Our ultimate Botswana Safari Packing list: what to pack and what to leave behind

 Going on a Botswana Safari? But not quite sure about what to pack and what to leave behind? No Worries, we’ve got you covered! Here is our ultimate Botswana Safari Packing List.

Table of Contents

1.    What to Pack

 

1.1  Your Luggage

1.2  Documents

1.3  Essentials

1.4  Safari Clothing

1.5  Accessories and Gear

1.6  Other Miscellaneous Items and some Tips

 

2.    What to Leave Behind

 

3.    Conclusion (Ensure to follow the packing list and what to leave behind for a memorable Botswana Safari)

 

1.    What to Pack

 

         1.1 Your Luggage

When packing for your Botswana Safari the first thing you need to worry about is your luggage and what type of bag you’re going to want to carry.

·         A wheeled or roller luggage is your best choice as they’re quite sturdy, reliable, and can fit items large or small.

·         You should be wary of weight limitations on flights which is not more than 20kgs. So, pack your stuff accordingly.

·         Use luggage tags to help determine your bags and prevent luggage loss or theft.

 

         1.2 Documents

When planning a Botswana Safari you’ll be needing some documents along with you such as:

·         Your passport, visa, travel insurance, printed travel itinerary, and e-tickets.

·         Additionally, you should also have some identification proof, a children’s birth certificate (if you’re traveling with a child), your vaccination certificates, PCR test results, no older than 72 hours, and a Yellow Health Card.  

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and Europe don’t need a Visa when traveling to Botswana. But have your passport with you.

If you’re from another country, you can easily apply for a Visa online.

 

          1.3 Essentials

Botswana Safari requires you to pack your must-have daily essentials for a smooth trip like:

·         A clear Toiletry case

·         Toothbrush and Toothpaste

·         Travel-size Shampoo and Conditioner

·         Hand Sanitizers

·         Bar of soap/Shower Gel

·         Moisturizer

·         Deodorants

·         Hygiene Products

·         Shaving Essentials

·         Towels

·         Sunscreen (SPF 20 or higher)

·         First-Aid Kit and Medications

·         Waterproof/Dustproof Bags

Having these essentials along with you is necessary as you may find difficulty finding them in remote areas.

          

            1.4 Safari Clothing

You’re not going to forget about clothes but make sure to pack light, casual clothing and keep the weight restrictions in the back of your mind.                                                                  

·         Light T-shirts

·         Long-sleeved Shirt or T-shirt

·         Comfortable and Durable Pants

·         A Utility Jacket

·         Comfortable, Flat Shoes

·         Trousers or Pyjamas

·         Shorts

·         Sunglasses

·         A wide brim hat

·         Underwear

·         Socks

·         Bathing Suit

Don’t pack lots of pairs of items as most lodges or hotels have a laundry system in place and remember to not put your underwear in the washer as it’s considered taboo in Africa, just wash them by hand and dry them in your room or camp.

And don’t wear black clothes or have dark-colored shoes or backpacks on as they attract tsetse flies.

 

          1.5 Accessories and Gear

Also make sure to pack your necessary tech items, electronics, and camera gear to fully experience your Botswana Safari.

 

·         Camera

·         Binoculars (preferably 8*40 or 8*42)

·         SD Cards

·         Extra Batteries

·         Lens Cleaner

·         Tripod

·         Power Adapters (3 prong round or square)

·         Flashlight or Head Lamp

·         Safari and Birdwatching Field Guides

·         Waterproof and Dustproof bags for your electronics

·         A Travel diary or journal

Don’t bring a portable hair dryer or hair straightener as most camps won’t have enough power to take the drain. If it’s necessary make sure to bring a travel-sized version with a capability of 220-240v.

      1.6 Other Miscellaneous Items and some Tips

Some extra items that you can also bring to Botswana Safari include:

·         Debit and Credit Cards

·         Keep some cash in your wallet as most street side shops will not accept debit or credit cards

·         Combination locks for your Bags

·         Personal or Business Contact cards

·         A small backup duffel bag to bring home some souvenirs.

·         Insect and Bug Repellent with DEET

·         A bandana or light scarf Prophylactic Medications

·         Backup Charging devices

·         Earplugs

·         Pocket Knife

·         Antiseptic Cream

Make sure to be responsible during your Botswana Safari, clean up after yourself, and don’t litter during game drives.

 

2.    What to leave behind

We’ve gone through what items you should bring on a Botswana Safari trip, but there are certain items that you should not pack and bring with you to a Botswana Safari.

·         Plastic Bags (as many African countries have banned them), and Zip lock bags can be a good alternative.

·         Camouflage clothing/Military-inspired Clothing

·         Drones

·         Don’t bring any expensive personal jewelry

·         Disposable Water Bottles

·         Jeans

Make it a point to leave these items behind.

 

If you have any questions, you may address them and we’ll make sure to resolve any queries. You may reach out to us at the following details

 

+263 83 284 1840/1 or

Email: info@falconsafaris.com

 

 

Conclusion

Finally, if you’re planning a Botswana Safari and find the packing process too complicated, just ensure to follow the above-mentioned list of what to pack and what to leave behind and you’ll be able to make the most of your Botswana Safari.