How to Enjoy a Wildlife Safari in Botswana

Botswana, located in southern Africa just north of South Africa, is considered by many as Africa's "crown jewel". Northern Botswana is a model of "high dollar, low impact" tourism, providing an economic incentive to preserve the natural heritage of the land. From the Moremi Game Reserve to the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, Botswana presents the visitor a landscape and wildlife only seen in this part of the world. A wildlife safari in Botswana is truly an adventure of a lifetime.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A passport valid for at least six months from you departure date
• A record of receiving all required shots and immunizations
• Malaria medication
• A reputable tour guide
• A travel guidebook for Botswana and southern Africa
• "Safari clothes" and other equipment recommended by your travel guide
• A notebook to journal your trip
• A camera, extra film or memory cards, extra batteries
• A sense of adventure

1. Camp in Moremi Game Reserve Research tour guides to find the Botswana wildlife safari that meets your interests and level of comfort. Suggestions are given in the resource section of this article.
2. Sunset and giraffe in Chobe National Park Book your Botswana wildlife safari with your chosen travel guide. Do this as early as possible to give plenty of time for planning and preparation.
3. Mom and baby elephant crossing the road Make sure you have a valid passport and that it will be valid for at least six months from the date of departure. Determine if you will need an entrance visa. Check the resource section of this article for more information.
4. Sunset on the Okavango Delta Book your travel to Botswana. Many tour guide companies will assist you with this.
5. Determine the shots and immunizations you'll need for your trip to Botswana. If possible, visit a health care clinic that specializes in travel medicine, preferable six weeks or more before departure, but at least four weeks before you leave.
6. Elephants reflecting on the Chobe River Complete and return all required paperwork to your Botswana wildlife safari tour guide company.
7. Ready for the morning game drive Collect all items for your trip. Medicines, clothing, and equipment. Make sure you have all needed documentation.
8. A crocodile lounging in the morning sun Study guidebooks and other sources of information on Botswana and southern Africa.
9. A track through the desert Have the adventure of a lifetime!

Tips & Warnings

• Botswana is just below the equator. Wildlife safari tours are generally between May and September, or Botswana's dry winter season.
• Since it is winter when you'll be on safari, you'll experience warm days but cool, or even cold, nights.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Many tour guide companies will help you with this.