CLOTHING

In the summer months, between October and April, it is very hot, with temperatures regularly reaching 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). The recommended clothing items during the day are shorts and a T-shirt. If you sunburn easily consider taking long-sleeved T-shirts for day wear. Choose clothes of dull and/or neutral colours. In the evenings, when mosquitoes are likely to be looking for blood, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.

Bear in mind that packing space is limited on all modes of safari transport so you will need to restrict your baggage to 12-15 kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment. You will be allowed two separate pieces of luggage on safari; one duffle bag and one carry-on. There will be opportunities to do laundry along the way, so:

• 2 pairs of khaki cotton pants
• 2 pairs of sturdy shorts
• 1 skirt or dress slacks for hotel evenings (optional)
• 3-5 short-sleeved t-shirts
• 2 long sleeved shirts (for sun protection as well as warmth)
• 1 light sweater or sweatshirt
• 1 lightweight raincoat/windbreaker or a waterproof poncho
• 1 pair of worn-in walking shoes or trainers/sneakers
• 1 pair of sandals or rubber thongs (for showers and boating)
• underwear
• swimming suit
• 2-4 bandannas or handkerchiefs (many uses!)
• 1 hat with a broad brim (a baseball cap does not cover your neck and ears!)

Between May and September the weather is dry and relatively cool. The daytime temperatures range from 23 – 28 degrees Celsius (73-83 Fahrenheit). While you will be comfortable wearing T-shirts and short sleeves for most of the day, early mornings and evenings can be very cold. We include early morning game drives and boat trips which come back after sunset in our safari itineraries, so it is important to dress suitably. Layers are the most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures of Botswana.

In addition to the list of clothing above, in the cooler months you should also carry:

• 1 track suit (comfortable enough to sleep in)
• extra sweater or fleece

EQUIPMENT

Again this depends very much on personal preferences and areas that you will be travelling, but we recommend that you bring the following:

• a good pair of sun glasses
  (or two, if you have a habit of losing or breaking them!)
• a sun block cream
• a canteen or water bottle
  binoculars
• a Swiss army knife or a leatherman-style knife (remember not to pack it in your hand luggage as it will be confiscated at the airport security checks!)
• flashlight and spare batteries
• mosquito/bug repellent
• toilet kit including biodegradable
• soap/shampoo etc
• towel and wash cloth
  ziplock plastic bags

MEDICAL

Other than malaria, there are no endemic diseases that travellers to southern Africa need worry about. Malaria is prevalent during the summer (the wet season) but is not a problem during the dry season. Discuss taking a prophylaxis and its possible side-effects with your doctor.

• Antibacterial cream to deal with minor infections
• Sunburn cream or cream for minor burns
• Eye lotion for sun strain, dryness and sand
• Lip cream for dry cracked lips
• Aspirin or other headache pills
• Phalagal or similar for stomach bugs
• Imodium for bouts of diarrhoea

MASTER CHECKLIST

You MUST bring:

• Valid passport for international travel
• Visa if required - Citizens of Canada, the US and most European countries do not need a visa. Reconfirm travel documents requirements with your carrier before departure
• Additional form of photo ID
  (e.g. driver’s license)
• Photocopy of passport, visa and travel tickets to carry separately from your travel documents
• Air tickets
• Travel Insurance