Questions & Answers About Botswana
If this is your first time travelling to Botswana, you may have endless questions. On this page, we have compiled a list of general questions and answers to assist you.
When is the best time to travel to Botswana?
Green Season – ***Save by travelling to Botswana in the green Season!***
MONTHS: January, February, March & December
Botswana typically has empty blue skies and boasts 300 days of dazzling sunshine yearly. Around December, life-giving summer rains begin to fall, marking the start of the green Season. Most rain falls over January and February, and the landscape stays beautifully lush and green until April. If you want to experience all the drama of Botswana’s legendary game viewing without the crowds, consider a safari between December and March. You will not only pay lower rates, but the lower visitor numbers should mean plenty of green season surprises. Although it is the warmest and wettest Season, Botswana’s beauty and the light conditions during this time of year offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Shoulder Season – ***Most lodges offer discounted rates***
MONTHS: April, May, June & November
It takes several months after the rainy Season has started for the Delta to get filled. Most of the water travels down from the Angolan highlands. Once the rains stop between April and May, the floodplains fill up. It is a time of transition – temperatures start to tumble, and migratory birds move on. The game starts to congregate in certain places where they know there will be water. The scenario in early November is the opposite. Temperatures reach their peak, and everything is driest. Large herds are still seen as they wait for the rains to arrive. The shoulder months are times of transition, offering glimpses of green and high Season.
High Season – ***High rates during this period, but excellent game viewing***
MONTHS: July, August, September & October
This is Botswana’s winter, a dry, cool period. Known as “high water month”, the newly fallen rain finds its way down through the labyrinth of channels and lagoons and fills the Delta to its maximum. In the game congregate areas, vegetation is either grazed or dies back, offering superb game sightings. This includes seeing some of the main predators and even the wild dogs that den during the dry season months.
This mix of seasons makes Botswana a truly year-round destination.
What are the luggage restrictions for a Botswana safari?
Inter-camp flights: Flying with light aircraft between camps implies limits to luggage dimensions due to smaller luggage compartments. Airlines prefer soft-sided luggage or luggage with a hard-braced bottom with wheels and soft sides. Hard case baggage will be accepted if it complies with the dimensions: 30cm wide/35cm high/70cm long.
What are the tipping and gratuity guidelines for a Botswana safari?
The following can be used as a guideline:
- Safari guides: US$ 10 per guest per day
- Trackers (for walking safaris): US$ 5 per guest per day
- Lodge staff: US$ 5 per guest per day
- Porterage: US$ 1 per suitcase
Do I need any vaccinations for Botswana?
Botswana is a malaria risk area – please consult your physician/travel clinic before you travel for advice on precautions against malaria. You do NOT need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Botswana unless you are travelling through an endemic country (or have been in transit for 12 hours or more in such a country). You will then be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. We recommend that you check the latest health information before departure.
What languages do they speak in Botswana?
The official language of Botswana is English, yet most of the population also speak Setswana.
What plugs do they use in Botswana?
Both South African and UK adapters can be used on Botswana safaris. Most lodges offer various adapters.
What records is unique to Botswana?
It has the world’s largest salt pan – the Makgadikadi Pans.
The world’s largest inland delta is the Okavango Delta.
The world’s shortest border – the border between Botswana and Zambia, which is only 700 meters.
Will I have cellular phone coverage in Botswana?
Cellular phone coverage and internet connections are readily available in towns and cities. However, the majority of wilderness locations and lodges do not have phone coverage. Most lodges and camps, however, offer limited Wi-Fi connections. Please check with us to find out whether you will have Wi-Fi access or roaming services at the camps or lodges you book.
What currency can I use in Botswana?
The local currency in Botswana is Pula. SA Rand, US Dollars, and Euros are widely accepted at lodges and hotels throughout the country, as are all credit cards.
ANYTHING ELSE THAT I SHOULD KNOW?
We can answer any questions you may have at any stage.