Charter Airline Baggage Limitations
Please note that a luggage restriction of 20kgs (44lbs) packed in soft-sided duffel bags is applicable to all scheduled charter flights in South Africa, Botswana Zambia and Zimbabwe. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.
In Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia the luggage limit is 15Kgs (33lbs) packed in soft sided duffel bags. This weight limit includes your hand luggage.
Note that seat rate charter flights operate a shuttle service and guests may be collected at other camps before proceeding to your destination.
South Africa and Botswana Visa Note
USA, Canadian and EU passport holders do not need a visa for entry to South Africa or Botswana. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive empty visa pages in your passport, per country, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry. If you are on a different passport, please let me know and I will check the requirements for your trip.
Zambia Visa Note
An entry visa is required for Zambia for most passport holders. The entry fee is US$50 per person (subject to change). This can be purchased at Livingstone Airport on arrival. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Zimbabwe Visa Note
Most passport holders can purchase their visa for Zimbabwe on arrival for US$30. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Kenya Visa Note
Please note that you will need to purchase a visa for Kenya. The cost is currently US$50pp. It is best to apply for your visa online on http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
Should you decide to purchase your visa on arrival, you need to have cash available as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Tanzania Visa Note
US passport holders can purchase their visa for Tanzania at the port of entry for US$100 per person. Please can you have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Uganda Visa Note
Uganda Immigration have implemented the use of Electronic Visas. All visitors who require an entry visa must apply through the online application system prior to arrival: https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
Please make sure to bring your bar-coded visa letter with you when you travel. The cost is US$50 per person.
Rwanda Visa Note
Visas, if necessary, are issued when passengers arrive at Kigali International Airport. The cost is US$50 upon arrival.
The passport of the traveler must be valid at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Rwanda.
Yellow Fever
Please note that you need a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate for travel to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. You must travel with the original certificate as you may be asked for proof.
Malaria Medication
We recommend that you take malaria prophylactics as you will be travelling to a malaria risk area. You will need to liaise with your GP or travel clinic regarding the medication most suited to your needs. Unfortunately we're not able to recommend which one to take as it is dependent on other medication you're currently taking / any medical conditions etc.
Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Pula (BWP)
Symbol: P
ISO code: BWP
Central bank: Bank of Botswana
Subunit: Thebe
Banknotes: P100, P50, P20, P10
Coins: P5, P2, P1; T50, T25, T10, T5
Banking:
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Generally, no
Visa: Yes
American Express: Generally, no
Diner’s club: Generally, no
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08h00 or 09h00 – 16h15 or 17h15
Weekends: 08h00 or 09h00 – 10h45 or 12h00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Airports in major cities
Main airlines: Mack Air and Kalahari Air
International Airports: In major cities
Road:
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes, if your national licence is not in English. If your national licence is in English, you may use it for up to 6 months.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No, but similar services
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: No
Local city bus networks: No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, overnight train from Francistown to Gaborone to Lobatse.
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes within major cities
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes within major cities
Ice: Yes within major cities
Meat: Yes within major cities
Street food: Yes within major cities
Local cuisine: Food centres around meat such as goat, beef, chicken and fresh water fish, and a maize meal known locally as “pap”. Adventurous culinary enthusiasts may want to try the traditional speciality of Mopane Worms, while those with a sweet tooth should make sure to sample the local Kalahari Truffles (made as a dessert) and unusual fruit called Marula. It is believed that watermelon originated here.
Drinks: Bojalwaja Setswana (the beer of Botswana) - created using fermented sorghum seeds.
Tipping: 10%, usually added to the bill at restaurants. It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 475 mm
Average temperature: 27°C
Summer:
Average in highs: 31°C
Average in lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 23°C
Average in lows: 22°C
Best time to visit: It’s best to visit Botswana between April and September – the dry winter months. At this time, animals usually stay close to their water sources, increasing your chances of seeing them.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes in cities
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes in cities
Cafes: Yes in cities
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes in cities
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: D/G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
General Guidance
TIPPING GUIDELINES ON SAFARI
Tipping Guidelines For 4 - 5 Star Safari Lodges (see below if you are staying at a very high-end luxury lodge)
Ranger/ Field Guide: $18 – 20 per person per day
Tracker: $8-10 per person per day
Specialist Activity Guides (Bushmen experience, Mokoro poler, bird guide etc.): $8 -10 per person, per activity
Butler: $6-10 per person per day
General safari lodge staff: $10-15 per person per day. Can generally be put in gratuity box at reception. Most camps/lodges allow tipping by credit card.
Note: Some camps will have a central gratuity box for the general staff, while others do not. Envelopes are also available.
Tipping Guidelines For High-End Luxury Safari Lodges
Ranger/ Field Guide: From $ 23 per person per day
Tracker: From $20 per person per day
Specialist Activity Guides (Bushmen experience, Mokoro poler, bird guide etc.): From $20 per person, per activity
Butler: From $17 per person per day
Therapist: 10% of treatment
General safari lodge staff: From $20 per person per day. Can generally be put in gratuity box at reception. Most camps/lodges allow tipping by credit card.
