Which type of travel bag should I choose?

Always choose softshell bags
Space for luggage is quite limited in a safari vehicle, and even more so in the small charter aircrafts utilized for a fly-in safari. So, it is best to pack your belongings in a softshell bag and steer clear of any hard-shell suitcases or trolley bags. Many charter airlines, in reality, do not permit hard-shell suitcases.

Alongside your primary softshell bag, it is always useful to carry a small handheld bag as well. This can accompany you in the front of the safari vehicle or join you on hikes and walks, ensuring your essential items are always within reach.

Whenever you can, ensure your bags are resistant to water. This will provide you with a sense of freedom and excitement when you embark on a mokoro excursion or any water activity in general. The waterproof cover will also protect against the significant dust your bag may encounter on an exciting safari.

Your main luggage should be no heavier than 15 kg, while your hand luggage is limited to 5 kg. Your packing list for a safari in Botswana should be concise: Traveling with just the essentials is essential – that is why we offer you a handy packing list for your Botswana safari.

WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING FOR MY BOTSWANA SAFARI?

The timeless saying, “pack for four seasons in one day” certainly holds true in Botswana (particularly during winter), though I must admit, this is often more challenging than it seems. Choose lightweight clothing that can be layered instead of packing heavy items. Safari zip-off trousers are incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy the freedom of both long trousers and shorts in one stylish piece.

Clothes crafted from cotton or microfibres are always a great choice. Opt for subtle hues like khaki, olive green, and brown instead of bright colors. Wearing camouflage or military-style clothing can attract unwanted attention from local authorities.

Your journey will primarily unfold in the great outdoors on safari, yet it’s wise to include some casual attire for your visits to lodge restaurants or local towns. No need to stress; it can be anything casual or laid-back since most spots are pretty easygoing about what you wear.

A collection of garments you’ll want to bring along:
Cozy jacket, cozy sweater
Windbreaker or waterproof jacket
Cozy sweatshirt or breezy light jersey
Casual tops, graphic tees
Long pants and shorts
Underwear
Swimwear
Footwear that invites exploration (light trekking shoes, trainers, trekking sandals)
Footwear for exploration
Adventure-ready sun hat
Winter scarf
Beanie for the chilly season Gloves for the frosty days

WHAT TOILETRIES AND MEDICINE SHOULD I BRING ALONG?

Luckily, nearly every camp and lodge will provide you with shower gel (or soap) and shampoo. Occasionally, you might discover body lotion and conditioner waiting for you at the lodge as well. This allows you to travel light, leaving the bulky shampoo bottles behind and only packing the essentials like:

toothbrush toothpaste deodorant hand sanitizer
moist towelettes and a bit of lip moisturizer
When embarking on your journey, especially if you are relying on prescription medication, it is essential to ensure you have an ample supply to last throughout your entire adventure.

When wearing contact lenses, it is essential to bring along extra lens fluid for your journey. It could be a good idea to opt for glasses during your time in Botswana, as the dust and occasional dry heat may make contact lenses less comfortable. If you wear glasses, it is wise to include a backup pair in your safari packing list for Botswana – just to be prepared for anything that comes your way.

A compact medical bag, brimming with essential items, can truly have a significant impact:
bandages soothing ointment allergy relief tablets or cream
soothing sunburn treatment digestive health remedy
medication for alleviating discomfort
medicine for nausea
eye drops and motion sickness tablets
Additional essentials to pack include: sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
insect repellent malaria prevention (after consulting with your healthcare provider or tropical medicine specialist)
a towel and a first aid kit

WHAT SAFARI ACCESSORIES SHOULD I ALWAYS BRING ON A SAFARI IN BOTSWANA?

Safari accessories are the essential items and gadgets you definitely want to have with you when embarking on a thrilling wildlife adventure in Botswana. To start off, an excellent camera for capturing moments. While capturing stunning photos with a smartphone camera is certainly achievable, nothing compares to the quality of images produced by a dedicated camera equipped with a superior lens. For an exhilarating wildlife safari, wide angle zoom lenses are typically the top choice.

A headtorch is an essential companion to have on your journey, and it is a must-pack item for your camping safari in Botswana. The campsites can become quite mysterious at night, making it essential to have some light to guide your way through the shadows. A regular torch or flashlight can certainly do the job, but the beauty of a headtorch lies in the freedom it gives your hands.

A reliable pair of binoculars is a must-have for any thrilling safari experience. They allow you to discover creatures that might have been elusive or hard to notice otherwise, offering an incredible close-up perspective of animals that are within reach. Consider packing a compact pair of binoculars that are lightweight yet deliver outstanding optical quality.

Additional gear that enhances your experience on a Botswana safari:
UV protected sunglasses adapter (most commonly the South African Type M is used – three round pins, however there are differences between the lodges so a universal adapter will also be useful)
guide to the birds and mammals of Southern Africa (or available as an app on your phone)
vintage cell phone (sim cards available for purchase on site)
a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and a neck pouch, money belt, or hip bag for carrying money, documents, passport, and vaccination card

WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD I PACK FOR MY JOURNEY TO BOTSWANA?

Above all, ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months and has at least three blank pages ready for your journey. Many countries allow their citizens to explore Botswana without needing a holiday visa for up to 90 days, including most European nations, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, rules can shift, so we encourage you to reach out to the Botswana embassy in your home country for the latest requirements.

A valid return ticket or other onward travel documents will also be necessary for your journey back. If you lack this, you need to show evidence that you possess enough funds (like on your credit card) to buy a return ticket.

One great suggestion is to create photocopies of all your essential travel documents, such as your passport, international driver’s license (if you are embarking on a self-drive adventure), and your return ticket. Be sure to keep these apart from your original documents.

When embarking on a journey with your under-18 child, both parents must ensure they have an unabridged birth certificate and a valid passport for the child in hand. If only one parent is traveling with the child, the traveling parent must provide an affidavit of consent, court order, or death certificate to show that the absent parent has granted the necessary permission for the child to travel.