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Want to know the essential Botswana Safari Packing List you must adhere to? I’m sure the last thing you want is worrying about overpacking and missing the most important items.
Here are the tried-and-true items every safari enthusiast should include in their packing list.
Planning a safari is very exciting, and if you’re anything like me, you’re doing all the research you can to ensure that you’ve packed everything you’ll need.
This is crucial because Botswana safaris are incredibly remote. As a safari lover myself, I’m sharing the best items for a Botswana safari packing list I swear by.
You are going to learn about a safari packing list, including the best shoes for a Botswana safari, what to wear in the Okavango Delta, clothing in Botswana, safari clothes, and more.
After learning about these must-have items, you will be extra prepared to go on the adventure of your lifetime.
This post is all about the essential Botswana safari packing list items every safari lover should pack.
Must-Have Botswana Safari Packing List Items
1. Botswana Safari Packing List: Safari Shoes
Looking for the best shoes for a Botswana safari? You do not need the most expensive safari shoes.
Just look for shoes that are both functional and stylish, yet lightweight and practical.
As a safari lover myself, I chose the pair above. Although these timberland boots have supportive soles, good grip, and are enclosed, I found them slightly heavy.
A sturdy pair will go a long way. If you have planned a walking safari, consider ankle-high boots for extra support and protection against thorns and muddy trails.
Moreover, ankle-high boots have a way of elevating your safari outfit.
2. Botswana Safari Packing List: Safari Shirt
When it comes to a Botswana safari packing list, the one item you will be reaching for every day is your shirt.
Because of the hot weather in Botswana, you want a lightweight, breathable shirt. Ideally, neutral colours are preferred, as bright colours tend to attract insects.
If your shirt is not a neutral colour, it’s fine; make sure you wear a long-sleeved one. This is to protect against mosquito bites and bugs.
If you want to be extra cautious, consider purchasing safari clothing made from an antimicrobial or antibacterial fabric.
This means you can wear the same clothing for more extended periods and travel more lightly. However, if you need regular laundry services, they will be provided during your stay.
3. A small first aid kit
A small first-aid kit might be an unexpected item to pack; however, having basic supplies will be very helpful for managing minor injuries.
Remember, you will be miles away from the nearest pharmacy.
Here is a list of basic supplies you might want to bring with you: Painkillers(Ibuprofen and paracetamol), antiseptic wipes, small gauze and medical tape, antihistamines, rehydration salts, insect repellent, anti-motility medication, and motion sickness tablets.
4. Soft-sided luggage
Because hard-body luggage is not allowed on bush flights, consider investing in a good-quality duffel bag that will last you a long time.
Duffle bags are lighter and more flexible, making storage during travel easier. Remember, the luggage weight limit on bush flights is 15kg.
5. Best Binoculars for Safari
One essential safari item is binoculars. Because you have to keep your distance during game drives, binoculars are a necessity. Some tour operators provide binoculars.
If not, I highly recommend bringing your own, so you can see that once-in-a-lifetime moment.
You can purchase high-quality binoculars from Amazon or retailers specialising in safari and travel gear.
6. Botswana Safari Packing List: Hat
Whether you’re heading into the Okavango Delta or going for a bush walk, you’ll need a good safari hat, preferably one with a wide brim. It will cover your face, neck, and ears.
Also, please make sure it has a strap or chin cord, since it can become loose in windy conditions.
Another option is a cap or baseball hat. It is perfect for game drives in enclosed vehicles or hanging around camp. It is not as protective, but comfy and familiar.
You can find a similar hat on Amazon. This safari hat is one of my absolute favourites. I have used it for many years, and it’s still standing.
7. Best Safari Pants
Wondering what to wear on a safari? Well, for safari pants, opt for a long, lightweight, breathable style, preferably in earth tones like khaki, olive, beige, or grey.
Bright colours attract insects, especially tsetse flies, and those flies can be a pain!
Also, safari game drives can get very dusty, especially during the dry season. Brightly coloured clothing will show every speck of dust and dirt.
Moreover, avoid black-coloured clothing, as it absorbs more heat. Two or three pairs of pants should be enough for a week-long safari.
8. Camera
I swear by this camera! A good camera is a must-have addition to your Botswana safari packing list. Botswana is a paradise for wildlife photographers, so it’s worth investing in a good camera.
However, if you’re just on vacation, you can use your phone’s camera on safari and still come away with some stunning pictures and beautiful memories.
If you are a solo traveller like me, you can and should ask your guide to take your pictures. They are always happy to help with that.
9. Sunglasses
Sunglasses might seem like a fashion choice; however, out in the Botswana wilderness, they are an essential item for safari. Between blazing sun and dusty drives, you will be glad you have them.
When buying sunglasses, look for these features: polarised lenses, UV protection (100%), a durable frame, and a non-reflective coating. Of course, they can be as fashionable as you like.
10. Necessary medications
First and foremost, do not forget to pack your prescription medications. You do not want your trip sidelined by unexpected health issues caused by missing medicines. Consult with your doctor well in advance for your prescriptions.
Also, please carry enough supplies and keep the original packaging. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended for every safari lover travelling to Botswana.
The northern part of the country has a high malaria risk, and it’s here that the iconic Okavango Delta, Chobe, and various Botswana safaris are located.
Consider packing anti-diarrheal medication, such as loperamide, for an upset stomach. In addition, pack oral rehydration salts, antiseptic and antihistamine creams.
11. Jacket
You might be wondering what to include in a Botswana safari packing list in winter. Well, the good news is, the list doesn’t change; you just have to add a jacket and a scarf.
12. Botswana Safari Packing List: Yellow Fever Card
One item to consider for the Botswana safari packing list is a yellow fever vaccination card.
A yellow card is an international certificate to prove that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. The certificate lasts a lifetime.
Botswana is not a yellow fever risk country; however, the government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from yellow fever-endemic countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria.
Suppose you are flying in from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, or Australia. In that case, you do not need a yellow card.
However, if you are travelling to multiple countries and have travelled to a yellow fever-endemic country, you will need to present a yellow fever card when entering Botswana.
Other essential Botswana safari Packing List items
- Tissues and wipes
These are important for your game drives. Your game drives can be long and take you far from the nearest restroom.
Pack a little into your small backpack when going for a game drive. Of course, pack a hand sanitiser too.
This is for you, solo travellers. You will want to capture a picture of yourself with an elephant in the background. Feel free to ask your guide to help you take pictures.
I personally use the DJI Osmo Mobile gimbal, and it is the best. However, if you don’t like this one, there are tons of options on Amazon.
If you will be on a safari for an extended period, pack a power bank. Especially if you plan to do a lot of video shooting.
Please be sure to bring a universal travel adapter because it ensures you are covered in any situation.
- Clothing in Botswana
Aside from safaris, you may also plan to explore other parts of the country while you are there. For example, tourists usually visit Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane. For that, you might wonder, what kind of clothes should I pack?
Botswana is a country that is open-minded and tolerant, therefore feel free to dress comfortably and to your taste. Shorts and sleeveless tops are widely worn.
You will notice a variety of clothing styles, ranging from traditional attire to everyday wear.
Tips and tricks for smart safari packing
Here are some tips to ensure you pack smart and make your safari trip as smooth as possible.
1. Focus on multi-purpose clothing and items.
2. Research the packing list well in advance
3. Roll your clothes to save space and use packing cubes.
4. Ask people you know who have been on a safari, and check with them what’s not necessary.
5. Avoid packing too many duplicate clothes
6. Avoid packing expensive items you won’t need; these can get lost or damaged.
7. Avoid packing what you don’t need; for instance, hairdryers will be provided at your lodge.
This post was all about the best Botswana Safari Packing List to help you pack right for your Botswana trip.
