PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS:
We recommend that all travelers have a minimum of two blank pages, side-by-side, for entry into any/all African countries. This is a requirement for entry into South Africa, and our recommendation for all African countries as well. These are the pages marked “visa” at the top of the page in US passports. Please ensure you have adequate pages for all countries you’ll be entering. All passports should be valid at least six months from the return date.
Additional official entry requirements may apply for any person under the age of 18 entering Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, or Zimbabwe). Please inquire if applicable.
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
Visas are required for entry into certain African countries. For United States passport holders entering Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda, or Mozambique, visas can be secured on arrival with payment in US currency. For South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, and Seychelles, visas are not required for American citizens. For Tanzania, visas are required and should be applied for and approved online in advance of arrival. For Uganda, visas are required and must be applied for and approved online in advance of arrival. Requirements for non-US passport holders may differ. It is the sole responsibility of all travelers to ensure they are aware of and can fulfill all visa and entry requirements.
YELLOW FEVER REQUIREMENTS:
Proof that yellow fever inoculation (shot) was administered to the traveler at least 10 days prior to arrival is required for entry into certain countries. A (yellow) medical card will be requested by the government authority upon arrival. This requirement applies for entry into Uganda and Rwanda. It also applies for entry into South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, or Tanzania following a stay, stop-over (and in some cases even airport transit/transfer) in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or any other yellow fever country. Check with your Premier Tours agent if you are travelling to or through any countries and are unsure about the yellow fever requirements.
HEALTH MATTERS:
Many safari locations carry a risk of malaria and therefore malaria prophylaxis (oral medication) is strongly recommended.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect the cost of your trip in the event of cancellation for a covered reason, as well as for the medical, emergency evacuation, and numerous other benefits offered.
If you believe your credit card, homeowners, or healthcare plan provides coverage, you should carefully review what is and isn’t covered, as well as any limitations and exclusions. Many of our clients have been surprised to find the coverage they think they have is either limited, doesn’t cover family members, or is insufficient for adventure-oriented travel to remote destinations.
Please be sure to check the rates and coverage options offered by our insurance partner, Travelex, before making your insurance purchase. Unlike other insurance companies that charge based on the age of each traveler, The “Custom Travel Secure” policy was designed to provide the best coverage at highly competitive rates by offering a “one price fits all” option for Premier Tours travelers. All travelers will be required to sign a waiver before final travel documents are released, indicating whether they’ve chosen to purchase insurance.
LUGGAGE STORAGE:
Luggage storage may be available to you depending on your specific itinerary. Please inquire at the time of planning your tour and/or flights to ensure that arrangements can be made.
BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS:
Most African countries, in particular Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, have banned the use of plastic bags. Please refrain from using them for packing purposes.
Despite recent and surprisingly rapid modernization, 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 provide 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.
Entry Requirements
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your last date of stay in Botswana is mandatory. One blank page (in addition to any pages required by other countries in your itinerary) is required.
Visas are not required for US passport holders entering Botswana. Requirements for passport holders of other countries vary.
Proof of yellow fever inoculation (administered at least 10 days before arrival) is required whenever travelers are arriving after having stayed in or transited through the airport of any yellow fever country. Your (yellow) official medical card must be presented.
Any person under the age of 18 years at time of entry must have specific official government documentation in all cases: whether arriving with one or both biological parents, with a guardian, or travelling independently. Please inquire for details.
It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to understand and fulfill any entry requirements.
Banking and Currency
Botswana's currency is called Pula (which means 'rain' in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (which means 'shield' in Setswana). The US Dollar, Euros, the British Pound, and the South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies, often accepted at many safari lodges.
Full banking services are available in major towns, although ATMs are sprouting up all over the country. Most credit cards are accepted, but American Express is sometimes an exception, so we recommend having a Visa or Master Card. Cultural sites and community art and craft outlets usually only accept cash.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Tap water is considered safe to drink, although outside main cities and towns, visitors are advised to check first and sterilise water if in any doubt. Bottled water is available in most tourist centers. Filtered water is available at most camps. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally safe. Safari lodges and camps serve international cuisine, generally of an extremely high standard, along with local beer and imported wine and spirits.
Climate and Weather
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 upper 60°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 still a great time of year for big game safaris – although October can feel very hot, with maximum temperatures sometimes approaching 100°F.
November is difficult to predict, as it can sometimes be a continuation of October's heat, while sometimes it's cooled by the first rains; it's always an interesting month.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
In summer, lightweight, light coloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. In winter, wear trousers, long-sleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys. From May through August, the night time temperatures can be cold so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing. Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain. Closed, comfortable walking shoes or gym shoes are a must in all seasons. Special attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat or visor, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and polarised sunglasses.
Internet Availability
Some hotels, lodges and guest houses offer internet access or WiFi (free or paid), and there are internet cafe's in Gaborone and Maun. Internet access in more remote rural areas is often hard to come by.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical outlets in Botswana are the "Type M” South African SABS1661 ("Large" 15 amp BS-546) sockets. This is actually an old British standard. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need an adapter in order to plug in. Adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.
Electrical outlets in Botswana usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC; whereas in the United States we use 110 volts. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need; however adapters do not change the voltage, so If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240 volts, you will need a voltage converter in addition to an adaptor.
