African safari planning is always a thrilling affair, and when you are heading to Botswana; you are in store of something really spectacular. The Okavango Delta with its fertile rivers and the Makgadikgadi with its expansive salt pans are just some of the gems of the continent that have to be experienced in their pristine state in this southern part of Africa. Before embarking on your journey it is worth knowing some of the major things to know before traveling to Botswana to ensure that your journey is easy, safe and memorable. To take the stress out of the journey, then it is advisable to plan Botswana trips with reputable companies such as Go Kite Travel, which specialize in making itineraries that are comfortable enough and at the same time allow one to explore the country in the most authentic manner. For a seamless and unforgettable experience, plan ahead and book Botswana trips with trusted travel experts who can customize your safari to match your needs.
The thing that Botswana has over the other safari destinations is that it has been committed to low impact and high quality tourism. It translates to fewer tourists, private safari lodges, and wildlife experiences of the best kind. It could be to the world-renowned Okavango Delta, the great herds of elephants in Chobe or the cultural diversity of the Kalahari, but regardless of where you are going, knowing the key things to be aware of when traveling to Botswana, will help make your trip a success. This guide includes all the information that you should know to pack in order to have a memorable African adventure, including visa regulations and requirements.
Here are The Things to Know Before Traveling to Botswana
1. Visa and Entry Requirements
The first thing to be aware of before travelling to Botswana is the issue of whether you require a visa. A great number of nationalities such as travelers of the USA, the UK, the EU countries, and many others do not need a visa during a stay of up to 90 days. Nevertheless, it is always good to verify the recent laws prior to making flight reservations. Make sure that your passport has at least six months to run until you are leaving the country and that it has a couple of blank pages to stamp passport entries into.
2. Best Time to Visit
Wildlife sightings are spectacular throughout the year in Botswana, although the time of the year can hugely influence the experience. May to October is the dry season and is therefore regarded as the best season to have safaris because the animals can be found in large numbers around the waterholes and visibility is excellent. Wet season (November to April) offers green vegetation and burst of bird life, so it is the best season to capture photographs. Knowing the climate cycles is one of the key things to know before traveling to Botswana so you can choose the season that suits your travel goals.
3. Health and Safety Precautions
Before traveling, make sure you are up to date with routine vaccinations. Generally Botswana is a safe country to travel in, nevertheless malaria is found in some parts of the country especially in the north. Antimalarial medicine should be taken and the use of insect repellent should be strongly encouraged. Bring a little first-aid kit with things such as band-aids, painkillers, and rehydration salts because when you are on a safari, you end up in the far-off places. Staying healthy and prepared is one of the practical things to know before traveling to Botswana.
Currency and Payments
The currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). Although most lodges, hotels and larger establishments accept credit cards, in smaller towns or in local markets, cash is usually required. Major cities have ATMs, but it is always a good idea to have some money in case you get out into the wilderness. It is warmly accepted to tip, particularly in the case of guides and employees of safari camps.
Safari Etiquette and Dress Code
Neutral-colored clothes are the most appropriate when going on safari because they are not conspicuous with the natural environment. Avoid bright colors or camouflage prints (illegal for civilians in Botswana). Light, breathable clothes are good during the day, but nights are cold at night, therefore, bring a jacket or sweater. It is imperative that wildlife be respected, and never make excessive noise or ignore the directions of your guide. This is a respectful way of viewing wildlife and it is among the most valuable things to know prior to travelling to Botswana.
Packing Essentials
Also, in addition to the standard travel gear, binoculars to view the games, a good camera, sunscreen, hats and insect repellant should be included. This is necessary because comfortable walking shoes are needed, particularly when you intend to participate in walking safaris. The use of a reusable water bottle is also necessary since it is important to be hydrated in the heat of Botswana.
Cultural Insights
There is a rich culture of Botswana with the San Bushmen being one of the oldest communities in the world. Tourists usually prefer cultural excursions that give a better understanding about the traditional lifestyles. Speaking some words in Setswana, e.g., Dumelang (hello), is a considerate method of communicating with residents. Another important fact to be aware of before visiting Botswana is respect of traditions and customs.
Conclusion
This is because knowing the things you need to know before travelling to Botswana will make sure that the trip you take is safe, good, and fulfiling. Knowing the most appropriate time to go on safaris, bringing the right equipment and not offending the locals, preparation can take you a long way towards improving the quality of your trip. To complicate this further, you can book Botswana tours with recommended companies such as Go Kite Travel, which will take care of the logistics and you can concentrate on the adventure. It can be the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, or the Kalahari, but Botswana is certainly going to give you a safari to remember- and with the proper planning, your experience will be as painless as it will be breathtaking.
