Simon Reeve Group - Epic Botswana - April 2024

This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of African, Asian and European cultures. Spend your days: discovering the gourmet restaurants, impressive art and nightlife scenes and fine beaches of Cape Town; enjoying a typical local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotted around the picturesque Cape Winelands. Due to its rich and turbulent history there are plenty of historical attractions to explore including the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, South Africa’s attraction lies in its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world famous Kruger National Park. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.

Visa

It is the responsibility of the client to obtain their own visas.  

Visas are Not required for entry into South Africa for most nationalities except for New Zealand (check with your nearest embassy).

Please Note:

1. Evidence of Yellow Fever immunization will be requested to gain entry if you are arriving from a Yellow Fever Country. Please ensure you have had the inoculation at least 14 days prior to travel and are carrying your Yellow Fever card. 
2. It is a requirement that you have a validity of 6 months on your passport at the time of travel and at least 4 blank pages in order to gain entry.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

CHILD ACCOMPANIED BY BOTH PARENTS: Passengers traveling with children under the age of 18 years - arriving, transiting and /or departing from South Africa are required to produce a valid passport, 
copy of a birth certificate / equivalent document or passport containing the details of the parent or parents of the child

CHILD ACCOMPANIED BY ONE PARENT: Passengers traveling with children under the age of 18 years - arriving, transiting and /or departing from South Africa are required to produce a valid passport, 
copy of a birth certificate / equivalent document, parental consent letter, copy of the passport / identity document of the absent parent, contact details of the absent parent,  where applicable- copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child.
Copy of a death certificate of the deceased parent

CURRENCY

The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.

BANKING

Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

CASH & CREDIT CARDS

Personal expenses such as purchases from the camps/lodges curio shops can be paid for with Visa and MasterCard or cash. US$ are accepted in markets and for tipping (per the suggested guidelines). It is a good idea to have a quantity of smaller denominations of US$ for distribution of tips.

Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.

Principal air routes are serviced by South African Airways and British Airways. There are 2 low-cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula and Mango.

LIGHT AIR TRANSFERS & LUGGAGE

Baggage is limited to 20 kg/44 lb per person in soft sided bags including carry-on and camera equipment.

PLEASE DO NOT USE HARD SUITCASES OR BAGS WITH WHEELS as bags need to be maneuvered in and out of light aircraft holds.

Medical requirements:

Please consult your General Practitioner or nearest Traveller’s Medical Centre for advice on medical issues relevant to your destination. For additional information please consult the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

COMMUNICATION

All camps have 24 hour radio contact with their base support headquarters, and each game-drive vehicle has radio contact with camp.

The daily camp tariff includes an amount for emergency evacuation insurance, and in the event of a medical emergency evacuation will be arranged to the nearest town. This is where your own insurance cover will begin.

CELL PHONES

Quad-band cell phones on global roaming generally work from all major urban centres. They do not, however, work from many of the safari camps due to limited reception.

WI-FI / INTERNET

Internet access is limited throughout Africa and varies from place to place. Please refer to the accommodation information for specific details.

TRAVEL ADVICE & WARNINGS

We strongly recommend you review the current travel advice for your country/countries of destination before booking and ensure you remain up to date with this advice before travelling.

Australia: http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/Pages/default.aspx

UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

REGISTER YOUR TRAVEL

We recommend that you register your travel with your local authority. These services are free and help locate you in case of an emergency. Updates to travel advice are also provided through the subscription service.

Australia - Smart Traveller service - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/

USA - Smart Traveller service - https://step.state.gov/step/

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks. South Africa's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

Restaurants are subject to South Africa's food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centres and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

South Africa is a subtropical country, moderated by ocean and the altitude of the interior plateau. Famous for its sunshine, it is a relatively dry country, with an average annual rainfall of about 464mm (compared to a world average of about 860mm). Temperatures in South Africa tend to be lower than in other countries at similar latitudes – such as Australia – due mainly to greater elevation above sea level.

SUMMER: December to March
• Average Minimum: 15/59
• Average Maximum: 26/79

AUTUMN: April to May
• Average Minimum: 10/50
• Average Maximum: 23/73

WINTER: June to August
• Average Minimum: 5/41
• Average Maximum: 18/64

SPRING: September to November
• Average Minimum: 9/48
• Average Maximum: 25/77

SUMMER

Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don't forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

WINTER

The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with US/European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.

GENERAL

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

PACKING GUIDE

• Comfortable closed footwear plus a pair of runners/strapped sandals (in case your regular footwear gets wet).

• Socks that breathe e.g. Cotton.

• 2/3 pairs of long trousers or shorts, three shirts, preferably long sleeved and collared. Clothing should preferably be khaki or neutral colours.

• At least one change of neat casual clothes for evening wear. There will be no need for formal wear e.g. Jacket and tie. A long sleeved shirt and long pants is recommended for keeping mosquitoes at bay in the evenings.

• A warm fleece for morning and evening game drives in the winter months, and a lighter option for the summer months.

• A lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably GORETEX or the equivalent) in case of rain

• Insect repellent. The camps provide DEET based repellents as they are the most effective.

• A wide brimmed hat or cap

• Toiletries as appropriate - soaps, shampoos and body lotion are provided in the camps however some guests like to bring their own.

• Sunglasses and an extra pair of prescription glasses

• Plenty of max factor sunscreen

As a final comment a daily laundry service is provided in most camps (except smalls), and is included in the tariff, so there is no need to pack too much.

Internet cafes: Yes, mainly in urban areas 
Accommodation options: Yes, with good connectivity 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, with Wi-Fi available 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes, in major cities 
Libraries: Yes 

Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second.

A three-point round-pin adapter plug is used - electric power plug M has the official name of BS 546. Type M is a “15 A/250 V” version of electric plug D: 220/230V 50 Hz. Note that electric plug M is larger than D, thus plug D is not compatible in South Africa.

Such adaptors are generally available at all major airports.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that clients obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance cover. Please furnish Epic with a copy of your insurance policy prior to travel.
If you require assistance with travel insurance please click on the following link - Travel Insurance.

• Hospitalisation and Repatriation
• Cancellation and Missed flight connections
• Loss of baggage and loss/breakage of valuables en route
• Loss/breakage of valuables such as cameras

PHOTOGRAPHY

Digital cameras are the best for wildlife, with a good zoom up to 300mm or more. If you have an SLR it is a good idea to bring a point and shoot as back up. Remember to bring plenty of memory cards, spare batteries and battery chargers (Please check that you have all your chargers for cell phones, iPods, kindles, camera and video batteries).

If you need to or are interested in hiring a lense to take with you, here are a couple of websites for you to take a look at:

In the USA  - https://www.lensrentals.com

In Australia -  https://rentalens.com.au/index.php or http://www.camerahire.com.au/hire/digital-slr

GRATUITIES

Although tipping is not compulsory, if service expectations are exceeded, we recommend the following:

• Airport/Hotel/ Porters carriers – USD2.00 per porter
• Professional Guides/Tour Leaders – USD20.00 per group per day
• Safari Driver/Guides – USD15.00 per group per day. This should be handed to the guide personally
• General Camp Staff – USD10 .00 per guest per day. This can be placed in a communal tip box or handed to the camp manager.

ECONOMY
• Industry: Mining (platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery
• Agriculture: Corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits; beef
• Exports: Gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals, machinery and equipment

LANGUAGE
There are 11 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Ndebele, Pedi, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana and Venda.

POPULATION
The current population is estimated at 59 million.

RELIGION
Christian, indigenous beliefs, Muslim, Hindu

RECOMMENDED READING

• The Safari Companion, A Guide to Watching African Mammals - Richard Estes
• Okavango, Africa’s Last Eden - Frans Lanting
• The Scramble for Africa - Thomas Pakenham
• Lost World of the Kalahari - Laurens van der Post
• Cats of Africa, Behaviour, Ecology and Conservation - Gerald Hinde & Luke Hunter
• Running Wild, Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog - John McNutt
• Cry of the Kalahari, Seven Years in Africa’s Last Great Wilderness - Mark & Delia Owens
• My Traitor’s Heart: A South African Exile Returns to Face His Country, His Tribe, and His Conscience - Rian Malan
• Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela - Nelson Mandela

Despite recent and surprisingly rapid modernisation, Botswana’s cities provide little in the way of tourist attractions. However, what the cities lack in excitement, the surrounding wilderness areas more than make up for in outstanding natural beauty. The country’s primary tourist draw card is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world provides a haven for an abundance of African wildlife. 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 large prides of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.

VISA

Visas are not required for entry into Botswana at this point.

Please Note: It is a requirement that you have a validity of 6 months on your passport at the time of travel and at least 4 blank Visa pages in order to gain entry.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

Passengers travelling with children under the age of 18 years - arriving, transiting and /or departing from Botswana are required to produce an unabridged birth certificate (indicating the biological parents of the minor). In addition, children travelling with one parent will require a letter of consent from the other parent.

Personal expenses such as purchases from the camps curio shops can be paid for with Visa and MasterCard or cash. There is no need to have local currencies on hand as US$ are accepted in markets and for tipping (per the suggested guidelines). It is a good idea to have a quantity of smaller denominations of US$ for distribution of tips.

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.

AIR TRANSFERS

Baggage is limited to 15kg/33 lb per person in soft sided bags including carry-on and camera equipment. PLEASE DO NOT USE HARD SUITCASES OR BAGS WITH WHEELS as bags need to be maneuvered in and out of light aircraft holds.

There is no need at any time for you to drive in Botswana. All transfers are included in your itinerary. 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. There are major airports in Maun, Kasane and Gaborone, while smaller charter flights are used to get to the other top attractions and camps.

Medical requirements:

Please consult your General Practitioner or nearest Traveller’s Medical Centre for advice on medical issues relevant to your destination. For additional information please consult the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

COMMUNICATIONS & SAFETY

All lodges have 24-hour radio contact with their base support headquarters and each game-drive vehicle has radio contact with camp. 

In the event of a medical emergency evacuation will be arranged. The daily lodge tariff includes an amount for emergency evacuation insurance.  This is where your own insurance cover will begin.

CELL PHONES

Quad-band cell phones on global roaming generally work from all major urban centres. They do not, however, work from many of the safari camps due to limited reception.

WI-FI / INTERNET

Internet access is limited throughout Africa and varies from camp to camp. Please refer to the camp information for specific details.

TRAVEL ADVICE & WARNINGS

We strongly recommend you review the current travel advice for your country/countries of destination before booking and ensure you remain up to date with this advice before travelling.

Australia: http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/Pages/default.aspx

UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

REGISTER YOUR TRAVEL

We recommend that you register your travel with your local authority. These services are free and help locate you in case of an emergency. Updates to travel advice are also provided through the subscription service.

Australia - Smart Traveller service - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/

USA - Smart Traveller service - https://step.state.gov/step/

Meals are international-style cuisine of an extremely high standard, at elegantly set dining tables - sometimes under the stars, sometimes under thatch or canvas. Meal times are geared around the best game viewing times and activities, and vary from season to season. In most camps you start the day with a continental breakfast of juices, tea or coffee, cereal or porridge and toast, prior to the morning activity. This is followed by a large brunch, and high tea is served before the afternoon activity. Dinner is served after the evening activity.

The camps can cater to specific dietary requests. Please advise your special requirements (at time of booking) and we will ensure your needs are met.

In most camps alcoholic beverages are included in the daily tariff. Bottled water is available at all times.

Many people inquire whether they can brush their teeth with the tap water, have ice in their drinks, or eat salads (as ingredients have been washed in water). In the camps we use there are no concerns in this regard.

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.

As a rule lightweight, light coloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing particularly if walking.

Suggested packing list:

The following is a guide to clothing and personal items:

1. Safari:

• 2/3 pairs of long trousers or shorts, 3 shirts, preferably long sleeved and collared. Clothing should preferably be khaki or neutral colour’s.
• At least four neat casual clothes for evening wear.  Long-sleeved shirt and trousers (and the female equivalent) are recommended for keeping mosquitoes at bay in the evenings
• A light fleece for morning and evening game drives.
• 3 pairs of socks (cotton)
• A lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably GORETEX or the equivalent) in case of rain
• Comfortable closed footwear plus a pair of runners/strapped sandals (in case your regular footwear gets wet).
• 1 pair of flip flops/sandals for the afternoons and evening
• A wide brimmed hat or cap
• 2 Pairs of light pants/jeans
• 2 T-shirts
• Underwear (sports bras recommended)
• Swimsuit
• Fleece and Tracksuit pants for the morning and evening game drives
• Belt
• Scarf & beanie

ii.      Sundries

• Sunglasses and an extra pair of prescription glasses
• Binoculars and Camera
• Cash for curios and tips (smaller denomination notes for tipping)
• Travel Insurance information kept on hand

iii.  Toiletries:

Toiletries as appropriate - soaps, shampoos and body lotion are provided in the camps however some guests like to bring their own.

• Plenty of max factor sunscreen
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Moisturiser or Vaseline as the air is very dry
• Shampoo, conditioner and liquid soap of your choice (smaller bottles recommended)
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Wash cloth
• Gloves/Hand warmers (optional)
• Razor and Tweezers
• Hairbrush
• Hand/body - face lotion
• Small insect repellent (the camps do have these, but if you want your own)
• Antihistamine cream and tablets
• Paracetamol in case of a headache
• Rehydrate salts
• Hairbrush
• Hand/body - face lotion
• Small insect repellent (the camps do have these, but if you want your own)
• Antihistamine cream and tablets
• Paracetamol in case of a headache
• Rehydrate salts

As a final comment a daily laundry service is provided in most camps (except smalls), and is included in the tariff, so there is no need to pack too much.

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 

Most camps have no access to regular electrical power as they are located in such remote areas. Camps are solar powered or have generators on site that produce 220V electricity. These are run for 4-6 hours per day, generally over activity times while guests are not in camp. There is ample electricity for charging batteries for video cameras, iPods etc. and most camps have an array of adaptor plugs.

Travelling to Botswana we recommend you that you have an electrical plug M. Electric plug M is technically known as BS 546 (South African 15 A/250 V). It has been adopted as the standard plug in South Africa. It has 1 large round pin and 2 smaller round pins.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that clients obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance cover. Please furnish Epic with a copy of your insurance policy prior to travel.
If you require assistance with travel insurance please click on the following link - Travel Insurance.

• Hospitalisation and Repatriation
• Cancellation and Missed flight connections
• Loss of baggage and loss/breakage of valuables en route
• Loss/breakage of valuables such as cameras

PHOTOGRAPHY

Digital cameras are the best for wildlife, with a good zoom up to 300mm or more. If you have an SLR it is a good idea to bring a point and shoot as back up. Remember to bring plenty of memory cards, spare batteries and battery chargers (Please check that you have all your chargers for cell phones, iPods, kindles, camera and video batteries).

If you need to or are interested in hiring a lense to take with you, here are a couple of websites for you to take a look at:

In the USA  - https://www.lensrentals.com

In Australia -  https://rentalens.com.au/index.php or http://www.camerahire.com.au/hire/digital-slr

GRATUITIES

Although tipping is not compulsory, if service expectations are exceeded, we recommend the following:

• Airport/Hotel/ Porters carriers – USD2.00 per porter
• Professional Guides/Tour Leaders – USD20.00 per group per day
• Safari Driver/Guides – USD15.00 per group per day. This should be handed to the guide personally
• General Camp Staff – USD10 .00 per guest per day. This can be placed in a communal tip box or handed to the camp manager.

RECOMMENDED READING LIST

The Safari Companion, A Guide to Watching African Mammals — Richard Estes

Okavango, Africa’s Last Eden — Frans Lanting

The Scramble for Africa — Thomas Pakenham

Lost World of the Kalahari — Laurens van der Post

Cats of Africa, Behaviour, Ecology and Conservation — Gerald Hinde & Luke Hunter

Running Wild, Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog — John McNutt

Cry of the Kalahari, Seven Years in Africa’s Last Great Wilderness — Mark & Delia Owens

My Traitor’s Heart: A South African Exile Returns to Face His Country, His Tribe, and His Conscience — Rian Malan

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela — Nelson Mandela