COVID-19 Travel Information
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a marked impact on how we travel. The international borders into Botswana are open and our safari camps & lodges are ready to welcome you on safari.
Botswana is considered a safe travel destination. It is both financially and politically stable. It has been spared much of the unrest and turmoil that plagues so many countries in Africa. As is the case elsewhere, the larger cities and population centres generally have the most crime, but once you are on safari, such problems are all but non-existent. It is, however, a good idea to leave your valuables (expensive watches, jewellery, etc) at home, thus eliminating the temptation for possible theft. Luggage locks are always advisable when flying.
A valid passport is a requirement for any international travel. When travelling into Southern Africa your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your entrance date, and have at least 2 blank pages. Citizens of certain countries are required to obtain visas for entry into Botswana. As this list of countries changes from time to time, it is important to check with your travel consultant, well in advance of your departure, regarding current visa requirements. Please note that it is your own responsibility to ensure that all necessary visas are obtained prior to entry (unless available on entry, such as Zimbabwe at the current time).
Depending upon what time of year you safari in Botswana, lightweight clothing of cotton and cotton blends is most suitable. During the winter months it can become very cold and a warm jacket will be needed for early morning and evening game viewing activities. During the summer months bring a lightweight water/windproof jacket in case of rain, but otherwise temperatures are very warm. For evenings bring lightweight long-sleeved clothing as protection from mosquitoes. Neutral colours such as khaki, beige/cream or olive green are appropriate, and are less conspicuous to the animals. Laundry is done daily in-lodge, so it is not necessary to overpack. Consult our packing list as a general guide before you travel. It is recommended that on your international flight to Botswana you carry a change of clothing (eg T-shirt and underwear), any prescription medicines and your valuables (documents, camera, wallet) in your hand-luggage in case of lost luggage or luggage delays from connecting international flights. In the case of lost luggage, Desert & Delta Safaris will assist where possible in calling the airlines to monitor progress in your luggage claim which, in most cases, arrives the following day. However, please note that it is often beyond our control and your best precaution is packing the essential items in your hand-luggage.
Yes.Water supplies in camp are filtered to city standards. Water jugs in each tent are replenished on a daily basis. Bottled water is also readily available from the bar at each camp.
Desert & Delta Safaris uses Toyota Landcruisers which have been specially built for game viewing and photography. All have completely open seating areas and cabs for unhindered photography. Each has ample seating (although we normally keep occupancy to six or less in each vehicle!), with seat pockets, reference books, snacks, bottled water, toilet paper, insect spray and a cool box for refreshments.
If necessary, batteries may be recharged in camp during the day. Depending upon the electricity needed for camp operations, it may be possible to recharge video cameras during the day, but this will be at the discretion of the camp manager. Be sure you bring a 3-prong, round point adapter with you and also be sure to bring a spare battery for use whilst the other battery is being charged in camp, to avoid missing out on any photographic opportunities.
Please note that it is not possible to use appliances such as hairdryers and electric shavers in the delta camps as the power is insufficient and usage may result in the power tripping for the whole camp.
Ceiling fans are fitted in all the guest rooms in our camps. Unfortunately due to the remoteness of our camps it is not possible to run air conditioners due to the amount of power required to do so. Chobe Game Lodge and Chobe Savanna Lodge have 220V mains electricity.
To allow for the full peacefulness and relaxation whilst on safari, connection to Wi-Fi is available in the rooms only (Chobe Game Lodge & Chobe Savanna Lodge have Wi-Fi throughout the lodge). Wi-Fi in the camps is via remote satellite link up and constant connectivity is not guaranteed. In terms of telephonic communication, each camp has a satellite phone and radio in the event of emergency situations.
Tipping is not obligatory. It is, however, appropriate if you feel that the measure of service you received warrants a show of your personal appreciation, this is purely discretionary. The average tip amounts are approximately $10 per guest, per day. Customarily, $5–10 per day will go to your driver/guide directly and $5 per day can be placed in the Tip Box provided in the lodges, Lodge Managers distribute the latter among the camp employees. It is a fair distribution system, ensuring that the 'behind the scenes' staff are also rewarded.
No.Getting into and out of vehicles and light aircraft as well as some walking is the most strenuous activity you will encounter. Our safaris are considered 'soft adventure'. Some of the road terrain can be bumpy as it is 'off road', this is part of the experience; however, if you have a back problem please do advise us in advance to check your suitability for a safari of this nature.
Since most safari travel is done in small aircraft, each passenger is limited to 20Kg’s of luggage in soft duffel bags including hand luggage and photographic equipment. Bear in mind the door to the luggage pod is only 65 x 25 cm. Soft type duffel bags are ideal and are required. Excess baggage be may subject to additional baggage/charter charges and please note that you have the option to store your excess baggage in our Maun office at no extra charge until the end of your safari (this option is available only if your safari starts and ends in Maun, otherwise alternate arrangements will need to be made).
Most major currencies are accepted throughout Botswana. You will not need large sums of cash while on safari, as our programs are all-inclusive.However, some guests enjoy shopping in Maun. Selected camps have a small gift shop stocked with various curios and safari items. Credit cards can be used (Master or Visa cards).Otherwise, you may need money for any accommodations, meals and shopping before or after your scheduled safari as well as for visas (Zimbabwe etc) and taxes. The amount needed, of course, is your personal decision.
Surprisingly, there are very few snake problems in Botswana; normal common sense avoids contact with snakes (for instance, don't go crawling through dense bushes!). Insect repellent is provided in all tents and safari vehicles. However, for your personal comfort, we recommend you bring some insect repellent of your own and take malarial prophylaxis (please consult your local travel medical specialist for the medication best suited to you).
You should leave the contact details for the Desert & Delta Safaris’ Maun office in order that you can be contacted in the camps by radio from Maun in case of an emergency.
“ As Botswana's top safari operator, Desert & Delta Safaris is proud to hold several Travel & Tourism Accolades and enjoy a variety of press features.”
See Our Accolades & Press Features