For us it is of utmost importance to satisfy our customers. Many things may appear simple and self-explanatory to us, but perhaps unclear and confusing to you. So please read the following information before booking. We have tried to answer general questions in advance and we anticipate that even after reading some things may remain unclear. Do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

GENERAL

Which travel documents do I need?

Passport: You need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay and has at least three free pages for visas, entry stamps etc. If travelling with children or minors find more info on the topic below.

Visa: Please check ahead of time and confirm visa requirements on appropriate websites and from appropriate offices or embassies. Visa requirements are always changing so the most updated and trustworthy information would be from your respective embassies and consulates.

If planning to travel around and maybe going into the same countries/country several times, please make sure that you have a multiple entry visa that will allow you to re-enter the country.

Travelling with minors: Entry and transit regulations for minors for Botswana and South Africa. To counter child-trafficking the entry/and or transit requirements for minors into/through South Africa and Botswana have changed in 2015 (South Africa) and 2016 (Botswana).

• If both birth parents travel with a child, they must present a certified, international and unabridged birth certificate from the child stating the personal details of the parents and the child.

• If a minor travels with only one parent, it must be proven that the non-present parent has granted permission to the trip. Therefore, in this case, not only the certified, international and unabridged birth certificate would be required, but also a declaration of consent in the form of a sworn statement (in English), a certified passport copy and contact details of the non-present parent. The affidavit must be signed by the parent before being notarised as a signed and lawful document. This statement must not be older than 6 months when entering South Africa.

• If the present parent has sole custody, the court order for sole custody or death certificate (where applicable) will be required (in English). And of course, the certified, international and unabridged birth certificate is also required.

Please ensure that you have the valid documents, well ahead of time! Sekanka Safaris can not be held responsible if you are denied entry to the country or if you don’t receive the required documents in time. All costs incurred in these cases are the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Also make sure you have a valid flight ticket or other ticket that will allow you to leave the country where the safari ends. Otherwise, you must prove that you have enough capital (e.g., credit card) for a return ticket.

What Travel insurance do i need?

Leaving your home country may mean your personal health insurance will no longer be valid. In case of injury or medical need, you will be treated as a private patient and you must be adequately insured to avoid hefty prices. At Sekanka Safaris we recommend World Nomads.

Also check if your private liability insurance covers damages when traveling outside your home country. If not, we recommend a travel accident insurance. In our opinion, a luggage insurance also makes perfect sense.

ARE THERE ANY HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MY DESTINATION?

Generally, your trip to Botswana or Southern Africa does not pose any particular hazardous health risks. Vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis A & B are advisable.

Please note that in case of any chronic illness or any of the following conditions: High blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, severe allergies or heart problems you may want to inform us ahead of time and also let the guide know at the beginning of your tour. NB: This is not in any way a discriminatory request neither does the disclosure disadvantage you in any way. We just want to prepare for you, know how we can best accommodate your needs and take care of you, shall need arise.

Malaria: Good prevention is better than good treatment, and the best prevention is sometimes the simplest: Avoid bites by wearing long pants, socks, closed-shoes and long sleeved shirts in the evenings, and by applying mosquito-repellent sprays or creams. Malaria risk exists in the following areas: Northern Botswana, Victoria Falls / Livingstone. Therefore it goes without saying -as these are our main areas of operation- that all guests are advised to have anti-malarial prophylaxis prior to travel and also to bring the medications accordingly.

Diarrhoea: It is not uncommon for some visitors to have a nervous stomach and diarrhoea for a day or two on their trip in Africa. For the most part, this is not a bad thing, but a normal physical reaction to changing climatic conditions and other foods than at home.

General Rules:

▪ Do not drink tap water from all sources! Speak to your guide.

▪ No ice cream in places that are not particularly hygienic.

▪ No raw meat/fish that has remained uncooled for a long time.

▪ Wash or peel vegetables and fruits before eating.

It is advised to bring some OTC antidiarrheal meds just in case.

What currency should I bring?

Botswana: Botswana Pula (P or BWP); 1 BWP = approx. $10 (liable to general fluctuations)

It is recommended to change foreign currencies at the airport or in exchange offices in larger cities such as Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun into Pula. You can also use a Maestro Card or any credit card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express etc) to withdraw money from the ATM. Please note that some shops and gas stations may not accept credit cards. Therefore, you should always carry some cash with you.

South African Rands are also accepted in many places. The change, however, is usually Pula.

WHAT BASICS SHOULD I PACK?

Of course, this is only the rough advice on what to bring with you, and everyone’s preferences and needs are different. In any case, one thing is important: Please note the limited space available in the vehicle and take a maximum of a large soft bag (20 kg - without a fixed frame) or a backpack and 1 piece of hand luggage on your tour. We do discourage travel cases!

The individual travel time also plays an important role:

From June to September in the southern countries of Africa it is Winter and therefore especially in the evening and at night necessary to wear warmer things than in the African summers. Long pants, closed shoes and a long-sleeved top also help against mosquito bites.

Here is a rough checklist:

Basically, during all long trips you have the possibility to wash your clothes or have them washed for you in local establishments and fortunately they dry quickly.

Clothing:

• 1 Warm jacket

• 1 Light jacket / rain coat

• 2 sweatshirts or light sweaters

• 2 long-sleeves / light shirts

• 1-2 long pants

• 2 spare trousers (comfortable and durable)

• 2 shorts

• 4-6 T-shirts

• enough underwear & socks

• water-repellent, sturdy shoes + sandals / flip flops

Please note:

Although stylish, very colourful or bright-white textiles are a disadvantage around wild animals. Clothing should be dull, khaki, beige or dark / navy green. Easily washable fabric is advised as laundry can be washed during midday hours. Camouflage or other military clothing is not advisable, as it resembles government Wildlife Officer’s (Rangers) and the Defence Forces’ uniforms and therefore, discouraged by the government.

Others:

• Binoculars, camera, batteries

• Flashlight (best a headlamp!)

• Insect protection

• Water bottle (reusable)

What kind of climate should I expect?

The climate in Africa can be very extreme, which is why you should be prepared.

From October to April, it is Summer in Southern Africa and temperatures can be very high. Expect up to 42°C in the desert areas of Namibia and Botswana. Otherwise elsewhere: Up to 35°C.

During the Winter months (June to August), it can get very cold at night with temperatures below freezing -even though rare. But during the day it is usually still relatively warm with temperatures around 20-26 °C. Game viewing is near its best in this season as the bush starts thinning out and wildlife tends to concentrate around waterholes, esp. in dry travel destinations.

The main rainy season starts in January and lasts approximately until April. Also from October to December some showers may be expected.

In general Southern Africa has a great climate, making it a wonderful destination all year round.

NB: This information is intended as a guide only. The weather is forever unpredictable esp. nowadays in the face of Global Warming. Temperatures may be lower or higher than predicted or sometimes the rain starts sooner or ends later - and sometimes it just doesn’t rain altogether.

THe MOBILE SAFARI

What kind of people go on a Mobile Camping Safari?

The groups usually consist of somewhere between 7-14 people of different nationalities: Many participants come from Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North & South America. Although couples, families and friends often book together, we accommodate many solo travellers. The male-to-female ratio is mostly well balanced. This way of travelling is also perfect for singles who want to travel to Africa, but cannot find a suitable travel partner. Since all activities and meals are enjoyed together no one is left alone.

Mobile Camping Safaris are for people who enjoy life, can forego comfort and have an interest in the African wilderness. To travel and enjoy Africa requires an open mind, patience, flexibility and sometimes a sense of humour. The continent is undergoing continual change; therefore expect many of the myths you may have heard to be disproven. Be ready to experience the Africa you never see on TV.

HOW ARE THE CAMPING and safari DYNaMICS?

Who is the guide, who is the driver and who is cooking?

Your Guide is the driver! The driver is your guide! Our guides are all born in the wildlife rich areas of Botswana and have a great knowledge of their homeland. During the game drives, the experience of your guide shows in the detection of animals, the untrained eyes would have probably never discovered. In addition, the tour will be accompanied by a camp crew, who will set up the camp and take care of the guests' well-being -this includes cooking. The language on the tour is generally English. In some cases we can eventually provide a german-speaking guide as well.

What is on the menu?

The guides and camp assistants are good cooks and meals vary according to seasons. The ingredients for all meals are bought beforehand, since there are no shopping possibilities within the national parks. The early morning breakfast is kept particularly small, so you can go out on the prowl before the rising sun. After returning to the camp, a delicious brunch / lunch is served. Vegetarians (please specify when booking) will get their money's worth, as plenty of vegetables, fruits and vegetarian dishes are offered. Here are some examples:

Breakfast: Breakfast cereals such as cornflakes, muesli or rusks, milk, bread, toast, jam, tea, coffee

Lunch: Cheese, cold meats, sausages, eggs, fish, salads, bread or rolls, sandwiches, fruits, veggies

Dinner: stews cooked on the fire, braai (typical African barbecue) with sausages, steaks, fish, potatoes, maize meal (pap), vegetables, various curries, pasta and rice dishes

Drink: Bottled Water, soft drinks (Cola, Fanta, etc.), fruit juices, alcoholic beverages (wine, local beers), selected spirits ( e.g. gin & tonic -to be chosen to the liking of the group) are included on the tour. At breakfast you can choose between coffee powder and a variety of teas. Other drinks have to be bought before the start of the Safari.

Please ensure that any allergies, intolerance to foods or special dietary requirements like vegan / vegetarian diet are stated at the time of booking.

What does a typical day look like on a mobile camping safari?

On a Mobile Camping Safari, the day usually starts shortly before sunrise and ends when the sun goes down. That does not mean that you have to be in bed at sunset, but you will have reached the goal of the day as night falls. Since you are travelling in the wilderness / bush with sometimes unpredictable terrains, things don’t always work as planned. Please bare with us in case of unavoidable delays.

As a rule, the day starts at around 6:00 with breakfast. Sometimes it is necessary to get up very early, to reach the next day's destination, to experience a spectacular sunrise or to observe the animals in the National Parks in their active time. Be open-minded, it's all part of the adventure!

Lunch or brunch is usually prepared and enjoyed at the camp. After a little break during hot midday, you will leave for another game drive in the afternoon. Of course cold refreshments are provided at all times during the day. On your return to the camp site, the assistants await you with delicious food. Dinner is served under the evening skies after which some time is spent around the campfire before you hit the sack for a good nights sleep in nature.