Travel Tips

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Information for You...

 

Safety

Guests should be aware that they are visiting wildlife area.

Holiday Diary Mobile Safaris is very conscious of the issue of safety and as such all professional guides carry satellite phones with an emergency contact at base on call 24 hours a day.

This DOES NOT, however, replace the requirement for all guests to have travel insurance incase of accidents.

Customs Regulations

Visitors may bring into Botswana the following amounts of duty-free items: up to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2L of wine or 1L of beer or spirits; and 50mL of perfume or 250mL of eau de cologne.

The most rigorous searches at customs posts are for fresh meat products – don't buy succulent steaks in South Africa for your camping barbecue and expect them to be allowed in.

There is no restriction on currency, though you may need to declare any pula or foreign currency you have on you when entering or leaving the country.

Passports

All visitors entering Botswana must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months. Also, allow a few empty pages especially if you plan on crossing over to Zimbabwe and/or Zambia to Victoria Falls.

Visas

Visitors to Botswana are issued a visa on arrival, valid for 30 days usually.

What to Pack

When packing for a Botswana safari, practicality is key. In the summer months, daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C, so shorts and t-shirts are best, with a longer shirt for protection against the sun if you burn easily.

Choose clothing in neutral colours (try to avoid white) and wear lightweight long-sleeved clothing at night and in the early mornings to protect against mosquitoes.During the cooler months it is best to layer up as the days are still warm and sunny but the night time temperatures can drop close to freezing point. Be sure to pack a thick fleece or jacket for early morning and evening game drives, which can be very cold.

Flights & Getting Around

Botswana's public-transport network is limited.

Car Hiring a vehicle is the best and most practical option.

Air Although domestic air services are fairly frequent and usually reliable, Air Botswana (and charter flights) is not cheap and only a handful of towns are regularly served.

Pack for the Purpose when travelling by charter or transfer flight as baggage allowances are minimal

Bus & Combi Public buses and combis (minibuses) are also cheap and reasonably frequent, but are confined to sealed roads between towns. Other 'transfer' & hire vehicles (4 X4) can also be sourced through Holiday Diary Mobile Safaris