Botswana Warnings Or Dangers

  Orapa is a very big dot on the map ...
by CatherineReichardt
 
  • Orapa is a very big dot on the map ...
      Orapa is a very big dot on the map ...
    by CatherineReichardt
  •   Warnings Or Dangers
    by nora_south_africa
  • STUCK !
      STUCK !
    by DAO
  • NO SIGNS OR ROAD MARKINGS
      NO SIGNS OR ROAD MARKINGS
    by DAO
  • AFTERT YOU HIT THE GATE YOU SEE THIS
      AFTERT YOU HIT THE GATE YOU SEE THIS
    by DAO
 
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

PROHIBITED ITEMS !

by DAO

In order to prevent the spread of Foot & Mouth Disease in livestock, the following items are banned from being brought into Botswana:* Meat and meat products from cloven hoofed animals* Livestock feeds, fodder, manure and bedding* Hides, skins, reams, etc.* Bones, hoofs, etc.* Game trophies and skins* Fresh milkThe country also does not want you to bring in other items (not related to foot & mouth) like pornography or 2-way radios. Yes that is a Police van pictured. Don’t take chances, especially with the Police in Botswana. Don’t bring it in.

Tip Photo
THE UNMARKED ROAD BARRIER AT NATA

by DAO

Can you see the gate across the road you will be approaching at 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph)? Neither could I. That’s why I hit it and damaged my car. Approaching this barrier from the North of Nata there are NO SIGNS and the paint on the road saying to slow down and stop has worn away. Bizarrely there are signs and paint on the road as you approach Nata from the South. Nice one. So why the barrier?They are Veterinary Disease Control Points. More in my Transport tips. The others across Botswana are marked. I had to go report it to the Police, some of whom where drunk and I had to pay a bribe to get a report! Nata – avoid the place if you can.

Tip Photo
THORNS

by DAO

Going out in the bush to get some firewood for a braai? Watch out! Botswana has a special, extra-large, nearly fatal size thorn bushes. These are ask big as knitting needles and they hurt! Just look at my hand. I recommend you only walk where you can see at night and slowly even then. I still have a scar on my hand.

Tip Photo
Take GPS and spares!

by WildDogs

When we were doing our evening game drive one night in Moremi we came across a couple who had broken down in their self-drive Landrover. They had no GPS, an old map, no clue where they were, no spare fuel, no spare water, no satellite phone. If we had not stumbled across them and insisted we take them back with us I dread to think what would have happened to them. I remember when we set off I was thinking all our spare fuel and water and rescue equipment was OTT, but finding that couple stranded in Moremi, stuck in their car, surrounded by Game, was an acute reminder that you can never be too safe. Whatever you do, equip yourself, don't take silly unnecessary risks, the dangers are real but easily avoidable.

malaria

by kiberenge

Malaria is prevalent especially in the north of the country, though not so much in gaborone.Get medical advice on what malaria tablets to take and start taking anti malaria tablets atleast a week before entering botswana and keep taking the tablets for a further one week on returning home.

Hippos are not friendly!

by ysteb

My husband & I were savagedly attacked by a hippo while traveling with a guide in a mokoro in the Okavango just 3 weeks ago. We were almost killed. Most people do not survive a hippo attack. My husband suffered a bite which went completely through his knee. The danger, besides the hippo, is the fact that the safari company had absolutely no means of rescue or radio communication. We were literally left to fend for ourselves in the middle of a swamp filled with crocodiles & hippos at dusk, 3 hours from camp, in a mokoro with 2 giant holes in it from the hippo. Please be warned. No one is going to be responsible for you. You must make sure your guide has a waterproof radio which he must wear at all times. In our case, the non-waterproof radio was safely in the tent, which is where he was told to keep it! There needs to be some sort of rescue plan and if the camp you choose to stay at can...

Wildlife Safaris Pose (Common Sense) Dangers

by kucha

Most safaris take place in remote wildlife areas and game reserves, away from villages, towns and cities. This means that you will most probably not find other people around, except those who look after your every need while on safari! The transfers (by road, air or water) between airports, hotels and lodges are operated by reputable companies or by the properties themselves. This means that you will not be unattended at any time during your safari.Still, you are advised not to keep food in your tents at night, nor to leave the car to walk anywhere without being accompanied by a trained guide.Although the region has a fair share of venomous snakes, spiders, scorpions and stinging insects, but surprisingly few safari goers suffer from serious attacks. Keep in mind that the most dangerous animals in Africa are hippos, cape buffalo and mosquitos!

Personal Safety Do's and Dont's

by kucha

As with most big cities in the world, the central areas of the bigger cities that you might visit have a criminal element that tend to prey on the unwary tourist!• Don't walk alone in any downtown or deserted city suburbs at night. • Don't be shy to take advice from locals of what sort of behaviour should be avoided. • Don't visit poor areas, unless in a group led by an experienced guide or reputable tour operator. • Don't carry large sums of money or flashy jewellery in risk areas. • Don't leave any valuables in rooms and in vehicles, use deposit boxes when available. • If challenged by a mugger, don't resist, this helps avoids any serious bodily harm. • Don't hitchhike • Don't be an ostentatious tourist, ask your hosts about appropriate dress etiquette. • Do make friends, there are special people here that help to make your visit more worthwhile.

Minimize Valuables

by kucha

When in towns and cities, do not carry large amounts of cash in your pocket. Keep enough for the expenses of the day and place the rest in a safety deposit box at the hotel/lodge or money pouch under your shirt. Also be discreet with an expensive camera or jewellery. Take note of onlookers and keep your possessions in sight at all times to avoid opportunistic theft. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items.

Walking in the bush after dark.

by bonimae

Walking around after dark is so tempting due to the sounds and beauty of African nights, but even just a trip to the loo could be disastrous. Fat, sluggish puff adders like to laze on the paths at night and do not move on when they hear you approach. It is very common for people to step on them in the dark, and this is a very venomous snake. Use extreme caution when wandering around in the dark.

Tip Photo
Safety Tips in Botswana

Top 3 Hotels in Botswana

Cresta Lodge Gaborone  Gaborone

 4 Opinions

 Hotels in Gaborone

Khwai River Lodge  Maun

 32 Opinions

 Hotels in Maun

Chobe Safari Lodge  Kasane

 156 Opinions

 Hotels in Kasane

19 Hotels in Botswana
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Botswana attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Botswana sightseeing.

Experience Botswana
Warnings Or Dangers: Cities in Botswana
  1. Gaborone Warnings Or Dangers
  2. Kasane Warnings Or Dangers
  3. Chobe National Park Warnings Or Dangers
  4. Maun Warnings Or Dangers
  5. Orapa Warnings Or Dangers
  6. Nata Warnings Or Dangers

More Cities in Botswana

 

Popular Regions in Botswana

South-East District Warnings Or Dangers  Ghanzi District Warnings Or Dangers 

More Regions in Botswana

Questions and Answers

annsnook profile photo

Q:  Hi, want to do this trip last week in March/1st week April, should we get good weather or is it a bit too early for the Okavanga... 

CatherineReichardt profile photo

A: Hi Chanes are that you'll see far fewer animals if it has flooded, as when the water is scarce, the animals congregate around the little water that's around. Once the... 

Read 5 Replies

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for Botswana

Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Vacation Package Specialists
Expedia Vacations Save on flight + hotel packages. Click or call now: 1 - 800-713-8214
Save on Air + Hotel ? Book a Getaway Today!
hotels.com Vacations The One Stop Shop for Your Next Trip. Click or call now: 1-800-764-6835
Book online.
eagleislandcamp.com Official Site. Book online.

Sponsored Links