There is usually a pretty tight weight limit when flying internally within Africa, so if your safari will involve this (and most do) you should keep your main bag to no more than 12 kgs in weight. It should be made of a soft pliable material (e.g. a ‘grip' bag), which will enable it to be packed easily in the various modes of transport that will be utilised. Some charter airlines may have an even lower weight limit than this, so please check with your consultant if you are unsure.
Most camps and lodges have a daily laundry service, so it is not necessary to bring too much clothing. Basically you need to aim for bush coloured safari outfits (i.e. green/brown/khaki, not cream/white/coloured as these show the dust very quickly!). In particular camouflage clothing must be avoided - what to you is a fashion statement may be seen by the Botswanian authorities as a threat!
A safari hat (wide brimmed with chin strap) is useful to protect you from the sun but it will need to withstand being blown around on the back of a game vehicle. Night drives any time in the year before October will get chilly, so make sure you have a fleece, and if travelling in the rainy season a lightweight foldable raincoat may be a good idea (although you will be provided with ponchos for the drives).
If your visit includes a walking safari, you will need to take some hard wearing shoes. Heavy duty walking boots are not needed, however shoes with a thick sole are recommended.
US Dollars are generally accepted everywhere in Botswana, so it is useful to take some with you to pay for tips, airport taxes and souvenirs. Pounds Sterling will also be accepted as cash in some locations. Most lodges and hotels will accept credit card payment for any costs incurred such as meals and bar bills, where you will be charged in either USD, Pounds Sterling or the local Botswana Pula. You may like to take a money belt for your cash.
* Binoculars
* Sunglasses
* Torch & Spare Batteries
* Notebook & Pen
* Camera
* Sun Block
* Shaving Equipment
* Deodorant
* Toothbrush and Toothpaste
* Shower Gel
* Shampoo
* Sponge
* Blister / Foot Care
* Imodium
* Travel sickness pills
* Anti Malaria Medication (See Health Precautions)
* Insect Repellent
(Containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m toluamide) e.g. Mosquito Milk)
[Mosquito nets and room sprays will be provided, where needed, by your hosts]
* Bite Relief Cream
* Re-hydration Mixture Sachets
* Paracetamol
* SLR Camera or Compact Camera with a large optical zoom
* Telephoto Zoom Lens
* Camera Manual
* Mini Tripod
* Lens Cleaner
* Spare Camera Battery
* Battery Charger
* Memory Cards (Large Capacity)
* Water bottle
* Alarm Clock
* Books and Maps
* Electrical Adaptor - most places in Africa will take the standard UK 240 volt 3-pin plugs or will supply adaptors if not, however some camps may only have one charging location or you may have just one socket in your room, so these are useful to charge more than one item at a time.
* IPod or similar (for the flights!)
* Leatherman/ Swiss Army Knife
My Safari
