What to Bring for Botswana Safari

What to Bring for Botswana Safari: Hey there! The long wait is finally over for your Botswana safari! You’ve been counting down the days for ages, and now your African adventure is just a few weeks away!

When you’re planning a safari, it’s a smart move to start packing early on. Even if you tend to pack at the last minute, it’s a good idea to start putting together a list of everything you’ll need for your Botswana Safari trip as soon as you can.

A game drive in Botswana

If you’re out in the bush for a few days, just keep in mind that if you forget something, getting to the shop quickly isn’t really an option.  Here’s a great list to kick things off for what to bring.

Let’s talk about luggage restrictions and size.

When you’re on your safari holiday in Botswana, you’ll probably be hopping on flights to get between the camps. All these light aircraft companies have some rules about the size and type of luggage you can bring on board.

Since these aircraft are on the smaller side, luggage needs to be tucked away in the little compartments located in the belly of the plane.  So, when you’re getting ready for Botswana, it’s a good idea to go with a soft duffle bag for your luggage.  Just a heads up, there are weight limits for your luggage, usually around 20 kg (44 lbs). This includes both your checked bags and your carry-on.

If you’ve got some extra luggage that you won’t need for your safari, you can either store it at Maun Airport or ask to book an additional seat with your safari for a little extra cost to take your things along.

Hey, before you dive into packing for your Botswana safari, it’s a good idea to touch base with your consultant about any luggage restrictions. There’s really nothing quite like getting to the airport and realizing you have to repack your luggage.

A tourist having a moment of capturing the beauty of the wild using a camera

Apparel

When you’re getting ready for your Botswana safari, regardless of the season, it’s a good idea to keep your packing light and stick to natural-colored clothing.

Since most wildlife doesn’t see shapes the way we do, but instead focuses on objects, it’s a good idea to blend in with nature as much as you can.

Soft shades like khaki, brown, and grey are great picks. Bright colors and whites really pop in the bush, while darker shades can get pretty warm. Don’t forget to pack some comfy stuff, like your swimsuit, to wear while you’re at camp.

Wearing comfortable closed walking shoes or hiking boots is a great way to keep your feet safe from thorns and rough terrain. Especially if you’re heading out on a walking safari. Just be sure to walk them in before you get to the bush. Packing a pair of flip flops is perfect for chilling out at camp or hanging by the pool.

The sun in Africa can really be intense. Make sure to grab a solid SPF sunblock and some lip balm along with your sunhat and sunglasses when you’re heading out.

It can get a bit chilly during game drives, so it’s a good idea to bring along a light rain jacket.  Don’t forget to grab a beanie, scarf, and gloves when winter rolls around! Hey, don’t forget to grab a thicker jacket too!

Just remember, layering usually keeps you warmer than wearing one thick piece.  Packing lighter items will definitely save more space compared to thicker ones.  In the evening, semi-formal attire works well, and it’s a good idea to cover your arms and legs to avoid too many mosquito bites.

Toiletries and medications for personal use

Most lodges on a Botswana safari usually offer some toiletries like shampoo, soap, and lotion, but it’s a good idea to bring your own just in case.  If you can, try to bring smaller amounts so you don’t exceed your luggage limit.

If you’re heading to Botswana, keep in mind that it’s a malaria area. It’s a good idea to chat with your doctor or a travel clinic about any preventive measures you might need to take. Don’t forget to add insect repellent to your list so you can keep those pesky bugs away!

It might be a good idea to pack a small medical kit with some headache tablets and any allergy medication you might need.  Eye drops would be really useful since it can get pretty dusty out in the bush.  If you’re on any prescription meds, just double-check that you have enough to last for the whole trip since there aren’t any pharmacies out in the bush.

Cool Gadgets and Tech Gear

If you’re heading to Botswana for a safari, you probably don’t want to lug around too much gear. However, there are a few essentials you might want to think about bringing along.

A nice camera, along with the one you have on your phone.  Pictures really do tell a story, and having a good camera can totally change how you capture those moments.  How about adding an extra memory card just to be safe? It’s a bummer to think about having to delete some pictures just to free up space for new ones.
You’ll definitely want to bring binoculars along on your safari adventure. Most camps usually have extras, but it’s definitely nicer to have your own. When you’re at a sighting, you definitely don’t want to be stuck waiting for your turn to get a better view or miss out on all the excitement happening around you.

If you want to get to know the wildlife you see on your Botswana safari better, bringing along a bird or mammal book could really make a difference.  But hey, to save some space, why not check out downloading an app on your phone ahead of time?

With all this in mind, you’re all set for your Botswana safari! But the most important things to pack are yourself, a buddy to share the experience with, and a sense of adventure.  Can’t wait to have you join us in the African bush!