Sanctuary Lodges & Camps in Botswana

The two most important areas for game viewing in Botswana are within the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Our properties are perfectly located there in secluded and pristine wildlife-rich areas that maximise game viewing opportunities. It is highly recommended that during your safari circuit you stay at two or more of the camps in the Okavango Delta as they all provide such different experiences and viewing opportunities. This is often combined with a stay at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero to take advantage of the only full service spa on the Botswana safari circuit as well as the incredible game viewing at Chobe National Park, home to the world’s largest elephant population.

Blessed with both diamonds and water, Botswana is an economic success story. Over 80% of this landlocked country is made up of the Kalahari Desert, the vast sponge into which the swollen Okavango River disappears each year, creating the largest inland delta in the world - the Okavango Delta. This miraculously fertile flood plain with its crystal-clear lagoons and reed-fringed channels supports a rich and colourful wildlife.



In the country's north west, on the border with Namibia, immense teak forests grow and it is here, in Chobe National Park, that the largest population of elephants in the world live a protected and secure existence. Lions, leopards and rare wild dogs roam the broad plains that shrink and grow with the change of the seasons as the rivers and streams flood.

All Sanctuary Retreats’ properties in Botswana are set far into the wilderness for the best game viewing, but are also well-served by all-weather airstrips so that you spend more time in the bush and less time in transit.

Going on safari in Botswana?

Time Zone

GMT + 2 hours.

Language

The official languages are English and Setswana.

Currency

The currency of Botswana is the pula, divided into 100 thebe. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50 and 100 pula. Coins come in 5, 10, 25, and 50 thebe, and 1,2 and 5 pula.

Money Matters

There will be little access to ATMs or banks while on safari. We suggest guests travel with cash in small denominations for tipping. Accepted currencies are USD, GBP, Euro and Pula - change will be given in the local currency. All cash should be locked in the safes, or safe bags, provided. Sanctuary lodges and camps in Botswana accept credit cards, apart from Diners and American Express. Travellers cheques are accepted as payment in camp, but change will be given in local currency.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but general suggestions are as follows:

• US $5-10 per couple per day for a guide

• US $5-10 per couple per day for the camp staff box
  

Arrival & Departure Formalities

For most passports, a visa is required. Please check with local authorities for details. Two blank passport pages are required when travelling to Southern Africa. Check the number of days given on arrival at the immigration desk as there are steep fines for overstaying the number of days given. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the intended departure date.

Weather

Botswana straddles the Tropic of Capricorn and experiences extremes in temperatures. Days are normally clear, warm and sunny while the nights range from cool to cold. Botswana is primarily a dry country, but a summer rainy season lasts from November to March. Average annual rainfall is around 500mm. During the summer, days are generally sunny with short, abrupt rainstorms which usually clear within hours.  Average temperatures during this period range between 20°C and 38°C. From late May to August, rain is rare anywhere in the country. During this dry season temperatures can plummet as low as 0°C at night and the average maximum temperature is around 27°C.

Click here for Temperature & Rainfall Charts.

Health

Malaria is a concern in northern Botswana. For up to date information on the latest health and vaccination recommendations, please contact your local health practitioner.

Electricity

Botswana uses 220-240 volts, 50 Hz. There are a small stock of adaptors available in camp but it is recommended that guests bring their own.

220 volts are available in Chief's Camp and Chobe Chilwero 24 hours a day.
220 volts are available in Stanley's Camp and Baines' Camp when the generator is running.

Clothing

Clothing should be cool and comfortable, muted colours are the most suitable on safari. Jerseys and heavier jackets are required for winter mornings and evenings. It is recommended to wear long sleeves and trousers in mornings and evenings all year round due to mosquitoes. Sturdy shoes are essential. All Sanctuary camps and lodges provide a fully complimentary launrdy service.

Additional Information

Luggage is restricted to 20kg. Bags should be soft-sided.

Safaris in Botswana