Ying Ying - Spanning Botswana

Share:

Travel Guidance

PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU TRAVEL IN AFRICA

We at Conservation Safari Company understand that travelling in Africa can be a daunting experience but rest assured that when we plan your trip, every step is organised and seamless, from the moment you enter the airport arrivals hall to when you depart. There will be someone to greet you with a signboard and your name on it at each airport/hotel/lodge and you will be transferred in comfort and safety - you basically don’t have to think at all from when you arrive. We provide you with a comprehensive Travel Document that details each day’s plan, what time you need to be where, who the provider is and their contact details – we make sure that everything happens on schedule. In addition our team is here 24hrs and contactable so that if there is a hiccup, we can fix it straight away.

In addition to us planning your safari, we are making a difference as a company. One percent [1%] of the value of every trip booked with us is spent on conservation, at no cost to you. We want to protect Africa’s wild places and wildlife, for future generations – please read more about our conservation efforts on our website!

Thank you for considering Conservation Safari Company

Luxury travel, making a difference!

Travel Documents

Very few additional documents or vouchers are required these days, but copies of electronic flight tickets and any provided vouchers will be sent to you or included in your printable Travel Document. Your Travel Document will contain detailed daily arrangements of each destination and transfer, flight details and contact numbers. It will also contain a list of emergency contact details - a copy of your itinerary should be left at home with friends or next of kin so that they have a means of knowing where you are and who to contact in case of an emergency.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with all safari outfitters that you have the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependants/travelling companions for the duration of your trip to Africa. When it comes to making a critical decision in the case of an emergency it is essential that all the service providers have your Insurance Company, Policy Number and a 24hour contact number.

Visas

For travelers visiting South Africa with Children, please download and read the PDF document on our website 'South Africa Children & Visa' - specific documents are required.

Please be advised that visa requirements are subject to change and that visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not Conservation Safari Company. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from Africa and that you have enough blank pages in your passport for all of the visas you require.

The majority of visas in Africa can be obtained at the border however it is essential that you check the visa requirements of every country you will be visiting with the local embassy, consulate or a reputable visa handling company for the most up to date visa information before you travel. African countries are in a continual state of political flux and visa requirements can change overnight.

Health

There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention – please consult your medical practitioner and check with your health department/travel clinic prior to departure from your home country, in the event there have been changes in the health regulations of the country you are visiting.

The primary concern for travellers in Africa is Malaria, Yellow Fever, Tsetse Flies and Ticks. Malaria is prevalent in specific areas and usually during the summer months - most travel doctors will recommend malaria tablets. Please read our pre-travel document on this page [pdf] and also consult the World Health Organization website for detailed information or the Centre for Disease Control website.

Luggage Weight Limits

Please take note of the weight limits for travel in the region and take particular note if you are flying on a light aircraft to any of the private and more remote destinations. Typically luggage on light aircraft flights is limited to a total of 20kg (including hand luggage) but in some cases is 15kg or 12kg in soft bags only - no hard cases or soft bags with frames!

Most commercial airline, regional flights have a 23kg check-in baggage limit with a total of 7kg carry on.

What does it mean to be SATSA Bonded?

Conservation Safari Company (Thom Media & Travel Pty Ltd) is a bonded member of the South African Tourism Services Association. As a bonded SATSA member our clients receive a financial guarantee against any deposits they make to us. The SATSA logo signifies our integrity and commitment to the highest service levels as an African travel facilitator.

VIEW OUR SATSA CERTIFICATE AND NUMBER ON OUR WEBSITE 

GENERAL INCLUSIONS

  • Meet & greet, transfers to/from airports and hotels/lodges
  • Regional flights & taxes
  • Meals and drinks specified per accommodation
  • Daily excursions & activities as specified
  • Park fees and entrance fees as specified
  • Safari activities and lodge/guide staff

GENERAL EXCLUSIONS

  • Visas
  • International flights
  • Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance
  • Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
  • Items of a personal nature & curio purchases
  • Gratuities or tips

 

Thank you for looking at our itinerary and considering Conservation Safari Company as your travel provider, we put a lot of time and thought into creating itineraries and experiences for your specific needs and interests - so please check all the tabs above [if you are viewing a digital itinerary] or each page of a printed itinerary, to make sure you get through all the information. We know you have a choice of many providers, but we believe we offer excellent service, value for money pricing, and we are making a difference through our conservation projects. [https://www.conservationsafaricompany.com/conservation]

Botswana

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. 


back to top