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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Botswana

Dry Season Attire May-October

Pack lightweight, breathable, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers. Choose neutral colors like khaki, olive green, brown, grey, or sand. These colors blend into the environment and protect your skin from intense sun and insect bites.

Layering for Comfort

Wet Season Attire November-April

Lightweight, quick-drying clothing presents the best choice for hot, humid conditions. Shorts and t-shirts suit daytime wear. For evenings, long sleeves and trousers are still recommended for insect protection.

Rain Readiness & Colors

  • A Light rain jacket or Poncho is a must for sudden afternoon downpours.
  • Avoid bright white clothing as it stands out and gets dirty quickly.
  • Avoid dark blue and black; these colors attract tsetse flies, more prevalent in the wet season.

Footwear Essentials

Walking/Hiking Boots

Sturdy, closed-toe Walking shoes or light hiking boots are a must for general camp movement and walks. They offer support and protection from thorns, dust, and insects.

Comfortable Sandals

Bring Comfortable sandals or flip-flops for relaxing in camp, walking around the lodge, and warm weather.

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals are a good casual option.

Break Them In

Always break in new footwear before your trip. This helps prevent blisters and discomfort during your safari activities.

Comfort ensures enjoyment.

Essential Documents

Important Travel Papers

Carry both original and digital copies of your documents.

  • Passport: Original, valid 6+ months beyond departure, 2+ blank pages.
  • Visa: Original or proof of e-visa if required for your nationality.
  • Travel Insurance: Printed and digital copies with emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If self-driving, with your home license.
  • Vaccination Records: Original Yellow Fever card if arriving from a risk country.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flights, camps, transfers.
  • Emergency Contacts: Next of kin, doctor, embassy/consulate details.
  • Consider an RFID blocking travel wallet for document security.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Botswana uses Type D and Type G power sockets (230V at 50Hz). A Universal travel adapter is highly recommended. Mobile signal is generally non-existent in remote Delta camps.

Communication & Charging

Camera & Apps

Bring a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera with a good Telephoto lens (e.g., 100-400mm or 150-600mm) for detailed wildlife photos. A Wide-angle lens captures landscapes. B&H Photo has equipment.

Photography Gear & Digital Tools

  • Pack extra batteries and plenty of high-capacity memory cards.
  • A durable Camera bag (Backpack) maintains equipment safety.
  • Download offline map apps (Maps.me, Google Maps) and wildlife identification apps (Merlin Bird ID). NordVPN or ExpressVPN provide internet security.

Data & Digital Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize cloud storage for photos and important documents. This creates an accessible backup.

Portable Hard Drive

Consider bringing a small Portable hard drive to offload photos, especially if taking many pictures.

Communication Apps

Many safari operators and guides use WhatsApp for communication.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

Packing a well-stocked Personal first aid kit and necessary health items helps address common travel ailments and minor injuries.

Kit Contents

Sun & Insect Protection

The African sun is intense. Use a Broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF (30+). EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46 is a good choice. Wear a Wide-brimmed hat and Sunglasses. Drink plenty of bottled or filtered water throughout the day. Safari camps provide water.

Essential Protection

Special Considerations

Altitude Sickness

  • Not relevant for the Okavango Delta.
  • The Delta's elevation is low and flat.
  • No special precautions are needed for altitude.

Motion Sickness

  • If you are prone to motion sickness on small planes, consider remedies.
  • Useful for light aircraft transfers within the Delta.
  • Bumpy game drives might also cause discomfort for some.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Safari Gear

High-quality binoculars are useful for spotting distant wildlife and observing animal behavior.

  • Consider 8x42 or 10x42 magnification.
  • This provides a good balance of field of view and detail.
  • Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars are a popular choice.
  • Safari camps might have some pairs available, but quality varies.

Water Safaris

For mokoro and boat safaris, a small dry bag or waterproof pouch protects your camera, phone, and other electronics from splashes or accidental drops into the water.

  • This is a safeguard for expensive gear.
  • The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is a good option.
  • It maintains your electronics' functionality throughout water-based activities.
  • Keep valuable items secure and dry.

Field Guides

A comprehensive wildlife field guide for Southern Africa helps you identify the animals and birds you encounter.

  • "Sasol Birds of Southern Africa" for bird identification.
  • "A Pocket Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa" for mammal identification.
  • These resources enhance your understanding of the local fauna.
  • They add depth to your safari observations.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Bring Your Own Recommended

  • Binoculars: Bring your preferred pair for optimal quality and familiarity.
  • Cameras: Always bring your own camera equipment and lenses.
  • Specialized Medications: Any personal prescription medications.
  • High-quality insect repellent and specific outdoor clothing.

Consider Renting If Necessary

  • Safari camps may have a few binoculars available for guest use, but quality varies.
  • While camera gear might be available for rent in larger cities, it is not common in Maun or the Delta.
  • Specialized equipment is generally best brought from home.
  • Heavy-duty camping gear for self-drive safaris can be rented from specialized providers in Maun.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

An inflatable Neck pillow offers comfort for long flights. Eye masks and earplugs improve sleep. A good book or e-reader provides entertainment during downtime.

Personal Security & Convenience

  • Small combination locks for luggage.
  • A Money belt or hidden pouch for valuables.
  • A reusable water bottle for refills at camp.
  • A small, collapsible daypack for excursions.

Region-Specific Essentials

A Headlamp or small flashlight (Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp) leaves your hands free in dimly lit camps.

Delta-Specific Additions

  • Good quality Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Specialized camera gear.
  • Specific prescription medications.
  • High-quality insect repellent and certain outdoor clothing brands.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Toiletries

Refillable bottles minimize plastic waste.

E-reader

Reduces paper consumption.

Solar Charger

Harnesses renewable energy for small devices.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For purchases in Maun, decreasing plastic use.

Packing Strategy

Light Aircraft Restrictions

  • Most charters limit luggage to 20kg (44 lbs) per person.
  • Soft-sided bags are mandatory; hard-shell suitcases are often not allowed.
  • Pack light and efficiently to adhere to weight and bag type limits.

General Packing Advice

  • Use packing cubes to organize and compress your clothing.
  • Remember layering for variable temperatures throughout the day.
  • Prioritize insect repellent and sun protection.

Smart Packing

Consider rolling your clothes or using vacuum-seal bags to save space. Always weigh your luggage before heading to the airport.

Prepare a small day bag with essentials for game drives, like water, camera, binoculars, and a hat.