South Africa

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation,' boasts 11 official languages and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing. Wildlife roams across massive game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park, one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of 19,485 km2 (7,523 sq mi). 


Entry Requirements

Drones

-Due to concerns over poaching, it is illegal to bring un-permitted drones into most national parks, as well as into the countries of Rwanda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. For this reason, we highly advise against bringing a drone on your trip.

Travel Documents

-It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure they meet the entry and exit requirements of all countries being visited and transited through. Otherwise, entry into or exit from a country could be denied.

-Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of travel.

-South Africa requires at least 2 consecutive/side by side blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) on entry for both visas and stamps.

-At immigration, you may be asked to provide proof of return flight to your country of residence and proof of accommodation (your itinerary). Parents traveling with children under 18 may be required to produce unabridged original birth certificates for their children depending on the country being entered.

Travel Insurance

-The lodges require that you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover yourself for the duration of your trip in Africa. This is the sole responsibility of the traveler to organize. See our “About Travel Insurance” document for more information.

Visas

-We do our best to keep the below as up to date as possible. However, please note that it is intended as a guideline only and meeting the visa requirements of the countries entered/transited through is the sole responsibility of the traveler. For up-to-date visa information, visit the country-specific government websites. Failure to comply can result in entry/exit being denied. The below applies to US and EU citizens traveling on a US/EU passport:

-South Africa: No advance visa required. Allowed to enter for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Passports will be stamped upon entry and exit. You may be asked to present your return flight ticket and hotel reservations at immigration.


Banking and Currency

Cash

-Banks and foreign exchange bureaus are available at most airports. ATMs in Africa do not dispense USD notes. We recommend you bring sufficient small USD dollar bills to avoid having to draw cash while traveling. See tipping guideline below. 

Credit Cards

-AMEX is widely not accepted. We recommend bringing only Mastercard or VISA. Most shops, hotels, lodges, and restaurants accept credit cards.

Tipping

-USD/Euros/local currency can be used in all countries for tipping. It is important to get new, untorn bills that are not older than 2009 as the older bills may not be accepted. We recommend bringing small denomination notes for tipping. Most hotels and some lodges have credit card facilities and often tips can be accepted via credit card, but please note that cash is the preferred tender for tips. A day-by-day tipping guide will be provided in your final itinerary.

- The daily tipping guidelines listed in your itinerary are the total amounts recommended for your group total, not per person amounts. They serve just as a guideline based on what have become normal tipping amounts over time. Remember that you should not feel obligated to pay exact amounts. If you feel that the service you received warrants a larger or smaller tip than what is outlined, feel free to adjust accordingly.

-Cash (USD or local currency) is the preferred tender for tips. We recommend bringing a variety of denomination notes. If you would prefer to carry less cash, you can leave tips at the hotels and some safari lodges on credit/debit card. In the event you do so, we recommending leaving a note for your guide and tracker letting them know that you have left a tip on card and the amount left. We recommend bringing $100-200 extra cash per person in a variety of denomination bills for any miscellaneous tipping you may like to do.

-At safari lodges, it is customary to tip once at the end of your stay. At city/winelands hotels, you can tip the bellhops directly and leave a tip for the general staff with the front desk/reception when you settle the bill at the end of your stay. The tip for the general staff is shared across the entire staff (housekeeping, laundry, security, chefs, managers/hosts etc.) except the guiding team. Please note that lodge/camp managers/hosts do not expect a separate tip. 

-At some safari lodges, you may have a designated waiter/server/butler. If you would like to tip this person specifically, you should feel free to do so. We recommend giving this person 1/3 of the amount allocated for the general staff. 

-Most hotels and lodges provide stationery and envelopes in the room for guests to use for tipping. If you would like to include a thank you note with any of your tips, feel free to use the stationery and envelopes for this. 

-It is customary to tip 10-15% for spa treatments and at restaurants in cities. If you would like to tip people who may help you with luggage in airports, we recommend $3-$5.

-If you are doing any touring, ask your airport transfer driver if they will be your guide for the duration of your time in the city. If so, you can opt to give them one tip at the end of your time together. If not, we recommend tipping each driver/guide at the end of the service provided.


Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Charter Flights

-To maximize time spent in camp and on safari, some inter-camp transfers are done by light aircraft or helicopter. In most cases, the aircraft will make multiple stops enroute to your safari camp to pick up/drop off other passengers (typically no more than 2 stops). These stops may require changing aircraft. The lodges are typically only able to provide confirmed flight times the evening prior.

-The aircrafts used for these transfers are typically Cessna Caravan 208s for shared charter flights and Robinson R44s for helicopter flights.

-The flights can be warm and turbulent, so we recommend keeping your water bottle with you and taking anti-nausea medication if you get motion sickness.

Luggage

-If you plan on checking a bag, we recommend placing an Air Tag in it so that you can track the bag in the event its lost during transit. Do not place any essential items such as medications or valuables in checked bags.

Scheduled charter flights are often required to reach remote areas. These planes have small luggage holds and restrictive luggage allowances. We recommend packing in a soft-sided bag. The exact luggage allowances for your trip will be listed on the pack list.

-Keep in mind that most safari lodges offer free same day or next day laundry services, weather permitting.


Health and Medical Information

Health

-It is the responsibility of the traveler to make sure they have any and all vaccines and meet all health requirements to enter any countries being visited or transited through. Please consult your medical practitioner or travel clinic at least 3 months prior to your departure date to make sure you meet all health requirements and have all necessary vaccines for the countries you are visiting.

-We recommend all travelers get an international certification of vaccination also known as a “yellow book,” which is issued by your travel clinic and approved by the WHO. This is a helpful way to keep a record of all vaccines received, such as yellow fever, cholera, hep A, hep B, typhoid, tetanus etc. The CDC advises that you be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination and that some vaccines may be required for specific destinations. You can find out which vaccines are required and/or recommended from your local travel clinic. You can also search the most up-to-date information per country on the CDC website.

-Entry into any foreign country may be denied if a traveler has a fever.

Malaria

-Malaria is present throughout Africa and can be prevented if you take basic precautions. There are several effective antimalarial drugs available. Please consult your travel clinic or doctor for the best drug for you.


Safety Notices

Safety

-It is sensible to take basic precautions while traveling anywhere in the world. Below are recommendations that we feel hold true for travel in general and which we suggest are also followed while you are traveling in Africa.

  • Ask hotel staff for information about the safety of the specific area.
  • Avoid walking with your phone in your hand. If you’re not using it for photos etc., put it away in a pocket/bag.
  • Secure all luggage with a suitable lock for flights. Do not check any valuables or chronic medication.
  • Drive with doors locked and windows closed and handbags out of sight. Do not leave any bags in the car unattended or unattended in general (handbags on tables, on backs of chairs at restaurants etc.)
  • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
  • Separate cash and credit cards and do not carry all your cash with you. Avoid counting cash in public. Be vigilant around all ATMs. Never let a stranger assist you at an ATM and shield the keypad when entering your PIN. Keeping large amounts of foreign currency notes poses several risks; rather settle your bills via credit or debit card where possible.
  • Store all valuables, travel documents (like passports), and cash in your camp/hotel safe.
  • If you have any issues with safety at any time, please let us and your hotel know immediately.


Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Food and water safety: Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety are high in hotels, lodges, and restaurants. It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables/salads, and put ice in your drinks. There is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine at hotels and restaurants. 

Local cuisine: South African cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring dishes like biltong (dried, seasoned meat), bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), and boerewors (farmers' sausage). The culinary scene includes a strong tradition of barbecuing, known locally as "braai."

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Rooibos tea, craft beers, and South African wines. It is very important to drink plenty of water (2-3 liters per day) as you will spend large portions of the day in the sun. Proper hydration also greatly helps to diminish jet lag. 

Tipping: Customarily 10-15% in restaurants and for services.


Climate and Weather

The weather in South Africa is generally pleasant throughout the year with warm to hot days and cool to warm nights. With its highly variable topography and two extremely different ocean currents running along its coastlines, South Africa’s climate and weather vary drastically from one region to the next.

The Northern and Eastern parts of the country (Kruger National Park, Phinda Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal), where most safaris take place lie at low altitude with a pleasant subtropical and tropical savanna climate. Dry winters (May to September) are warm and mild (reaching into the 70s and 80s F in the middle of the day) but days cool off considerably at night with virtually no rainfall. The wet summer months (October to April) are hot and often humid with temperatures reaching into the 90s F and rain coming in afternoon thunderstorms.

The Western Cape (Cape Town and the winelands) has a more Mediterranean climate and receives most of its rainfall in winter (May to September) with cool days and rain expected in scattered showers. This is opposite to the rainfall pattern in most of the country, including Kruger. Summer (October to April) in Cape Town is warm and mostly dry. Due to its proximity to two different oceans and mountainous topography, Cape Town’s weather can be extremely tough to predict—locals joke that Cape Town often experiences all four seasons in one day, no matter the time of year.

Winter (May to September)

  • May:
  •  Kruger & Surrounds: This month brings the end of summer. Rainfall dwindles down. Temperatures are pleasant; typically 12°C/54°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon.
  • Cape Town & Surrounds: Rainfall increases with the start of winter. It cools down to an average of 20°C/68°F in the afternoon.
  • June, July & August:
  • Kruger & Surrounds: Morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold, so it's advisable to pack warm winter clothing. The average morning temperature is 10°C/50°F. Afternoons will be pleasant with temperatures around 26°C/79°F. Rain is extremely rare.
  • Cape Town & Surrounds: There is regular rainfall and cloudy skies are common. Mornings are usually around 8°C/46°F and afternoons around 18°C/64°F.
  • September:
  • Kruger & Surrounds: The heat gradually builds up to about 29°C/84°F in the afternoons, and the first rains bring relief from very dry conditions. Mornings are pleasant with temperatures of around 14°C/57°F.
  • Cape Town & Surrounds: Cloudy conditions are common, but daytime temperatures increase gradually at the end of winter. Afternoons reach temperatures of around 19°C/66°F.

Summer (October to April)

  • October & November
  • Kruger & Surrounds: It gets warmer and it starts to rain more often, mostly in the afternoons. Temperatures are between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 31°C/88°F in the afternoon.
  • Cape Town & Surrounds: The average afternoon temperature in November is a pleasant 24°C/75°F. Most days are sunny and it only rains sporadically.
  • December, January & February
  • Kruger & Surrounds: These are the wettest months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon. The heat can be oppressive with average afternoon temperatures around 32°C/90°F with high humidity. Peak temperatures are much higher.
  • Cape Town & Surrounds: The weather is lovely; afternoons are around 26°C/79°F and the skies are mostly blue. It still rains occasionally, but usually not for long.
  • March & April
  • Kruger & Surrounds: Rainfall decreases, and it slowly gets cooler. This continues in April, which has lovely, clear weather. The nights get a bit colder but are still pleasant at about 18°C/64°F. Daytime temperatures are around 30°C/86°F and humidity drops in April.
  • Cape Town & Surrounds: It cools down at the end of summer. The average high in April is 23°C/73°F and it drops to about 12°C/54°F at night. Rainfall and cloudy conditions increase, but there are still many lovely days with lower wind.

The Central ‘highveld’ plateau (Johannesburg, Marakele National Park) experiences dry, sunny winters (June to August) with chilly mornings and evenings, often dropping to around 4°C/39°F, but daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild, averaging 16–20°C/61–68°F. Summers (December to February) are warm and wet, with daytime highs around 25–30°C /77–86°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

The Northwest of the country (Tswalu) is a semi-arid desert that has dry, crisp winters (June to August) with cold nights often dropping below 0°C /32°F, but clear, sunny days that warm up to around 20–25°C /68–77°F. Summers (December to February) are hot with daytime temperatures reaching 35–40°C /95–104°F, occasional dramatic thunderstorms, and warm nights.


Clothing and Dress Recommendations

The weather in South Africa is generally pleasant throughout the year with warm to hot days and cool to warm nights. In the Greater Kruger National Park in winter, it warms up nicely during the middle of the day, but it can be very cold in the early morning and at night, so we suggest dressing in layers for all activities, with a warm layer being essential in the early mornings and evenings. Winter is the dry season in the bush, so rain is uncommon. In the summer, it can get very hot during the middle of the day, with thunderstorms rolling in in the afternoon. The Western Cape, unlike everywhere else in South Africa, has a Mediterranean climate and gets winter rain. The city is well known for its unpredictable weather—locals joke that Cape Town often experiences all four seasons in one day, so you should never head out without a baseball cap and a down jacket. In winter, the Cape is characterized by cool days with rain showers and wind interspersed with sunny days. In summer, expect warm, sunny days with wind. Dressing for ease and comfort is key. We recommend that you pack according to the pack list provided. 


Internet Availability

Cell Signal: Cell signal is strong in most major cities.  Most safari camps will not have cell phone signal.

Load Shedding: Some major cities experience load shedding (planned power cuts to high demand parts of the country during peak electricity use hours). You may experience power cuts during your time in cities. Most hotels and restaurants have backup generators to utilize during load shedding.

WiFi: Hotels in cities will have Wi-Fi. Most camps and lodges will have Wi-Fi, but it is not guaranteed, and they encourage you to enjoy the opportunity to disconnect. Where Wi-Fi is available in the bush, it is typically strong enough only for basic functions like email, but not for any streaming.


Electricity and Plug Standards

Plug Type: M, N 
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz 

*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter is required. 


Botswana

One of Africa’s most breathtaking and unspoiled destinations, 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.


Entry Requirements

Drones

  • Drones are strictly regulated in Botswana. Bringing a drone into national parks or wildlife reserves without a permit is illegal.

  • Permits must be obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana before flying a drone, and there are strict rules around where and when drones can be used.

  • For this reason, we strongly advise against bringing a drone on your trip, especially if you plan to visit safari lodges or national parks.

Travel Documents

  • Travelers are responsible for meeting all entry and exit requirements for Botswana and any transit countries. Failure to comply may result in denied entry or exit.

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date and have at least three blank pages for stamps.

  • At immigration, you may be asked for proof of onward/return travel and accommodation details.

  • Children under 18 may need an unabridged birth certificate and consent from absent parents.

Visas

  • US, UK, EU, Australian, and most Commonwealth citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days.

  • Travelers from other countries must obtain a visa in advance via evisa.gov.bw.

  • Apply well in advance, as processing can take several days to weeks.

Health Entry Requirements

  • Yellow Fever vaccination required only if arriving from a risk country.

  • No COVID-19 vaccination or testing is currently required for entry.

Travel Insurance

  • Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, evacuation, and your full trip is mandatory for most lodges and safari operators.


Banking and Currency

Cash

  • Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP); US dollars (USD) are widely accepted for tips and some tourist areas.

  • ATMs: Available in major towns and airports; typically dispense Pula only. In remote areas, ATMs may be limited or run out of cash.

  • Tip: Bring sufficient small-denomination USD bills (new, untorn, post-2009) for tipping and small purchases in safari lodges or rural areas.

  • Exchange: Banks and authorized bureaus in Gaborone, Maun, and other cities can exchange foreign currency, but they only accept US Dollars, GBP Sterling, Euros and South African Rand in cash.

Credit Cards

  • Accepted cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; AMEX and Diners Club are usually not accepted.

  • Remote areas: Some lodges, camps, and smaller shops may not accept cards or may charge a small surcharge. Debit cards are not accepted at Wilderness camps.

  • Tip: Notify your bank before travel to avoid blocked transactions.

Tipping Guidelines

  • Preferred method: Cash (USD or BWP), though some lodges allow tips via credit/debit card.

  • Denominations: Bring a variety of small bills ($1–$20 USD).

  • Lodge/camp tips: Usually given once at the end of your stay. Most lodges have a tip box for general staff; guides, trackers, and polers are often tipped separately. Please refer to your tipping guide.

  • Notes & organization: Use envelopes and a short thank-you note if desired. If tipping via card, leave a note for your guide/trackers indicating the amount.

Key Tips

  • Tipping is optional and should reflect the service received — you can adjust amounts freely.

  • Most lodges provide envelopes and stationery to make tipping simple and organized.

  • Always carry some cash in small denominations to cover tipping and incidental expenses, especially in remote safari areas.

  • For transfers and guided tours, tip at the end of the service; if the driver is also your guide, a single tip at the end is appropriate.


Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Charter Flights 

  • Inter‑camp transfers are done by light aircraft, usually Cessna 208 Caravans, connecting hubs like Maun or Kasane with remote safari camps.

  • Flights are shared with other guests and may make 1–3 stops. Departure times are confirmed the evening before.

  • Flights can be warm and bumpy, so keep water with you and consider motion sickness medication.

Luggage

  • Allowance: Typically 20 kg (44 lbs) per person, including all luggage. Extra weight can sometimes be pre-booked.

  • Bag type: Soft-sided bags only — no hard suitcases. 11.8in wide x13.8in high x 27,5in long.

  • Essentials: Keep medications, travel documents, and valuables with you; don’t pack them in checked bags.

  • Laundry: Most lodges offer same-day or next-day laundry, so you can pack light.


Health and Medical Information

Health Responsibilities

  • Travelers are responsible for meeting all health requirements to enter or transit Botswana.

  • Consult a medical practitioner or travel clinic at least 3 months before departure to ensure you have all required vaccines and medications.

  • Entry may be denied if a traveler has a fever.

Vaccinations & Certification

  • Obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination (“Yellow Book”), approved by WHO, to record all vaccines received.

  • Recommended vaccines for Botswana:

    • Routine vaccines: MMR, DTP, polio, influenza

    • Hepatitis A & B

    • Typhoid

    • Rabies (for travelers in rural/outdoor areas)

  • Yellow fever vaccine is required only if arriving from a yellow fever–endemic country.

  • Check the CDC website or your local travel clinic for the latest requirements: CDC Botswana Travel

Malaria Information

  • Malaria is present in northern and eastern Botswana, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe.

  • High risk: November–April/May (rainy season).

  • Low risk: Southern Botswana and Gaborone.

  • Prevention:

    • Consult your doctor for antimalarial medication.

    • Use insect repellent with DEET.

    • Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks.

    • Sleep in mosquito-protected or air-conditioned rooms, use bed nets where available.

  • If you develop a fever during or after your trip, seek medical attention promptly.

General Health Tips

  • Medical facilities: Better in major towns; limited in remote areas. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended.

  • Food & water safety: Tap water is generally safe, but bottled water is advised if unsure. Practice safe food hygiene.

  • Sun & heat precautions: Botswana can be very hot. Use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged midday sun.


Safety Notices

General Safety

  • Ask hotel or lodge staff about the safety of your area.

  • Keep valuables, phones, and jewelry out of sight. Stay alert in public spaces and markets.

Money & Documents

  • Separate cash and cards; avoid carrying everything at once.

  • Be cautious at ATMs—shield your PIN and never accept help from strangers.

  • Store passports, extra cash, and valuables in your hotel or camp safe.

Transport & Roads

  • Lock car doors and close windows; don’t leave bags unattended in vehicles.

  • Use reputable transport services and follow local driving rules.

Wildlife & Nature

  • Follow park rules in reserves and national parks.

  • Stay in vehicles unless in designated safe zones and keep a safe distance from wildlife.

  • Observe local guidance around rivers and waterways.

If you have any issues with safety at any time, please let us and your hotel know immediately.


Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Food & Water Safety

  • Tap water: Safe in major cities; in remote lodges or camps, use bottled or filtered water.

  • Fresh fruit & vegetables: Safe in major towns and lodges.

  • Ice & meat: Safe in major towns; follow standard precautions in remote areas.

  • Street food: Generally safe in cities.

Local Cuisine

  • Meals focus on meat (goat, beef, chicken), freshwater fish, and maize porridge (“pap”).

  • Traditional specialties: Mopane Worms (for the adventurous), Kalahari Truffles (dessert), and Marula fruit. Botswana is believed to be the origin of watermelon.

  • Game & grilled meats: Beef, goat, kudu, and ostrich are commonly served, often prepared in a barbecue or braai style.

Drinks

  • Local beer: Bojalwa jwa Setswana (fermented sorghum).

  • Hotels and lodges serve imported wines, spirits, and cocktails.

  • Hydration: Drink 2–3 liters of water daily, especially during safari or outdoor activities.

Tipping

  • Restaurants: 10–15%, sometimes included in the bill.


Climate and Weather

Botswana has a semi-arid to subtropical climate with a dry season (May–October) and a wet season (November–April). Weather varies by region—from the lush Okavango Delta in the north to the dry Kalahari Desert in the south and west. Seasonal concentrations of wildlife ensure all-year game viewing excellence. Large herds of elephants cross the lagoons of the Linyati in the drier winter months. Migrating zebra and apex predators make their presence known in summer.

Dry Season (May–October)

  • Days: Warm and sunny (20–28°C / 68–82°F).

  • Nights: Cool to cold (as low as 5°C / 41°F).

  • Conditions: Clear skies, low humidity, animals gather at waterholes.

  • Notes:

    • June–August: chilly mornings—pack warm layers for game drives.

    • September–October: temperatures are warming up, can be dry and dusty.

Wet Season (November–April)

  • Warm, humid, with afternoon thunderstorms.

  • Days: Hot (30–35°C / 86–95°F).

  • Nights: Mild (18–20°C / 64–68°F).

  • Landscape: Lush and green, excellent for birdwatching and seeing baby animals, lush scenery and big clouds can make for excellent photographic opportunities 

Regional Variations

  • Okavango Delta & North: Wetter, lush vegetation, wildlife abundance.

  • Kalahari Desert: Hot in wet season, very cold nights in dry winter.


Clothing and Dress Recommendations

Botswana’s climate is mostly semi-arid, with distinct dry and wet seasons.

  • Dry Season (May–October / winter): Days are pleasant and sunny, often warm, but mornings and evenings can be very cold, especially in the bush. Dressing in layers is essential, with a warm layer for early mornings and evening game drives. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes. Rain is very uncommon.

  • Wet Season (November–April / summer): Days can be hot, humid, and sunny, with afternoon thunderstorms common. The bush is lush and green, and birdlife is at its peak, but some dirt roads may be muddy.

  • Okavango Delta & wilderness areas: Temperatures can vary depending on whether you’re near waterways or open plains. Early morning boat or mokoro trips can feel chilly, so bring a warm jacket even in summer.

  • Packing tip: Comfort and practicality are key. Layered clothing, a hat, and sun protection are essential, as is a light rain jacket during the wet season

We recommend that you pack according to the pack list provided. 


Internet Availability

Cell Signal

  • Cities & towns: Cell signal is generally strong and reliable in major urban areas like Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, and Kasane.

  • Safari camps & remote areas: Most safari lodges, camps, and remote wilderness areas do not have dependable cell reception. Coverage may be intermittent or nonexistent — especially in the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Kalahari.

Electricity & Load Shedding

  • Load shedding can occur in Botswana’s major cities due to power grid demand, meaning planned or unplanned power cuts are possible.

  • Many hotels, lodges, shops, and restaurants are equipped with backup generators or alternative power sources to maintain electricity during outages.

  • In remote lodges and safari camps, power is often supplied via generators or solar systems, and electricity may be limited outside of peak hours — plan accordingly for charging devices.

Wi‑Fi & Internet Access

  • City hotels & cafes: Wi‑Fi is commonly available and usually strong enough for email, browsing, and social media. Some places offer faster connections suitable for video calls or light streaming.

  • Safari lodges/camps: Wi‑Fi may be available but is not guaranteed. When offered, it is typically provided in public areas (lounge or dining areas) rather than guest tents or rooms.

  • In the bush, connections are often suitable only for basic use (email, messaging); streaming or heavy data usage may not be supported. Many lodges encourage guests to enjoy the natural surroundings and disconnect from online demands.


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.

Wilderness destinations are solar powered or have generators. Hot water is supplied through geysers. Camps have 220V plug points in tents. Battery charging is available in the main areas. Power outages may occur so always pack spare batteries. All equipment should be compatible with 220V power.


back to top