GOING ON SAFARI IN BOTSWANA/ZIMBABWE

What to take (and what not)
Please travel light. You will generally be allowed two separate peices of luggage on safari: one duffle bag and one day pack. there will be opportunities to do laundry while on safari (laundry service is included on deluxe and non-participation safaris, and at most camps) along the way and it is always easier in airports and camps to move lighter bags.

If you are returning to the same hotel at the end of your safari you might be able to leave items in secure storage.

Please note that if transportation is by small charter aircraft the maximum luggage allowance is 10 kg's. Over this limit you will have to buy by prior arrangement another seat.

Clothing and Personal items
Dress is casual in Botswana/Zimbabwe: take clothes that are comfortable and rugged. Leave the dinner jacket and ball gown at home. Khaki or neutral colours are best, as white clothing can startle game. Since the temperature can vary considerably from sunrise to the middle of the day, dressing in layers is recommended.

Camouflage style clothing is not permitted on safari at any time.


Recommended for all safaris in Botswana/Zimbabwe:
  • 2 pairs of khaki cotton pants (jeans are rather hot)
  • 2 pairs of sturdy shorts
  • 1 skirt or dress slacks for hotel evenings (optional)
  • 2 long sleeved shirts (for sun protection as well as warmth)
  • 1 light sweater or sweatshirt
  • 1 lightweight, waterproof windbreaker (rainy season Nov-Apr)
  • 3-5 short sleeved T-shirts
  • 5 changes of underwear and socks
  • 1 bathing suit
  • 2-4 bandannas or handkerchiefs (many uses!)
  • 1 hat with a brim (baseball caps will let your ears burn)

Photo equipment:

For large game, 200 mm lens is recommended. For birdlife, a lens of a minimum 400 mm is necessary. A wide-angle lens is helpfullin doing justice to the magnificent views. Prodigous quantities of sand and dust are synonymous with Southern Africa. Take the greatest care, therefore, to protect delicate equipment.

Steve's tip - many people attempt photographs during night drives. Most flash units have effective ranges of only 3 to 5 m - unless the object is unusually close it's best to conserve film. Spare batteries!

Equipment:

  • Wide mouth plastic water bottle
  • Good quality sunglasses plus protective case
  • Toilet kit including biodegradable shampoo and soap
  • large towel and washcloth, thin, quickdrying (usually provided at camps and on deluxe safaris)
  • Pocket knife or Leatherman tool
  • Flashlight with spare batteries (headlamps free up your hands)
  • Repair kit (needle and thread, nylon cord, ripstop tape)
Additional for June-August departures:
  • extra sweater
  • long underwear of warm flannel night clothes
  • wool gloves (if you really feel the cold)
  • down vest of jacket (if you really feel the cold)

Steve's tip - night drives are COLD with the wind chill - shirt, sweatshirt & sweater (or jacket)

Footwear:

  • 1 pair of sturdy walking shoes (or 'off-road' running shoes)
  • 1 pair of sandals or rubber thongs (for showers and boats)

Optional Items:

  • Binoculars
  • Paperback reading and writing material (light-weight)
  • Bird and animal checklist
  • Money belt
  • Insect repellent (with a 75% or higher content of DEET)
  • Sunscreen or sunblock
  • Moleskin or second skin adhesive pads for blisters
  • Foot powder
  • Spare glasses or spare contact lenses.



    First aid and medical concerns?