Travel Tips

WILDLIFE VIEWING TIPS

· Some of the best game viewing in all of Africa can be found in Botswana. In order to view the greatest amount and variety of wildlife, we provide highly skilled and knowledgeable guides that will tell you about their country, tribal cultures and wildlife behavior.
· They will also amaze you with their ability to spot animals that you will have trouble seeing with your binoculars.
· If you are patient and observe the interaction of the animals rather than rushing to check off the next animal on your list, you will have an extraordinary wildlife experience

Food and sanitary conditions while on safari are of the highest standard, however some precautions are recommended. Currently a yellow fever vaccine is the only vaccine required to enter Botswana. Malaria, while endemic, is not usually found at the higher altitudes of Botswana, but is more prevalent on the coast and in the south. Remember to bring supplies of prescription medicines, spare glasses, contact lenses and sunscreen.

MALARIA:

· Malaria is transmitted by some female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are active in the early evening and throughout the night.
· Malaria is not a serious problem if people are sensible and take basic precautions from being bitten by using mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants in the evenings.
· Safari camps and lodges at not located in any densely populated areas, and many are at high altitude.
·This greatly reduces the risk of becoming infected. Consult your physician, for recommended malaria prophylactics.

Generally there are no places to jog and there will not be much time for exercise, although we do try to include some walking where it is safe and legal.
It is possible to do some walking and exercising within the lodge or camp grounds but because the wildlife is "wild" it is not safe to venture away from the grounds.
Also, walking in not allowed in the national parks without permission and is usually escorted by an armed guard.

·The food on safari is delicious and ranges from simple to gourmet. You can expect lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and wonderful homemade soups.
· Chicken, lamb, beef or pork are usually served at lunch and dinner as well fish and vegetarian dishes. Breakfast is buffet with lots of tropical fruits, hot and cold cereals, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, breads and pastries and eggs to order.
· Lunch can be either buffet or served at the table and always starts with soup. Dinner is usually a 4 or 5 course sit-down affair, although there is no need to dress up.

· The best time to visit Botswana is from April through mid November.
· This is during the dry season, and the animals tend to gather along the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta and near rivers and water holes in the dryer areas. Temperatures are fairly moderate during this time.
· The rainy season is from mid-November through March. During this time of year millions of migratory birds descend on the water filled pans and swamps so it is a great time for bird watching and for the dryer areas such at the Kalahari Desert or the pans of the Makgadikgadi.
The wildlife viewing is good to, but the animals tend to be harder to spot because of the tall grasses.

· Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight and easy to care for is the best bet while on safari.
· It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you'll want to dress warmly in layers, until the sun has a chance to warm up the air.
· "Botswana Convertibles", khaki pants with zip-off legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you're back in camp.
· Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. A cotton bush jacket or wind-breaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for the cool nights.
· And, a hat that ties on is a must. There is not a good deal of long walking or hiking on most safaris, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate. You will need thorn-proof soles.