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Malaria's the biggie here. Don't be afraid of the lions (well obviously be fairly careful!) be afraid of the mozzies. Cover up in the evenings AND wear bug spray AND take tablets. Also, watch out for water buffalo and hippos, as they are the top other two animals to get yourself killed by. Don't EVER get between them and water or their young, or you may find yourself in a sticky situation (in more ways than one!)
Just thought of another danger! When I was a kid, my dad and I went to a watering hole to get some water to clean our landrover. An antelope was calmly drinking just 30 metres away from us, when a croc leapt out of the water and dragged it under. They are a lot faster, stronger and harder to see than you would ever think. You bin warned!!
Botswana is expensive. For example, we had to stop at the airport to change vehicles on our way to Bots. My friend went in to get some ice cream for the kids and it was about $2 for a Drumstick (normally about $1 U.S.; I'm sure it would have been much less in Zim) Be sure and pack warm things for the morning game drives if you go in their winter months of June, July and August. We had on several layers including a fleece sweatshirt. And our last day, we made sure to wear the gloves and winter hats we brought. General warning -- do not pack anything important, especially meds, in your check-in luggage. Our luggage was lost between Johannesberg and Zim for a day. I had a camera and two binoculars stolen out of the 'locked' bag (they just broke that off). Luckily I had our malaria meds with us.Beware of the occasional charging elephant too. I think they do it just to be funny. Most of the...
Never get out of your car when you are in the Okawango.....it's a DEADLY risk. Wildlife and heat can kill.The Tse Tse fly is present in some parts of Botswana but I personally did not have any problem with this danger (in case you don't know, this fly caused 'sleeping illness')
When dealing with anyone in an 'official' position be very polite, compliment their beautiful country, and do not appear to be in any kind of a hurry. It is very important to have all the necessary paperwork, in quadruplicate if possible. This is a land of beaurocrats who are capable of inventing a piece of paper that you cannot possibly have, and requiring you to have it in quadruplicate, especially if you do anything to upset them. If you are genuinely without a necessary certificate or visa you can try the approach 'isn't there anything you can do, I have heard so much about the beauty of Botswana, and it's people, and I would love to see it for myself' or some similar approach. This is not guaranteed to work, but it's amazing how often it does!Take anti malarial tablets (the FULL course), especially if you travel up to the Delta or Chobe.If travelling by road be aware that there are...
the rivers and swamps of the Okavango are home to thousands of Crocodiles and Hippos. The last ones can be very dangerous if you get into their territory. Make sure your guide in the Makoro boat tour has a rifle just for any case.
Beware the wildlife. It is wild and will not treat you civilly. Snakes, lions, elephants, hippos, rhino, scorpions, crocodiles, leopards, and buffallo are very real dangers.Make sure you know where you are going as roads, water and fuel are sparse and the sun is fierce.
I'm sure that most people are aware that Botswana has one of the highest rates of HIV in the world, so if you do become ill there, inspect everything (if possible) or better still, take your own needles!!!!!
Watch for HIV, otherwise generally ok for health.Always beware of game, even in camps and even roadside in innocent looking areas.Generally safe, but watch areas in cities.Officials usually friendly and helpful.Game Park staff usually poor, disinterested and lazy.
The biggest danger would have to be the animals, especially if you are driving at night they just stand in the middle of the road! If you are travelling long distances then you must take loads of water, in october it can get very hot.
Cresta Lodge Gaborone Gaborone
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Khwai River Lodge Maun
32 Opinions
Chobe Safari Lodge Kasane
156 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Botswana attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Botswana sightseeing.
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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...
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...
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