main image: courtesy of Alessandro, Flickr Creative Commons
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, theShona 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 ($N)
10 N$ = 1$ US.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe once had its own currency but now operates with the South African Rand, US Dollar, and British Pound.
Botswana
The currency is the pula. Credit cards are accepted at tourist places, banks only exist in the major towns.
P8= $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.
By Susi O’Neill
