A mobile safari is a type of safari experience where participants move between different locations within a wildlife area or national park, typically in a group or small convoy. Instead of staying at a fixed accommodation, such as a lodge or camp, the participants stay in temporary camps that are set up and dismantled as the safari progresses. These camps are often designed to provide basic yet comfortable accommodations, with amenities such as sleeping tents, communal dining areas, and shared bathroom facilities.

During a mobile safari, participants have the opportunity to explore different areas and ecosystems, maximizing their chances of encountering diverse wildlife species and experiencing varied landscapes. The safari guides and staff set up the camps in strategic locations to offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, often moving every few days to follow animal migration patterns or explore different regions.

Mobile safaris are typically led by experienced guides who possess extensive knowledge of the local wildlife and ecosystems. They provide informative game drives and guided walks, offering insights into the natural surroundings and the behavior of the animals encountered along the way.

This type of safari appeals to adventurous travelers who enjoy a more immersive and flexible experience, as it allows for a closer connection with nature and the ability to explore remote and lesser-known areas. Mobile safaris can be organized in various destinations across Africa, including countries such as Botswana, Tanzania, and Zambia, among others.

The minimum connection time at Johannesburg Airport is supposed to be 90 minutes, however we recommend a minimum of 2-3 hours, when connecting on to Botswana (from an international or domestic flight). On departure from Botswana, we recommend you allow 3-4 hours before your onward connecting flight to allow for delays or late notice scheduled time changes which can be a common occurrence.

It is essential to ensure that your full name as stated in your passport matches that of your international airline ticket.  Tickets issued in an incorrect name may result in you being denied boarding and potentially incurring additional costs for the purchase of a new ticket.

Any guests travelling with children under 18 years of age, under both Botswana and South African law, must carry the appropriate documentation: an unabridged birth certificate, passport, and affidavit from both parents if they are travelling with only one parent, or a 3^rd party, authorizing their travel with the child(ren). Contact us for further details. This applies to guests transiting (i.e., flying through Johannesburg) or travelling in South Africa or Botswana.

When arranging your international and regional flights for the start and end of your safari, please bear in mind that charter aircraft cannot fly after sunset/ during hours of darkness.  You need to arrive on the first day of your safari with sufficient time for charter aircraft to fly you to camp and return to the point of origin before sunset, as well as allowing for any potential delays with immigration.

If booking a flight scheduled for arrival within 2 – 3 hours of sunset, a pre-night in the town of arrival is recommended as any flight delays will result in you losing your first night on safari and having to lay-over at a local hotel/guesthouse at your own expense. Similarly, on your day of departure, light aircraft can only fly out of the originating airport and into camp to pick you up after sunrise.  If your connecting flight is scheduled for the early morning, you may need to spend a night in town to allow you to connect with your international/regional flight.

On fly-in safaris, movement between camps is generally by a light aircraft due to remote areas visited and distances travelled.  Light aircraft used for inter-camp transfers vary in size from 3,5,7 & 12 seater aircraft.  The most common makes of aircraft used are the Cessna C182, C206, C210, C207, Cessna Grand Caravan, Britten Norman Islander, and the Gippsland Airvan. Air transfer times vary between twenty minutes to one hour twenty minutes depending on your itinerary. The flight departure and drop off times are scheduled by air charter companies the day prior, to fit in with their flying schedule, therefore we cannot advise travel times in advance. Most transfers are scheduled between activities or to suit your flight arrival/departure times.

To keep the cost of the air transfers reasonable, the lodges in the region co-operate to share daily schedules wherever possible. The rate you have been quoted is therefore ‘A SEAT IN A PLANE RATE’ (unless otherwise specified) rather than a private charter rate, meaning you will share the aircraft with guests flying to other lodges/camps.  As a result, your aircraft may stop up to three times at airstrips enroute to your destination to pick-up and drop-off other travelers.

 Charter aircraft cannot fly during hours of darkness.  If you arrive too late for the pilot to make a return flight, you will have to overnight at the point of arrival at your own expense before continuing to camp.  These flying restrictions are even more important to keep in mind during winter months (May, June, July, August) when days are shorter in Southern Africa.  Please read full details under ARRIVING IN SOUTHERN AFRICA for further information on what to keep in mind when booking your international ticket for connections with charter flights.

Under current regulations, all guests must submit their weight at the time of booking. This allows forward planning by the flight operators and ultimately reduces the costs for all travelers. Strict luggage restrictions apply on all light aircraft transfers – see bag dimensions under our packing section. It is of particular importance that you advise your agent if one of your travelling party is over 100kg as this information needs to be passed onto the light aircraft company whilst making your booking, for safety and logistical reasons.  There may be additional charges involved, depending on the policy of the individual charter company.

Out in the bush, some transfers may also be done by road between two camps and these transfers are normally conducted as a game drive in an open vehicle as you will be driving in wildlife areas.

On mobile safaris, movement between campsites is generally by road in an open safari vehicle. These drives are generally through wildlife areas and taken at a comfortable pace, stopping for refreshments and game viewing as you travel.

Depending on the time of year, some of these transfers can be quite interesting with water crossings and some bumpy roads, which are all part of the adventure. In winter these transfers can be chilly in the open vehicles, so be sure to pack/dress accordingly.

In addition, your itinerary may include road, boat and mokoro transfers as dictated by the locality of the camp and its seasonal access.

Main roads in Southern Africa between urban centers are generally tar roads, however some stretches of road may be gravel and depending on where you are travelling, roads may be pot-holed and shoulders non-existent.

As a rule, driving in Botswana during hours of darkness is not recommended due to increased animal movement (such as donkeys, elephants, and plains game) on the roads.  The risk of accident increases dramatically between sunset and sunrise, and we strongly advise against travelling on the roads during these hours.

In Botswana’s National Parks, roads are generally sand or dirt and are not paved or graded.  Petrol consumption and travel times increase significantly when driving through the parks and you must take this in consideration to properly plan distances and arrive at your destination before sunset in accordance with national park rules.

Depending on the time of year, the risk of getting stuck in thick sand, mud or during water crossings increases dramatically.  Certain areas (such as the Central Kalahari Game Reserve) are best driven in convoy.  Any self-drive itinerary taken through a National Park needs to be planned carefully with expert advice and can only be undertaken in a 4×4 with good clearance and sufficient equipment to assist you in the event of getting stuck or lost (i.e., satellite phone, GPS, high-lift jack, extra fuel, water etc.)

Driving in Southern Africa is on the left-hand side and for driving in the national parks you will need park permits organized for your vehicle and its occupants in advance.  In Botswana the National Parks require you exit by 11am on the last day to avoid paying an additional entrance fee.

You will need to present your passport at border crossings and some countries may require a pre-arranged visa depending on your country of origin (check with your local embassy/consulate requirements).

For many nationalities tourism visas are not required for Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, and the visas for Zambia & Zimbabwe can be purchased at the port of entry, however Mozambique visas must be obtained in advance. There are many exceptions, and it is your responsibility to check all visa requirements before booking your trip.

When crossing a border by vehicle you may be required to change vehicles at the border, with reference to the Botswana/Zimbabwe Kazungula border, and may have to carry your bags the short distance between vehicles.

For transfers at the Botswana/Zambia Kazungula border, guests are ferried across the Zambezi River by small speed boat to immigration on the opposite side.

Airport meet and greet! Should you encounter any problems with flight delays or lost luggage we will be there to assist you.

Botswana is considered a safe destination as it is economically and politically stable. However, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions as you would for travel to any destination, particularly when in towns or cities in Southern Africa as a whole:

1. Please do not leave your luggage unattended at airports and at borders.
2. All valuables and medication need to go into your hand luggage.
3. Please do not have your valuables on display when visiting the falls and markets, or any other public areas.
4. Make use of room safes to lock up personal valuables or discuss with management should one not be provided

Wildlife safety is a separate issue and provided you listen attentively to safety briefings and exercise common sense and respect in wildlife areas you will generally be ‘safe’.  Please do not hesitate to ask questions and voice any concerns to your guide as your confidence is an important aspect in safety on activities.  Please listen to your guide attentively on safety precautions particular to each camp and follow their instructions.

Please note that there is an inherent risk associated with going on safari.  All guests are required to sign indemnities at the various camps and lodges, and you are also required to abide by the operator’s code of conduct to ensure safety.

The power supply in Botswana is 220V. Many safari camps and lodges run on generators and very few have 24-hour electricity.  Some camps do not have plug points in guest accommodation but will generally have power points in the main camp area for charging batteries.  Mobile safaris have a system for recharging camera batteries through the car battery with an inverter.

For Botswana there are two associated plug types, types D and G. Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G is the plug which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Botswana operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Many camps have universal plug points however the most used systems in Zambia, Botswana & Zimbabwe are the UK square pegged plugs, South African round type M, three-pronged plugs and Euro two-pronged pin plugs.  To be on the safe side, you should purchase type M and Type d or type G.

• For safety reasons light aircraft transfers have a restriction of 15kg  / 33 lbs luggage plus 5kg / 11 lbs of hand luggage (20kgs / 44 lbs total) per person, packed in SOFT (In Zambia, this limit is decreased to 15kg / 33 lbs TOTAL per person on light aircraft transfers, schedule flights remain at 20kg/ 44 lbs)
• Please note that if your luggage is overweight or in the incorrect bag type – you will be asked to re-pack and/or you may have to book additional seats or a private charter at extra cost to accommodate your luggage
• The maximum size per bag is 10 inches x ]12 inches x 24 inches, this is the size of the pod of a Cessna 206, which is the most used aircraft for inter camp transfers
• Please do not bring hard suitcases or suitcases with wheels as they will not fit on a light aircraft
• Excess luggage may be stored in Maun, providing clients are returning through Maun Airport to pick their bags up again before onward travel. For clients combining a safari with a Mozambican beach extension, luggage can also be stored in a secure luggage storing facility at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport

Bags/suitcases with hard wheeled bases will not fit into the luggage pod. Soft bags only will fit into the luggage pod.

As most game viewing activities are taken in open safari vehicles or boats, it is important that you wear appropriate clothing to suit.

Generally, layers of clothing are recommended so that you can take off or add on as the day warms up/cools down. Many bush camps offer a complimentary laundry service; however, hotels and guesthouses will charge. Laundry is not usually possible on a mobile camping safari; however, most of the time laundry services are available every second day.

• Camouflage printed clothing is okay for the bush but please do not wear in towns or when crossing borders (particularly in Zimbabwe)
• Comfortable walking shoes (no heavy hiking boots required for normal guided bush walks and game drives) and flip flops/sandals for around camp.The right walking shoes are essential for any walking-based activity. Please note that majority of the terrain in Botswana is a sandy substrate, varying in depth depending on the region. For walking within the Okavango Delta, one also needs to keep in mind potentially walking through water. We recommend getting light but durable walking shoes, easy to remove if needed for those water crossings.

Look forward to a wide variety of meals during your stay and all camps attempt to include an “African” flavor in their menus.

Specific dietary requirements are catered for provided we are notified when making your booking. Please note that specialist gluten free/vegan foods are not always available in Botswana, and you need to discuss your requirements with your travel agent. Any food allergies need to be notified well in advance to ensure they are properly prepared for.

English is the official language of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia and widely spoken with all guides and most general staff in camps and lodges having a good command. In the broader population however, not everyone will speak English fluently as many have grown up speaking different tribal languages.

It may be possible to hire a guide that can speak an alternative language (such as German, French, or Italian), however the cost of this usually suits groups rather than individual travelers. We have a good range of group camping and group accommodated safaris that are led by German speaking guides.

In Mozambique, the official language is Portuguese, however most staff in the lodges will speak English.  Please note that outside of the hotel environment there is much less spoken English in Mozambique than in other Southern African countries.

Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe offer wonderful safari experiences for families.

If you are travelling with children, please be aware that you will be required to have certified copies of their unabridged birth certificates, and passports on hand.  If you are not their legal parents, or if only one of you is travelling – you will need to have consent in the form of an affidavit giving you permission to travel with the child.   Please contact us for further details. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT YOU COMPLY, or you may be turned away at boarding point.

In the bush camps and lodges, the general minimum age for children in is 12 years but a range of camps allow for children between 6 – 12 years, with applicable conditions. Some camps accept younger children, and most hotels accept children of all ages.   It is important to note that even if a lodge accepts children, certain activities (particularly guided walks and mokoro excursions) may be restricted and will be at the discretion of their guide.  Conditions such as private vehicles and limited activities may apply depending on the camp or lodge.  Some properties will require that children under the age of 18 years share with an adult.  More and more lodges are building family rooms, but these are typically limited to one unit per property and early booking is essential.  There might be discounts for children, but these do not always apply depending on the lodge and the time of year.  As a rule, accommodations in Chobe (Botswana), Victoria Falls (both Zambian & Zimbabwean side), Namibia and Mozambique are more flexible regarding minimum ages of children.

• Please do not take photographs or use video equipment near military and government institutions/ borders/airports. As a social courtesy please ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
• If you are travelling with a significant amount of photographic equipment (large lenses, tripods etc) you may need to pay for an additional seat on any charter flights to accommodate the equipment. Please discuss on booking.
• Dust is an issue for photographic equipment, be sure to bring appropriate covers and zip lock bags for storage.

Please keep the following documents with you during travel:

• Airline Tickets and/or any e-ticket references for your commercial flights. Most airlines do not require reconfirmation but you still need to check for schedule changes 72 hours prior to your flight.
• A certified colour photocopy of your passport and other important documents for use in case of lost or stolen originals (kept separately from the originals).
• Valid passport – with at least 6 months validity and six empty pages.

Citizens of certain countries are required to obtain visas well in advance of travel for South Africa (even transit), Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia and most visitors to Mozambique are required to get a visa in advance.  Please note that certain visas can take up to 3 months to be processed so please consider this when booking and note that it is your responsibility to check before final confirmation.

The below is a guideline only.  For up-to-date Visa requirements please check with your local embassy or consulate.

 Fees for Visas for selected nationalities elligible to receive their visa on entry:

• Zambia – payable on arrival: U$D 50.00 for single entry/ U$D 80.00 for double entry for selected nationalities only
• Zimbabwe – payable on arrival: Europe and USA: U$D 30.00 for single entry/ U$D 45.00 for double entry.

PLEASE ensure that you buy the correct visa for your itinerary at the first point of entry and plan in advance for multiple-entry visas if required as these are not always available at the port of entry.

KAZA UNIVISA

The Univisa offers a one-off tourist visa for up to 30-day stay for a single payment of US$50 for Zimbabwe and Zambia. Citizens of 40 selected countries are eligible for the visa which allows unlimited travel within this 30-day period between Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as in and out of Botswana for day-trips through the Kazangula border. Not only does it reduce time spent at these borders but also a reduction in cost as no re-entry visa is then required. See http://www.kazavisa.info/index.php/about/zambia-zimbabwe-visa-info for more information.

As it is a new development, please contact us for up to date information prior to travel.

• While tipping is not a requirement, it is a generally accepted in form of “thanks” throughout the world and highly appreciated by all levels of staff.
• Tipping should reflect the level of service you have received throughout your trip and if you are dissatisfied with the level of service, it is not compulsory. On the other hand, if you have received exemplary service from your guide, poler or general camp staff, you may wish to give more than usual and will give crew some money part from their Salary.
• So, when travelling it is a really good idea to keep a supply of small bills in dollars or local currencies. It is recommended to give tips directly to the person you wish to tip. Most of the time tipping is done in small denominations. It is good to change the currency with the help of a guide and calculating how much would you require
• Tips in USD or Euro is generally accepted in Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania & Mozambique
• If you are using US currencies, make sure they are not older than 2008 series and torn or adulterated, as they may not be accepted by bank when exchanged to local currency.

As an idea of who and what you may want to tip, we have listed the following guidelines:

• • Guides in the camps – USD10 -USD20 per day, per guest
  • Mokoro polers or trackers – USD 5 – USD10 per poler, per guest
  • Cook – USD8 – USD per day for a cook
  • General staff (boat drivers, bar staff, housekeeping) – USD5 – USD10 per day which is put into a communal tip box and shared between staff ensuring those behind the scenes are rewarded.

HOW TO TIP?

There are various ways to tip. Every camp and lodge have its own system to tip.

• Communal Tipping Box:Usually located in the main area or the place where visitors gather more. Some of the camps have separate boxes for back house staff and front house staff. This box will be generally shared by the manager to all the staffs.
  • Handing Money to the Manager at the end of trip:If you do not find any communal box, you can hand over the money to the manager before you leave.
  • Handing tips to the individual staff:This is one option available where you can approach individually and tip them. You can tip according to you as per the service provided by them and help you with things to do in Kenya.
  • Adding it to a credit card bill: If the lodges and camps accept credit card, you can add the tip to your credit card bill.

They are many places that you can buy souvenirs like crafts, including baskets, beadwork, masks and woodcarvings.

• For curios and crafts the best value shopping is in the Victoria Falls area and bargaining is accepted.
• There are a good variety of shops in towns, which sell local crafts and many camps and lodges also have small curio shops for purchasing souvenirs.
• Due to your luggage restriction on a fly in safari, we encourage shopping at the end of the trip, either in Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Maun, or Johannesburg dependant on your itinerary.

US$ (cash) Dollars is generally a universally accepted currency to use for tips and local money exchange (USD is also the official currency in Zimbabwe). Please note that in most African countries, only notes from 2007 onwards are accepted. Because of the risk of forgeries, people are sometimes suspicious of larger denomination notes so USD$100 and even USD$50 may sometimes be rejected in shops, and it is advisable to carry lower denominations which are also more practical.  USD $1 are not always easy to exchange (so not advised for tipping in Botswana) but are in big demand in Zimbabwe, so plan according to where you are going. Zimbabwe has introduced ‘bond notes’ in late 2016 which can be used as exchangeable currency within Zimbabwe only – please be sure to spend them before leaving the country or try to avoid them – currently only for lower denominations only.

VISA is the most widely accepted credit card with facilities for MasterCard being more limited. Amex and Diners are NOT widely accepted and therefore not recommended. Please note that some places will charge an additional service charge for credit card payment. Please be sure to contact your credit card company prior to departure, to advise them that you will be using your cards in the specific countries relevant to your itinerary. If not, pre-advised credit card companies may block transactions that take place in foreign countries – possibly even after multiple transactions have gone through.

• BOTSWANA: The official currency is Pula (BWP). BWP can be changed at a good rate in Victoria Falls due to Botswana’s proximity. Once you leave these areas, exchange rates will not be in your favor.
• SOUTH AFRICA: The offical currency is ZAR (South Africab Rand)
• MOZAMBIQUE: The official currency  is Meticais (MZN). All major towns have ATMs. Meticais cannot be exchanged outside of Mozambique.
• NAMIBIA: The official currency is Namibian Dollars (N$) which is on parity with the South African Rand (ZAR). Please note that although you can use ZAR in Namibia as common currency, you cannot do the same in South Africa so you must use or change all Namibian dollars prior to departure.
• ZAMBIA: It’s official currency the Kwacha (ZMW) BUT you may still use American US$ dollars for most monetary transactions, excepting small shops. You can purchase Kwacha in Zambia at your airport of arrival, through ATM’s, major hotels, and bureaux de change. Please note that you cannot take Kwacha outside of Zambia or exchange it in neighboring countries.  Any excess ZMW should be exchanged before departure. Please also note that Visa is the most widely accepted credit card in Zambia, Mastercard is marginally accepted, and Amex/Diners generally not accepted.

Most towns in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia have ATMs where you can draw cash using your Visa or MasterCard with a 4-digit PIN however they are not always reliable, so a backup of hard currency is recommended.

While the typical safari is not physically demanding, most safaris involve prolonged exposure to the elements. Bottled water in Southern Africa often does not contain all the minerals required to stay sufficiently hydrated and we recommend travellers consume a combination of soft drinks, juices, and water to avoid any issues, especially as extreme temperatures may be experienced out in the bush.

• If you are taking prescription medication that is essential to your health carry it in your hand luggage. Please bring a spare prescription in case of loss or damage whilst travelling.
• Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, parts of Namibia and South Africa are considered malaria areas. Please visit your local Travel Clinic and take reasonable pre-cautions.
• Precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes include sleeping under a mosquito net, making use of mosquito – repelling lotion and wearing long-sleeved clothing when outside at night.
• Due to the remote location of most camps and lodges, electricity is supplied by generator during the day and shut off at night. Camps ordinarily do not have 24 hours electricity as a result.  Therefore, if you have a medical condition (i.e., sleep apnea), which requires 24-hour electricity, please notify your travel agent in advance so that necessary arrangements can be made and if necessary, your itinerary altered to suit.
• If you have recently been in a Yellow Fever affected country (including Tanzania ** no longer applicable for Zambia**) and are returning or transiting via South Africa or Botswana, you will be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• If you suffer from motion sickness it may be an idea to take necessary precautions before traveling, particularly for days where you will be traveling by light aircraft.
• Please note: A first aid kit is always available in camps. However, we recommend that you have the following available for personal use: aspirin, laxative, Imodium, antihistamine pills and ointment, band aids, electrolyte sachets and wet wipes.
• For up-to-date information, visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION website who.int

All guest must have their own medical evacuation insurance. We would like to highlight that there are certain inherent risks associated with a safari. As we are your first point of contact on the ground, it is essential that we have your personal medical insurance and evacuation details on hand in the event of an emergency. On booking please advise all relevant medical and insurance details (name of insurance company, insurance number, contact details/phone number of the insurance company).

• Please understand that it is a long way from the camps to any commercial medical facility and camps are not able to evacuate clients after dark by charter aircraft. Only in Northern Botswana is there a possibility of evacuation during hours of darkness by helicopter through Okavango Air Rescue which we include on most safaris – please discuss with your consultant. Please note that this OAR cover works in conjunction with your travel insurance not instead of. Medical evacuation is dependent on the extent of the emergency and favorable weather conditions and medical assessment.
• In the event of a medical emergency, clients are flown to the nearest medical facility to be stabilized pending a transfer to South Africa for further medical treatment.
• Medical facilities in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe & Mozambique are limited and therefore there is always a risk involved.
• If clients require special medication, they must ensure that they have this with them and keep a back-up supply if the medication is necessary for survival.

Southern Africa offers an exciting travel experience all year round. However, there are certain seasons when activities may be restricted, or camps may close. Please note that places in and around water like the Okavango, Linyanti and Chobe tend to have less extreme, more moderate temperatures than the drier desert areas of the Kalahari, Makgadikgadi and Savuti.

• June – August is the most popular time to visit Southern Africa, partly since it ties in with summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere, but also due to good game viewing opportunities. Normally at this time of the year, vegetation has thinned out following the green season, making game more visible.  These months bring the coldest temperatures of the year; however, they are still comfortable for safari activities with daytime temperatures sitting around 20 – 28 degrees Celsius.  Nights and early mornings can drop as low as 0 – 8 degrees Celsius with wind chill factor making it even colder on an open vehicle or boat activity.
• September – October is arguably the best time for big game safaris as the temperature rises, further drying out landscapes and surface water, resulting in game concentrating around permanent water sources. Whilst the game viewing can be excellent, October can be extremely hot with maximum daytime temperatures between 35 – 40 degrees Celsius, so may not suit all travellers.
• November – March is when lot of animals give birth due to the summer rains bringing an abundance of vegetation and surface water. These months are also referred to as ‘green season.’  Temperatures are still warm during the day, up to 30 – 35 degrees Celsius, but may drop down to 15-18 degrees when it is raining.  Rain tends to fall in short, often spectacular thundershowers, usually in the early afternoon, which may interrupt game viewing.  Rainfall patterns vary annually, however and this is still a great time of year to visit with a lot of juvenile animals around, leading to increased predator/prey interaction.  Game viewing can be more challenging as grasses are longer, vegetation is thicker, and game more spread out due to the availability of surface water away from permanent water sources.   It is the ideal time to travel should you have an interest in the Kalahari, Makgadikgadi or Savute region (due to animal migrations to the region) and birding.
• April and May continue to be a good time to visit the Southern African region, and travel into the parks is easier as roads dry out, making game areas more accessible, however the landscape is still lush and green. These months are perfect for traveling with clear skies, warm days and cool nights as temperatures begin to drop.

There are a few areas in Southern Africa which are more affected by changing seasons than others and possible activities may vary dramatically from one season to the next as a result.  The below is a general guideline for what areas are most dramatically affected, however as seasons and weather are constantly changing and unpredictable, the below is an indication, not a guarantee of what can be expected on average from one year to the next.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The water levels of the Okavango Delta vary by several metres in depth throughout the year and this affects what activities are available at camps in the area.  The flood water that fills the delta originates as rain over the Angolan highlands and takes several months to reach Botswana from its source.  Very little of the Okavango’s water levels result from local rainfall and so the peak flood levels do not coincide with rainy season.  Lowest water levels in the delta generally occur between November – April with highest water levels occurring between May to September.  Camps offering boating/mokoro activities may not be able to offer these activities during low water for reasons of safety & practicality, whereas during high water, camps offering game drives may have very limited game drive routes to offer.  To ascertain what camps are best to visit and what activities will be available at the time of year you’ll travel, please check with your travel agent.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana

Accessibility of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is severely limited during green season and for some months after as the pans dry out.  Generally, from the first rainfall (normally October/November) the pans become inaccessible for quad biking and sleep-outs.  Camps on the pans generally focus more on game drives in the surrounding grasslands during this time to look for migrating zebra and wildebeest.  Birds also arrive in the area during green season to take advantage of the water on the pans.  From the first rainfall until the pans are dry (generally April/May) no vehicles (including quad bikes) can drive on the pans without getting stuck.  For details on how the time of year you travel may impact the activities available to you when visiting the pans, please check with your travel agent.