ZIMBABWE & BOTSWANA HIGHLIGHTS SAFARI - 10 DAYS

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

A passport, valid for at least six months beyond your last date of stay in Zimbabwe, is mandatory.  One blank page (in addition to any pages required by other countries in your itinerary) will be required for official use.

Visas are required for US passport holders entering Zimbabwe. These can be secured on arrival with payment of $30.00 per person, US currency.  Travelers also entering Zambia can request a Uni-Visa (good for both countries) on arrival, at a cost of $50.00 US.  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 (more than 12 hours) through any yellow fever country.  Your (yellow) official medical card must be presented.

It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to understand and fulfill any entry requirements.

Currency

Zimbabwe uses the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWL). Limited amounts of currency may be available from banks and ATM's within the country.

Only VISA and MasterCard are accepted in Zimbabwe, however it should be noted that very limited facilities will have credit card machines, and the connection is not always reliable so it is advisable to carry cash as back up.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent.

Water in the main towns is usually purified.. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbor. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it. However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled or treated water,  generally supplied by your hotel or lodge.

In Zimbabwe, the rains come principally in December, January, February and March.  The further north you are, the earlier the precipitation arrives and the later it leaves.  Zimbabwe's higher eastern areas usually receive more rainfall than the lower-lying western ones.

By April and May most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which is starting to dry out. Especially in more southerly and higher locations, the night-time temperatures start to drop.

The nights in June, July and August become much cooler, so don't forget to bring some warmer clothes, in case you want to spend an evening outside; the days are still clear and warm. For Zimbabwe, this is the start of the peak season.  Days are often cloudless and game sightings continually increase.

Into September and October the temperatures rise once again: Zimbabwe's lower-lying rift valley (Mana Pools ) can get very hot in October.  During this time, you'll see some fantastic game, as the Zimbabwe's wildlife concentrates around the limited water sources.

November is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry, it can also see the season's first rainfalls – and in this respect it's a very interesting month, as on successive days, you can see both weather patterns.

When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose fitting clothing,   Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season. 

A  hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard against the scourching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of walking. 

For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth color clothes, such as browns, greens and tans are advisable. 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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 

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.