What to pack and Notes for a Botswana Safari

The following is a typical list of what might be required while you are on safari. It is advisable to wear a number of thin layers to peel off as the day heats up. Winter or the dry season runs from May- October and weather typically is warm during the day and can be cold at night and early morning. September and October can become very hot preceding the start of the rains. Summer or the rainy season runs from November to April and as a guide is hot during the day and cooler at night with rain showers possible. Please pack using a soft bag and limit weight to under 20kg including hand luggage.

Suggested packing list

  • Outdoor clothing in neutral tones and natural fibres work best
  • Light-weight cotton type long trousers/long-sleeved shirt (for cool evenings, to repel mosquitoes)
  • Light wind proof jacket, sleeveless jacket or fleece – (for game drives/ boat trips/ winter nights and longer drives between camping areas)
  • Comfortable walking shoes / sandals for camp
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Swimwear for permanent camps and lodges
  • Sarong or multi-purpose cotton wrap-around – (useful also as sun screen or dust cover for cameras)
  • Hat in neutral tones
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen lotion / sunblock / lip-aid
  • All Toiletries
  • Small private medical kit
  • Reading glasses / contact lenses / lens fluid / extra glasses for dusty conditions
  • Insect repellent
  • Flash light or head torch
  • Binoculars
  • Camera or video equipment / extra batteries/ Memory card
  • Books / reference books
  • Passport / visas / travel documents / vouchers / plane tickets
  • US$ for personal expenses and gratuities
  • Cash in US $ for Visas/ International departure taxes
  • Credit cards (please obtain latest info before traveling)
  • Small container of detergent for underwear washing the camp staff do not wash underwear in all camps
  • Plug adapters for South African 3 pin plug for invertors on mobile safaris or plugs in permanent camps and lodges

Notes

  • Please check your visa requirements before travelling for all countries you will visit including in transit.
  • You will be visiting malarial areas on your safari please ensure you discuss proper precautions with your doctor as well as having all applicable travel vaccinations for the countries you are visiting or are in transit.
  • USD currency is the most widely used foreign currency in Africa for tourism. This is required for Visas, curios, gratuities and any extras. Some countries do accept GPB and Euros as well. In all cases small denominations are the most useful.
  • If your itinerary includes any light aircraft transfers then the luggage limit is strictly 20KG in a soft bag including hand luggage.

Tipping and Gratuities

Always a tough question “how much to tip?”! If you feel you have been well looked after the following guide will hopefully help:

  • Guide: USD 5-10 per guest per day
  • Camp staff: USD 10 per group per day for the team

In permanent camps and lodges the same applies for the guide and then about USD10-20 per group per day for the communal staff tipping box.

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