Beautiful Botswana and Vibrant Victoria Falls - 13 Days / 12 Nights

Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterized 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.

Botswana offers the best wilderness experience in Africa.  The country is mainly about huge landscapes and deep cultural experiences.  Wild animals roam freely in its natural habitat.

Be awed by the Okavango Delta and the wildlife rich Chobe Game Reserve or visit the Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve and experience the vastness and isolation of the Makgadikgadi Pan.  The Kgalagadi Desert is a large  arid to semi-arid sandy are in southern Africa extending 900 000 km2, covering 84 % of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. 

Chobe is famous for its healthy population of predators, the highest concentration of elephant in Africa and huge herds of buffalo, sable antelope and other game.  You can explore this region by boat and in a game drive vehicle. 

These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive 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.

For Birdwatching there are great opportunities, especially in the Okavango Delta and Chobe.  Botswana has over 650 bird species, of which 75 % can be found in the area.

Relax and explore the shallow hippo waterways in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). With the sound of birdsongs and the serenity of the river, a mokoro trip has been described as one of the ultimate experiences in Botswana.

Game drives are best in the early morning or late afternoon.  Some establishments offer night game drives. Most animals are active after dar, so night drives can yield awesome sightings. 

Visa Application Terms

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Passport. The passport must have left validity of at least six months and more with at least three or more unused pages.
• Recently taken photo in JPG format not bigger than 30Kb in size
• All supporting documents must be in English and uploaded as ONE Pdf file not bigger than 5Mb in size
• Copies of required documents must be certified.
• Applicants without name/surname should add '(apostrophe) on the field to represent no name/surname
• We currently accept VISA/MasterCard for payment. The card must be enabled for online payment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

VISITORS

• Invitation letter from the host
• Certified copies of marriage/Birth Certificate for spouse and dependents
• Certified copies of host National Identity Card/ Residence and Work permit/ Exemption Certificate. Certified copies of Ordination Certificates from Religious Leaders if invited by a church
• Return VISA or Residence permit from country of residence
• For unaccompanied minors (less than 18 years), travelling without biological parents, consent letter from both parents is required.
• Return ticket
• 300 Botswana Pula for single entry for a period up to 3 months
• 500 Botswana Pula for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months
• 1500 Pula for multiple entry for a period over 3 months up to 2 years for dependants of residents

BUSINESS

• Business profile/Invitation letter from the host or facilitator in Botswana
• Meeting schedule (If coming to attend or organize a meeting)
• Certified copies of trade license, certificate of incorporation, share certificate of host if operating a business
• 500 Botswana Pula for single entry for a period up to 3 months
• 1000 Botswana Pula for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months
• 1500 Botswana Pula for multiple entry for a period up to 1 year

EMPLOYMENT

• Work and residence permits/approval letter
• No payment (gratis)

INVESTORS

• Copies of work and residence permits
• Certificate of incorporation, trade license, share certificate & list of directors.
• 1000 Botswana Pula for multiple entry for a period up to 6 months
• 2500 Botswana Pula for multiple entry for a period up to 5 year

TOURISTS

• Tour plan or copy of travel schedule
• Flight bookings
• Confirmation of bookings at hotel/lodges
• RETURN TICKET
• 300 Botswana Pula for single entry for a period up to 1 months
• 500 Botswana Pula for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months

TRANSIT

• Return Visa or proof of Residence and Visa from destination country
• Companies/Individual letter
• 300 Botswana Pula for single entry for a period up to one week
• 500 Botswana Pula for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months
• 1500 Botswana Pula for multiple entry for a period up to 3 years

DIPLOMATIC, OFFICIAL

• Copy of passport
• Letter from foreign affairs
• No payment (gratis)

STUDY

• Study permit/study permit approval letter
• Admission letter from the school
• Source of funds/means of support
• No payment (gratis)

NOTES

• Visa fee is non-refundable. Payment does not guarantee approval.
• Any visa granted will be subject to compliance with the Immigration Regulations of the Republic of Botswana

Please visit the following website:    https://evisa.gov.bw/#/ 

Terms & Conditions apply

Currency

Botswana's currency is Pula (which means 'rain' in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (which means 'shield' in Setswana). Travellers' cheques and foreign currency may be changed at banks, bureaux de change and authorised hotels. 

The US dollar, Euros, British Pound and the South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies (and accepted by some estabishments - but, generally, then an inflated rate of exchange will be applied). 

Banking

Seven main commercial banks, as well as a number of foregin exchange bureaux, operate in Botswana. Operating hours are Monday to Friday 08h30 to 15h30 and Saturday 08h30 to 10h45.

Full banking services are available in major towns, although ATMs are sprouting up all over the country. Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants. Cultural sites and community art and craft outlets usually only accept cash.

Public transport in Botswana is geared towards the needs of the local populace and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Botswana’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.

Driving off the main roads in Botswana is only recommended to expects in 4x4 vehicles, that are equipped correctly. Most lodges offer transfers or they can be arranged. If, however, you will be driving in Botswana: your home driving licence will be accepted (with an official English translation if necessary; driving is on the left side of the road; and the national speed limit is on tarred roads is 120km/h and 60km/h in towns and villages. 

Be sure to watch out for wild animals on the roads!

There are major airports in Maun, Kasane and Gaborone, while smaller charter flights are used to get to the other top attractions and camps.

Safari lodges and camps serve international-style cuisine, generally of an extremely high standard, along with local beer and imported wine and spirits. Good restaurants and bars can be found in main towns, often within hotels. Beef and goat are very popular meats. Elsewhere, food is more basic: millet and sorghum porridge are the local staples.

Tap water is considered safe to drink, although outside main cities and towns, visitors are advised to check first and sterilise water if in any doubt. Bottled water is available in most tourist centres. Filtered water is available at most camps and shops offer bottled water - it is advised to be well stocked of bottled water if you are travelling off the beaten track. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally safe.

A discretionary five-to-ten-percent tip is typical for restaurant bills. In many places, a service charge is automatically added. It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari.

Botswana's climatic pattern is typical of southern Africa, although its rainfall is less than countries further east. The rains in Botswana come mostly between December and March, when average minimum temperatures are in the low 20°s. Some days will be bright and sunny, some will have afternoon thunderstorms, and some will just be grey.

As with Namibia, April and May in Botswana are generally lovely, with the sky clear and the landscape green. Night temperatures start to drop during these months, especially in the Kalahari. Note that places in and around the Okavango tend to have less extreme, more moderate temperatures than the drier areas of the Kalahari.

From June to August the night-time temperatures in drier areas can be close to freezing, but it warms up rapidly during the day, when the sky is usually clear and blue. It's now very much 'peak season' for most safari areas: the land is dry in most areas so the animals congregate around the few available water sources.

This continues into September and October, when temperatures climb again, drying the landscapes and concentrating the game even more. This is the best time for big game safaris – although October can feel very hot, with maximum temperatures sometimes approaching 40°C.

November is difficult to predict, as it can sometimes be a continuation of October's heat, whilst sometimes it's cooled by the first rains; it's always an interesting month.

In summer, lightweight, lightcoloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. In winter, wear trousers, longsleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys. From May – August, night temperatures can fall below zero degrees celsius, so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing. Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain. Closed, comfortable walking shoesor gym shoes are a must in all seasons. Special attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and polarised sunglasses. Wide brimmed sun hats are essential.

Some hotels, lodges and guest houses offer internet access or WiFi (free or paid), and there are internet cafe's in Gaborone and Maun. Internet access in more remote rural areas is often hard to come by.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana are the 'Type M' South African SABS1661 ('Large' 15 amp BS-546) sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The 'Type M' South African plug and socket is not to be confused with the 'Type D' Indian plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. 

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Currency

The currency of Zimbabwe is now the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG; symbol ZG). Notes are issued in denominations of ZG200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1. Coins are available in denominations of ZG0.50, 0.25, 0.10, 0.05, and 0.01. In addition to these, Zimbabwe has also introduced gold-backed digital tokens which can be used as legal tender. The US Dollar and other major foreign currencies are also widely accepted throughout Zimbabwe.

Banking

Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Saturdays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. 

Only VISA and MasterCard are accepted in Zimbabwe, however it should be noted that very limited facilities will have credit card machines, and the connection is not always reliable so it is advisable to carry cash as back up.

Taxis are safe and reliable, and can be booked through your hotel front desk. Taxis in cities travel within a 40km radius of the city. Always take a taxi at night.

Major airlines fly into Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Charter flights are available to most attractions and camps. 

Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure, by African standards, although potholed. Between major towns, there are frequent road blocks. Traffic drives on the left side of the road. 

If you are driving yourself around Zimbabwe, be sure to check on fuel availability in advance. If you are covering long distances within the country, ensure you carry extra fuel in 5 or 10lt metal containers in case of emergency. Fuel is generally available, but supply can fluctuate. Fuel is only available for cash.

Zimbabwe's native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent.

If you are driving yourself around and plan to cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns. There are a number of South African shopping chains operating in Zimbabwe which will generally have all that you will need.

Water in the main towns is usually purified.. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it. However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.

In Zimbabwe, the rains come principally in December, January,February and March; the further north you are, the earlier the precipitation arrives and the later it leaves. Zimbabwe's higher eastern areas usually receive more rainfall than the lower-lying western ones.

By April and May most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which is starting to dry out. Especially in more southerly and higher locations, the night-time temperatures start to drop.

The nights in June, July and August become much cooler, so don't forget to bring some warmer clothes, in case you want to spend an evening outside; the days are still clear and warm. For Zimbabwe, this is the start of the 'peak season'– days are often cloudless and game sightings continually increase.

Into September and October the temperatures rise once again: Zimbabwe's lower-lying rift valley – Mana Pools – can get very hot in October. During this time, you'll see some fantastic game, as the Zimbabwe's wildlife concentrates around the limited water sources.

November is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry, it can also see the season's first rainfalls – and in this respect it's a very interesting month, as on successive days, you can see both weather patterns.

When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy to wash. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season. 

A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year-round. Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard against the scorching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of walking. 

For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth colour clothes, such as browns, greens and tans are advisable. 

Internet availability is very limited especially outside of the major cities. 

Most holiday accommodation venues offer internet and/or WiFi (free or paid) to their guests but there are often disruptions in service.

Electrical sockets in the Republic of Zimbabwe are Type G (BS-1363) and Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type D (BS-546). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency.  If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.