Namibia A dramatic contrast to the water-rich northern Botswana can be found in Namibia with its soaring dunes of the Sossusvlei, stark beaches of the Skeleton Coast, dry river valleys of Damaraland and Kunene, and the arid bushveld of Etosha.

Zambia This country yields a vibrant difference in wildlife viewing: puku, rare in Botswana, are ubiquitous on the plains of Kafue National Park and in the woodlands of South Luangwa National Park. Likewise, species like roan and oribi are commonly encountered in the Busanga Plains. Kafue National Park is easily combined with the camps of northern Botswana and provides a productive game viewing contrast to the Okavango and Linyanti regions. Please ask us for more information on this destination

Victoria Falls An extension to just about any southern African safari is a visit to the world-famous Victoria Falls, one of Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Activities include sundowner cruises, visits to the Falls, Simonga Village, local markets and Livingstone, and a variety of adventure activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling and helicopter flights (at additional cost) Please ask us for more information on this destination

North East - The Linyanti & Selinda To the north-east of the Okavango Delta are the Chobe, Selinda and Linyanti areas. The many varied habitats within these concessions, such as marshes, waterways, riverine forests, dry woodlands and grasslands, and the prolific and diverse wildlife and wonderful scenery together form a wonderful contrast to the Okavango. Adding this area to an itinerary makes for a varied and balanced experience of the country.

Northern Botswana - The Okavango Delta Botswana's Okavango Delta is rightly considered one of the most incredible wildlife and wilderness sanctuaries in Africa. It is the largest inland delta system in the world, an area of 15,000 km2 filled with water channels, lagoons, swamps and islands.



Pom Pom Camp The Camp is located on Pom Pom Island in a private concession situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta and on the head waters of the Xudum river system. The area lies on the western boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve and offers superb Okavang . . . More...

Mombo Camp Mombo Camp - renowned for having what is arguably the best big game viewing in Botswana - lies on the northern tip of Chief's Island, the largest landmass in the Okavango Delta. The sheer numbers and variety of large mammals in this area, all yea . . . More...

Little Mombo Camp Little Mombo is an extension of Mombo, sharing the same island as the larger camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, and matching its high standards. It offers the same abundant big game viewing - some of the best in Botswana - and overlooks a floodplai . . . More...

Xigera Camp Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, Xigera epitomises the Okavango Delta: a tranquil true Delta experience in the domain of the elusive sitatunga antelope and sought-after Pel's Fishing-Owl. . . . More...

Little Vumbura Little Vumbura is a small camp hidden on a pretty island surrounded by the floodplains and deep, clear channels for which the Okavango is famed. Mokoro, boating and game drives take advantage of the plethora of both habitat and wildlife. Surround . . . More...

Jao Camp Jao Camp is located on a large, remote island in a private concession in Botswana, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta. With varied habitats ranging from waterways and lagoons to dry Kalahari grasslands and open f . . . More...

Vumbura Plains Vumbura Plains lies in the extreme north of the Delta, on the edge of a large floodplain where lechwe often splash their way charmingly through the water. This luxury camp offers both land and water activities in a 60 000-hectare private concessi . . . More...

Jacana Camp Jacana Camp is an island wonderland set in a wilderness area densely populated with amazing wildlife and teeming birdlife. It is a true Okavango Delta water camp, where explorations by mokoro provide an idyllic connection to a bygone era that all . . . More...

Duba Plains Camp In the furthermost, remote reaches of the Okavango Delta lies Duba Plains, an unobtrusive camp surrounded by expansive seasonally flooded plains and shaded by tall ebony, sycomore fig and mangosteen trees. It is in an area famed for lion prides a . . . More...

Chitabe Lediba Chitabe Lediba is an intimate, private camp, located on the same island as its larger sister, Chitabe Camp. Being in the same area means it takes advantage of the diverse array of habitats that are all in close proximity - and the prolific wildli . . . More...

Chitabe Camp Chitabe Camp has all the classic Okavango Delta scenery to be enjoyed - open floodplains, waterways, marshlands, dry acacia and mopane woodland, riverine areas and open grasslands. In this fascinating mix diverse and prolific wildlife can be seen . . . More...

Abu Camp Abu allows guests the extraordinary privilege of being part of an African elephant herd, including riding and walking with them through the bush - possibly the ultimate elephant educational safari. Set in a pristine pocket of riverine forest, it . . . More...

Selinda Camp Selinda Camp is built on a shady island overlooking the waters of the dramatic Selinda Spillway, an ephemeral waterway which is the focal point in a vast private concession in northern Botswana. With its large, game-rich floodplains Selinda offers . . . More...

Savuti Camp Savuti Camp lies on the Savute Channel, a famous waterway in a thrilling state of flux. For a quarter of a century, the Channel was dry, creating wide-open grassland, home to both quantities and varieties of wildlife and a legendary predator's en . . . More...

Kings Pool Camp Named for visiting Scandinavian royalty, Kings Pool Lagoon is known for its attraction to huge herds of elephant in the dry season. Kings Pool Camp combines such spectacular sightings with a luxurious place from which to see them. . . . More...

Duma Tau Lodge DumaTau means 'roar of the lion' yet it is its massive elephant concentrations and outstanding wildlife in general for which it is renowned. Located close to the source of the Savute Channel in the vast Linyanti concession in northern Botswana, thi . . . More...



Botswana Migration Route This short nature and wildlife focused route explores the thundering waters of the Victoria Falls, the continually moving wildlife of northern Botswana within the broad vistas of the Linyanti with its wooded deciduous forests and the crystal-clear . . . More...

Safari for All Seasons Southern Africa offers seasons of contrast. In summer, rains brings the profusion of new life - antelope and plains game give birth to their young and hence an opportunistic time for predators, colourful migrant birds arrive, dormant plants burst t . . . More...

Green Desert Safari - From £1095pp The Green Desert Safari focuses on ‘desert’ areas such as the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls which have been magically transformed by the great waters of Africa. Guests get to see flora and fauna unique to each area whil . . . More...

Great Wilderness Journey At the turn of the century, explorers and adventurers made their way leisurely along the dusty paths of Africa. Experience a nostalgic camping / lodge safari that recreates the sense of a game-viewing adventure reminiscent of the times of the great . . . More...

Chitabe Walking Trails Walking on safari has always been regarded as one of the finest ways to get a feel for the African wilderness. Chitabe Walking Trails allows guests to get their feet on the ground and get away from vehicles, to really feel, smell and touch Africa . . . More...

Useful Information for Botswana

PASSPORTS & VISAS

All visitors entering Botswana must hold a passport that is valid for at least six to nine months.

Visas are not required by British Citizens holding a British Passport and travelling on holiday to Botswana.

Address

Botswana High Commission Stratford Place, London, W1N 9AE

Botswana Tourist Office

Tel:020 7499 0031

DEPARTURE TAX

Guests must pay Botswana airport departure tax directly at the airport when departing the country.

INNOCULATIONS & HEALTH

Clients are advised to seek current information from NHS Direct:
Tel No: 0845 4647 or contact your local GP. Information is also provided online at: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
Anti-malaria tablets are strongly recommended - medical advice should be sought at least two weeks before travelling.
To prevent mosquitoes, try to cover up with long sleeves and trousers in the early morning and evenings, avoid wearing perfume and use plenty of mosquito repellent.
Remember not to under-estimate the strength of the sun - lots of sun cream, a good hat and sunglasses are recommended too.

CLIMATE

The hottest time of year in Botswana is also the wettest. The rainy season occurs in summer between October and April. Dry and cool weather, with cold and often frosty nights, occurs between May and September, when the average daytime temperature is a pleasant 25ºC (77ºF). The months between April and October are ideal for tourists in terms of weather and game viewing. This is the time when the wildlife is most prolific and easily spotted around the natural waterholes and dams.

BEHAVIOUR

Please avoid purchasing wildlife products such as ivory, horns, feathers, teeth and skins as the market created by these purchases encourages

poaching and terrible injuries to the animals themselves. Removal of coral, shells from turtles or any other kind of marine animal also causes a tremendous upset to the balance of marine life. Woodcarvings too, should be checked to ensure that the material comes from a renewable, sustainable source.

SAFETY

For the latest information, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice at www.fco.gov.uk/ or phone the ABTA Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p per minute).

Botswana remains a relatively safe place to visit, however there are a few incidents of crime. It is advisable to take basic precautions as in any large city: Always lock your car doors, always lock your hotel room, do not leave valuables in your hotel room or car; and take care with your bags in crowded places, particularly in the malls and night-clubs.

BANKING & CURRENCY

In major towns banking hours are from 9am to 2:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and on Wednesdays from 8:15 am to noon. Botswana banks will only accept US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euro and South African Rand cash. Therefore any payments to camps for curios or gratuities to guides/staff need to be in one of these currencies. Travellers' cheques in any of the above currencies are also acceptable.

The currency of Botswana is Pula, which also means water.

LOCAL TIME

GMT +2 hours.

LUGGAGE ON AIR TRANSFERS

Air transfers on charter or private flights in Botswana have a luggage restriction of 20kg per person. This includes camera equipment and hand luggage. Only soft bags will be accepted no hard suitcases (maximum dimensions of the soft bags 36cm wide x 30 cm high x 81 cm long).

CUSTOMER ALLOWANCES

Travellers to Botswana can enter the country with goods to the value of P500 without incurring customs duty. These include 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of alcoholic beverages; and 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.

DRIVING

Driver's licences with integral photos as well as the signature of the holder are required. The new British drivers licence complies with these requirements. The older type of British drivers licence must be accompanied by an International Drivers Licence, which can be obtained, from UK motoring organisations (AA - 0870 5500600).

Driving is on the left and speed limits are in kilometres. Cash is required to pay for fuel, as no credit cards are acceptable as payment for petrol. In all countries, driving at night is dangerous please try to avoid it. The few tarred roads in Botswana are good and away from these the roads are mere tracks requiring four wheel drive vehicles and experienced drivers. It is advised that if you plan to venture into remote areas that you travel in convoy with another vehicle.

LANGUAGE

Setswana is the national language of Botswana, however, English is the official business language and is widely spoken in urban areas with written communication also being in this language.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

230V running at 50Hz.
The Plug types used are:
1. Round pins with ground
2. Rectangular blade plug

TIPS

Tipping is expected in tourist hotels and restaurants. Many automatically add a service charge, but if not, a 10-15% tip is appreciated. Taxi drivers generally aren't tipped. Tour guides, trackers and game rangers rely largely on tips for their income and customarily receive about P25-45 per person per day.

Website

www.botswanatourism.co.bw