BOTSWANA EDITION – THE OKAVANGO DELTA
Seasons of The Delta:
The Okavango Delta is divided into four seasons:
- The Green Season – December to March.
- First Shoulder Season – April and May.
- Flooding Season (Peak season) – June to October.
- Second Shoulder Season – November.
Naturally, there will be some overlaps for safari travel-items that pertain to all four seasons.
Wardrobe:
Your wardrobe should consist of an array of lightweight muted tone safari-clothing. Why? Because these tones:
- blend well with the natural environment – which helps observing animals without startling them.
- reflect sunlight keeping you cooler in the hot African sun.
- hide some of the inevitable dust of many safari destinations.
This is the perfect excuse to go shopping to expand your khaki clothes collection for your upcoming safari (and the one after; and the after that!). Here is an idea of safari chic options:
The Smaller Items to Enhance Your Safari Experience for All Seasons:
- Camera and relevant accessories
- Binoculars
- Cap or a wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock
- SPF rollup lip-ice
- Gloves (mittens are preferred as it’s easier to disrobe fingers quickly to take photos at a moment’s notice
- Beanies and buffs for those crisp early morning game drives
- High socks that cover your ankles to avoid the mozzies nibbling away at your ankles
- Watch, phone and universal charger
- Bird book, journal or leisurely novel
- A variety of Dollar nominations for tipping
Medicinal Suggestions (lodges have first aid kits, but I always take just in case):
- Vaccination requirements vary, we suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for prophylactics and the latest health precautions
- Anti Malaria prophylactics
- Sanitary products for ladies
- Pain killers
- Anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea tablets
- Antihistamines – especially if you have dust allergies
- Plasters and antibacterial cream
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
- Ensure you have an adequate supply of prescription medication to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s) from your doctor
Travel Documents:
- Passports with VISA (if required) and certified copies of these
- Copies of travel insurance
- Copies of flights
- Copies of accommodation and itinerary
- Print out of dietary requirement confirmation between you and the lodges
Most Lodges Provide:
- Water bottles and safe drinking water
- 24-hour turn around laundry services
- Insect repellant
- Ponchos or blankets for the early morning or night game drives
- Wi-Fi accessibility
- Body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner
- Umbrellas
- A safe to store your valuables
- Torches
- Towels and kikois
- Tea and coffee
Luggage Allowance for Inter-Camp Flights:
While international and regional flights have larger bag and weight allowances and there is nowhere to store any excess luggage and therefore strongly suggest you travel according to the intercamp flights’ luggage restrictions which are:
- Checked baggage should not exceed 30 cm wide x 70 cm long
- Checked baggage must be in a soft frameless bag with no wheels
- Checked baggage must not exceed 20 kg including hand luggage (leave a smidge extra room for any curios along the way)
- Hand luggage is limited to 1 piece, max 5 kgs per person
Our Top 7 Personal Game-Changers:
- Veldskoene (see below pic) – These hardy shoes were first documented by the Dutch Settlers who arrived in Southern Africa almost 400 years ago. It translates to “field shoes”. However, according to Khoisan tribal folklore, there were leather shoes, cut from a single hide, being made and worn by tribes, as far back as 1000 years ago. These hardy shoes come in a variety of colours and we can attest to their versatility and durability.
- Khaki knee length trench coat – Great to dress up for dinners or dress down for safari drives and walks.
- Disposable hand-warmer packs. This is an inexpensive way to give your hands (or toes if you are like me and want to slip it in your shoes) that extra boost of warmth for the crisp early morning drives.
- Safari socks and gaiters – Walking in the bush while on safari is the quintessential experience and to avoid nasty blisters and perhaps a thorny bush slicing your ankles.
- Fabulous binoculars – it goes without saying that a great pair of binos not only helps spot animals far in the distance on your game drives, but it is also wonderful to use when you are either in the communal area overlooking a waterhole or admiring the bird species from your patio or a spotting animals from a hide.
- Trousers with zip-off legs are practical as the temperature discrepancy throughout the day and night can vary hugely (especially in peak season).
- A good camera is also a huge plus.
