall to have money wired.
In all likelihood, you will be able to take money out against your VISA or MASTERCARD but you will be paying interest on this money. Dollars can be exchanged at any of the banks at the Main Mall.  Banks will change dollars and traveler’s checks.  There is also an American Express Center and money changing place at Riverwalk that can change your US dollars or travelers cheques.  Just remember, most places close by 1600 during the week, and often charge a service for changing money.

 

Can I use a credit card in Botswana?
Credit cards are accepted at most stores, hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Botswana.  Once you leave the city, however, cash is often preferred/required.  American Express cards are almost never accepted; Visa and Master Cards are usable at many restaurants, stores and supermarkets.   

 

What is transportation like is Botswana?
Since the recent additions of the malls (Riverwalk, Game City), the center of action has moved away from the Main and African Malls to these new malls, which are located on the outskirts of Gaborone.  Therefore, walking in Gaborone is less of an option than it once was.  Francistown is more compact and a more “walkable” city.  There are a number of public transportation options.
Public transportation can be identified by their BLUE license plates.  Remember when giving directions, use easily identified places.  Most do not know the official street names, but will use the destination as the road name, for example “the road to Gabane.”
Taxis are readily available.  Most of us have numbers programmed into our cell phones and just call one when needed.  There is a taxi stand at the bus terminal and the south side of the main mall.  Example fares:
A trip within the city costs P10-12, and at night the cost is around P15-P20. 
Riverwalk 10p
Game City 15p
Airport 30-40p
Mokolodi 50p
Cabs are often available at Riverwalk and Game City, and they can be easily ordered by phone.  If you find that you are taking cabs frequently, it is possible to get the cell phone number of a specific driver and call that person directly when needed.  Furthermore, by using a single driver for most of your transportation during your stay you can often ask for lower rates.  The larger cab companies are less likely to do this, but smaller companies and individual drivers will.   Another idea some have had success with is flagging cabs that already have occupants.  Apparently this results in a significantly lower fare (as low as 2 pula, per one traveler).
Combis are the crowded minivans around town.  The follow specific routes, but there are no route maps so if you do not know which combi to take, ask anyone; people are very friendly and helpful and will make sure you get to where you are going.  The cost is 2.25p to ride anywhere on the route.  Combis are often full, but there is always room for one more.  They are the usual way most locals get around town.  Rides are always an adventure and a true Botswana experience.  Our residents and students have become very comfortable combi users. 
Buses You can get to any sizable city in Botswana by bus.  Typical times are: Gabs-Francistown, 6 hours (P35/person).  Francistown-Maun, 6 hours (P40/person).  Buses can be found on the north side of the bus station, and they generally leave every half-hour or whenever the bus is full.  Destinations are located on the front of the bus.  Buses can be very crowded and are not air conditioned, but you can’t beat the price.  Get there early to get a seat. 
Train travels from Gabs to Lobatse or Francistown.  Trains generally leave twice a day, and you can buy economy class, second class, and first class (seat/sleeper guaranteed).  Reservations are recommended, especially during holiday weekends.  The train station is located right next to the bus station.  The train actually takes longer than the bus, but is likely to be a bit more comfortable for P100/person.
Plane: DO NOT CHECK ANYTHING OF VALUE – THERE IS A HIGH LIKELIHOOD THAT IT WILL BE TAKEN FROM YOUR CHECK LUGGAGE (CELL PHONES, CAMERAS, ETC.)
Air Botswana: Office on Main Mall. 3951921. Flights to Johannesburg, Maun, or Kasane.  Typical fares are $200-400 range.
South African Air: Offices in Broadhurst and Game City Malls.  Tel: 3095740, 3972397