Prepare for Your Journey
Safari Planning Tips
A great safari begins long before you board the plane. Use this guide to prepare for your Botswana journey — what to pack, the best seasons for each region, and essential health and safety advice from our field team.
What to Pack
Clothing
- Neutral-toned clothing (khaki, olive, beige) — avoid white or bright colours
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for evenings and bush walks
- Lightweight fleece or jacket — mornings and evenings can be cold, especially May–August
- Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots
- Wide-brim hat and UV sunglasses
- Swimwear for lodge pools and water-based activities
- Warm layer for open-vehicle night drives
Health & Hygiene
- High-SPF sunscreen (50+) and lip balm
- Insect repellent with DEET (50% or higher recommended)
- Prescribed malaria prophylaxis — consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel
- Personal prescription medications with extra supply
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Oral rehydration sachets
Safari Essentials
- Quality binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended)
- Camera with telephoto lens and extra batteries or power bank
- Headlamp or torch with spare batteries
- Field guide to southern African wildlife and birds
- Reusable water bottle — 1.5L minimum
- Small day pack or bush bag
Documents & Money
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond travel dates)
- Visa documentation if required (check Botswana entry requirements)
- Travel insurance documents — comprehensive cover including medical evacuation
- USD cash for gratuities and curio purchases (cards not always accepted)
- Emergency contact list and lodge confirmation vouchers
Note: Most Etela lodges offer same-day laundry service. Light, versatile packing is recommended — luggage on light aircraft is typically limited to 20kg in soft bags.
Best Times to Visit
July – October
Dry season concentrates game around water sources. Excellent predator sightings — lion, leopard, wild dog and hyena. Cool, clear nights. Book well in advance.
April – June, November
Good wildlife activity with fewer visitors. April–June sees lush vegetation post-rains. November can be unpredictable but rewarding.
December – March
Lush green landscape with migratory birds. Baby animals and newborns visible. Some tracks may be inaccessible after heavy rain. Lower rates available.
Lodge: Etela Khwai · Seasons are indicative and vary year to year. Contact us for tailored advice based on your specific travel dates.
Health & Safety
This information is provided as general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified travel health professional before your trip.
Let our team guide you every step
Our specialists know every season, every ecosystem, and every detail that makes a Botswana safari extraordinary. Get in touch and we'll take care of the rest.