Botswana, the perfect place to visit should you love wildlife and open spaces.
A landlocked nation of southern Africa Botswana is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, which covers almost 70% of its land surface.
Perfect for safaris of all types such as camping safaris, walking safaris, exclusive safaris, self drive safaris and elephant safaris Botswana has it all.
Of course the Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta and Moremi Wildlife Reserve are two destinations not to be missed but there are others too that have lots to offer.
These Include, the Savuti marsh, Makgadikgadi Pans, the Central Kalahari game Reserve and the Mashatu Game Reserve.
It is true that a safari in Botswana is more expensive then South Africa or Namibia for example but that is because Botswana is not about large numbers of tourists but is about fewer more up-market offerings.
Traveling to Botswana does come with its rules and regulations especially in the travel document department.
Those wishing to book a safari or adventure vacation to Botswana should check the visa requirements regularly as these can change on a daily basis and most travel companies will not be held responsible for any changes that could affect your travel.
For more accurate visa updates check here regularly
Below is a rough guide to what is necessary for travel to Botswana
All visitors must hold a passport that is valid for six months.
All visitors must have outgoing travel documents.
All visitors must have sufficient funds to finance their stay.
Visitors that require visas can obtain them from Botswana’s embassies and high commissions abroad.
No visitor can stay in Botswana more than 90 days per calendar year.
A completed immigration supplementary Form D by the applicant
Letter of support from the host
Two identical passport photos
Fee of approx $5
Return visa or residence permit from his country of residence
Return air ticket
If on business a letter of confirmation letter from the country.
Please remember the above is just a rough guide as they change almost daily.
Botswana also has some requirements for entry. It is required that any traveler has inoculations for Hepatitis A and Cholera.
It should be noted that the northern half of Botswana is a malaria risk from November through to June.
Safety in Botswana
As with all countries there are safety issues to be taken into account when visiting Botswana.
If you are not traveling with a tour operator it is best not to travel alone, hitch hike or accept a lift from a stranger.
Read the local news and stay current on any happenings in Africa and around the world.
For new updates these sites update regularly
www.news24.com
www.iafrica.com
www.africanews.org
www.iol.co.za
Chat with some locals and get the low down on unsafe areas and dress codes.
If driving drive slowly and carefully, look out for humans and animals.
Stay alert often the roads are poorly maintained
Avoid driving at night.
If on safari
Take notice of your guide
Never walk into the bush without your guide
Never approach wild animals
Never swim in the rivers, you just might make the acquaintance of a hippo or crocodile
And never never feed the animals
Packing for safari
The thing to remember when packing for your safari adventure is space is limited in safari vehicles.
Try and keep luggage to:
1 bag that is no heavier than 12kgs
1 sleeping bag and a small pillow
! small bag to carry money camera and travel documents
Rucksacks or sausage bags should be used and no suitcases.
The above does sound like a lot to take in but really it isn’t and for the chance to take a safari in Botswana is worth it all.
