Destinations

Winter Packing Tips (June - August)

I've only traveled to Botswana in June and July, so the tips here are for wintertime. In addition, I've only visited Gaborone (the capital city) and the Okavango Delta. This is also applicable to South Africa, although you may need heavier winter clothes for the far southern coast.

Here are a few pointers:

• Official paperwork: passport, copies of your airplane tickets and travel itinerary, and your yellow immunization card. Bring your drivers license (and an International Drivers License) if you plan to drive.
• The climate is arid and dry, so there is lots of dust everywhere, so pack clothes that are easily washed (suede shoes not recommended).
• Check out the electricity tips for advice on electric appliances.
• Walking is the most common form of transportation; only pack comfortable shoes.
• In the winter, mornings and evenings can be chilly, and the days will get warm. Plan to wear layers - including a warm jacket and sweater. Bring a hat, gloves, and scarves if you go out on a game drive on a cold evening.
• Film can now get damaged in the new X-Ray Luggage Scanning systems, so it's best to carry film in your hand luggage.
• Binoculars are very, very handy, including for star-gazing.

And you may want to leave spare room for bringing souveniers back into the USA.

Weather

Winter in Botswana means warm days (Sunny, Dry, 70's) and clear, cool evenings (40's, sometimes dropping to the 30's).

Secure your Valuables

Please make sure to keep all your cash with you at all times, and don't leave it in the hotel or home. You should not bring anything to Botswana that you would dearly miss if it were stolen, especially small items (e.g. jewelry). Actually, it is best to leave your valuables at home.

What to leave at home

Okay - so let's say something awful happens and you lose your purse, backback, briefcase. It's a good idea to leave photocopies of your travel documents at home (passport, medical insurance card, plane tickets, and copies of all your credit/ATM cards), so someone can assist you in restoring your identity, passport, and funds.

Documents you do not need to bring with you:

Birth certificate, social security card, and driver's license. (unless you intend to drive internationally; and then you should get an International Drivers License - see AAA for details)

Botswana is a very hospitable country, but it is best to follow most advice to travelers about safety.