Charter Airline Luggage Limitations
Please note that the luggage restriction on the scheduled charter flights in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe is 20kgs (44lbs) per person which needs to be packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.
In Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia the luggage limit is 15Kgs (33lbs) per person packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limitation 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.
Visas
Certain countries in Africa require you to obtain travel authorisation ahead of your arrival in those countries. For some travellers, the online application portals can be challenging to use, causing frustration and anxiety. If you do not want to navigate the online process yourself, feel free to contact a specialist visa agency such as Visa HQ to assist you.
Yellow Fever
Please note that you need a Yellow Fever vaccination 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 depends on other medication you're currently taking / any medical conditions etc.
Flights via the United Kingdom
From 8 January 2025, all USA passport holders will require a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if travelling through, or even transiting, the UK. For other nationalities, click here to see when you can apply for an ETA: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
The cost is currently £10 per person. Everyone needs an ETA, including infants and children. NOTE that you need to complete the ETA application prior to your arrival in the UK. It usually takes 3 working days for your ETA to be approved.
The most convenient way to apply is on the app: download the UK ETA app from the App Store or Google Play. If you are unable to access the app, you can apply online by clicking here: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply
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 blank 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 from South Africa.
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 blank 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 into Botswana.
Please be aware - all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Botswana, clearly showing the details of both parents. Both parents need to be travelling with the child. If this is not the case, additional documentation may be required. Please contact us for further info.
Visa Note for Zambia
Zambia has waived all visa fees (including day trip visas), for nationals from Australia, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
All other nationalities are required to pay for their Zambian visas. The entry fee is currently US$50 per person (subject to change). You can purchase your visa 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 which allows you access to both Zambia and Zimbabwe. 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 (subject to change). NOTE the following exceptions: visas for Canadian nationals are US$75 per person and for British / Irish passport holders, it's US$55 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 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 clients from visa-exempt countries now only require the following:
*Pay MZN 650.00 (at the current rate of exchange this is USD10.00 or R180.00).
There are credit card facilities available but cash is preferred. No change is available, so please ensure you have the correct amount in 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, plus 3 blank pages.
*Provide confirmation of your round-trip flight details (return tickets)
*Proof of accommodation in the form of a letter from your accommodation provider
Visa Note for Namibia
Currently American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Namibia. However, you are required to have at least three consecutive blank 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.
NOTE that as of 1 April 2025, Namibia’s new visa regulations come into effect. This means that 31 countries who did not previously require visas will now require them. The affected countries include the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, France, Germany, amongst others. The visa fee will be N$1,600 per person (around USD90). You may obtain your visas at the airport on arrival.
Please be aware - all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Namibia, clearly showing the details of both parents. Both parents need to be travelling with the child. If this is not the case, additional documentation may be required. Please contact us for further info.
Visa Note for Seychelles
A visa is not required for stays up to 30 days.
On arrival, travelers need to provide proof of onward or return transportation, a confirmed accommodation booking and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. They will then be issued a Visitor's Permit which is valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
All visitors must apply for entry through the Health Travel Authorisation platform prior to their arrival in the Seychelles. Please visit https://seychelles.govtas.com/ This health authorisation is essential for travel and will be required when you check in for your flight. Visitors will not be permitted to board their flight without the authorisation being in place.
Visa Note for Kenya
Kenya has implemented an eTA (electronic travel authorisation) system. This is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry.
All visitors are required to apply for an eTA prior to arrival in Kenya by clicking here - https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
The cost is currently US$32.50 per traveller, plus bank and processing fees.
For most travelers, a single entry eTA 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 eTA for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits.
NOTE that the eTA is only valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so please don’t apply too early. If the eTA expires prior to your arrival in Kenya, you will need to start a new application. The eTA is only required for entry into Kenya - there is no need to re-apply for an eTA if it expires whilst you are in Kenya.
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.
IMPORTANT: Single use plastic bags are banned in Kenya. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bringing single use plastic bags into the country. Being in possession of a single use plastic bag is an offence and offenders could be penalised.
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).
Note that, should you be arriving in Tanzania from Kenya, via the Isebania border post, you must apply for your Tanzanian visa ahead of your arrival.
Because the arrival visa process can take a long time, we suggest 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 provides further information on what you’ll need for the application process: 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 airlines as the flights need to stick to the scheduled times.
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 by clicking here: https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
You are required to upload clear copies of the bio-data page of your passport, your Yellow Fever certificate and a recent passport photo.
On completion of the online application you will receive a barcoded e-mail notification. Print out this e-mail and bring it along 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 US$50 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. You need to lodge the application with the first country on your itinerary (note that if Kenya is the first country on your itinerary, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not apply and you will need to obtain separate visas for each country).
Visitors to Uganda who will be participating in gorilla trekking activities 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. You need to lodge the application with the first country on your itinerary (note that if Kenya is the first country on your itinerary, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not apply and you will need to obtain separate visas for each country).
Travellers over the age of 5 years who are scheduled to visit the primates at the Volcanoes, Nyungwe and / or Gishwati-Mukura National Parks are required to wear a mask during their 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.
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.
