Charter Airline Baggage Limitations
Please note that a luggage restriction of 20kgs (44lbs) per person packed in soft-sided duffel bags is applicable to all scheduled charter flights in South Africa, Botswana Zambia and Zimbabwe. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.
In Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia the luggage limit is 15Kgs (33lbs) packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limit includes your hand luggage.
Note that seat rate charter flights operate a shuttle service and guests may be collected at other camps before proceeding to your destination.
Yellow Fever
Please note that you need a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate for travel to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. You must travel with the original certificate as you may be asked for proof thereof.
Malaria Medication
We recommend that you take malaria prophylactics as you will be travelling to a malaria risk area. You will need to liaise with your primary care physician or travel clinic regarding the medication most suited to your needs. We're not able to recommend which one to take as it is dependent on other medication you're currently taking / any medical conditions etc.
Visa Note for South Africa
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to South Africa. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive empty visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 30 days after your date of departure.
Visa Note for Botswana
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Botswana. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive empty visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry. If you are traveling on a different passport, please let me know and I will check the requirements for your trip.
Please be aware, all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Botswana.
Visa Note for Zambia
Zambia has waivered all visa fees (including day trip visas), for Australia, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America.
All other nationalities are required to pay for their Zambia visas. The entry fee is US$50 per person (subject to change). This can be purchased at Livingstone / Lusaka Airports on arrival. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Visa Note for Zimbabwe
Most passport holders can purchase their visa for Zimbabwe on arrival at a cost of US$30. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Visa Note for Mozambique
The E-Visa site and implementation of the registration process has NOT been successful, and Mozambique is now rolling out a Visa exemption implementation.
This means the temporary suspension of the pre-registration process for visitors from visa-exempt countries.
Clients can now enter Mozambique without any form of pre-registration (a temporary measure to provide flexibility and convenience for visitors)
Upon entry into Mozambique (Vilanculos Airport) clients from visa-exempt countries now only need the following:
*Pay MZN 650.00 (at the current rate of exchange this is USD12.00 or R200.00 )
(There are credit card facilities but cash is preferred (no change is available), so please ensure you have the correct amount of cash handy. USD and South African Rand are both accepted.
*Provide a valid passport with 6 months validity AFTER the last day of your stay in Mozambique , and 3 blank pages.
*Provide confirmation of round-trip flight details (return tickets)
*A letter confirming proof of accommodation
Visa Note for Namibia
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not need a visa for entry to Namibia. However, you are required to have at least three consecutive empty visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry. If you are traveling on a different passport, please let me know and I will check the requirements for your trip.
Please be aware, all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Namibia.
Visa Note for Seychelles
A visa is not required for stays up to 30 days.
On arrival, travelers will need to provide evidence of onward or return transportation, confirmed accommodations, and proof of sufficient funds, and will then be issued a Visitor's Permit valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
All visitors must apply for entry through the Health Travel Authorisation platform at https://seychelles.govtas.com/ This health authorisation is essential for travel and will be required at check in. Visitors will not be allowed to board a flight otherwise.
Visa Note for Kenya
Visas for Kenya can no longer be purchased on arrival and must be obtained in advance via the e-visa platform: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html The cost is currently US$50pp (subject to change). For most travelers, a standard single entry visa will be sufficient. If you are visiting neighbouring countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda and then returning to Kenya afterwards, you will be able to use the same visa for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Kenya, and you require at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
Visa Note for Tanzania
US passport holders can purchase their visa for Tanzania at the port of entry at a cost of US$100 per person. Please have the exact amount in cash available as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Because the arrival visa process takes a long time, we strongly advise that you apply for your e-visa prior to travel by clicking on this link - https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ Guidelines are available here which gives further information on what you’ll need for the visa application: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/guidelines
If you are visiting neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda and then returning to Tanzania afterwards, you will be able to use the same visa for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits. Keep in mind that Zanzibar is part of Tanzania.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Tanzania. You are also required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
CROSSING THE BORDER FROM THE MASAAI MARA (KENYA) TO THE SERENGETI (TANZANIA) – ISEBANIA BORDER POST
You will fly from your safari lodge to the Migori Airstrip – from here, you will board a shared bus (arranged by the airline) to the immigration check point. After you’ve completed the border formalities, you will continue by bus to the Tarime Airstrip. From here you will fly to your safari lodge in the Serengeti.
Though it is usually possible to get your visa for Tanzania on arrival, for this border crossing you MUST get your Tanzania visa in advance. This is due to the time constraints imposed by the scheduled flights.
Travellers must have the following documents ready when crossing from Kenya to Tanzania:
Passport
Yellow fever certificate
E-visa
Completed entry declaration form
Visa Note for Uganda
Uganda Immigration have implemented the use of electronic visas. All visitors who require an entry visa must apply through the online application system prior to arrival: https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
You are required to upload clear copies of the bio-data page in your passport, Yellow Fever certificate and a passport photo.
On completion of the online application you will receive a barcoded e-mail notification. Print out this e-mail and bring it with you to Uganda.
Upon arrival you must present the barcoded e-mail to the relevant authorities.
The immigration officer will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints, collect your photo and request the USD50 cash payment for the visa. (Please note: Uganda only accepts USD bills dated 2006 or later, and bills that are in excellent condition). A visa sticker will be printed with your photo and placed in your passport.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Uganda, and you’re required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
It is possible to get an East Africa Tourist Visa which covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on a single visa. Note that Tanzania is not included and if you have travelled to Tanzania and then return to either Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya, the East Africa visa will no longer be valid.
Covid Regulations
Visitors to Uganda are required to wear a mask while with the gorillas.
NOTE that e-cigarettes have been BANNED in Uganda.
Uganda is one of the 35 countries globally where e-cigarettes are banned according to World Health Organization (WHO). Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that emit a vaporized solution to inhale. These include e-hookahs, vaporizer cigarettes, vapes, and vape pens.
Please do not carry these items, even if you don't intend on using them.
Visa Note Rwanda
Visas may be obtained on arrival at Kigali International Airport. The cost is currently US$50 per person and must be paid in cash.
You can also apply for a Rwanda e-visa online, please follow this link - https://irembo.gov.rw/home/citizen/all_services
When the site loads – go to Immigration and Emigration to complete the visa application.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Rwanda. You also require at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
It is possible to get an East African Tourist Visa that covers entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. These need to be purchased from the first country of entry. Please note that this visa does not cover entry into Tanzania and if you enter Tanzania from one of these other countries having travelled on the EA Visa, the East African Tourist Visa will no longer be valid.
Covid Regulations
Travellers over the age of 5 years, due to visit the primates at Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks are required to wear a mask during the visit.
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
ENTERING BOTSWANA
You do NOT require a visa to enter Botswana if you are a citizen of -
· USA
· Canada
· Australia
· United Kingdom
· any of the EU countries
If you are a citizen of another country, please check THIS LIST to determine if you need a visa before you enter.
In all cases, ALL visitors are required to have a passport which is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Botswana.
In all instances, ALL visitors must ensure there are TWO successive blank pages in their passport per country to be visited.
Visitors traveling through South Africa, to and from Botswana, should be advised that the passports of ALL travellers to South Africa must contain at least TWO blank consecutive (unstamped) visa pages each time entry to South Africa is requested; these pages are IN ADDITION to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport.
Minors travelling through Botswana’s borders are required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports. In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be presented. However, an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.
Banking and Currency
CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS
The currency in Botswana is the Pula (P), which is made up of 100 Thebe.
Generally however, there is no real reason to exchange money in Botswana.
Credit Cards
As in most African countries, Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted throughout Botswana. American Express and Diners Club are frequently NOT accepted at all.
Be sure to ask your bank about a Visa or MasterCard with no foreign transaction fees!
Debit cards are not acknowledged.
TIPPING
Although not compulsory, if you are happy with the level of service provided, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, and support staff, and it is appropriate to do so in US$ or South African Rand (ZAR). You may also use these two currencies for local purchases.
General Guidelines for Tipping
· Ranger/ Guide - $20 per couple per day
· Tracker or Mokoro Paddler - $11 per couple per day
· Butler - $15 per couple per day
· Camp Staff - $15 per couple per day
· Transfer Drivers - $5 per transfer
· Porters - $1 per bag
· Restaurants - 10-15% of the bill
Whilst it is not encouraged to carry enormous quantities of cash, visitors should be aware that facilities for exchanging or drawing any type of currencies are restricted to the bigger towns and the cities.
NOTE: US dollars dated 2006 or earlier are NOT accepted in Botswana.
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
Health and Medical Information
VACCINATIONS & GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Malaria
Since there is malaria in many parts of Botswana, it is strongly recommended you obtain anti-malaria medication before entering the country. To obtain a prescription, consult your own medical doctor or health authority prior to departure. Currently, the most commonly prescribed anti-malarial tablet is Malarone. Your primary-care physician will be able to offer the best advice.
Vaccinations
If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, upon your arrival the government of Botswana requires proof of a yellow fever inoculation. USA, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and the EU, do NOT fall into this category, BUT, if you have travelled or transited through countries where yellow fever is apparent, you will be required to provide a Yellow Fever certificate. A list of yellow fever risk countries may be viewed HERE. The yellow fever vaccination is valid for ten years, and must be administered no later than ten days prior to departure.
NOTE: should you fall into the yellow fever risk category, you are required to travel with your Yellow Fever certificate/card.
Water
All safari camps and lodges supply clean (bottled or filtered) water for their guests. Do however always check with the camp/lodge staff if it safe to brush your teeth with the tap water.
Medication
Pack your own basic medications for headaches and hay fever for instance, as well as for any other minor afflictions, and/or travel-related maladies. You must pack sufficient supplies of prescription/chronic medication for the entire duration of your trip.
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
THE WEATHER in BOTSWANA
Summer is from November until the end of March, and usually brings very high temperatures. It is also the rainy season, and cloud coverage and rain can cool things down, although only usually for a short period of time.
The winter season begins in May and ends in August. This is also the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs.
Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas.
The in-between periods - April/early May and September/October - still tend to be dry, but the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
LUGGAGE SPECIFICATIONS & RESTRICTIONS
The most common mode of transport between the camps in Botswana is a light aircraft such as a Cessna Caravan. Your total luggage weight (INCLUDING carry-on hand luggage), should NOT exceed 20kg/44lbs.
In addition to these strict weight restrictions, and so that it can be packed into the hold of a small plane, your bags must be SOFT-sided with NO wheels or rigid frames.
Should you need to bring additional luggage in excess of your allowance, you may have the option of buying an extra seat, which will allow you a further 70kg/154lbs.
The additional cost of this varies depending on your flight schedule, please contact your consultant well in advance of travel for further details.
NOTE: should you have a multi-country or multi-camp itinerary, please check your total luggage weight complies with restrictions for ALL of your destinations pre-Botswana, as well as for onward travel.
WHAT to PACK for BOTSWANA
Whilst muted colours are recommended for a safari holiday, there is no need to purchase serious safari gear for your visit to Botswana. It is quite acceptable to wear jeans with a comfortable neutral-coloured shirt, with the emphasis on comfort and ease.
Must Haves
· A good wide-brimmed sun hat – for the intense African sun
· A bandana - for the dusty, dry regions
· Comfortable sneakers, tennis shoes - you do not need specilized hiking shoes for bush walks
· Sandals – flip-flops for around the camp
· Golf shirts or T-shirts
· Long-sleeved cotton shirts – to provide protection from sun as well as from mosquitos in the evenings
· Shorts - note that short skirts are not practical and not recommended
· A sport bra - for bumpy game drives
· A micro-fibre zippered jacket and light rain gear - for rainy summer months
· Swimwear - whilst at all times respecting modesty of local custom.
· Warm fleece, anorak, scarf, gloves and beanie - for morning and evening game drives, for the winter months, and for higher altitudes, where it can be cool even in summer.
A Detailed List of the Most Practical Items to Pack
· Khaki, green, beige, neutral colours
· Shirts with long sleeves
· T-shirts
· Shorts or light skirt (not short)
· Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cool days
· Wind-proof warm jacket
· Light sweater/jumper
· Lightweight water-proof jacket
· Swimwear
· Comfortable walking shoes
· Socks & underwear
· Personal toiletries
· Sun block, after-sun gel, moisturiser, lip salve/balm
· Strong insect repellent
· Hat and sunglasses
· Binoculars and camera equipment (dustproof bag for accessories)
LAUNDRY
Laundry can be done at most camps. At many of the camps and lodges, this service is complimentary, but there may be a nominal charge at other establishments. Depending on prevailing local traditions in the country, the staff at some camps will not wash underwear or intimate apparel.
It is totally acceptable to wear the same outfit more than once while on safari, there is no need to be a fashionista in the bush!
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
POWER in BOTSWANA
Camps and lodges in Botswana are situated in remote areas and generate their own electricity - either by solar power or by diesel generator. These power sources in turn charge banks of batteries known as an inverter system, which then provides 220Volt power in each tented room for lighting and ceiling fans.
Hairdryers & Electric Shavers
It is very often not possible to use appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers in tented rooms at the camps/lodges, as they have low-wattage fuses which will trip the power. You will however be able to charge your equipment in a designated area in the camp - either in your room, or in a central charging station in the common areas.
Most camps have adapters for your use, but if you would like to purchase one prior to departure, the most commonly found plug/socket type in Botswana is the ‘M’ (shown below), the ‘D’ (shown further below), and the less commonly used ‘G’ (shown furthest below), which utlises the universal plug adapters WA-10L, WA-10, and WA-7 respectively.
E-CONNECTIVITY
Mobile telephone services are usually available in urban areas. Although there are currently efforts to provide nationwide mobile coverage, the cell/mobile network can be unreliable and/or non-existent in some parts. Internet and wireless capability is available in the bigger centres. However, the more remote the location, the less accessible it becomes. Only some of the isolated lodges and camps do have Internet capability, but some areas have no Wi-Fi at all. If available, Internet usage is ordinarily charged for and can be expensive.
