General Information

About Botswana

Botswana is a country recognized as the TOP DESTINATION for the best safaris in all of Africa.
Botswana is bordered to the north by Namibia and Zambia. To the east with Zimbabwe and partly with South Africa, to the south with South Africa and to the west with Namibia.

Documents: A passport with at least 6 months of validity after the return date is required. A hand-renewed passport is not allowed. It is recommended to have at least a couple of free pages on the passport for each country visited. There is no Italian diplomatic representation in Botswana. Italian citizens can take the Italian Embassy in Lusaka (Zambia) as a reference.

Time Zone: One hour more than the GMT+1 No difference during months of summer time.

Language: The official language is English, but the Bantu and Setswana languages are also widely used. English is an official language in Botswana. It is taught at schools, and is widely spoken in all urban centres. Even in rural areas, many local villagers (especially younger ones who have received schooling) will be able to converse in English. All guides and general staff in the camps, lodges and hotel have a good command of English.
German, Italian and French translators are available on request through your travel operator or agent. When staying at a private camp or lodge, your guide can act as interpreter if necessary during social interactions.

Vaccination: No vaccination is required but antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended. In the north of the country, malaria is present in the areas of Okavango and Chobe, which is particularly accentuated after the rainy season. It is therefore advisable to take preventive measures against mosquito bites while staying in the country, although some vaccinations are not mandatory but still highly recommended. The yellow fever vaccination requirement for passengers traveling from Zambia to Botswana or Zimbabwe or South Africa has been lifted.

Health Structures: Healthcare facilities do not have European standards. In the capital Gaborone there is a good quality hospital but before embarking on the journey, it is advisable to make subscribe a good health insurance which includes not only the coverage of medical expenses, but also the possible medical repatriation or transfer to another country.

Climate: Semi-desert with a very low average annual rainfall. The rains are generally concentrated in the months of December-January-February while the dry season runs from May to October when the temperature range between daytime and nighttime is very pronounced.

Currency: The currency in force is Pula. € 1 = 12.2 BWP.
It is possible to change at airports, but almost all businesses accept euros, dollars and credit cards.

Electricity: 220 volt three-pole plugs. During the safari it is possible to recharge your devices directly in our vehicles, equipped with inverters with plug inputs in use in Italy and double batteries. This allows us to recharge even at stationary machines at night.

Religion: The official religion is Christianity although tribal-indigenous rites and beliefs are still widespread.

Know what to expect on your overnight camping experience with this overview of general information.
- We will be camping in Chobe National Park or any chosen wildlife area in Exclusive Wilderness sites ie HATAB or BOGA sites, with no other campers nearby. If the sites are fully booked we will be forced to use the public site at Ihaha, although this is very rare.
- All trips will have a backup team, including a cook and minimal/no participation is required.
- Ablutions consist of rustic open air bucket showers and long drop-style toilets.
- We attempt to work two departures weekly: i.e. on Tuesdays and Fridays. In the event of groups of over 6 these set days are flexible and we can negotiate discounts for groups of over 12 pax.
- All trips will be run by skilled, licensed professional guides and a backup team.


Terms and Conditions


Rules for reservations and deposit: For the reservation a deposit of 25% of the cost of the safari is required, which must be paid within 8 days of the written reservation, the reservation will be considered valid only after receiving the requested sum. Full payment must be paid two months (eight weeks) before the departure of your safari. The payment details will be sent by email.

Cancellation for booking: After receiving the 25% deposit the reservation will be retained confirmed. This sum will not be refunded if the reservation is canceled. If the reservation is canceled 6 weeks before the start of the safari 60% will be retained. of the cost of the safari, if the reservation is canceled 4 weeks before the start of the safari 75% of the cost of the safari will be retained.

Inclusions
- camping equipment including spacious walk in tents with a bed roll and bedding (mattress, sheet duvet and pillow).
Park fees.
- Soft drinks and beer.
- Food, mineral water and house wine with dinner are supplied. Dinner is a two course meal and consists of hearty ‘Bush Cuisine” cooked on open fires.

Exclusions
- Visas (if necessary).
- Items of a personal nature (e.g. towels and toiletries).
- International flights
- Staff tips

Travel Insurance: It is good to take out a good travel insurance, which also includes health coverage before your departure. They can be requested directly from the agency where you will buy the air ticket, or through your insurance company.

PROPHYLAXIS: No prophylaxis is mandatory in Botswana. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. We advise you to take (malarone) the drug in question should be taken, two days before leaving, every day stay, and for a week after your return. However, ask your doctor for advice.

CURRENCY: The currency of Botswana is Pula. Almost all businesses accept dollars, euros and credit cards. It is however advisable (to obtain a better percentage on the exchange) to change the currency in the appropriate exchange exercises, or directly in airport.
It is possible to plan the duration and itineraries of your safari for groups of at least 4 participants. Contact us by email or by phone for more information or special needs regarding your future safari trip.
IMPORTANT: All our fields are set up in remote and wild areas, they do not have barriers of any kind, the animals therefore have free access. The passage is frequent enough, especially at night. It is therefore good to follow the instructions of the staff scrupulously on the behavior to follow in the bush

Safari Checklist
- Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year, dull neutral colours are most suitable.
- Campsites are very sandy so suitable footwear is advised.
- T shirts.
- Jeans or safari trousers for the cool evenings and mornings.
- A fleece or warm sweater for those early morning game drives.
- A good pair of Sunglasses.
- Sun block, a hat and insect repellent are essential!
- Binoculars and a camera with charged batteries - there is no electricity in the bush (we can charge via the cigarette lighter 12V only).
- A headlamp or torch is vital.
- If you enjoy a whisky or the like, you are welcome to bring a bottle along to sip by the Campfire.
- A towel, and your own toiletries (ladies please remember there are no shops for emergencies)
- Any medication if necessary, we do have a medical aid box with the basics.
- There will be times when you are exposed to the sun so a thin long sleeve shirt may come in handy.
- The early morning drives will be very cold in the winter months - so layers are best to keep out the chill in the back of the game drive vehicle. (June-Aug.)
- Please attempt to travel as light as possible - space is always an issue on Safari.
- If you have recently travelled to a yellow fever area please ensure you have the relevant yellow fever vaccination requirements in place.
- Please ensure you have checked the appropriate Visa requirements for your nationality before travelling.

Last but not least, a sense of humour ………… this is Africa!!