Botswana Rhino Safari

Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterized by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills, and desert plains scattered with scrubland. The country’s primary tourist draw is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta. 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 hosts large prides of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4,500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.

Currency

The currency of Botswana is the Pula (which means 'rain' in Setswana) (BWP). US$ Dollar notes (2007 Series onwards), and Visa and MasterCard are accepted. It is divided into 100 thebe (which means 'shield' in Setswana). Travellers' cheques and foreign currency may be changed at banks, bureaux de change and authorised hotels with less attractive exchange rates and higher fees.

Banking

Seven main commercial banks, as well as a number of foregin exchange bureaux, operate in Botswana. Operating hours are Monday to Friday 08h30 to 15h30 and Saturday 08h30 to 10h45.

Full banking services are available in major towns, although ATMs are sprouting up all over the country. Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants. Cultural sites and community art and craft outlets usually only accept cash.

Public transport in Botswana is geared towards the needs of the local populace and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Botswana’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.

Driving off the main roads in Botswana is only recommended to expects in 4x4 vehicles, that are equipped correctly. Most lodges offer transfers or they can be arranged. If, however, you will be driving in Botswana: your home driving licence will be accepted (with an official English translation if necessary; driving is on the left side of the road; and the national speed limit is on tarred roads is 120km/h and 60km/h in towns and villages.

Be sure to watch out for wild animals on the roads!

There are major airports in Maun, Kasane and Gaborone, while smaller charter flights are used to get to the other top attractions and camps.

Internal Flights and Transfers
Due to the remote areas the camps and lodges are based in, transfers between camps may take place by boat, mekoro, game drive vehicle or light aircraft.

Flight times around Botswana | Approximate flying times
Flight duration times (as listed below), are to be used as an average guideline. They are based on actual flying time, and passengers may have various stops enroute to a destination affecting the total travel time. Your pilot will brief you of your flight route and duration during the safety briefing.
Maun - Delta: 15 to 30 minutes
Delta – Delta: 10 to 20 minutes
Delta - Linyanti: 30 to 40 minutes
Maun – Linyanti: 50 to 60 minutes
Linyanti - Kasane: 40 to 60 minutes
Maun/Delta - Kasane: 60 to 80 minutes
Maun - Makgadikgadi/Desert: 40 to 60 minutes

Departure Taxes
Departure taxes are included in ticket prices.

Botswana is a Malaria-risk area. Please consult your doctor for medical advice prior to travel.

Although usually safe to drink, we do not recommend that you drink the tap water. Filtered water is available at the camps and lodges.

The camps are isolated and generally have limited power supply and access to supplies. Please notify us in advance of any special dietary requirements, medical conditions and medical equipment you may need with you. Please carry critical medication in your hand luggage.

Yellow Fever Certificates - are required if you have travelled to a Yellow Fever area as designated by the World Health Organisation. Please check with your Travel Clinic or doctor well in advance of your departure date.

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.

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 low 20°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 is important to pack layers of clothing to adjust to temparture variations. Warm jackets, scarves/hats/gloves are necessary for early morning and night game drives. 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 the best time for big game safaris – although October can feel very hot, with maximum temperatures sometimes approaching 40°C.

November is difficult to predict, as it can sometimes be a continuation of October's heat, whilst sometimes it's cooled by the first rains; it's always an interesting month.

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

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