FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BOTSWANA
This information is intended as a guideline only. It is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
Please note that we are providing links to external websites as guidelines for more information
only. Karell Africa is not responsible for the content thereof.
If you are traveling to South Africa and would like to print this information please follow
BOTSWANA PRE-TOUR INFORMATION (PDF) link
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR BOTSWANA
Passports are required by all foreign visitors to BOTSWANA and must be valid for at
least 6 months after the intended length of your trip.
Visitors to BOTSWANA who also intend visiting South Africa should be advised that
It is essential to have at least two blank, consecutive visa pages for each time
entry to South Africa is sought. This excludes Amendment and Endorsement
pages. Otherwise, the traveler, even when in possession of a valid South African
visa, may be refused entry into South Africa, fined, and returned to their point of
origin at the traveler’s expense.
Visas may be required for BOTSWANA depending on the nationality of your
passport. It is your responsibility to check the entry visa requirements with the
individual embassy of each country you intend visiting prior to departure.
Travelers who attempt to enter BOTSWANA with a temporary travel document
(12-page emergency photo-digitized passport (EPDP) )must have a visa to enter.
It is not possible to obtain a visa upon arrival in BOTSWANA, and U.S. citizens
without a visa in a temporary passport will face possible fines and long
administrative delays.
If you are a parent / guardian traveling with a minor (aged 18 or younger), you
must be in possession of a certified letter of consent from the non-accompanying
parent or guardian.
VISA STAMPS IN PASSPORTS UPON ARRIVAL IN EACH COUNTRY:
PLEASE CHECK THE DATES THAT THE OFFICIALS STAMP IN TO YOUR
PASSPORTS TO MAKE SURE THE ALLOTTED TIME FOR YOUR STAY IS CORRECT
BEFORE YOU WALK AWAY FROM THE COUNTER.
ON OCCASION PEOPLE HAVE BEEN GIVEN INCORRECT INCREMENTS OF
TIME TO STAY IN THE COUNTRY CONCERNED CREATING A LOT OF
UNNECESSARY AGGRAVATION AND INCONVENIENCE.
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TRAVISA.COM Please note we have provided this website as a guideline for
further information, Karell Travel is not responsible for the content thereof.
CLIMATE OF BOTSWANA
The seasons in southern Africa are reversed from those in the US.
The summer months in BOTSWANA are from November to the end of March which
can be very hot. It is also the rainy season – cloud coverage and rain can cool
things down but only for a short period of time.
The winter season begins in May and ends in August. This is also the dry season
when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to
warm however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in
some areas.
SUMMER
OCTOBER - MARCH
AUTUMN
MARCH - MAY
WINTER
MAY - AUGUST
SPRING
AUGUST - OCTOBER
The in-between periods – April/May and September/October – still tend to be dry,
but the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter.
Make no mistake, in the winter months the evenings and early mornings can be
bitterly cold. On safari during this time you will need to take very warm clothing
especially for early morning game drives.
For more weather information please visit WEATHER.COM
CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS IN BOTSWANA
CURRENCY :
BOTSWANA’S unit of currency is the Pula, denoted by the symbol P, with 100 thebe
making up P1 (one Pula).
1.00 USD = 10.7545 BWP (As of July 15 2016)
CREDIT CARDS :
Although ATMs are probably available in larger cities such as Gaborone and
Francistown, they will definitely not be available on safari so we suggest you
“stock up” before you venture forth in to the bush! South African rands and
American dollars and Euros are also accepted.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout BOTSWANA.
American Express and Diners Club – not so much!
For up to dates rates of exchange click on the following link. WWW.XE.COM
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DIETARY REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR TRIP TO BOTSWANA – MORE
IMPORTANT THAN YOU MAY REALIZE – SO LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE
This is more important than you may realize. So please let us know in advance.
Most dietary requirements (kosher, vegetarian hindu etc) can be organized
provided we request them well in advance. This is particularly important if you will
be visiting game lodges.
You must remember that many of the game lodges you may be visiting are in
isolated areas so if you are not very specific in advance you may just go hungry!
You cannot just pop out to the nearest restaurant or 7-11 – you are in the African
bush.
We need to know about allergies too – gluten -lactose – peanuts etc.
Please also let us know if anyone in your party will be celebrating a birthday or
anniversary!
FLASHLIGHT! DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE!
Remember this when you are stumbling around in your tent/room when there is a
power outage!
Do not be the one who is saying ” I should have listened to KARELL and brought a
flashlight and extra batteries”.
Take a small powerful flashlight (and extra batteries) with you – it will come in
handy. In fact it is the one essential item we tell every passenger to take with no
matter where you are traveling to.
LANGUAGE
The official languages of BOTSWANA are English and Tswana.
LAUNDRY IN BOTSWANA
Laundry service is available at most hotels, camps and lodges throughout
BOTSWANA. However in most camps/game lodges throughout BOTSWANA the
washing is done by hand, therefore underwear (bras, panties and men’s
underwear) are not included in this service.
This is due to prevailing local traditions in the country.
LUGGAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR BOTSWANA SAFARI
RULE OF THUMB – IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN DO NOT PACK IT IN YOUR
CHECKED BAGS!
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Medications, eye glasses, sunglasses, wallets, passports, computers, iPads, cell
phones, cameras, binoculars, jewelry etc should be carried with you at all times.
And why are you taking that expensive jewelry with you anyway? NOT A GOOD
IDEA! Do not take anything with you that is not replaceable or anything that you
would be devastated to lose! Most airports today do offer plastic wrapping of
bags for a small fee.
Luggage restrictions vary between airlines / countries and aircraft. Please check
with your travel consultant with regard to weight restrictions and quantity / size of
bags permitted.
If you will be traveling in vehicles and small aircraft with limited luggage capacity,
it is a requirement that you have a SOFT BAG without WHEELS, however, our
brand new “wheeled” Karell safari bags which are made exclusively for us are
unique as they have wheels but no solid frame which make them ideal for light
aircraft transfers to and from camps/lodges.
Ideal travel bag example:
The Karell Duffel bag pictured above has been selected specifically for use on
safaris utilizing light aircraft. It measures 26” x 14” x 12”, a perfect size and
dimension for this type of travel.
NO HARD SUITCASES WILL BE ALLOWED!
Wilderness Air Weight & Luggage Restrictions for chartered aircraft in Botswana,
Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa
•Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted to 20 kg
(44 lb) per person
•Only soft bags will be accepted – no wheels, frames or rigid structures can be
transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft!
•Maximum dimensions of the soft bags are as follows: 25 cm (10 inches) wide x 30
cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long.
•If guests weigh more than 100 kg (220 lb), an additional weight allowance on
the aircraft must be purchased for safety and comfort. The cost for this is
calculated on request according to specific region and routing, and provides for
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a maximum of 70 kg (154 lb) excess weight and will be at the passenger’s
expense.
•If guests need to bring luggage in excess of the stipulated allowance, they have
the option of purchasing additional weight allowance allowing for a maximum of
70kg (154lb) with the proviso that the excess bags conform to the maximum
dimensions listed above. The additional cost of this varies depending on the flight
schedule and routing and will be at the passenger’s expense.
These strict weight restrictions apply to any itinerary which includes
light aircraft transfers for the following reasons:
The aircraft are designed with a maximum bodyweight and luggage weight
allowance.
The aircraft have physical space restrictions. Please refer to the images below for
an indication on the cargo hold compartment limitations.
Below picture is Cessna 206 Luggage Pod
PHOTOGRAPHY AND BINOCULARS IN BOTSWANA
You are going to a photographer’s paradise wherever you go in Africa so do take
plenty of memory cards to record your trip.
They will not always be readily available everywhere you go. So to avoid
disappointment take a lot with you as well as spare batteries for flashes etc.
A good pair of strong binoculars is a must on safari, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A KEEN
BIRDER OR “TWITCHER”. Trust us, we know.
POWER & ELECTRICITY IN BOTSWANA
All electrical appliances in BOTSWANA run on 220V. Outlets are made to fit round
3 pin, 15 amp plugs. Although adaptors are generally available at hotels, we
highly recommend taking your own.
If you are taking electric hair styling tools in any shape or form flatirons, curling
irons, hairdryers etc. or any other electrical appliances, you should make sure
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they are dual voltage and remember to change the voltage if necessary when
you get to BOTSWANA or you can undoubtedly kiss them goodbye!
DUE TO THEIR REMOTE LOCATIONS, MANY CAMPS/GAME LODGES IN BOTSWANA
GENERATE THEIR OWN ELECTRICITY BY MEANS OF GENERATORS.
GENERATORS RUN FOR ABOUT 6-7 HOURS PER DAY PROVIDING POWER IN THE
ROOMS/TENTS FOR LIGHTING AND POSSIBLY CEILING FANS.
NOT ALL CAMPS PROVIDE PLUG POINTS IN THE ROOMS/TENTS SO IF YOU HAVE
EQUIPMENT THAT REQUIRES CHARGING SUCH AS CAMERA BATTERIES THE CAMPS
WILL OFTEN HAVE CHARGING FACILITIES IN THE MAIN AREAS.
SOOOOOOOOOOO…………….YOU MAY AS WELL FACE IT LADIES, YOU WILL BE
HAVING SOME BAD HAIR DAYS AS AT MOST CAMPS NO HAIR DRYERS, FLAT IRONS
OR THE LIKES ALLOWED!!!!! JUST GO WITH THE FLOW AND ENJOY.
The following link may help: ELECTRIC PLUG EXAMPLE
TIME ZONE IN BOTSWANA
Local time in BOTSWANA is GMT +2
Which means it is always 6 or 7 hours ahead of us in the eastern United States
depending on the time of the year and daylight savings time.
So, if it is 8PM IN GABORONE/MAUN OR FRANCISTOWN then it is 2PM the same
day in NEW YORK !
Hope this helps. Probably won’t – you will be more confused than ever and will
more than likely call home and get it all mixed up.
The following link may help: WORLDCLOCK.COM
TIPPING/GRATUITY GUIDELINES FOR BOTSWANA SAFARI – TO GIVE OR
NOT TO GIVE, THAT IS THE QUESTION! AND IF SO HOW MUCH.
This is one of the questions we are asked most often prior to departure: How much
should we tip?
THE FOLLOWING IS A GUIDELINE :
This is one of the questions we are asked most often prior to departure: How much
should we tip?
THE FOLLOWING IS A GUIDELINE :
Safari Guide / Game Ranger at Camps & Game Lodges : US$ 10 per guest per
day.
Trackers at Camps & Game Lodges : US$ 5 per guest per day.
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General Staff at Camps & Game LodgeS : US$ 5 per guest per day.
Porterage : US$ 1 per person per movement.
Restaurants / Hotels : 10% is customary.
VACCINATIONS REQUIRED FOR BOTSWANA SAFARI – OUCH!
No, there is no formal requirement for any shots for entry into BOTSWANA.
No, Botswana is not a malaria- free area therefore we highly recommend that
you do take precautions against MALARIA, particularly in the BOTSWANA summer
months. Your physician will be able to assist you with a prescription for prophylaxis
for malaria prior to your arrival in the malaria infested area.
The best ways for you to avoid getting sick from malaria are :
Taking a prescription antimalarial drug.
Using insect repellent and wearing long pants and sleeves to prevent mosquito
bites.
Sleeping in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms or using bednets.
Please consult with your physician for recommendations regarding inoculations/
immunizations.
To maximize the benefit of inoculations/immunizations we suggest you see a
health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your
vaccines to take effect.
For further information please click on the following link CDC.gov
WATER IN BOTSWANA
Although tap water may be fine in most areas for bathing and brushing teeth, we
recommend that you drink bottled water at all times.
WHAT TO PACK (OR NOT) - RULE OF THUMB - DON'T PACK TOO MUCH
The other most frequently asked question. What do I need to pack if I am going
on a Botswana Safari?
As a general guideline, comfortable casual wash and wear clothes are
recommended.
If you are going on safari, the less you take the better as most camps lodges and
hotels do offer laundry service if you are staying at least two days.
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Muted colors such as stone, khaki, beige or brown are recommended when you
are on safari.
Game drives in the early morning and evenings can BE VERY COLD especially in
winter so you must pack accordingly.
“BUT WE ARE GOING TO AFRICA- WHY WOULD IT BE COLD?” Trust us, we know!
The key is to dress in layers in the early morning and strip down layer by layer as it
gets warmer as the sun rises. Vice versa for evening game drives.
CLOTHING
Light weight shirts/blouses with long sleeves as protection from the sun and
mosquitos
T-shirts
Shorts Jeans or safari trousers
Pajamas
Socks
Underwear
A light weight water-proof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
Comfortable walking sandals or flip flops for warmer days
A wide brimmed hat with under-chin tie to prevent it from flying away
Swimsuit
A WARM WINDPROOF jacket (winter)
A fleece jacket that will go under the warm jacket (winter)
A warm polo neck shirt (winter)
A beanie (winter)
Gloves (winter)
A warm scarf (winter)
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
Sunglasses
Spare prescription eye glasses/contact lenses
Binoculars
Cameras and related paraphernalia like lenses etc and plenty of memory
cards and spare batteries
A small powerful flashlight and extra batteries
Travel alarm clock
Small purse size umbrella can come in handy
Small lint roller
A light packable backpack or tote to carry equipment and stuff on game
vehicles
A supply of Ziploc bags in different sizes may come in handy for dust or water
proofing cameras , wet bathing suits etc.
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PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
Band aids
Antiseptic cream
Pain tablets
Heartburn relief
Eye drops
Insect repellant
Itch spray for bug bites
Sunscreen with high SPF factor
Hand sanitizer
Purse size kleenex packets
Eye drops
Chapstick
”make you go ” pills “make you not go” pills as well as any prescription
medications that you rely on on a daily basis.
ENJOY BOTSWANA !
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE LINK FOR BOTSWANA
YOU MAY LEAVE AFRICA FOREVER BUT YOUR MEMORIES OF AFRICA
WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU!
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