The following has been put together to give you more information on Botswana as a safari destination. We do our utmost to keep our information up to date, but to be sure, please get in touch with us.
Botswana Visa Information
A valid passport with at least 6 months valid on arrival is mandatory. Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa to travel to Botswana;
- all EU countries
- all commonwealth countries (excluding Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Ghana, Pakistan & Nigeria)
- USA, South Africa
Citizens of the above countries will be granted a one-month entry stamp on arrival; all other passport holders should check with the Botswana consulate in their country of residence. Obtaining the correct entry visas is your responsibility.
Getting Around Botswana
Roads are generally good, but they vary considerably and travel is much slower than in Europe or America. They can often be bumpy and dusty, especially in rural areas. Wherever necessary we use properly equipped 4x4’s.
Botswana Light Aircraft Flights
Transfers between lodges are often done by light aircraft as this is the easiest way to get around. There is a allowance is 20kg (15kg hold luggage plus 5kg carryon) on all internal flights with no exceptions to the rule, unless you book extra seats in advance. Departure and travel times will vary depending on the route and how many stops there are. This is a great way to get around as it gives you an aerial perspective of the country.
Botswana Mobile Communications
Reception is good from Maun and Kasane, but more difficult from remote areas. All drivers and guides will have mobiles and/or radios for emergencies.
Electricity in Botswana
Outside of the major towns electricity supplies in rural areas are provided by solar cells or generators. As such most lodges are only able to provide lighting/power to guest rooms at set times in the morning and afternoon. Most lodges do not have in-room electrical sockets but charging facilities will be available, so please ask at reception.
Bear in mind that solar power is weather dependent and at times insufficient sunshine may mean lighting is limited. In these instances, alternative lighting is generally available e.g. storm lanterns or torches. The electricity supply in Botswana is 220 volts. Plug sockets do vary and we advise visitors to take multi-adaptors to cope with 3 round pin sockets (South Africa) or 3 square pin sockets (UK).
Laundry in Botswana
Most lodges offer laundry facilities but please note that the cost is not always included. Check with reception for current prices. Due to natural drying and variable climatic conditions your clothing might not always come back ‘bone dry’. Most lodges won’t wash underwear but will happily provide washing powder to use in your room.
Botswana Accommodation
Lodges and camps vary from personally run, privately owned setups, to “company owned” lodges which generally form a circuit throughout Botswana and on occasions Southern Africa. The lodges/camps in Botswana are generally of a very high standard. They are usually small and intimate, offering a very personal and high-level service. We always attempt to use environmentally friendly lodges who are committed to helping the local communities.
Food in Botswana
Food varies from destination to destination. Please bear in mind that we try to use lodges/camps that use local produce which supports the local communities. Do not be afraid to try local produce, it is part of the experience!
Water in Botswana
We recommend drinking bottled water but in an effort to reduce the impact of plastic on the environment, we also recommend taking a refillable bottle so that where available, you can drink approved, filtered drinking water.
Smoking in Botswana
There is a smoking ban in Botswana that prohibits smoking in all public places, offices and public service vehicles. We strongly discourage smoking in national parks. Never throw a lit cigarette into the bush as this could cause a devastating bush fire.
