Practical information, tips, suggestions:
Botswana is a unique place in Africa: stable democratic government, rare economic success story.
It is a well-organised country, constantly developing.
Has some of the last remaining great wilderness areas of the continent, where many magnificent animals can still be seen, among them the biggest elephant population in the world reaching 130.000.
The tourism infrastructure is well developed and offers the whole range of options relating to accommodation and safari services, camps, lodges and hotels.
The wildlife areas are "really wild" and vast - it is essential to visit the right places in the right time on professional well prepared and organised trip, and with the right safari guides to maximise your time and experience.
In lodges, hotels, permanent camps there will be toilet, bathroom and other facilities available.
In rustic bush camps on mobile safaris the facilities will be basic.
The food is also no problem - almost anything you like, western, continental or oriental, vegetarian.
In town shops you can buy all the international stuff.
Money exchange is available in several places in all the towns. Several banks are operating in the towns. Credit card facilities are at the banks and shopping centres.
The flights to Botswana are well serviced by South African and Botswana Airlines with outstanding safety record. Airports in all major towns. Maun, the gate to the Okavango Delta, is the second busiest airport in Africa.
From Maun small charter plains fly the tourists to the camps. Many visitors will be taken by safari vehicles on 4x4 roads to their destinations.
Internet and email services are available in all towns. Once in the wilderness those facilities are not always available because of remoteness. The safari operators can always communicate via radio in case of emergency. Mobile phones work in the Towns and in places on the major roads. There is no coverage in the vast national parks and reserves, except those close to the villages.
In case of medical emergency there is a well-trained and equipped medical rescue service, 911, operating 4x4 ambulances and planes. In Major towns are well-equipped hospitals.
The sun in Botswana is very strong. Take UV protection for your skin.
Malaria is prevalent so it is advisable to take anti-malaria tablets and start taking them before arriving in Botswana.
The power in Botswana is 220-240V.
Water in taps most of the time is safe. However it is important to keep standard water hygiene.
Memory sticks, blank CDs, DVDs, DV tapes, standard batteries and photographic films can be bought but they are more expensive here.
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Important Note:
The most economic way to go on safari is to go in a small group of at least 4 participants and maximum 6 - 8.
All has to do with the cost of transport and service that has to be provided irrespective of the size of the party.
Almost all safari companies charge higher, often double price for parties smaller than 4.
If you can afford you can go even for an individual safari of course.
