Affordable Botswana Safaris: Discover the Best of Botswana Without Breaking the Bank

You MUST bring:

Valid passport for international travel

Passports must be valid for at least six month. Passengers travelling to Botswana with passports, which do not comply with these requirements, will either be stopped from boarding the aircraft or risk deportation on arrival in Botswana.

 Visa if required - Citizens of Canada, the US and most European countries do not need a visa. Reconfirm travel documents requirements with your carrier before departure

Additional form of photo ID -    (e.g. driver’s license)

Photocopy of passport, visa and travel tickets to carry separately from your travel documents

Air tickets

Travel Insurance

Some local currency. (Botswana Pula)

Kindle, iPad

Phone and charger (You can pick up a sim card at the airport in Botswana or from street vendors).

Camera and charger.

A couple of re-sealable plastic bags.

Clothing:

1 x Soft broad-brimmed hat – The African sun is harsh from every angle.

• 1 x Fleece beanie (can be traded for a buff) – The breeze generated by a safari vehicle can be chilly, particular on the ears.

• 1 x Warm jacket – Particularly useful for early mornings and winter travel.

• 1 x lightweight, windproof top – year round essential.

• 1 or 2 x Buffs (multi-functional tubular bandanna) – This is a versatile accessory with a range of uses, from keeping your hair off your face, the sun or cold wind off your neck, the dust off your camera or even folded double as a beanie.

• 1 x warm top (fleece): good for around the fire in the evenings.

• 1 x gloves (fingerless for photographers).

• 3 x lightweight fast-dry (hiking styled) shirts – long sleeves are great for keeping the sun off your arms but can be uncomfortable in the heat.

• 2 x trousers (for winter) or shorts (zip-off longs are best).

• 4 pairs x socks.

• 4 pairs x underwear. This one should need no explanation.

• 1 pair x sturdy closed shoes (ankle support recommended for walking safari).

Safari Accessories/ Aids:

• 1 x binoculars

• 1 x camera

• 1 x birding App (Robert’s 7 Multimedia Birds of Southern Africa but if not available Sasol eBirds).

• 1 x mammals App (Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa by Chris and Mathilde Stuart).

Optional extras:

• 1 x sandals/ flip-flops (for around the camp or to air feet).

• 1 x sarong/ shawl (addition protection from the elements).

• 1 x toiletries/amenities

It is important to take note of light aircraft charters on your itinerary, as this will alter the type of luggage applicable to your adventure. Many charter planes do not allow any hard-edged suitcases, as all space needs to be utilised effectively on flights. As a rule of thumb try to keep all belongings packed under 20kg of weight, as this will ensure that there is no confusion when boarding your aerial transfer. As much as you will love the locals, we’re pretty sure you don’t want to give them half your wardrobe in an attempt to lighten your load.

 

Tips:

– Make copies of all your paperwork. (Lodge confirmations, flight information, passport and travel insurance.) Keep this in a different case than your carry on, you just never know.

– Botswana uses a mix of the British-type plug (Type G – three rectangular pins) and the South African type plug (Type M – three round pins). The best is to get adapters on arrival, so that you don’t waste your money buying something that doesn’t work. Lodges often provide loan adapters.

– Take a good waterproof jacket.

– Loose layers and accessories that protect you from the sun and biting insects are a priority.

– Forget your formal clothes; things are casual out in the bush, even at upscale lodges.

– If you’re planning on doing a mokoro safari, include a waterproof bag to store your electronics.

– In the Okavango Delta, because travel between camps consists of short, charter plane rides, you may wish to include some motion sickness tabs if you’re prone to it.

– Having a day bag is helpful to prevent hats and gloves from blowing away on game drives.

– A headlamp or torch is vital.

– Organic products will be more eco-friendly to the environment.

– Also a pack of wet wipes and some leave in/dry shampoo for those early mornings when you don’t have time for a shower is a good idea.