Botswana, the land between South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, is an African anomaly. Blessed with a flourishing multiparty democracy, a strong economy based on diamond mining that has allowed it to establish reserves of foreign exchange, and a commitment to wildlife conservation established at independence in 1966, Botswana works.
Botswana is the land of the legendary Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Swamp-the inland delta of the Okavango River spilling down from the mountains of western Angola. The swamp is home to an astounding variety of big game and bird life, and is Botswana`s signature attraction.
The delta is one of Africa`s few remaining pristine wilderness areas, preserved in part because it is naturally inhospitable to humans and domesticated animals. Until recently, tsetse flies swarmed the area, harmless to wildlife but deadly to humans and livestock. But the flies have been mostly eradicated by insecticides, and pressures for agricultural use of the delta are building.
Trips into the delta are staged from Maun, one of the country`s largest towns, with a population of about 20,000. Maun`s airport is one of the busiest in southern Africa, where small planes depart to distant camps. The best time to visit is October through February for big game (the camps close in December and January, the wettest months) and May through August for birds.
Also accessible from Maun are Chobe National Park and Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve, areas of scrub jungle and savanna with large herds of antelope, elephant and zebra, and roving prides of lions.
Much of Botswana is arid and unsuitable for farming, so 80 percent of the population lives on a narrow strip along the country`s southeastern border. Rain occupies so central a place in the country`s psyche that the word for it, Pula is used universally as a greeting, a toast and the name of the currency. Tap water is safe to drink is most places, and there is little street crime.
Worldwide updates
Algeria: Operations have been temporarily suspended at the American Consulate in Oran due to unrest caused by government moves to cancel January`s legislative elections and attempts to ban the Islamic Salvation Front, a fundamentalist party. Non-essential travel to Algeria should be avoided.
Cambodia: The U.S. government has lifted its trade embargo on Cambodia following the implementation of the agreement by the warring parties to end the long civil war here. Travel to Cambodia, however, still should be done with caution because it`s far from certain that the agreement will be fully honored, and animosities, particularly against the inclusion of the Khmer Rouge in the peace settlement, run deep. Sporadic military operations still occur in the countryside and banditry is a serious problem. In addition, the U.S. Mission in Phnom Penh can provide only very limited emergency consular services.
Canada: There has been an outbreak of meningococcal disease in eastern Canada, and travelers should consider getting vaccinations for children 2 to 19. The disease is occurring in the Ottawa-Carlton area, the Laurentides region north of Montreal, the Lanaudiere region, the Outaouais area in West Quebec, and Prince Edward Island. Adults are at very low risk, but the rate of infection among school-age children is above normal. Vaccination should be done 10 days before traveling to eastern Canada.
Colombia: The imminent eruption of Galeras Volcano near Pasto in Narino Department has been reported for several months, and travel to the area should be deferred until the threat passes.
El Salvador: The Feb. 1 peace settlement has created pride and optimism among the people. Consolidating the peace will take time, however, and travel to El Salvador should still be undertaken with caution. Night travel should be avoided and travelers are advised to register with the U.S. Embassy on arrival.
Ghana: Travelers must now pay refundable deposits to bring in electronic goods such as video cameras and laptop computers. The deposit is 17.5 percent of the item`s value, and travelers must apply with the Customs and Excise Office in Accra 48 hours before departure to get the refund.
India: The troubled state of Kashmir saw more trouble Feb. 12 when Pakistani militants tried to stage a march to the Indian region to help Islamic militants there win autonomy from the Indian government. The border disturbances have increased tensions between India and Pakistan, and travel to the region should be avoided. The Feb. 19 election of a state government in the Punjab occurred with little violence, but mostly because Sikh separatists pressured moderate politicians to boycott the election. Troubles are likely to continue, and travel to the Punjab should be undertaken with caution.
Ivory Coast: An anti-government demonstration in the capital of Abidjan Feb. 18 turned into a riot when demonstrators began smashing everything in their path. Opposition leaders and hundreds of the rioters were arrested.
Peru: Leftist terrorists bombed several banks, a movie theater and detonated a powerful car bomb outside the American ambassador`s residence in Lima Feb. 11. The events underscore the fear that the government is making little progress in its anti-insurgency campaign despite placing more than half the country under a state of emergency. Travel to Peru should be avoided unless traveling with a tour company that has a lot of experience here.
Philippines: A volcano near a popular tourist site is about to erupt, according to Philippine scientists. Taal Island volcano is in the middle of a volcanic lake 35 miles south of Manila, and is considered one of the most violent of the country`s active volcanos.
Venezuela: An attempted coup by a group of military officers in February almost brought down the civilian government of Carlos Andres Perez. This indicates tensions that could spawn unrest. Travelers should follow local press reports for current information.
Zaire: Travel should be avoided here due to continuing unrest.
Security alert for Europe, Africa and the Middle East: According to the U.S. Department of State, the Feb. 16 killing of Hezbollah Secretary General Sheik Abbas Musawi by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon has increased the risk to Americans traveling or residing in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Hezbollah officials reportedly have called for vengeance against the U.S., creating the possibility that Americans could become the target of terrorist actions, including renewed kidnappings.
World Travel Watch is a monthly report designed to help you make informed judgments about travel throughout the world. Because conditions can change overnight, always make your own inquiries before you leave home.
