Botswana – Frequently Asked Questions

20/05/2021

Planning a safari trip to a destination such as Botswana is hugely exciting and your safari tour operator will provide a detailed safari itinerary and answer many of the questions you may have. However, you might find that you still have some unanswered questions so we’re here to help! We have put together a list of frequently asked questions by safari visitors to answer your queries.

1. How safe is Botswana?

Based on credible sources, Botswana is one of the top 10 safest countries in Africa. The locals are welcoming, generous, and always eager to help. But, as a person visiting a foreign country, you need to take some precautions. Store your valuables such as cash, cards, expensive camera equipment, laptops, and jewellery in a hotel safe. Avoid travelling alone at night and during game drives always follow the guidelines set by the experienced safari guide.

For more information, refer to Botswana Travel safety guidelines.

2. What should I take on a safari to Botswana?

The key to experiencing a great safari trip is to pack light; there are usually laundry services available so it’s easy to wash items as you travel around.

• Pack clothes that are comfortable to wear and easy to wash.
• Pack neutral colours such as beige and khaki for game drives.
• Pack warm clothes such as a wind-proof jacket, fleece jacket, beanie, scarf, and gloves for the early morning and evening game drives when the temperatures drop.
• You can shed these layers in the afternoon as the temperature rises. Pack sunscreen, insect repellent spray, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat.
• Pack comfortable footwear for bush walks.

For more information on what to pack for your Botswana safari, refer to this safari guide.

3. How much money should I carry on my Botswana safari?

Your Botswana safari tours package will cover the majority of your expenses including accommodation and some (if not all) activities. Each safari will differ slightly with its includes and excludes, but there are often extras which you will need to have cash (or credit card) to pay for such as gratuities, drinks, optional activities and shop purchases. Bring at least 60-70 USD or 650-760 Botswana Pula in cash to cover extra spending.

4. What about mosquito nets and repellent?

Botswana is one of the high-risk malaria countries in Africa. Consult your doctor before you leave for Botswana for suitable malaria prophylactics. All safari lodges and camps should provide mosquito nets and insect repellents that are necessary at dusk – a time during which mosquitoes are most active. You should also wear long-sleeved t-shirts, shirts, or blouses and pair them with jeans, safari trousers, or slacks.

5. How safe is the water and food in Botswana?

A delicious meal is an important part of the safari experience and Botswana lodges and camps are likely to offer a high standard of culinary dishes for guests to enjoy. Avoid drinking tap water in Botswana and stick to bottled water.

6. How to make an emergency call in Botswana?

To reach emergency services in Botswana dial 997 for ambulance or 999 for police.

7. What wildlife can be seen in Chobe National Park?

Chobe National Park, one of Botswana’s shining jewels, is known for its abundant wildlife concentrations. Apart from rhino, Chobe National Park has the four other big five animals while its rich birdlife amounts to over 450 bird species. We have listed some of the well-known wildlife species below.

Animals

• African Buffalo
• African Wild Dog
• Cheetah
• Burchell’s Zebra
• Bushbuck
• Elephant
• Greater Kudu
• Hippo
• Hyena
• Lion
• Leopard
• Roan
• Red Lechwe
• Sable
• Serval
• Selous Mongoose
• Wildebeest
• Wild Cat

Birds

• African hobby
• African skimmer
• Black-winged and Collared pratincole
• Broad-billed roller
• Brown firefinch
• Crimson-breasted shrike
• Greater painted-snipe
• Half-collared kingfisher
• Knysna turaco
• Meyer’s parrot
• Pel’s fishing-owl
• Red-necked falcon
• Rosy-throated longclaw
• Slaty egret
• Souza’s shrike
• Swamp boubou
• Swamp nightjar
• Thrush nightingale

8. What wildlife can be seen in the Okavango Delta?

The Okavango Delta is lush and filled with remarkable wildlife. It has around 1500 plant species, 530 bird species, 160 mammal species, and 155 reptile species.

Animals

• African Buffalo
• Blue Wildebeest
• Cheetah
• Elephant
• Giraffe
• Greater Kudu
• Hippo
• Hyena
• Lechwe
• Lion
• Leopard
• Rhinoceros (Black and white)

Birds

• African Jacana
• Bateleur Eagle
• Flamingoes (Greater and Lesser)
• Kori Bustard
• Lilac-Breasted Roller
• Malachite Kingfisher
• Pel’s Fishing Owl
• Pygmy Goose
• Rock Pratincole
• Slaty Egret
• Southern Ground Hornbill
• White-Backed Night Heron
• Wattled Crane

About author

Robin Cormack

MD and Co-Founder. Born in Zimbabwe, Robin has a long history in Africa, and safaris in general, from running lodges to marketing. He is always on the look out for new ideas and products from around the safari world.