WHAT TO BRING

The best advice in preparing for a trip to Botswana is to pack light. No one dresses up and lightweight clothing is best – and select natural fabrics and 100% cotton materials. It is also advisable to wear neutral tones for a safari (such as khaki and earth tones – bright colours and bright whites can attract insects and can also disturb game on game viewing excursions).

Here are suggested packing lists:

Essential

• Your passport
• Visas (if applicable)
• Vaccination details
• Tickets
• Insurance documents + medical insurance
• Copies of prescribed medication (if applicable)
• Driving licence (if hiring a car)
• Credit cards
• Travel money
• Copies of itinerary
• Camera with spare batteries and extra film
• Binoculars
• Mobile phone + phone charger (if you plan to bring a cell phone)
• Travel adapters
• Sunglasses
• A good sunhat that protects the neck as well as the face
• If you wear glasses, an extra pair of reading glasses
• A good pair of hard wearing, worn-in walking shoes
• A pair of sandals/sneakers
• A lightweight rain jacket (if you are travelling to Botswana in the wetter months)
• A sweater/fleece top for cooler nights or a tracksuit
• An anti-histamine cream for minor bites and scratches
• Good sun cream protections and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Plasters for blisters
• A remedy for upset stomachs/diarrhoea
• A general painkiller like paracetamol
• A good flashlight fitted with new batteries + spare batteries
• A swimming costume
• Personal toiletries. It is useful to pack a non-perfumed deodorant as mosquitoes can be attracted to perfumed scents

Useful

• Maps and guidebooks
• Reading material for flights
• Address book (for writing postcards home)
• A water bottle
• A Swiss army knife or Leatherman (but do pack these items into your check-in luggage, not your hand luggage)

If you are intending to join a camping safari, do contact us for packing suggestions.

(List provided by Frances Lockwood, UK)