What to bring on a Botswana Safari

Because space is limited on the safari jeeps, most companies will give a guide of what to take before travelling. Try and keep your belongings to one suitcase with only a few items of each type of clothing. Bright colours or white are not suitable for Safari as they alert the animals. Remember that if you are crossing a border you should dress appropriately and that means no bare chests, no bare feet and no bikini tops. Remove your sunglasses or hats so that you look open and polite to the officials.

Tourists on Botswana Safari should bring their usual accessories as well as a torch, a water bottle, (both essential) washing powder and a pen knife. A plastic bag is advisable to keep any wet clothes in. If you want to wash your clothes while you are on holiday then bring a plug, a washing line and pegs. While mattresses are provided you are advised to bring a sleeping bag, though these can also be hired on arrival.

5 Indispensable Botswana Safari Items

1)      Camera

Botswana is known for its incredible ecosystem and this is a Mecca for professional wildlife photographers. Of course you can have just as much fun as an amateur, but don't forget to bring a camera. Some Safari lodgings will offer them as part of the package, for instance you can get a Canon 4D camera at the Zarafa Camp.

2)      Insect Repellent

Don't let discomfort spoil your holiday to Botswana. Insect repellent is essential to avoid lots of nasty bites. It is also one of the most effective ways of preventing malaria along with a mosquito net.

3)      Sturdy Walking Shoes

With a guide you can get an in-depth and up close and personal view of Botswana, but only if you have the proper attire. Thick socks and shoes are required to protect your feet because the terrain is varied. Try the Kanana Mokoro Trail.

4)      Sunscreen

It is hot and dry for most of the year in Botswana so you will need sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat to protect your skin. Nights can get cold though so be sure to take enough warm clothing and a protective waterproof jacket is a must during the rainy season.

5)      First-aid kit

While your Botswana safari guides will be able to offer help with any problems it is always advisable to take a first-aid kit. It should include basics such as antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirins, laxatives/anti-diarrhoea pills and sachets of rehydrate powder.

Stay Safe on a Botswana Safari

Botswana has a low crime rate though it has increased slightly recently. The chances of being attacked by a wild animal whilst on a safari are also very slim but you should take precautions. Stay in the car at all times unless instructed to do otherwise by your guide.

The biggest threat to the traveller is probably from catching malaria in the Okavango Delta and the Chobe National Park, both in the north of Botswana.

Bottled water should be drunk at all times, though in theory it is safe to drink the chlorinated tap water in urban areas. In rural areas you should not even use the water for making ice cubes or brushing your teeth. It can give you diarrhoea so it is best to take Imodium tablets with you as a precaution.

Never practice unprotected sex in Botswana as it has the second highest reported HIV rate in the world at around 24%. That means that even if you are dressing a child’s wound you should wear protective clothing.