Botswana FAQs

Value for money travel tip – travel in May, until mid-June or early November where Africa by Ayu has secured unbelievable offers and game viewing is great. This is when you can beat the peak season rates and crowds.

• May to October - the dry winter season is the best time to visit Botswana for wildlife as animals search out water holes and the thinning vegetation makes spotting easier. July, August and September falls into the (Dry) peak season excellent for predator viewing but prices can be steep. A Winter jacket and clothing is essential as early morning and evening temperature can drop below 10°C.

• November to March - rainy season Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari can offer good safari opportunities and this is the best time for bird watching.

Victoria Falls Seasons

• Victoria Falls also has it’s own seasons.

• End Jan – March is when the volume of water rises and aerial photography is great

• April – May It is quite magnificent as the volume of water is at its peak

• June, July and August – the falls are easier to view – although not as spectacular, when the water is much less but the mist does not block the view. White water rafting starts in August.

• September to December – the water will be a mere trickle on the Zambian side and it’s better viewed from Zimbabwe. Great time to swim in the Devils Pool.

Africa by Ayu has only partnered with operators and lodges that carry a valid insurance for their operations and are accredited by the relevant licensing authorities in each African country.

*Note – that we do not divulge the names of the tour operators we partner with.

Each hotel, lodge or camp included into an Africa by Ayu itinerary will be selected for the value for money offering it brings to each itinerary, after discussions with our partners in each African destination and careful consideration of all available options for your travel dates.

• Our team loves to curate Africa holidays and are happy to spend time to share our expertise with those clients who are keenly interested to book our curated itineraries, through us but we are compelled to bring in this policy as some guests attempt to obtain all information and then proceed to book on their own.

• Names of all hotels, lodges and camps will only be divulged upon payment of a non-refundable deposit. This will be set off against the cost of the tour booked with Africa by Ayu. Subsequent to the above deposit, we will divulge the names of hotels. If you wish, you are certainly free to request amendments to the hotels/itinerary and we will be happy to further curate the entire itinerary and suggest alternative names of hotels, subject to availability – (except on scheduled group tours where the accommodation cannot be changed unless the entire group requests it).

• Accommodation cannot be held unless an advance is paid on the due date.

Slow, insightful and exclusivity are the hallmarks of a Botswana Safari. Sightings may not be as frequent as in South or East Africa but when you do see that spectacular game, most often it’s just your safari jeep that’s around. Nocturnal wildlife can be seen as afternoon safari drives continue onto the nights at private game reserves.

Since permanent electricity is not be available on mobile camping and in many remote bush camps and lodges, guests should always carry fully charged additional batteries on safari and have sufficient memory cards as they are difficult to purchase here.

A typical day on safaris starts at the crack of dawn as this is the best time to view wildlife. You will then come back for a late breakfast and relax during the middle of the day. Most lodges will have a swimming pool, lounge, library - some may have a gym. Please note each lodge may have different times for safaris.

Sri Lankan Passport Holders must apply for a visa through the Botswana High Commission in India http://www.botswanahighcom.in/

More details on the Botswana Visa process can be obtained from the Botswana Consulate in Sri Lanka.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of travel and should have two blank pages available. Multiple entry visas are required if you intend travelling to Botswana’s neighbouring countries and back – e.g., visiting the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia, from Chobe.

Botswana is great for multi generational family holidays but not with toddlers. You are required by law to travel with your children’s “Unabridged” Birth Certificate to enter Botswana and South Africa. If you are traveling without one parent, you will also require an affidavit from the absent parent giving permission for the child to enter the country. This must be dated no more than 3 months before the travel date

The currency is the Pula (BWP)

US dollars - dated after 2003 are widely accepted, but, high denomination notes may not be accepted.

Credit Cards (except American Express) are widely accepted but carry proof of identity with you. ATMs distribute local currency. Banking hours - Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 15h30 and on Saturday from 08h30 to 11h00.

The local language is Setswana. English is widely spoken.

Travel insurance will be required before the final payment for your tour as tour operators and camps require your insurance details. Please ensure that the insurance is comprehensive and covers any medical situations such as hospitalisation, emergency evacuation as well as cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.

Most urban areas have good medical facilities but for serious medical treatment you may need to be evacuated to South Africa. If you do not have adequate cover you risk being turned away from the hospital.

A valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever is required for any person entering Botswana from, or via, a yellow fever infected area (please check latest WHO- World Health Organization current classification). In Sri Lanka, you can obtain the Yellow Fever vaccine at the MRI.

Botswana is a malaria area and malaria prophylactics are highly recommended. Please consult your Doctor prior to travel.

Lodges provide mosquito nets. To avoid mosquito and insect bites, wear long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night and use an insect repellent which contains at least 20-30% DEET. Although a medical kit is available at each lodge or safari operator, please bring all personal medications.

HIV/Aids is common in Botswana so standard precautions should be followed.

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance must be taken by each traveller, prior to the final payment of your tour. Most urban areas have good medical facilities but for serious medical treatment you may need to be evacuated to South Africa. If you do not have adequate cover you risk being turned away from the hospital.

None of the above should be taken as authorized medical advice but is intended to be guidelines and general tips. Please consult your Doctor prior to travel and obtain accurate and up to date independent medical advice.

Flights

Flights between camps are booked on a seat rate basis and may require at least 2 stops before reaching your destination. These are not private flights. Times for flights are scheduled 24hrs in advance and weather conditions may affect the time of departure so we request that you be flexible and be ready 30 minutes prior to departure times.

Baggage restrictions on flights

• On scenic flights and light aircraft transfers, strict baggage restrictions apply. Weight, size and style of bag is strictly enforced.

• Each passenger is only allowed a 20Kg soft (duffel) bag (includes hand luggage and camera equipment). You can book an extra seat for excess luggage.

• Large suitcases and rigid, inflexible luggage with “pull along” handle frames and wheels and bags which have soft sides but have a solid or rigid “wheely” frame within the base of the bag are NOT ALLOWED

• These restrictions are enforced for the security of guests as the weight balance is important on flights

• Pilots will refuse any luggage which does not fit within the luggage pods of the aircraft.

• Free storage of large travel bags can be arranged prior to the flight at the point of departure (prior notice required when confirming the tour) and any transportation of these large baggage to a different destination can be arranged at an additional cost

Tap water in Botswana is purified and is safe to drink at hotels, lodges and other public places. However, as a general rule bottled mineral water is recommended.

Please inform any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to confirming a tour.

Permanent electricity is not available on mobile camping and in many remote bush camps and lodges. Generators are used for lighting (of tents and communal areas) and for refrigeration and are often switched off at night. Small electronic devices/cameras should be charged during the day but it may not be possible to use electric shavers and hairdryers.

220V/50HZ South Africa Plug types are in use. Wall sockets require 3 round pin or 3 square pin type plugs so it is recommended that you carry international travel adapters to be used in areas/camps where there is electricity.

Fully charged spare batteries should always be carried on safari and have sufficient memory cards for your images and videos – these are difficult to purchase here.

In most bush camps and remote lodges cellular phone coverage and internet connections will not be available. Some, will have limited Wi-Fi connection in main lounge areas.

There is good mobile phone coverage and connectivity in urban areas and in the accommodation in Maun and Kasane.

For emergencies, all safari operators can connect with their head office based in the urban areas/towns via a radio link or satellite phone connection.

• A 24 hour local point of contact will be provided to you for all emergencies.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is not permitted on any flights

Tipping is entirely at your discretion and will be greatly appreciated by those who provide a good service.

A rough tipping guideline for Botswana

• Guides: US10 dollars per day per guest or per couple

• General lodge staff: US5 – US10 per day per guest or couple (a tip box is usually available at all camps and lodges but Guides and trackers may not be included in the staff tip boxes)

• Mokoro polers / trackers: US5 per day per guest or per couple

• Private guides: US20 – US50 per day per guest or per couple

• It is not customary to tip lodge managers

• To wear on safari: Comfortable and casual clothing, that you can wash and wear in muted colours - khaki, green, beige

• Since game drives are conducted early mornings and evenings – it can be quite cold, especially in winter and warms up during the day, so bring layers you can peel off or put on as needed as well as a jacket, gloves, scarf/beanie and hat.

• For walking safaris and bush-walks - wear a good pair of closed shoes (hiking boots not required) and clothing must be neutral colours (beige, khaki, olive, stone). You must not wear dark or bright colours.

• Blues and Blacks attract tsetse flies and are not recommended to be worn on safari

• When relaxing at camps and lodges : casual clothing

• For evenings: Long-sleeved shirts, trousers and shoes to avoid mosquito bites

• When traveling during cold months: Jeans or safari trousers

• A lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho in case of rain

• Swimwear as most lodges and camps do have a pool

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturizer and lip salve

• Torch

• Binoculars and camera equipment (with spare batteries and SD/Memory cards)

• Most lodges inside the parks offer complimentary same-day laundry service - please check on arrival

• Strict luggage restrictions (of 20 Kg per person including hand luggage and camera equipment) applies on all small flights

Botswana is a low crime, safe destination that is politically stable. The operators that Africa by Ayu partner with are responsible and will always have your safety and security in mind throughout your tour. However, for all safari destinations we offer, we recommend that you do not take any expensive jewelry, watches etc and ensure your bags can be locked.

Safaris may bring you up close in contact with wild animals and all instructions of your Guide should be strictly followed. However, you should take responsibility for your own safety. Some lodges or operators will require that you sign an indemnity form on your arrival.

A 24 hour local point of contact will be provided to you for all emergencies.