TAILORMADE LUXURY SAFARIS
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BOTSWANA - SAFARIS, TOURS AND TRAVEL
Botswana offers endless safe and exciting safari travel options, so it’s worth planning ahead to ensure that you experience the very best of your holiday in this amazing country. We have come up with a few frequently asked questions listed below.
Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
ABOUT BOTSWANA
ACCESS Q:What method of transportation is recommended to reach Botswana? A: Botswana is easily accessible by scheduled flights from Johannesburg (South Africa), Windhoek (Namibia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Frequent flights link Johannesburg to Gaborone, Maun and Kasane – the gateways to the National Parks, and wilderness areas. We can pre-book and package all of your regional/internal flights and transfers.
Q: How do I get around in Botswana? A: There are various methods of travelling around Botswana from shuttle/charter flights and self-drive options to a range of exciting Guided Safaris. Our expert travel consultants will assist you every step of the way to ensure seamless and safe travel arrangements…read more.
AFRICAN WILDLIFE Q: What are the characteristic animal species of Botswana? A: Botswana is blessed with some of Africa’s most beautiful subtropical wilderness reserves, generally teeming with animals including kudu, impala, giraffe, lion, elephant, hippo, African wild dog, red lechwe (antelope) and numerous bird species. It is a land of awesome contrasts, and travellers are guaranteed exceptional game-viewing opportunities.
CLOTHING Q: What should I wear? A: You will require comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your safari to Botswana. Please note that bright colours are not suitable for game-viewing. It is best to have some warm clothing for early-morning and evening game-drives, especially in winter.
Q: What should I pack? A: Packing Suggestions:
Light cotton trousers
Cotton shorts Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals
Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker
Sunhat
Fleece
Insect repellent
Small torch
Bathing suit
Suntan lotion
Sunglasses
Camera (telephoto lens recommended)
Binoculars
For winter, pack an extra:
Warm jacket
Woolen hat
Scarf and gloves
FAMILY SAFARIS Q: Is Botswana a good family destination? A: Botswana offers wonderful value for families, although some establishments cater more for children’s enjoyment than others. The recommended age for children on safari is six years and older. Some lodges do not take children under 12 years – we will advise you of the best family travel options.
FOOD Q: What style and type of meals are on offer? A: Most lodges, hotels and restaurants in Botswana serve delicious, hearty meals of Pan-African cuisine – fresh ingredients, simply prepared with an African flavour. Vegetarian and halaal dietary requirements may be catered for but it is difficult to find strictly kosher meals.
GUEST SAFETY Q: Will I be safe? A: Guest safety is of paramount importance and even though Botswana is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports.
HEALTH Q: What kind of medical precautions to I need to take? A: Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions.
MONEY Q: Where can I change currency? A: You will be required to declare all foreign currency in any form when entering/exiting Botswana and we therefore advise that you only change money as required. Most international airports have banks where money can be changed and facilities are usually available at hotels and lodges. The currency in Botswana is Pula (1 Pula = 100 Thebe)
Q: Can I use my credit card? A: All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants but acceptance outside of the major centres in Botswana is limited. Most lodges and restaurants accept payment by Visa and MasterCard.
SAFARI SEASONS & TEMPERATURES Q: Which are the best months to visit Botswana? A: Botswana offers superb game-viewing and safari activities throughout the year. The winter months (May to September) are dry, with warm and sunny days (26°C/79°F average) but temperatures do drop to below freezing at night. The summer months (October to April) are hot (25°/77°F – 45°C/113°F) although welcome relief is received from magnificent afternoon showers.
Q: When is the rainy season? A: The main rains fall between December and March, but often just in the form of brief thundershowers that last an hour or two before the sun re-emerges. The sunlight after an African storm is incredibly intense and superb for wildlife photography. The summer rains also bring spectacular migrant birds to Botswana.
TIPPING GUIDELINES Q: What should I tip? A: We recommend that you tender small amounts to your lodge/hotel staff and lodge managers will provide you with guidelines for tipping if required. Where restaurant meals are involved, the tipping standard is usually 10% of the bill.
WATER Q: Can I drink the water? A: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels, lodges and other public places. Remember that water is a scarce resource, so please be considerate and help conserve water.
WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS Q: Is Botswana a good honeymoon destination? A: Botswana’s spectacular wilderness areas offer many beautiful wedding and honeymoon locations. CC Africa’s wedding coordinator can organise anything a bride and groom might desire and will arrange every detail to enable a seamless and memorable wedding and honeymoon.
