Tips for traveling in Botswana

Money & Spending

The national currency of Botswana is the Pula - a regionally strong currency - but the US dollar is widely accepted at lodges and hotels throughout the country. Major hotels have foreign exchange desks and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveler's cheques. All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, lodges, shops and restaurants. However, some establishments do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.

Full banking services are only available in Botswana’s major towns, but ATM's are becoming increasingly more common.

Banking hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am to 11am on Saturday.
 
Tipping

Provided the service is good, it is customary to tip lodge staff and guides in either Pula or any hard currency on your Botswana safari. The amount that you tip varies depending on the staff member’s role and the size of your group.

In city restaurants and bars, a 10% tip is customary when the service charge is not included.

For in-depth tipping guidelines enquire with one of our Africa Safari Experts - they'd be happy to share their knowledge with you.
 
Climate

Average summer temperatures: 18°C to 38°C

Average winter temperatures: 6°C to 27°C

Rainy season: October/November to March/April

What to Pack

When packing for a Botswana safari, practicality is key. In the summer months, daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C, so shorts and t-shirts are best, with a longer shirt for protection against the sun if you burn easily. Choose clothing in neutral colors (try to avoid white) and wear lightweight long-sleeved clothing at night and in the early mornings to protect against mosquitoes.

During the cooler months it is best to layer up as the days are still warm and sunny but the night time temperatures can drop close to freezing point. Be sure to pack a thick fleece or jacket for early morning and evening game drives, which can be very cold.
 
Flights & Getting Around

Did you know you can book your flights through Namibia Reservations?

Gaborone: you can fly to Sir Seretse Khama - Botswana's main international airport - from Johannesburg but most safari-bound travelers skip it and fly directly to one of the two airports below.

Maun: regular flights from Johannesburg and Windhoek (via Victoria Falls) mean easy access to the Okavango Delta's gateway airport. You'll transfer to light charter aircraft for your flight into the Delta.

Kasane: fly to Chobe's gateway from Johannesburg, Gaborone or Maun. You'll transfer by road to lodges in the Chobe River area or smaller aircraft for safaris in Savute or Linyanti. Victoria Falls is less than 100km away by road.

Charter flights on small aircraft are the norm for getting from place to place in Botswana with transfers and game drives conducted in open-sided 4X4 vehicles. Transfers and game viewing by motor boat and mokorro (dug-out canoe) are common in the Okavango Delta.
 
Visa & Passport Requirements

Every visitor to Botswana must be in possession of a passport that is valid until six months after the initial date of travel; however, no visas are required by citizens of EU countries, most Commonwealth countries, the USA, South Africa, Switzerland, Israel and Norway.

Upon arrival you will receive a 30-day entrance stamp and, for those who plan on traveling onward to Botswana’s neighboring countries, visas for Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe can be obtained in Gaborone.

Lions found poisoned in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe – Three lions have been found poisoned in southern Zimbabwe, it was reported on Friday.

The state-controlled Manica Post newspaper said the lions were believed to have been deliberately poisoned by villagers in the Chipinge area who were angry that the animals were preying on their cattle.

The attack highlights the human-wildlife conflict that exists in many parts of rural Zimbabwe. 

The lions had allegedly strayed from the nearby Save Valley Conservancy, which is privately-run.

Reports said that the game fence that surrounded the conservancy had been vandalized in some areas. 
The Manica Post carried a front-page picture of villagers gathered around two of the dead lions.
 
"Look, we are losing cattle each day. I have lost seven beasts since last year to the lions," a villager, who did not want to be named, told the newspaper.
"We have raised our concerns with the department of parks and wildlife, but they are not doing enough to contain the situation," he said. It's not clear what poison was used to kill the lions.
Poachers in Hwange in northern Zimbabwe used cyanide last year to kill about 60 elephants.

Lion-human conflict is a concern also in Hwange district. Conservationists in the area are experimenting with flashing LED lights fixed to homesteads, News24 reported last month.

In another apparent case of human-wildlife conflict that ended in the killing of an animal, the state ZBC broadcaster posted photos on its Twitter feed on Friday of what appeared to be a dead serval killed by a primary school teacher in Chirumhanzu district.

It was not immediately clear whether the cat had been attacked by someone.

New restaurant opens on Sea Point promenade

Strolla, a new beach side restaurant, has opened on Cape Town’s Sea Point promenade by the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel. Strolla includes a coffee shop, restaurant and bar and offers indoor-outdoor and all-day dining. The restaurant is family friendly and has a kids’ area with beanbags, toys and video games.

    

       

                           

Botswana’s rivers running wild

Reports from Botswana say that the country’s river systems are flowing freely around much of the Okavango Delta for the first time in a decade.
This means that safaris to the country are reporting bumper wildlife sightings, with elephant families and hippos particularly abundant, according to tour operator Expert Africa.
And for the first time in 30 years the Selinda Spillway, the waterway that links the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti Swamps, is flowing.
The Delta is home to a staggering range of wildlife including the endangered wild dog, lions, elephants, wildebeest, spotted hyenas, leopards, impalas, giraffes, baboons, vervet monkeys and around 400 bird species.
The increased water points around the Delta are likely to attract more game viewings and more predatory encounters.
A spokesperson for Expert Africa told us: “Traditionally the best wildlife concentrations have been in the western end of the Selinda Reserve – because that is where the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers are, and the crucial Zibadianja Lagoon.
“In a normal year, there's scarcely any game inside the dry interior of the Reserve during this time of year.  But this year there is, with the Selinda Spillway being used as a corridor. Groups canoeing through this area are reporting a lot more wildlife inland here that would normally have been expected.”
The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta with no outlet to the sea.

Guides in the field report...

Bushwalk

We left the lodge early morning for bushwalk and just outside Tremisana Lodge was one cheetah walking along Olifants road and we followed it for almost ten minutes. He had come to drink at Tremisana Dam which is pumping as it is the only water in a radius of 5 km. During the bushwalk we saw four zebras, impalas and one elephant bull that was very relaxed. Late in the afternoon Tanya saw the cheetah eating impala right next to the road and she called us on the radio. We drove straight to the area and we found the cheetah busy feeding. It was very close and visible and also very rare to see a cheetah - it is one of the endangered species in Kruger - they estimate only 180 to 200 cheetahs are left.


Guide Report
The dry conditions continue. This has left animals in desperate need of grazing as well as fresh water supplies.
 
 It has however made sighting prolific around the few places with water. The hippos have been the ones suffering the most, with such a major drop in water levels. They have been forced to share small puddles of water, which can lead to fighting amongst the mature males. In some cases, they have caked themselves in mud to survive the heat of the sun.

The elephant numbers are impressively high. When coming across most major water sources, you almost sure to find a herd. Elephants enjoy water a great deal and cannot survive without it for very long and it’s especially stressful for the young calves.

The one herd I came across had parked themselves around a cement man-made water hole. There were also several zebras, eager to have a drink. The elephants however had decided that this was their private water hole. As soon as the zebra went anywhere near the water hole, the elephants would rush forwards and chase them away.

The poor zebras eventually gave up and moved off in the opposite direction, leaving the adult elephants to suck up huge amounts of water with their trunks, while the calves just climbed right inside and rolled around in the refreshing water.

The buffalos are equally dependent on the water as the elephants and require at least a drink first thing in the morning and then later on in the afternoon. I’ve come across several big herds of at least a hundred individuals, mainly during the afternoon session.

The weaker ones not quite managing in these testing times and are often taken down by lions. When driving around Kruger, you are sure to see at least one fresh carcass of a buffalo.

The big cat sightings have been great - my most memorable one has to be several lionesses and their cubs playing in the rocks. We headed down south after stopping at Satara rest camp for lunch, mainly hoping to find a leopard. The leopard had unfortunately left its tree, only leaving scraps from an impala kill, nestled in the upper branches.

We however gathered information about a pride of lions not far away.

The lions were lying in the shade of a Natal Mahogany tree. We counted four females and at least six cubs. The cubs had split into two groups, the adventurous ones and the mommy’s babies. The adventurous ones had found a few large boulders in the river bed, and were have loads of fun climbing up and down then popping out from the gaps in-between.

The mommy’s babies found a safer option with their moms, just relaxing in the shade. A great lion sighting and awesome to see so many little cubs looking so healthy.

The leopard might not have shown up in the early afternoon, but we did get to see one five hundred metres from the gate. He was lying in the shade feeding on a warthog.

New Adventure Camp to Open in Kruger

Mobile Tented Camps by Wilderness Explorer will open Baviaanskloof Adventure Camp in the heart of the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve from December 15, 2016 until January 15, 2017.

The camp is on the banks of the Kouga River and guests can access the reserve from either the western side, Uniondale/Willowmore, or the eastern side, Patensie.

The Patensie entrance is 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth and the camp is about 90 minutes from the entrance.

The camp will accommodate 26 guests in 13 luxury tents, each with private chemical flush toilets and warm-water showers. All meals are provided.
A variety of activities include kayaking, hiking and game drives.

11 Unnecessary items girls always back for a vacation

Ever start off following the packing tips for your trip and end up with a 40kg suitcase? Forgetting something is a scary thought, which leads to over-packing being a very serious problem for most of us.
The struggle is real when you're trying to pare down, but thankfully there are items that you can DEFINITELY rule out from the start, and these 11 things are on the top of that 'what not to pack' list:

1. Your hair dryer

Most hotels have them in the room or at reception, and chances are the wattage will get funky and your dryer from home will die on you. Embrace the evening hair wash and air dry, or use the dryers on hand. You won’t die without your ionic supersonic version for a couple of weeks, we promise.

2. Magazines and books

They’re just too heavy. Pick ONE or compromise and opt for electronic versions. Paper purist or not, sacrifices must be made when packing.


3. Jewellery

Don’t cut it out completely, but definitely cut it down. DON’T bring your grandma’s pearls, or your favorite bracelet. If you would be devastated if it broke or got lost, leave it at home. Bring a few cheap pieces that will work for several outfits and call it a day.


4. High heels

Say NO to stilettos. You’re gonna be walking a lot, stilettos and cobblestones don’t mix, and shoes in general take up too much room. You won’t need ’em. Opt for ONE pair of comfy heels or cute flats instead. Your ankles and soles will thank you.

5. Too many pairs of underwear and socks

Yes, accidents happen, and sweat happens, but be realistic ladies. You’re not gonna go through 30 pairs in 10 days. Practical and cotton options are ideal, so leave the bra-panty matching combo at home. Buy more or do laundry if you really need to.

6. Too many clothes

You CAN wear the same outfit twice. Really. Especially outside of summer since your jacket will cover it most of the time anyway. Mix and matching is your friend, so put some thought into wardrobe planning.

7. Brand new clothes

If the last time you wore it was in the dressing room, don’t be prepared to pack it yet. Give it a test run at home before your trip, because there’s a good chance it won’t fit as well or look as good as it did in the store. Comfort is key.

8. All of your jeans

They’re cute, but they’re bulky, and no one notices if you’re repeating the same pair a few times. They’re also not the most practical or comfortable choice for adventure activities (hiking, bike riding etc.) or in hot weather. Embrace other options.

9. Accessories

Accessories are everything to us at home, but they’re also high on the ‘what not to pack’ list. Too many shoes, too many cute scarves, too many headbands, too many one-off props that you think you might need just in case you feel the sudden urge to cover yourself in temporary tattoos or a belly chain or a flower crown or a belt. Just say NO.

10. Every piece of makeup/ beauty product you own

Leakage and breakage is evident. Pack it securely, and don’t bring your whole arsenal. Embrace the travel size bottles and go back to the basics, or else be prepared to lose a lot of your luggage weight capacity to the beauty gods.

11. Cute hats

Unless it’s on your head, chances are it won’t survive your trip intact. A squishy hat is always a letdown, so unless you plan on wearing it a lot or are willing to carry it in-hand, buy one there or opt for a more durable version like a baseball cap instead.

Experimental young artists at work

Most young artists in Botswana still remain under the radar and never get a chance to experiment long enough to make a lasting impression. 

Last week Thapong Visual Arts Centre hosted the first ever Young Artist Exhibition and it was an opportunity for young artists to get exposure. 

Mmegi Staffer Mompati Tlhankane went to the exhibition gallery to see some of the most outstanding artworks from the inaugural exhibition. 

While some artworks are more outstanding than others, collectively the youngsters went all out to show that age is nothing but a number. Growth and experimentation is communicated through every piece.

One of the exhibitors Thato Khomela came up with rather unique and unusual concepts in his collection of paintings.  One of his outstanding artworks is called Bathing in the Moonlight and shows a distinctive view of a woman taking a bath at night.  The artwork itself is a blend of vision, feeling and practicality.  From a distance, the piece looks more like chalkboard paint, but coming closer one could now realise that it is acrylic on canvas.

Another one is called Practice Makes Perfect and it is also acrylic on canvas and the paint is available in varying shades of colour.  He used light and dark to develop dimensional forms.  The portrait shows a monstrous looking finger.  

The portrait looks like it had been stained with a brown liquid.  The artist’s experimentation on the black colour looks picture perfect and demands a lot of absorption from the viewer.  

Khomela told  Arts & Culture that  he saw the exhibition as an opportunity to showcase his skills.  “I experimented with acrylic using monochromatic to create endless colours to explore tints, tones and shades,” he said.

Khomela said he came up with the strategy to bring out his other hidden talents.
“I wanted to differ from other artists and show growth,” he said. He indicated that his Bathing in the Moonlight created a little bit of controversy because people had been enquiring about it.  Khomela said the finger artwork shows that people can get better with practice. “The finger shows a person playing a game we used to call chama or ale. 

The finger is finally perfect after years and years of practice, so is every aspect of life,” he said.

Poachers poison wildlife in Kruger

On February 27, the Kruger National Park discovered an elephant carcass, 110 White-backed vultures, two male lions and two Black-backed jackals that had been poisoned and killed by poachers.

The tusks had been removed from the elephant by poachers and scavengers in the vicinity of the carcass had been poisoned after feeding from it.

“It seems poachers have resorted to wildlife poisoning in the national parks and other protected areas in Southern Africa and we are devastated by these latest mortalities of our wildlife. Wildlife poisoning is not only a threat to our biodiversity assets, but a single incident can affect hundreds of species; thus cutting their life short and diminishing their ecological role,” said the Managing Executive of KNP, Glenn Phillips.

 

Last year, the KNP experienced a similar incident where one elephant; four lions; 46 vultures and one sub-adult Bateleur eagle were poisoned.

Sleep Out Under The Stars

The new romantic and magical place to experience a sleep out.

Kagga Kamma now offers a brand new, Open Air Room 

The Star Suite.

THE STAR SUITE is set at a private platform about three kilometres from the Main Lodge, between the most astonishing rock formations overlooking the fynbos plains. At Kagga Kamma's latest open air room, you and your partner can fully immerse in the wonders and sounds of the wilderness; the call of the jackal, the chatter of the birds and the sound of wind through the rock formations.

The highlights – the glittering Milky Way "ceiling" and of course the spectacular African sunset and sunrise. Aside from the adventure of being outside in a remote place on the Nature Reserve overnight, you still enjoy all the comforts (and more) of an en-suite hotel room – with a proper queen-size bed, cosy bedding, a natural rock pool and a "star bath"!