BOTSWANA
Looking for up close encounters with big game…Botswana is the destination. While a tad expensive in comparison to other destinations, the experience is nonpareil! One can divide the wildlife experiences in two broad spheres. To the northeast we have the Okavango Delta, with its northern boundary of the Chobe River. Here private concessions with only a few small camps and lodges are spread out and exclusive, so your game viewing is always completely private. Whether you’re on a game drive, or taking a mokoro ride through narrow reed-lined channels, you’re unlikely to come across too many other visitors. To the southwest is the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and its gigantic Makgadikgadi Pans which are two of the most stunning places in Africa. Mostly one flies into the fascinating town of Maun, bang in the middle of these two areas. This is ‘Safari Central’! Its busy little airport is the starting off point for Safaris to these areas and is well connected to international airports surrounding Botswana. While time is of essence and one travels by charters from one camp to the other, if you are the adventurous type, and know how to handle a proper 4wheel drive, one can do it inexpensively by camping in government campsites all over. But this is real camping!
TRAVELLER INFORMATION
WHEN TO GO: In our opinion, Botswana is a year-round Safari destination. It really comes down to your interests, where & when you want to visit and the weather. Please note that weather patterns across Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable due to global warming.
WEATHER
- Botswana climate is typical of Southern Africa with less rainfall and lower humidity than countries further east.
- Its subtropical desert type climate features differences in the day and night temperatures.
- As it is located in the Southern Hemisphere, winter (dry season) and summer (wet season) are opposite times of the year from Asia, Europe & North America.
- Clearer skies and greener landscapes. Early morning/night temperatures start to drop during these months, especially in the Kalahari. The Okavango and its surrounding areas tend to have less extreme temperatures than the drier Kalahari.
- June to August, night-time temperatures in drier areas can be close to freezing, but it warms up during the day. This is considered to be 'peak season' for most safaris where land is dry and animals congregate around limited water sources.
- September and October. Temperatures rise. Hot and dry landscapes. This is good time for big game safaris. October can get very hot and max temperatures sometimes reach 40°c in the afternoons.
- November can be unpredictable. Still warm in the daytime. Starts to cool down by the start of the rains.
- December to March, most of the rain takes place this time of year. Heavy downpours, making landscapes green. Average min temperatures in the low 20s°c (mornings/evenings) & max temperatures in the 30s°c. Days can be sunny, have afternoon rainfall or be cloudy.
- January and February can get hot with continued rains, greenery and disturbed skies. A great time for photography, migratory birds and the central Kalahari comes to life. By March - April the rains start to ease off
GETTING THERE
Most Safaris start from Maun. We do not book international flights however, we will suggest the very best arrival/departure options, which work with your itinerary. Most tourists visiting the more popular Northern Parks will need to fly in to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, SA) and then connect with a flight to Maun. We would be happy to book all of your transport, flights and charters for you (within Botswana) so that everything else is taken care of from the time you land until you depart.
VISAS
Entry requirements can change. All visitors should check with their local embassy/consulate or travel agent to verify the updated requirements, and apply well in advance. If you are coming from India or most of Asia, you will require a visa. British, US citizens and most European countries do not require a visa for entry into Botswana.
VACCINATIONS
If you are travelling from anywhere infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Otherwise, no other immunizations are required. All visitors should check with their local embassy/consulate or travel agent for complete and up-to- date information. (Ideally, 4-6 weeks prior to travel) Please check with your general practitioner for any precautionary other vaccinations you might wish to take.
MORE INFORMATION:http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/
TRAVELLER INFORMATION
WHEN TO GO: In our opinion, Botswana is a year-round Safari destination. It really comes down to your interests, where & when you want to visit and the weather. Please note that weather patterns across Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable due to global warming.
WEATHER
- Botswana climate is typical of Southern Africa with less rainfall and lower humidity than countries further east.
- Its subtropical desert type climate features differences in the day and night temperatures.
- As it is located in the Southern Hemisphere, winter (dry season) and summer (wet season) are opposite times of the year from Asia, Europe & North America.
- Clearer skies and greener landscapes. Early morning/night temperatures start to drop during these months, especially in the Kalahari. The Okavango and its surrounding areas tend to have less extreme temperatures than the drier Kalahari.
- June to August, night-time temperatures in drier areas can be close to freezing, but it warms up during the day. This is considered to be 'peak season' for most safaris where land is dry and animals congregate around limited water sources.
- September and October. Temperatures rise. Hot and dry landscapes. This is good time for big game safaris. October can get very hot and max temperatures sometimes reach 40°c in the afternoons.
- November can be unpredictable. Still warm in the daytime. Starts to cool down by the start of the rains.
- December to March, most of the rain takes place this time of year. Heavy downpours, making landscapes green. Average min temperatures in the low 20s°c (mornings/evenings) & max temperatures in the 30s°c. Days can be sunny, have afternoon rainfall or be cloudy.
- January and February can get hot with continued rains, greenery and disturbed skies. A great time for photography, migratory birds and the central Kalahari comes to life. By March - April the rains start to ease off
GETTING THERE
Most Safaris start from Maun. We do not book international flights however, we will suggest the very best arrival/departure options, which work with your itinerary. Most tourists visiting the more popular Northern Parks will need to fly in to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, SA) and then connect with a flight to Maun. We would be happy to book all of your transport, flights and charters for you (within Botswana) so that everything else is taken care of from the time you land until you depart.
VISAS
Entry requirements can change. All visitors should check with their local embassy/consulate or travel agent to verify the updated requirements, and apply well in advance. If you are coming from India or most of Asia, you will require a visa. British, US citizens and most European countries do not require a visa for entry into Botswana.
VACCINATIONS
If you are travelling from anywhere infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Otherwise, no other immunizations are required. All visitors should check with their local embassy/consulate or travel agent for complete and up-to- date information. (Ideally, 4-6 weeks prior to travel) Please check with your general practitioner for any precautionary other vaccinations you might wish to take.
MORE INFORMATION: