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Travel Preliminaries
Passports and travel documents valid. Check that visa requirements are in order for the countries you will be travelling through and to.
Travel and health insurance valid. Check with your local general practitioner for health conditions in the areas you are travelling through and to.
Make sure all travel plans are in place, and double check flight times within 24 hours of departure. Double check travel documents are in order. Some African countries are particular about the number of pages available for their elaborate entry/exit stamps!
It is advisable to look at the news broadcast about the countries you are travelling through and to and get updates on the state of affairs in the region for interest’s sake, as well as safety and security awareness. Local affairs can be misrepresented by the foreign press. The Internet is the best source of news worldwide. Look at the following news sites.
It is important to pack according to air travel allowances, as penalties and inconvenience are liable. Bearing this in mind, and the local climate and weather, pack wisely and carefully. Summer heat and winter chill can be extreme! Laundry is available most days you are on safari.
 Air & Safari Travel Baggage Limitations
Long haul flights - 23KG
Air Botswana - 21KG
Safari charter flights - 12KG
(It is possible to leave excessive luggage at air charter offices if necessary).
Safari Clothes (seasonal)
Three long sleeve shirts
Three long pants
6 pairs socks
Three Summer/winter dresses
Three summer/winter Ladies shirts
Three summer/winter T-shirts
Underwear
One sweater
One summer/winter jacket
Bathing Suit
Safari Shoes
One Pair Comfortable Strong Sole Walking Boots
One Pair Comfortable Evening Shoes
One Pair Bed Sandals/Slippers
Safari & Travel Toiletries
Your Preferred Toiletries In Travel Sizes Are Recommended. Most Brands Of Toiletries And Cosmetic Products Are Available At Johannesburg International Airport Duty Free Shops.
Sun Bloc Products
Skin Moisturisers
Hair Products For Dry Climate Conditions
Safari & Travel Medication
Having Received Local Medical Advice About The Region You Are Travelling In, It Is Advisable That You Bring Basic And General Medication Though Lodges And Camps Do Stock Them, And First Aid Kits.
Health & Happiness
It is advisable to get up to date information on international health issues before travelling. Ask your local medical practitioner for up to date health considerations for the areas you are travelling through to your safari destinations.
The dry and cool winter months (June to September) are usually free of disease carrying insects and so malaria is not as prevalent as it can be during our summer months, (October to May). We who live here do not take anti malarial preventative medicine, as they are strong drugs for short-term use. We do advise that visitors on safari take all the necessary precautions other than drugs – repellents and clothing to cover the skin. The accommodation tents are insect, and everything else proof.
We do recommend and supply bottled water to avoid water borne bacteria affecting systems that are not used to our relatively clean natural water. We all drink the natural river water and borehole water as we are used to it and it is generally safe in the remote areas we safari into.
It is important to consider that we do keep well-stocked medical boxes, and guides have completed first aid courses. It is advisable to inform us of any particular health and medical issues, and what medication you are taking should this be the case.
Health insurance and medical evacuation cover must be up to date before you depart for your African Safari.
General Allergy Medication
General Pain Medication
General Abdominal Medication
Antiseptic Medication
Eye Drops
Contact Lens Medication.
(Advise Using Prescription Glasses Rather Than Contact Lenses Because Of Dusty Conditions)
Spare Set Of Reading Glasses
Safari Photography
Digital photography has developed to the degree it is highly recommended for travel and safari in Africa.
Rechargeable batteries
Spare batteries
Spare memory cards
Cleaning kit
12 & 220 volt charging adaptors
Safari Cinematography
MiniDV video cameras are now available for the consumer market, and of a high standard of quality. Stills pictures can be digitized from the video clips so to maximize opportunity a video camera is recommended instead of both stills camera and video camera.
Also be aware that it is easy to become too engrossed in filming at the expense of missing out on actual wildlife behaviour and sights.
To get the most out of filming it is advisable to buy a book on simple filming techniques. For example, minimal camera-shake, and make several short (six second) takes of the same subject from different angles and POV (points of view). And wide, medium and close up shots of the same subject. This will maximize viewing enjoyment when you get home. Shooting the camp, staff, guides, and vehicles on safari, not just the wildlife, will add to the interest value of the finished film story.
12 & 220 volt charging adaptors
Spare batteries
Spare videotape
Cleaning kit
Safari Accessories
Sunglasses
Bathing suit
Sun hat
Gloves (winter)
Binoculars
Light waterproof jacket (summer)
Small torch (flashlight)
Electric razor (spare batteries)
Safari Finance
Contact your local bank facility or agent about foreign currency rates and regulations related to travel in the countries your are travelling through and to.
It is advisable to carry minimal amounts of cash. Electronic banking facilities are available throughout Southern Africa where tourism is a major industry.
Tipping
The industry standard for gratuity in Botswana safari camps and lodges varies according to the standards of operations. We work on the standard of US$5 per person per day.
African Shopping
Botswana woven baskets are famous for their extremely high standard of production. They are designed to carry liquids - beer and milk. The liquids expand the palm frond weaves to allow tiny beads of that liquid to escape and evaporate thus aiding in keeping the contents of the baskets cool and fresh.
Shopping for arts and crafts in the villagers is a rewarding experience, and should be encouraged, though Botswana is very limited in any variety of cultural goods, and ‘Bushman' crafts are produced and sold in most craft shops in Maun. Local currency (Pula) is required for shopping in the villages.
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