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Destination:

South Africa, Botswana


Basics

topWhen to Book

Plan 1 year to 2 years out in order to lock in the guides, camps and dates you want.

topWeather & Temperature

South Africa

Because of the variety of elevation and terrain, the weather in South Africa can vary between regions. In general, climate ranges from Mediterranean in the southwestern corner to temperate in the interior plateau, and subtropical in the northeast. Most of the country has warm, sunny days and cool nights. Rainfall generally occurs during summer (Nov through March), although in the southwest, around Cape Town, rainfall occurs in winter (June through August).

Cape Town, South Africa
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Average High Temp °F 78 79 76 72 68 66 65 64 67 70 74 76
°C 33 32 32 31 29 26 26 29 33 35 34 33
Average Low Temperature °F 63 63 60 58 56 54 54 53 55 58 60 62
°C 17 17 16 14 14 12 12 12 13 14 15 17
Average Precipitation in 0.1 0.09 0.07 0.73 0 1.3 0.87 0 0 0.15 0.39 0.25
cm 0.25 0.22 0.17 1.8 0 3.5 2.2 0 0 0.38 1 0.63
Rocktail Bay, South Africa
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Average High Temp °F 86 86 85 83 79 76 76 78 78 80 83 85
°C 30 30 30 28 26 25 24 26 25 27 28 30
Average Low Temperature °F 71 70 69 65 56 52 52 57 60 63 66 69
°C 22 21 20 18 13 11 11 14 16 17 19 21
Average Precipitation in 6.3 6 4.4 2.3 1.7 1.2 2.5 1.1 4.17 4.1 6 4.8
cm 16 15.4 10.2 5.8 4.5 3 6.4 2.9 10.5 10.6 15.3 12.3
Botswana

Botswana's climate pattern is typical of Southern Africa, although it has less rainfall than countries further east. The rains in Botswana come mostly between December and March. April through June has great weather and green landscapes. July through October is the dry season. Rains may begin in November.

Okavango Delta, Botswana
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Average High Temp °F 91 90 90 88 83 78 78 84 91 94 94 92
°C 33 32 32 31 29 26 26 29 33 35 34 33
Average Low Temperature °F 69 68 67 62 53 47 47 53 60 67 69 69
°C 20 20 19 16 12 8 8 11 16 20 21 20
Average Precipitation in 0 2.66 1.6 0.91 0.06 0 0 0.03 0.09 0.44 0 0
cm 0 6.6 4.2 2.3 0.14 0 0 0.07 0.23 1.11 0 0

topWhen to Go

The answer is a bit complex if you want to go to both South Africa and Botswana. Cape Town has such different seasonal patterns than the Safari locations in either country. There are 2 windows that should work for you: the Wet season, in November, December and early January, or the Dry season, in April and May. We went over the Christmas school break and it was wonderful. The scenery was lush and we got to see lots of baby animals.

topTime Difference

Both South Africa and Botswana are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+2GMT), and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (+7EST). So when it is noon in New York, it is 7pm in Cape Town. Neither country observes Daylight Savings Time.

topPassports & Visas

South Africa

All international travelers require a valid passport together with onward travel documents. AND your passport should have at least two blank visa pages for each entry into South Africa, in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages (as many as four) at the back of the passport. Travelers lacking adequate blank pages can be refused entry into South Africa, fined, and returned to their point of origin at the traveler's expense.

Botswana

US citizens need a valid passport (but not a visa) for stays up to 90 days. Visitors to Botswana who also intend to visit South Africa should be advised that the passport needs to have at least two blank visa pages for each entry into South Africa, in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport.

topHealth

Vaccinations
  • Review and update routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus or "childhood" diseases before going on your trip.
  • Depending on your itinerary and your personal risk factors, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, meningitis, rabies, typhoid, or a one time polio booster if you haven't previously received one for travel.
  • Get vaccinated at least 6 weeks prior to your departure date since some inoculations take several weeks to take effect.
Malaria

Malaria is a significant risk so be certain to take anit-malaria tablets as recommended by your doctor. Anti-malaria tactics are fast changing so up-to-date advice is important. Malarone is currently recommended.

Tsetse Flies

Tsetse flies occur in parts of Botswana and Zambia. Best know as carriers of sleeping sickness, which is easily treated and cured.

Ticks

Ticks occur the world over. The most obvious in the savannah regions of Africa are the hard ticks. Prevention is easy. Wear long pants and use anti-tick sprays while walking in the bush. After a walk, brush your clothes down, and examine your body for ticks. If you need to remove a tick, take care to remove it entirely.

Water

It is important that you drink plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. 2 to 3 liters per day should prevent dehydration.

Stomach concerns

Many travelers will experience some stomach changes from different foods and water. We carry bottled water for drinking, and recommend Pepto Bismol tablets or Immodium to aid digestion while your stomach adjusts to the food. You should also bring Cipro for traveler's stomach (dysentery).

Other useful medications

Sunscreen, Aloe Vera Gel, Mosquito repellent (DEET high concentration), Advil, Benadryl or other antihistamine, and cold/flu medicine.

topSecurity

South Africa

South Africa's crime wave continues, though it is largely confined to large cities and is unlikely to affect travelers. Cape Town has a low crime rate; Durban and Johannesburg, high.

For latest information, check the Department of State travel advisory.

Botswana

Botswana is a safe destination with a low crime rate. The greatest danger is the wild animals. Always observe park rules, never get out of your car unless you are certain that it is safe to do so and never confront wild animals.

For latest information, check the Department of State travel advisory.

topMoney Matters

South Africa

The currency in South Africa is the Rand (ZAR), with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchange at banks, Bureaux de Change, Hotels and lodges.

International Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. American Express is not. Various ATMs can be found in cities and large towns.

The exchange rate is quite favorable at this time. To check current rates, go to www.xe.com.

Botswana

The currency in Botswana is the Pula (P), which is made up of 100 Thebe.

Botswana banks only accept/exchange US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euro and South African Rand in cash. Any cash payments at any of the camps need to be in one of these currencies. Traveler's checks in any of these currencies are also acceptable.

International Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted throughout Botswana, but American Express is not.

The exchange rate is quite favorable at this time. To check current rates, go to www.xe.com.

Tipping/Gratuities

Camp, Game Lodge and Specialist guides - US$10/day/guest
Mokoro Paddlers and Trackers - US$5/day/guest
General Safari Camp/Lodge Staff - US$5/day/guest
Transfer Driver - US$2/person
Other Touring Driver and/or Guides - Half day tour US$5/guest, Full day tour US$10/guest
Hotel staff - US$1 and US$2/day/guest
Portage - US$1/movement/guest
Restaurants - 10% gratuity

topPhone

South Africa

South Africa has a well-developed communications infrastructure, with extensive landline phone networks and four mobile phone service providers.

When calling South Africa from abroad, dial +27 + area code (omitting the '0') + local number.
To dial out of South Africa, dial 22 + country code + area cod + local number
Phoning in South Africa – if you are phoning a landline, dial area code with the "0" for the city or town you are calling. If you are phoning a mobile number, you never use an area code, only the mobile network code.

Dialing codes in South Africa

021 – Cape Town
021 – Simon's Town
021 – Stellenbosch
031 – Durban
011 – Johannesburg
012 – Kruger Park

Emergency Numbers
Medical – (011) 254-1911
ER 24 – (011) 803-7707
Police – 10111

On Safari, you may use the camp Satellite phone service. Since this is set up on an as-needed basis, the service is primarily for making rather than receiving calls.

Botswana

When calling Botswana from abroad, dial +267 + city code + local number
To dial out, dial 001 + country code + area code + local number.

Mobile phone service uses GSM 900/1800 band. Mobile phone usage is 8 times that of landline phone services.

Dialing codes in Botswana

31, 35, 36, 39 – Gaborone
24 – Francistown
68 – Maun

Phone Service at Camps/Lodges

Safari camps and lodges you may be visiting may not have service. More guests are bringing satellite and iridium phones with them. As most people come on safari to "get away from it all," we ask that you set any phones to vibrate and use your phone in the privacy of your own room.

topElectricity & Adapters

At hotels electrical appliances run on 220v. Outlets are round 3 pin, 15amp plugs. Adaptors are needed for cameras, chargers, hairdryers, etc.

Various safari camps and lodges may not have 220v and may operate on solar powered 12v electricity. Remember to bring spare batteries to be charged at the lodge while out on safari. While some camps can provide adaptors, it is wise to bring your own.

topLaundry

Laundry is done on a daily basis with the exception of "smalls" (underwear), which are not washed due to local customs.

topCustoms

Giving gifts is an African custom. We arrive with lots of small, lightweight objects like baseball caps, headlamps, flash lights, swatches, and portable GPS devices.

It is customary to ask before taking someone's picture. And you should be prepared to pay for taking their photo as well. Although I am always ready with cash, I have found most people often prefer to have a photo of themselves. I carry a Polaroid camera along with plenty of film so I can do just that.