Botswana safari packing list

Botswana safari: What to pack and wear

Most safari travellers will visit Botswana in the winter, as this is the peak season. Winters in Botswana are generally mild to warm during the day, so pack light clothes for wearing in the middle of the day. Long sleeve cotton shirts are coolest and help protect you from the sun. It can become very cold at night (especially between May and September), so warm clothing should also be included.

Most lodges have a relatively informal evening dress code, therefore, depending where you are, casual clothing goes down best. There are no safari lodges and very few hotels where you are required to wear a collar shirt at evening meals.

Sunglasses, suntan lotion, lip balm, shady hats, binoculars, insect repellent and a torch are all essentials for safari holidays. Don't forget your bathing costume as many places have swimming pools which are very refreshing in the warmer summer months. We have included a suggested luggage list below, however, please call the team at Expert Africa if you are in any doubt as to what to take.

Please note that bright colours and white are not advised and army camouflage uniforms or army hats are forbidden. Clothing in muted safari colours like brown, dark beige, khaki and green are ideal.

In many safari camps clothes are hand washed, and for cultural reasons ladies underwear cannot be included. In such cases powder for hand washing will be supplied, usually in your bathroom, should you wish to wash your own. Alternatively, you should consider packing enough underwear to last the safari.

Packing checklist

Passport
Visa (if required)
Insurance details (please see our travel insurance page for more information)
Credit card
Cash (US dollars is the most useful currency in Botswana)
Warm clothes (possibly including hat and gloves)
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Footwear (including walking shoes/boots if appropriate)
Swimwear
Binoculars
Camera
Mobile (cell) phone (see below)
Chargers and adapters (Botswana tends to use type M plugs, with three round pins)
Torch / flashlight
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Prescription medicines & prescription (if needed)

Mobile (cell) phones on safari

It is a good idea to have a mobile with you on your trip in case of an emergency. If you have ‘global roaming’ enabled, your phone will probably work in most towns in Botswana. Your phone can be set to include ‘global roaming’ by your network provider so contact them before you depart.

As an alternative to global roaming, which can be quite pricy, bring a cheap/old mobile phone with you and buy a local SIM card and some call minutes when you arrive. (Do make sure that this spare phone is not locked against SIM cards from other providers/countries.) Or, buy a cheap phone and SIM card on arrival.

Another option is to purchase an eSIM (if your phone supports these) with a data and call minutes bundle before you travel, which avoids the need to buy or change a physical SIM card.

NB: Regardless of whether you use a local SIM card or not, it is unlikely that you will have a consistent signal throughout your trip: many areas are remote, sparsely populated and without cellphone coverage.

Our top picks for holidays to Botswana

We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Wild Dog Safari

13 days • 5 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.

US$12,310 - US$21,350 per person

Porcupine Safari

11 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.

US$11,780 - US$16,860 per person

Spring Hare Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.

US$8,710 - US$14,180 per person

Large-spotted Genet Safari

9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.

US$12,020 - US$23,640 per person

Red Lechwe Safari

9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.

US$13,300 - US$28,240 per person

Steenbok Safari

9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.

US$7,990 - US$13,480 per person

Pangolin Safari

8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Three relaxed, local feeling camps in pristine settings – the Kwando Reserve and Okavango Delta. Guided by a driver and tracker at each, this a great trip for spotting Botswana’s top predators.

US$9,100 - US$16,340 per person

Bushbuck Safari

8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Discover three of Botswana’s best game-viewing regions with stays in the private Linyanti, Chitabe and Vumbura reserves. Intimate, smart camps offer a range of activities by which to discover these stunningly varied habitats.

US$14,930 - US$31,740 per person

Reedbuck Safari

8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Focussing on the Okavango Delta and combining the crème de la crème of Botswana’s camps – Zarafa, Vumbura Plains and Mombo – this is one of the finest safari experiences in Africa.

US$19,610 - US$36,280 per person

Tsessebe Safari

7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit three sister-camps in and around Moremi Game Reserve during this thorough exploration of the Okavango Delta. A range of activities provide excellent opportunity to observe the local birdlife, mammals and fauna.

US$8,240 - US$11,410 per person

View all holidays in Botswana

Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?

Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure

Inspire me