Botswana Safari Tips:
What to pack, capturing the perfect pic, and other useful advice.
The idea of “African safaris” conjures up exciting images of wildlife, vivid scenery and just a touch of bushwhacking from the luxury of a 4x4 vehicle. A safari to the southern African country of Botswana is likely to exceed the expectations of even the most imaginative traveller, as desert plains merge into lush, succulent wetlands and the boundless stretches teem with magnificent creatures.
A Botswana safari is a rewarding wildlife experience for any traveller, and is bound to leave visitors with a lifetime memories. Before embarking on an African safari into this tranquil and utterly breathtaking land, it’s worthwhile taking heed of certain safari tips and advice in order to make the most of your journey. Read on to discover some useful African travel and safari hints that will enrich your Botswana safari experience.
Boarding a Botswana safari? Follow these Africa travel and safari tips
Below, you’ll find useful advice ranging from what to pack to capturing that perfect pic as you venture across the spectacular Botswana landscape.
What time of year should I travel to Botswana?
No matter what time of year you choose for your Botswana safari, you’re sure to be awestruck by the volume of wildlife you encounter. The most popular time to visit Botswana is during the high season from June to October, and it’s advisable to book well in advance if this is when you wish to see the region! During high season, the creatures of the desert congregate around waterholes and make game-viewing a cinch. Between August and October, you may even witness the “great migration” as the animals begin to disperse across the vast Botswana landscape. It’s also interesting to note that December to January is calving season.
As the rain begins to fall in early November, continuing through December and possibly until March or April, the animals scatter across the now-succulent, sweeping plains. While this may make it slightly more difficult to spot wildlife, the abundance of lush vegetation and marshier land attracts a great variety of creatures to many parts of the region. You’re also more likely to espy the thriving birdlife for which Botswana is renowned, as it is during this period that migrant populations return to the Delta.
Journeying through the vast reaches of the Delta, you’re assured of spotting elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos, impalas, zebras, waterbucks, lions, hyenas, giraffes, jackals, porcupines, warthogs, baboons, vervet monkeys, herons, egrets and fish eagles. You may also be lucky enough to glimpse cheetahs, wild dogs, leopards, red lechwes, sitatungas, pangolins, bat-eared foxes, bushbucks and reedbucks.
What essential safari items should I pack?
There are a number of essential items to bring along on safari, regardless of when you visit the region. Of course, certain items – such as raincoats and waterproof clothing and luggage – are only required during the wet months of November to April.
Be sure to pack the following basics when travelling on a Botswana safari:
- Anti-malaria mediation: Botswana is a malaria zone, hence it is essential to take precautions. Consult your GP before leaving on your trip.
- Insect/mosquito repellent: Advisable to carry this with you at all times, even if you’ve taken malaria prophylactics – it will help you to avoid the annoyance of itchy, inflamed bites!
- Sunscreen lotion and hats: For protection against the sizzling African sun.
- Warm clothing: Even during the summer months, Botswana can be chilly during the early morning and evenings. If you’re going on a daytrip through the region, wear layers of clothing that can be removed as the weather warms up.
- A good camera – preferably with a zoom function: To capture the exquisite beauty of the landscape, and the wildlife that roams across it.
- Binoculars: Even a small pair of binoculars will greatly enhance your game-viewing experience. A must on any safari tour!
- Wildlife books pertaining to the animals and birds in the regions you’re visiting.
- Comfortable, durable walking shoes.
How do I capture the perfect photograph while on safari?
To capture that once-in-a-lifetime shot, be sure to take photographs when the sun is at its brightest – during the morning and afternoon. If you wish to film sunsets or scenery, bring a small tripod with you on your trip. It is also advisable to use a UV filter for your camera, and to keep photographic equipment in protective pouches and bags, as safari adventures tend to be quite dusty!
You never know when the perfect photographic opportunity may present itself, so have your camera ready and adjusted to the appropriate settings at all times. A telephoto lens will guarantee the best wildlife photography, particularly as animals (particularly larger game) may be a fair distance from your vehicle. Wide angle lenses will enable you to capture panoramic shots of the boundless savannas of Botswana.
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