Botswana is straightforward if you plan the basics: entry papers, malaria advice, the right bag, and realistic expectations of camp and road. Open any heading below.
Most international guests fly into Johannesburg or Addis Ababa, then connect to Maun International Airport (MUB). We meet you at arrivals unless you have asked to stay in town first.
Safaris usually start the morning after you land, so a night in Maun on arrival is wise if your flight is late. We can arrange that lodge and the next day’s collection.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Botswana, with two or more blank pages. Many nationalities receive a visitor entry at the airport; others need a visa in advance. Check current rules with the Botswana embassy or your airline — we do not issue visas.
Travel insurance is required. It must cover medical evacuation from remote parks. A mobile camp is hours from a hospital; evacuation cover is not optional.
Northern Botswana is a malaria area. Speak to a travel clinic about prophylaxis, and bring a good repellent. Long sleeves after sunset help. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you arrive from a risk country.
Bring personal medication in original packaging, plus a simple kit: plasters, rehydration salts, antihistamine, pain relief. Tell us in advance about allergies, mobility limits, or a diet we must cook for in camp.
May–October (dry season): cooler nights, excellent game viewing, busy parks. Mokoro depends on the Okavango flood arriving from Angola.
November–April (green season): heat, afternoon storms, newborn animals, peak birding. Some roads soften. Central Kalahari is often at its best after rain.
We confirm water activities and routing when we know your dates. The bush does not follow a printed calendar.
Soft bags only — hard suitcases do not pack well in a safari vehicle. Neutral colours (khaki, olive, brown, dusty blue). Avoid white and bright camouflage patterns.
- Light long-sleeve shirts, trousers, a warm fleece (winter nights drop sharply)
- Wide hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- Closed shoes for walking; sandals for camp
- Head torch, binoculars, camera with spare batteries and plenty of memory
- Adapter: Botswana uses 230V, typically Type M (and sometimes Type G) plugs
Laundry is limited in mobile camp. Pack enough for the full trail. We supply towels, bedding, soap, and drinking water.
This is a serviced mobile safari: tents with beds, a cook, and a crew who move camp. It is comfortable wilderness, not a hotel. Power for charging is limited and usually available in the evenings. There is little or no Wi-Fi in the parks.
Days start early. Meals are plentiful. Water for washing is treated but not wasted. Walk in camp with a torch after dark — this is unfenced country.
The currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). US dollars and cards work in Maun hotels and some shops; in the bush you need cash for drinks extras, curios, and tips. ATMs exist in Maun, not in the parks.
Tipping is customary but not compulsory. A common guide is to budget per guest per day for the guide and a smaller amount for the camp crew, given at the end of the safari. We can suggest current ranges when you book.
Private family safaris are welcome. Scheduled small-group departures often have a minimum age (commonly 12) because of long drives and unfenced camps. Tell us ages when you enquire.
You do not need to be an athlete. You do need to step in and out of a high vehicle and walk short distances in sand. Walking safaris are optional and paced to the group.
Stay in the vehicle unless the guide says you may step out. Do not litter, feed animals, or play loud music. Drones are not allowed in Botswana’s national parks without a permit. Buy crafts from the people who made them.
We camp on designated sites, keep fires controlled, and pack out what we pack in.
Write to us with dates, number of guests, and whether you want a private camp or a small-group departure. We reply with a suggested route (Delta, Moremi–Khwai–Savuti–Chobe, Central Kalahari, or a mix) and what is included.
A deposit confirms the booking. Park fees and some flight rates can change; we will say so clearly before you pay.