The dry season in Botswana is from May to October. Temperatures average around 77’ F, but can vary according to region. Even during the dry season, the Kalahari Desert can experience cold nights and frosty mornings. The wet season is from November to April and can be very humid, hot, and rainy. 

Observes Central Africa Time year round, Two (2) hours ahead of GMT. Botswana does not observe daylight savings. EST plus 7 in winter EST plus 6 in summer.

The import of meat or meat products (dried, canned etc.), plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, livestock, endangered wildlife species and products thereof (for example clothing & accessories) into the United States and Canada is prohibited. This includes Ostrich eggs & animal skins.

Please check in at least three hours prior to departure for international flights, two hours for regional flights and 90 minutes prior for domestic flights. Please reconfirm all onward flights at least 72 hours prior to departure. Local airline numbers are listed on your flight itinerary enclosed with your documents.

Shopping varies according to destination. Generally African handicrafts such as leather goods, wooden carvings, sculptures, paintings, bead work and woven articles are popular purchases. Jewelry is an excellent purchase in Africa.

While cuisine in some places reflects the region’s British colonial influence—you may find that many locals pause for afternoon tea-, it’s important to remember to drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth. Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.

For  this extension, you'll still want the best safari experience, so make sure you bring the essentials: T-shirts and shorts, blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes), safari trousers or jeans for evenings, cooler days and walking along the water, closed in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings from animals, a fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary, even in summer), sun block, lip balm, sunglasses, hat and insect repellent, binoculars, camera (extra memory card & battery for avid photographers), a light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer, and swimsuit.

Important Note: You will only be able to bring what can fit into your soft-luggage bag (see "Baggage" below).

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip.

YELLOW FEVER:
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. As well, local governments may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a yellow card ) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.

It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.

Important: Suitcases, Solid Frame, Wheel Frame and Pull-out Handle Bags will not be accepted. Guests can only bring a soft-sided flexible bag and soft-sided hand-luggage bag with total combined weight of no more than 20kg (44lbs) in accordance with the luggage restrictions of the light aircraft used on the trip. Guests can store their suitcases and main luggage on arrival at Maun airport, and can also purchase soft-sided bags if required. Staff will be on hand to assist. 

You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day. It’s important to be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group. If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.

We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.

Note there is no Wi-fi or telephone communication available at either of the accommodations on this trip. Emergency satellite phones only.