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Discover Africa with Beachcomber
As a specialist tour operator we have made a conscious decision not to try sell the whole of Southern Africa. Instead we have chosen to focus on just a few very special destinations, namely South Africa, where we have our own office, Botswana, Namibia and Victoria Falls.
These countries are fantastic destinations in their own right, can be combined together or added with time spent on an Indian Ocean island. And as all of our luxury Africa holidays are tailor-made you get to choose where, what and how you see these beautiful countries.
The Beachcomber website, we hope, gives you some holiday inspiration. For a personal understanding of these great destinations and specialist advice on planning your own Africa holiday call and have a chat with our Africa team.
Travel tips on our destinations can be found below, to delve right into our holidays to Africa click on one of the following links:
South Africa holidays, Botswana holidays, Namibia holidays, Victoria Falls
Luxury Botswana Safaris
When to Go
'When's the best time to go' and 'what's the weather like' in many cases form one and the same question. However, with Botswana being a dedicated safari destination the best month for the weather is not necessarily the best month for seeing the countries superb wildlife.
Weather-wise Botswana has a sub-tropical climate. Summer is between October and April and winter from May to September. In summer, days are hot and generally sunny with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Average daytime temperatures reach 30°C. Winter days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures can drop sharply. Temperatures during the day reach 20°C and at night can drop as low as 5°C.
In terms of the wildlife, you'll not be disappointed whenever you travel to Botswana as it offers a superb safari experience through the year. However, the dryer months June through to October offer some of the prime game viewing. During this period the vegetation is less dense and game concentrates around remaining water sources giving you a better chance to see the wildlife. Accommodation prices, however, do reflect the popularity of travelling over this period.
Passports and Visas
British passport holders do not require visas for Botswana. If you have any other passport please contact your local Embassy or Consulate. Your passport should have at least 2 unused pages and must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
Health
All the hotels and lodges in Botswana have radio contact and are able to access emergency services if required. As many of the lodges are in remote locations and air evacuation would be required, they are part of MARS, the Medical Air Rescue Service which would facilitate this. Each lodge also has a fully trained First Aider available. Should you have any prior concerns please do not hesitate to contact us on 01483 445620.
Insurance
Suitable Travel Insurance is essential and is not automatically included in your booking. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to the following eventualities: cancellation or curtailment of the safari, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage money and goods. Please ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your insurance, and take any relevant documentation with you.
Currency
The Botswana Pula is the currency in Botswana, and 1 pula is divided into 100 thebe. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be imported, but the total amount exported must not exceed the amount declared on entry. Credit cards are also accepted, although we would recommend that you have enough cash and travellers cheques to pay for any extras. These can normally be paid in US$.
Electricity
Most of the lodges do not have mains electricity, it is provided through generators and batteries connected to your room. Hairdryers and electric razors are not an option at most lodges. Camera equipment can be re charged in the main building of the lodge. Please ensure you take the re chargers with you and a spare battery is well recommended.
Special Diets
Special diets can easily be catered for, and dietary requests must be made to airlines no less than 48 hours prior to departure. It is worth mentioning any special requests on check in, and again when you confirm your return flight.
Tipping
Tipping of lodge and hotel personnel is not mandatory, but a demonstration of your appreciation for good service is welcomed. Personnel who are deserving of tips are guides, porters, room cleaners and waiters in bars and restaurants who have been particularly helpful. Tipping of transport personnel is also appreciated and drivers of transfer vehicles, tour coach drivers and guides are deserving of recognition. Tipping can be in local currency although many prefer US$ or £sterling. The following can be used as a guide line, although it is completely at your discretion.
Guide-US$ 5 per person per day
Lodge Staff-US$ 3 per member of staff per stay
Security
Please ensure that your passport, air tickets and travellers cheques are safely stored in your room or with the camp manager. The remoteness of the Botswana lodges ensures that there is very little crime, but we recommend that you do not leave jewellery, mobile phones, cameras or any other valuables in your room or in public areas. When travelling please ensure that your cases are securely locked.
What to Pack
Cool, comfortable and casual clothing is best suited in Botswana. Natural fibres such as cotton ‘breathe' and are most comfortable. The accent is on informal wear.
On safari please ensure you have some good shoes in which you can walk short distances. During the winter months a fleece jacket, hat, gloves and scarf are often appreciated for the early mornings. Normally you will change into shorts and tee shirts by mid day. Don't forget binoculars, camera and film, sun hats and good sunscreen whatever time of year you are travelling. Please note there is a 20kg luggage allowance per person, packed in soft bags including hand luggage and camera equipment.
All of the lodges provide laundry facilities. Towels are provided at all accommodations.
Mobile Phones
Other than in Maun, the mobile phone network in Botswana is very sporadic. It is highly unlikely that you will get good coverage in your lodge. Please ensure you have international roaming installed on your phone. All GSM phones are compatible.
