TRIP NOTES AND WHAT TO BRING ON SAFARI
 
 
Baggage Allowance

We recommend that you travel with soft luggage only and the weight should not exceed 15kg.
Please note that should you be travelling by light aircraft, each passenger is limited to a soft sided bag weighing no more than 12kg plus a typical sized camera bag/hand luggage.
 
Accessories
  •        Good binoculars – we recommend 10x42 or 8x42 to enjoy game viewing at its best
  •        Camera equipment 
  •        Head torch and or flashlight
  •        Water canister – we refill water from our water tanks on the vehicle – it is important to keep hydrated at all times
  •        Small flask – optional
 
Suggested Photographic Equipment
  •        35mm digital SLR camera with built in flash
  •        Standard lens        35mm – 50mm
  •        Wide angle lens     24mm – 35mm
  •        Zoom lens  - we recommend at least a 100mm – 400mm for wildlife photography
  •        Cigarette lighter battery charger – 12v
  •        Standard charger – 110v – 220v for your specific camera
  •        We supply inverters (200W and 600W) on board to charge your batteries
  •        Memory cards – always over estimate the amount of pictures you will take
  •        A tripod (optional) for outside the vehicle
  •        A monopod or beanbag are good for stabilizing your camera when on the safari vehicle
  •        Camera cleaning equipment & zip lock bags or cloth bag to protect your camera – dust can be a problem
      
Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice on buying a camera. Each safari has a specialist photographic guide conducting the tour
 
 
Travel Documents & Currencies
  •        Valid Passport with appropriate Visas. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have a minimum of 5 pages free
  •        Airline tickets
  •        All travelers to Botswana are required to have comprehensive travel and medical insurance – including medical                      evacuation
  •        Credit card and cash (US dollars is the most widely accepted currency in Southern Africa). Cash can be drawn from your credit            cards at the ATM’s in Botswana
  •        The Botswana Pula, South African Rand, Euro’s and Pounds are all accepted
  •        Please check with your health practitioner should you require any documentation, inoculations or medicines such as malaria              tablets for your travel destination
  •        Major international airlines fly into Johannesburg
  •        Air Botswana has two scheduled flights a day from Johannesburg to Maun (May – Nov) and one flight (Dec – April)
  •        They also operate 3 flights a week to Kasane
  •        If you need assistance booking your flight to Maun or Kasane, we will be happy to assist
 
Clothing & Climate
  •        Lightweight neutral (khaki, tan & beige) colored clothing – long & short sleeved shirts, shorts and long pants. Layers are the best way to dress on safari
  •        Waterproof windbreaker for rainy season – November – March
  •        Bush jacket & fleece – early mornings and evenings can be very cold in the winter months – May to August
  •        Beanie, scarf and gloves are also recommended for the winter months
  •        Warm sweater
  •        Broad brimmed sun hat with chinstrap or cap
  •        Good sunglasses with strap
  •        Pair of comfortable walking shoes and pair of sandals or flip-flops
  •        Pajamas or track suit
  •        Towel – quick dry towels are best
  •        Kikoi or light sarong has a multitude of uses
  •        Ladies – a sports bra is recommended for the bumpy roads
       Average Temperatures:  Winter:  May – Aug 65F daytime & 40-50F nighttime
                                                   Summer:  Sept – Apr 85F daytime & 60-70F nighttime
 
Toiletries & Hygiene
  •        Insect repellent
  •        Lip balm
  •        Antiseptic Cream
  •        Band Aids
  •        Anti-diarrhea medicine
  •        Skin moisturizer – the dust and the sun can be harsh
  •        Eye drops & nasal spray
  •        Antihistamines – if you suffer from allergies/hay fever as grass and dust levels can be high
  •        Shaving kit (not electric)
  •        Toothbrush & toothpaste
  •        Deodorant (perfume and strong smelling scents are not recommended)
  •        Shampoo & conditioner & soap
  •        Nail clippers
  •        Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses, hearing aid batteries if required
  •        Hand wipes
  •        Face cloth
  •        Towel – quick dry towels are best
  •        Sealable plastic bag for dirty clothes
 
Please note that bucket showers are available in the afternoon and evening
There is a laundry service provided in camp (we regret no smalls)
Each safari vehicle has tap on the side and a bar of soap available for your use at any time
 
We welcome donations of any unwanted clothes and mosquito nets to distribute in and around Maun
 
 
Staying in touch in case of an emergency

Our Maun based office is in daily contact with the safari
There is a satellite phone on board should it be necessary to make a direct call in the case of an emergency
You may leave the following information with family and friends should they need to get a message to you while on safari
 
Guy Symons          Cell: 00 267 72245968   [email protected] 
Edurne Martinez     Cell: 00 267 72151808   [email protected]
     
 
Recommended Reading List
 
Earth Ark – A Photographic Safari through Northern Botswana
Steven Stockhall & Kim Thompson
Struiks Birds of Southern Africa or Birds of Africa
Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan
Signs of the Wild
Clive Walker
Beat about the Bush
Trevor Carnaby
Stargazing from Game Reserves in Southern Africa
Anthony Fairall
Kalahari – Life’s variety in Dune and Delta
Michael Main
Zambezi – Journey of a River
Michael Mann
Cry of the Kalahari
Mark & Delia Owens
Jewel of the Kalahari
Karen Ross
 
 
Mammal & Bird guides are available on the vehicles at all times