Welcome to the ultimate African wilderness experience. To ensure your private mobile tented safari, boating expedition, or custom lodge journey across Southern Africa is seamless and unforgettable, please review our essential travel guidelines below.
1. Luggage & Packing Restrictions (Strict)
Because our safaris venture deep into remote game reserves using custom Land Cruisers and light charter aircraft (such as Mack Air or Wilderness Air etc...), strict luggage rules apply.
Soft-Sided Bags Only: Hard-shell suitcases with rigid frames or large wheels cannot be accommodated. Luggage must be 100% soft-sided (duffel style) so it can be safely packed into vehicle compartments and light aircraft belly pods.
Weight Limit: The maximum weight limit is strictly 20 kg (44 lbs) per person, which includes your hand luggage and camera gear.
Excess Luggage: If you are traveling with additional luggage for a broader itinerary, please contact us in advance. Excess luggage can often be securely stored at our main operations base in Maun or forwarded to your final destination hotel at an additional cost.
2. What to Wear: The Safari Capsule Wardrobe
Casual comfort and protection from the elements are the golden rules of the bush. You do not need to overpack, as laundry can be arranged.
Colors: Wear neutral, earthy tones—khaki, beige, olive green, and brown. Avoid bright colors, white (which catches dust instantly), and dark blue or black (which attracts tsetse flies).
Layering is Key: Southern Africa experiences extreme temperature fluctuations. Early morning game drives can be bitter cold, while middays are hot. Pack t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts (for sun and insect protection), lightweight trousers, shorts, and a heavy fleece or windproof puffer jacket.
Winter Travel (May to August): Temperatures can drop to freezing at night in the Kalahari or Okavango. Bring a warm beanie, scarf, and gloves.
Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes or lightweight trail boots with good tread are required for safety around camp and on walking safaris.
3. Life in the Bush: Connectivity & Power
Our mobile safaris offer an intentional, revitalizing break from the digital world.
Charging on the Go: Our custom-converted Land Cruiser game viewers are equipped with built-in power inverters, allowing you to charge camera batteries and devices while out on game drives.
The "Unplugged" Experience: There is no Wi-Fi in our mobile camps, and cellular coverage is entirely absent in deep wilderness areas like Moremi, Chobe, and the Central Kalahari. Embrace the chance to disconnect.
Camera Prep: Bring extra memory cards and a spare camera battery. The photographic opportunities are endless, and you don't want to run out of power mid-sighting.
4. Health, Border Crossings & Visas
Passport Readiness: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date and must contain at least 3 to 4 blank pages per country visited.
Visas: If your itinerary crosses borders (e.g., Botswana into Namibia or Zimbabwe/Victoria Falls), please ensure you or your travel agent have verified and secured the necessary multi-entry visas prior to arrival.
Malaria & Medications: Most safari regions in Southern Africa are malaria-endemic. We highly recommend consulting a travel clinic or physician 4 to 6 weeks before travel to get the correct prophylactic medication. Bring an ample supply of personal prescription medications, as pharmacies do not exist in the bush.
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is a mandatory condition of travel with Pride of Africa.
5. Tipping & Gratuities
All-inclusive means peace of mind; your meals, activities, and standard beverages are fully covered. However, many guests ask how to thank our incredible field teams.
The Crew: Our mobile camps run smoothly thanks to a dedicated team of bush chefs, camp hands, and waiters. A communal tip box is provided at the end of the safari, and funds are split equally among the camp crew. (Guideline: US $10–$15 per guest, per day).
Your Professional Guide: Because your guide stays with you throughout the journey and provides highly personalized expertise, they are tipped separately. (Guideline: US $10–$20 per guest, per day).
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 scattered with scrubland. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast 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 Chobe National Park, with its large herds of elephants, the Savuti plains, which host large prides of lions; and the Moremi Game Reserve, with the diverse habitats of woodland Mopane Forests and riverine forest, wetlands and lagoons, supporting many diverse species of animals.
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.
