Dear distinguished Conference Participants,

With about nine weeks remaining to the 2019 SANORD Conference, let me take a moment to furnish and remind you on some of the key things to do while you prepare for your journey to Gaborone, Botswana.

(i)            The Conference Programme

The 2019 SANORD Conference Local Organising Committee is tireless engaged in finalizing the conference programme. The programme will be posted on the University of Botswana Conference Website shortly.

(ii)           Travel arrangements

Botswana is in the Southern Africa region bordering with the Republic of South Africa on the south, Namibia on the left, Zambia on the north and Zimbabwe on the east. There are no direct flights from Europe to Botswana except those flying with Ethiopian Airways (ET) which flies directly to Gaborone via Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Most flights conference participants are likely to transit in Johannesburg, South African before proceeding on a short flight (approx. 50 minutes) to Gaborone.

(iii)          Registration

Please note that early registration closed end of April 2019. Arrange to register now in order to avoid last minute registration and crowding on the first day of the conference. Details on Online registration can be viewed from the University of Botswana Conference Website. Follow the instructions to complete online registration. In case you encounter challenges, please contact Mr Kabo Khama at the IT Department: khamak@ub.ac.bw.

(iv)          Visa

Except for participants from the SADC Region, most participants will require visa to enter Botswana. Visa application details can be viewed from the Government of Botswana Website: www.gov.bw. Conference participants in need of invitation letters please indicate that to the Chair, Local Organising Committee, Professor Yohana Mashalla (Yohana.mashalla@mopipi.ub.bw or khuduk@mopipi.ub.bw) who will arrange to have invitation letters sent to you in advance. Check on the visa application requirements.

(v)           Hotels/Accommodation

A list of hotels links have been provided on the conference website. Participants are encouraged to make direct reservations to the hotels of their choices. Participants are encouraged to reserve their accommodation early.

(vi)          Shuttle services

All hotels listed provide direct shuttle services from the Seretse Khama International Airport to the hotels. Contact the hotels for more details.

(vii)         Weather

The weather in September is generally hot but due to climate change, participants are encouraged to carry limited warm clothing in the event the weather gets cooler.

(viii)        Security

Botswana is politically stable and a very safe country. However, like in most cities, care must be taken especially during late night walks.

(ix)          Tourism

Botswana is vested with a variety of tourist attractions. The northern region of Okavango would be most attractive to those who would like to spend some extra days in Botswana to appreciate what nature has for them in Botswana. The Botswana Tourist Board will be available to assist participants interested in venturing in making short visits to the north and other parts of the country.

Welcome to Botswana

Professor Yohana Mashalla, Chair, Local Organising Committee