Useful Information

Weather

Botswana has two distinct seasons: the dry season that extends from May to the end of October and the wet or ‘green’ season that lasts from November through to April. The arrival of the first rains after a long, hot dry season is one of the most exhilarating times in the Botswana bush.

• The Green Season
The very best time to visit the desert areas such as the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Nxai Pan and Savute is during the rainy season, up until a few weeks after the last rains (November–May). During this time, the scenery is spectacular and the game is abundant. This is an excellent time to come on safari because the herbivores congregate on large open grasslands to give birth, while predators wait for an opportunity to pounce.

Although the herds of elephants and buffalo move into the mopane forests there are still plenty to be seen. The extensive grasslands become the scene of the annual zebra migrations as they move into Nxai Pan, the Makgadikgadi grasslands and Savute. All the plants are in full flower at this time and migrant species of birds can be observed from mid-November until mid-April. Visitor numbers are very low at this time so it is easy to imagine that you are the only people in the parks.

• The Dry Season
This is when game viewing in the Okavango Delta is at its peak and all the big mammals are concentrated near water making them relatively easy to find. Tall grasses and vegetation have died down after the wet season so game is easier to spot. The temperatures can get surprisingly cold during the winter (June–August) so warm clothing is essential for early morning game drives.

Temperature and Rainfall

Maun Climate graph contributed by climatemps.com

Visa & Passport Requirements

Nationals of most countries receive an entry visa on arrival. These include most citizens of Europe and the UK, North America, South Africa and Commonwealth countries. Please check your status before you depart and for more information please visit: www.worldtravelguide.net/botswana/passport-visa

Most flights to Botswana originate in Johannesburg, South Africa. Please be aware that you must have two facing blank pages in your passport to enter South Africa. This is very important; you will be refused entry if you don’t meet these requirements, even if you are only transiting.

Please also note that if any of your own onward travel plans include spending time in or departing from Zambia (e.g. Livingstone Airport) then you will be required to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination when arriving in South Africa, even if you are only in transit to your final destination.

Commercial Banks

Four main commercial banks are represented in Botswana, namely Barclays Bank, First National Bank, Stanbic and Standard Chartered Bank, as well as numerous foreign currency bureaus. There are no currency controls in Botswana and most hotels, lodges, travel agents and larger shops will accept international credit cards and travellers’ cheques.

Local Time

G.M.T. plus 2 hours

Electricity

All of our vehicles are equipped with 12v cigarette lighter type charger for charging camera batteries. The sockets on the invertors are for the standard southern African 3-prong round plugs.

Gratuities

Tipping is welcomed in Botswana and in restaurants the usual 10% is acceptable as no service charge is levied. Guides and safari staff can be tipped at your own discretion according to the quality of their service. A general rule of thumb is US$5 per guest per day for camp staff and US$10 per guest per day for guides.