Weather in Botswana - Summers are hot and wet (November to March). You’ll need a rain jacket as
well as sun block. It can get very hot in the day (30 – 40+ degrees celsius). Winter months (May to
August) can be pleasant by day but can get very cold at night. The “hot and dry” season (September
and October) can be exceptionally hot with temperatures peaking well above 40 degrees every day
with rain very unlikely.

Equipment –All your camping equipment will be provided for you. This includes bedding. This
excludes Mokoro Trails at oddballs and camping Trips operated by Busways.
Cellular phone coverage & Wifi – Cellular phone coverage and internet connection is readily
available in towns and cities. However, while on safari be prepared not to have cellular phone
coverage internet connection. Lodges and hotels within Maun, Kasane, Victoria falls and Livingstone
offer internet connection and cellular phone coverage.

Vehicles/Roads –During your safari (unless specified), you will be on an open game vehicle. Please
note the majority of roads in-between camps/on game drives are done off road and can be quite
bumpy and dusty (during dry season) for this it is always worth taking a scarf/buff, as well as lip balm
or zambuck. For transfers between Victoria falls/Livingstone to and from Kasane you will be in a
closed Vehicle.

Electricity - Electricity in Botswana is 220/240 volts. Most safari lodges are not connected to an
electrical supply. Solar lighting (backed up by batteries) is common, with many lodges having a
generator which runs part of the day (morning and late evening). Lanterns also provide light at night.
Many camps and lodges have the correct adapter plugs however we recommend that you bring your
own plug and converter. While on a mobile safari (excludes Chobe safaris) you will be able to
recharge camera batteries from the inverter, if you are traveling with a large group you may also like
to bring a solar charger.

Dietary requirements – Special diets are not a problem as long we know your needs in advance.

Spending money - The Botswana currency is called “Pula” and most major currencies can be
changed locally as well as used in shops in major tourist areas. US dollars are the easiest currency to
exchange, so we suggest bringing US dollars if you can. However, if you wish to change money when
you land in Maun there is a, Bureau de Change at the airport and an ATM over the road from the
airport and another by Spar. You will need very little spending money on most safaris as the majority
of meals and activities are included in your package cost. All major credit cards are widely used,
although Visa seems to be the most reliable in our experience.

Tipping - Tipping in is completely at your discretion. As a guide line its normally 10% of the cost of
your safari or 10 usd per day per person. This is divided between your staff as follows - 3 parts guide,
2 parts cook and 1-part camp hand. If you are at a lodge It is often best to tip the lodge manager
who will distribute your tip amongst the lodge or camp staff. As previously mentioned tipping at
your discretion and not compulsorily.

Travel insurance & Health and safety - You can find helpful, up-to-date advice on the FCO website:
www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo You should be prepared to take responsibility for your own safety on
holiday. You need to follow local advice, listen to the advice of your guide and not take risks. Day
trips, Mobile Safaris, lodges and camps will require you to sign an indemnity form before you set out
on a game drive

All clients are required to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan before trip departure.
This should cover you for events such as trip cancellation, delay or interruption, lost or delayed
baggage, emergency accident, sickness and evacuation, accidental death, common carrier, 24 hour
medical assistance, traveler's assistance, and emergency cash transfer.

Okavango Air Rescue – Emergency Evacuation Service - Okavango Air Rescue which operates a
Helicopter for Emergency Evacuations. The current radius of operation is Northern Botswana and
the Central Kalahari.
It is recommended that clients arrange their own coverage for their safaris
http://www.okavangorescue.com/

Population - The current population is around 2.1 million. About 80% of the population is Tswana,
with a large minority of San people, along with smaller groups of Bantu-speaking tribes and some
people of European descent. The majority of the population lives in south east around the cities of
Gaborone, Serowe and Kanya. The people are collectively known as Batswana and a single individual
is a Motswana.

Capital and Government - The capital is Gaborone, which has a population of almost 250,000.
Botswana is a parliamentary republic, officially called the Republic of Botswana. It has been
independent of the UK since 1966.