It is highly recommended to invest in a good pair of binoculars. The Nikon Monarch 10 x 42 is great value. We will be spending many hours each day watching and photographing Botswana’s wildlife.
A decent DSLR is recommended with a wide-angle lens and a zoom lens. Wildlife viewing, birding and photography require huge amounts of time and patience. Each morning we take a tea and coffee box for a mid- morning break served with biscuits or rusks. Some days we carry a picnic lunch with us allowing us to stay out all day. Morning and evening light is most favored by photographers, however, Botswana’s beautiful light allows for photography, birding and game viewing all day long.
We like to get up early and start the morning pre-dawn to experience silhouettes and back lit scenarios from a photography perspective and it is also the time that the predators are most active. Evening sunsets are great opportunities for light and landscapes as well as predator behavior.
VISA
Passport should be valid for 6 months after your departure date. Most countries don’t require a visa to enter Botswana. Upon arrival you will be issued with a tourist visa with a maximum of 90 days per annum. If you are travelling to Zimbabwe or Zambia after your time with us, you will need to pay for a visa at the Kazangula border crossing. This is around USD 40.00. We advise that you have approximately USD 50.00 tucked away for this.
Double check with your local Botswana Embassy if you are not from the USA or Europe for visa requirements.
MALARIA
You will be travelling to a malaria zone. Contact your GP or health provider and take action as to what they recommend. We suggest paying a little more for your tablets as some have side effects such as nausea, headaches and sun sensitivity.
YELLOW FEVER
If you are travelling to Zambia or Zimbabwe you may need a yellow fever certificate. Contact your GP or health provider for more information.
THE SUN
Here in Botswana we have no problems when it comes to sunny days but the sun can be harsh. At some point on your drive you will be in the “sunny seat” so remember to pack nuclear strength sun screen, a wide brimmed hat and sun glasses. Also long sleeved shirts and a thin shawl can help protect your skin from the mid-day sun.
September through to April is our summer with the hottest month being October. Daytime temperature can reach as high as 45˚C (113˚F). Average daytime temperatures are in the mid thirties with nighttime temperatures in the twenties. Our winter is May through to August. In the coldest month, which is July, temperatures at night can be as low as freezing, although uncommon.
ELECTRONICS
IPads, IPods, Kindles, Laptops, Digital Cameras…. Our lives are dominated by electronics. As you can imagine travelling to remote parts of Botswana wilderness makes electricity hard to come by. But have no fear…. we can charge your batteries using our Inverters. These are 220V inverters that are hooked up to the car for all your charging needs.
(Please double check your equipment works at 220V. Some require 110/120V)
Also remember to grab an M-type South African plug adapter just in case. These have 3 round prongs.
MONEY
The local currency is PULA but Dollars and Euros are easily exchangeable and required if you travel to Victoria Falls in Zambia or Zimbabwe.
OTHER INFORMATION BOOKS
Your Guide will have books on flaura and fauna as well as a couple of recommended reads but if you want to invest in your own copies here is a list of essential safari books:
• Sasol’s Birds of Souhtern Africa
By Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, Peter Ryan & Warwick Tarboton
• A Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa
By Chris & Tilde Staurt
• Wildlife Photography in Botswana – A Practical Guide
By James Gifford & Steven Stockhall (can be purchased in Botswana)
Also, if you have an IPad, there are some great apps such as e-birds.
We also recommend bringing a novel to read for those quiet afternoons in camp as well as a bit of nighttime reading.