Botswana Safari Travel FAQ: Your Complete Guide for UK Travellers

Visa & Travel Documents

Do I need a visa to travel to Botswana?

British nationals do not need a visa to enter Botswana for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry. If you hold dual nationality, you must enter Botswana using the same passport you used to exit the previous country.

What documents do I need when travelling with children to Botswana?

Children under 18 must have certified/notarised copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to valid passports. If a child is travelling with one parent, with another adult, or unaccompanied, the absent parent(s) must provide a notarised affidavit giving consent for the child to travel.

Do I need any special documents for honeymoon packages?

Yes, newlyweds may need to present an original wedding certificate or certified copy at hotels to qualify for honeymoon packages and special rates.

Health & Medical Requirements

Are there any vaccination requirements for Botswana?

Whilst there's no risk of yellow fever in Botswana, travellers from or passing through yellow fever endemic areas must provide a certificate of vaccination upon arrival.

Do I need malaria protection for my Botswana safari?

Yes, Botswana is a malaria area. We strongly recommend getting malaria prophylactics before travel - inform your doctor you're visiting Botswana as medicines are tailored to specific regions. Additionally:

  • Sleep under mosquito nets

  • Use mosquito repellent spray/lotion

  • Wear long-sleeved clothing when outside at night

What if I have dietary requirements or medical conditions?

Please notify us of any dietary requirements or medical conditions (including allergies) before departure. Pack prescription medications in hand luggage with backup supplies. Specialist gluten-free and vegan foods aren't always available in Botswana, so discuss requirements when booking.

Travel Insurance & Safety

Is travel insurance required for Botswana safaris?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for all our holidays. This must include cover for cancellation, curtailment, medical expenses, lost/damaged baggage, and emergency evacuation.

Is Botswana safe for tourists?

Botswana is considered very safe as it's economically and politically stable. However, we recommend standard security precautions:

  • Don't leave luggage unattended at airports

  • Keep valuables and medication in hand luggage

  • Don't display valuables in public areas

  • Use hotel safes for personal items

Flights & Luggage

What are the luggage restrictions for safari flights?

Light aircraft transfers have a 15kg soft bag restriction plus 5kg hand luggage. Maximum bag size is 65cm wide/long and 30cm high. Hard suitcases are not permitted as they won't fit in light aircraft cargo pods.

Can I choose my aircraft seats in advance?

We can arrange early seat reservations, but availability isn't guaranteed on all flights. Airlines may change configurations for operational reasons, and seat selection usually incurs additional charges. Emergency exit seats cannot be pre-requested.

Should I reconfirm my flights?

Whilst not compulsory, we recommend checking departure times 72 hours before travel as schedules can change. Use online check-in when available, or allow 2 hours for international flights and 1 hour for domestic flights at the airport.

What to Expect on Safari

What does a typical safari day look like?

Safari days follow a consistent pattern:

  • 05:00 - Wake-up call with tea/coffee and light snacks

  • Morning activity - 3-4 hour game drive (best time for animal interactions)

  • Late morning - Return for full breakfast/brunch

  • Afternoon - Rest during hottest part of day

  • 15:30 - Afternoon tea and evening activity begins

  • Evening - Return before dark, drinks around the fire, dinner

Are safaris physically demanding?

Safaris aren't strenuous, but consider:

  • Long-haul international flights and time zone changes

  • Compact light aircraft requiring stepping and bending

  • Open 4WD vehicles on bumpy terrain

  • Variable weather conditions

  • Walking activities lasting 2-3 hours (most strenuous activity)

Guests over 100kg must be declared for light aircraft safety and logistics.

What activities are available on safari?

Activities vary by location and may include:

  • Game drives and night drives

  • Guided nature walks

  • Mokoro excursions (traditional dugout canoe)

  • Boat trips and fishing

  • Optional activities in Victoria Falls/Livingstone

Most activities are pre-arranged and included, with professional guides leading all wildlife activities.

What type of accommodation can I expect?

Safari accommodation ranges from luxury tented camps to chalets. Most Botswana lodges feature twin beds (arranged separately or pushed together). King or queen-size single mattresses are rare.

Transfers Between Camps

How do I travel between safari camps?

Fly-in safaris: Light 5-seater aircraft (Cessna 206) for remote areas. Flight times average 20 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. Departure times are scheduled by charter companies the day prior, so exact times cannot be confirmed in advance.

Mobile safaris: Road transfers in open safari vehicles through wildlife areas at comfortable pace, with stops for refreshments and game viewing.

Why can't I choose specific flight times between camps?

To keep costs reasonable, lodges share daily flight schedules. You're booking 'a seat in a plane' rather than a private charter, meaning guests fit into combined daily requirements rather than requesting specific times.

Money & Tipping

What currency should I bring to Botswana?

  • US Dollars are universally accepted (also official currency in Zimbabwe)

  • Visa is the most widely accepted credit card

  • Most towns have ATMs for Visa/Mastercard withdrawals

  • Camps accept USD or EUR cash, some accept Visa/Mastercard

  • Not recommended: Amex and Diners cards

What are the tipping guidelines?

Whilst not required, tipping is appreciated:

  • Safari guide/driver: $15-20 USD per day (per person, per day)

  • Camp staff (collective): $10-12 USD per day total

  • Porters: $2-3 USD per bag

  • Boat crew: $5-8 USD per person for the activity

    Tip in local currency when possible, though foreign currencies are accepted.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

When is the best time for a Botswana safari?

June-August (Winter): Most popular time

  • Comfortable daytime temperatures (20-27°C)

  • Cold nights/mornings (0-8°C)

  • Okavango flood waters attract animals

  • Less vegetation makes game more visible

September-October: Excellent for big game

  • Rising temperatures dry landscapes

  • Game concentrated around water sources

  • October very hot (approaching 40°C)

November-March (Green Season): Summer rains

  • Warm days (30-35°C), cooler when raining (15-18°C)

  • Short thundershowers between dry spells

  • Ideal for Kalahari/Linyanti regions

  • Best birding and animal birthing season

April-May: Perfect weather

  • Clear skies, lush green landscape

  • Warm days, cool nights

  • Good for Kalahari and Okavango regions

Practical Information

What should I pack for my Botswana safari?

Essential clothing:

  • Natural colours (no bright colours or white)

  • Layered clothing for temperature changes

  • Warm, windproof jacket for winter/waterproof for summer

  • Hat/cap for all seasons, gloves/scarf for winter

  • Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight trousers

  • Comfortable walking shoes and sandals

  • Swimming costume

Avoid: Camouflage clothing (especially at borders/towns)

What about electricity and charging devices?

Botswana uses 220V power supply. Many camps run on generators with limited hours. Some camps lack room plug points but have charging facilities in main areas. Mobile safari operators can recharge batteries through vehicle inverters.

Plug types: UK square, South African round three-pronged, Euro two-pronged pins. Bring an international adaptor.

Can I shop for souvenirs during my safari?

Due to luggage restrictions, shop at trip's end in Victoria Falls, Livingstone, or Maun. Best value shopping is in Victoria Falls area where bargaining is accepted. Botswana towns offer good local crafts.

Language & Communication

What language is spoken in Botswana?

English is the official language and widely spoken. All safari guides and camp staff have good English proficiency, though not everyone speaks it fluently.

Need More Help?

What if I have issues during my trip?

If you experience any dissatisfaction with accommodation or services, immediately notify the hotel/company management for on-spot resolution. For further assistance, contact our local agent or Lucie Thaxter Safaris directly:

Email: hello@luciethaxtersafaris.com

Related Safari Destinations

Where can I find additional travel information?

  • Botswana Tourism: www.botswanatourism.co.bw

  • UK Foreign Travel Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana

  • Travel Health: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries

  • UK CAA Passenger Information: www.caa.co.uk/passengers

Remember: Visa, health, and COVID requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements for all countries you're visiting and travelling from before departure.

This information last updated July 2025.