Please find herewith a list of suggested items which should be used as a guideline when packing for your safari in Botswana.
Please bear in mind that there are luggage restrictions of between 15kg (33lbs) and 20kg (44lbs) (in a soft bag with no wheel or frame) on some light aircraft transfers (inside Botswana) and 20kg (44lbs) on most scheduled airline flights.
Clothing
The weather in Southern Africa is generally pleasant throughout the year warm to hot days, and cool to warm nights with summer (September to April) being the hotter months. During the winter months, however (May to August), it can get really cold at night and in the early morning, particularly when on safari, so we suggest that you pack accordingly.
- Sun hat/bush hat
- Headscarf/bandana particularly for dusty dry regions
- Golf-shirts and/or T-shirts preferably with a sleeve to protect your shoulders from the sun
- Long-sleeved cotton shirts
- Shorts and/or skirts really short skirts are not practical for getting in and out of game drive vehicles
- Long trousers/slacks
- Track suit
- Pyjamas lightweight for summer and warm/thermal for winter
- Underwear on game drives the roads can be bumpy and uneven so a suitable bra may be required
- Socks thermal options are recommended for the winter months
- Good closed walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
- Sandals preferably low heeled or flat if you are going on safari
- Swimming costume
- Lightweight jersey or fleece / light rain gear or jacket for summer months.
- Warm jersey or fleece plus anorak or parka as well as scarf, gloves and woollen hats for winter months.
Equipment/Other
- Good quality sunglasses, UV protected, preferably polarized.
- If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you also bring a pair of glasses in case of dust irritation.
- Personal toiletries (basic amenities are supplied by most establishments)
- Moisturizing cream and suntan lotion SPF 30 or higher recommended
- Insect repellent for body application, e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc.
- Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and antihistamine cream, etc.)
- Malaria tablets (if applicable)
- Antihistamine tablets for allergy suffers / anti-nausea table for motion sickness suffers.
- Torch
- Southern African bird guide if you are a keen birder, e.g., Newmans or Sasol
- Camera equipment including spare batteries, chargers, film, flash cards, memory sticks, etc.
- Waterproof/dustproof bag or cover for your camera
- Binoculars for viewing wildlife and birds. Recommended general purpose specifications are 8x40 or 10x42.
- Visas, tickets, passports, money, credit cards, insurance details, etc.
Please note
- Bright colours and white are not advised whilst on safari.
- Camouflage clothing is not recommended for travel in southern African countries (camouflage or military-inspired clothing is prohibited when travelling in Zimbabwe).
- There may be a restriction on luggage limits on your safari please ensure that you have the details and ask ahead of time if you would like details on the feasibility and costs of taking excess luggage with you on any of these restricted luggage safaris.
