Driving in Botswana is not a big problem, assuming you are used to driving on the left in the UK.  There are a few slightly different rules of the road to bear in mind but nothing too difficult so hiring a car is a good option.

Several of the international car hire firms have offices at the Airport.  The best way to decide upon a firm is to look at a price comparison site such as www.rentalcars.com  We’d like to be able to recommend a local firm but, so far, we have not found one.

The President Hotel in Gaborone will send their minibus to meet your flight if you prefer not to hire a car immediately.

The rules of the road are very similar to the UK except that:

• At “four way stops” where there are white lines but no traffic lights, vehicles are supposed to move forward in order of their arrival so you need to be very observant about whose turn it is, especially as not all local drivers can be relied upon to follow the rules.

• Traffic lights (called “robots” in Botswana) go from red to green; the amber light only shows when the lights are changing from green to red.

• Speed limits (in kilometres per hour; your car’s speedo will be in kph) are strictly enforced via speed traps by police using laser guns, often out of sight.  There are no warnings.  The fines are taken on the spot.  Official receipts are given.  There is the occasional problem when the end of a reduced speed limit (eg for road works or a nearby settlement) is not displayed.  This means the driver has to make a decision whether or not to risk a faster speed.

Main roads are usually set at 120 kph; in towns and villages and where the road passes a settlement, the limit is usually 60 kph; on some roads the limit is 80 kph.  Speeds below 60 kph are found where there are road works.

Safety belts, if fitted, must be worn.

Animals (cows, goats, sheep, even ostriches) are often to be found at the side of the road and there is a risk of them wandering into the path of your car.  If you see animals, slow down.  If you see a motorist ahead with hazard lights flashing, that’s probably a warning that animals are straying.  You may also see an unlucky dead animal or severely damaged car to remind you to take great care.