| Botswana is a relatively hassle-free destination. The infrastructure is generally good, crime is low and official corruption almost unheard of. Normal passport and visa considerations apply. Botswana may be a wild and adventurous destination but that doesn't mean that personal health and safety are jeopardised - safari operators are experienced and maintain high standards. Consult a medical practitioner before leaving for advice on malaria.
Passport & Visas
Important Note: This is a guide only - please check with your nearest Botswana Consulate for up to date information.
A valid passport is needed for ALL international travel. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months AFTER returning from your trip - this is an international requirement. It is also essential that you have sufficient blank pages in your passport for visas, entry stamps or temporary residence permits. We recommend allowing two blank pages per country that you are planning to visit.
Some countries will require entry, re-entry or departure permits and/or visas, which are issued at their consulates/embassies. You will find broad guidelines regarding your visa requirements on the Wild Times website. These guidelines are supplied by an independent company - however, it is vital for you to realise that each country's requirements may change at any given time and that Wild Times has no control over this process.
When to Go
Botswana is a year-round wildlife destination. However, there are certain seasonal concerns of which groups with special interests should take note:
- The best birding months are November - March, when the delta is brimming with migratory birds.
- The best botanical months are December - May, when the vegetation is lush and green and most plants are in flower.
November to April is a less popular time for taking a Botswana safari. This is the wet season, and due to the abundance of water it is less certain that one will see wildlife at perennial water holes. Also, the heavy rains can make dirt roads impassable.
Health & Safety
Throughout Botswana at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places, tap water is purified and safe to drink. Please remember that water is a scarce resource, especially in a drought-stricken area such as Botswana so please be respectful and help to conserve water.
It's crucial that you obtain malaria prophylactics before going on your Botswana safari.
When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Botswana. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering the country and continue taking the pills for 6 weeks after your departure. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner as this usually minimises the effect of the symptoms.
Even while taking prophylactics, you should still take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes, like: sleeping under a bed-net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation with insecticide; making use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wearing long-sleeve clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night. Any person entering Botswana from or via a yellow fever infected area must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever.
Medical Services
Botswana does not have a national health welfare scheme. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain medical insurance prior to arrival in Botswana. Health care standards in Botswana are high, with excellent hospitals in Gaborone and Francistown. All main towns have well stocked pharmacies.
Safety
Botswana is a very safe destination with a low crime rate. The people of Botswana are generally very friendly. Hitchhiking is commonly practised and it is quite safe to do so. The greatest dangers are out in the wild and visitors should adhere to the rules when visiting parks. Never get out of your vehicle unless absolutely safe to do so and never confront wild animals.
What to Pack
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year in Botswana. The most practical items to pack for safari are:
- blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
- t-shirts
- shorts or a light skirt
- jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
- fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary, even in summer)
- comfortable walking shoes
- sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent - essentials!
- binoculars and a camera are a must
- tracksuit - good for sleeping in during winter months
- light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer
- swimsuit, as most hotels/lodges have swimming pools
- towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris
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