Map / Geography
Botswana is considered one of Africa’s premier wildlife countries and is the first choice for many African wildlife safari connoisseurs. With a broad range of habitats, Botswana offers varied safari experiences.
Boteti Tented Safaris is a 20-minute drive from Maun Airport and is ideally located to southern Africa’s most sort after game reserves and wildlife habitats. Experience the shear magic and splendour of the Okavango Delta, the inland beauty and massive herds of the Moremi, the predator rich Khwai and the amazing Savuti and Chobe game reserves.
Health Protocols
Botswana has good primary healthcare facilities. However, it is advisable to take out comprehensive medical insurance when travelling to remote areas. The largest private hospital is in Gaberone and requires full coverage of medical costs either by insurance provider or cash payment. Buy sufficient health and travel insurance and check that all activities on your trip are covered. Ensure you travel insurance is valid for the duration of your trip and that you can easily extend it if you extend your trip. For more information, please visit www.botswanatourism.co.bw.
Vaccinations
If you are travelling to Botswana from areas infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, no other immunisations are required. However, it would be wise to have an updated TPD (tetanus, polio, diphtheria) vaccine, and a Hepatitis A vaccine. Furthermore, depending on your destination within Botswana and the time of year you wish to travel, it may be advisable to visit a travel medicine clinic in your home country to establish if further vaccinations are required/advised.
Covid-19 entry requirements
All travellers are required to take normal precautionary measures as the risk of testing positive for Covid-19 is ongoing, despite being significantly reduced. The Botswana government does not require a PCR test for fully vaccinated travellers. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated if they have completed the primary vaccine series. Individuals who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated are required to present a negative 72-hour PCR test result and in addition, undergo COVID-19 testing at a port of entry, at own their own cost.
The wearing of masks is not compulsory.
Please check www.botswanatourism.co.bw for latest updates to Covid-19 travel requirements.
Malaria
The northern parts of Botswana, in the Okavango and Chobe areas, malaria is prevalent especially during and after the rainy season. The rainy season is typically from November to April. Insect repellent should contain at least 20-30% DEET.
Visas
Citizens of most European and Commonwealth countries do not require a visa for entry into Botswana. However, visitors should check with Botswana embassies or consulates, or their travel agents, before departure. It is vital for visitors to carry a valid passport and sufficient funds to facilitate their stay.
Transport Options
We are situated 20 – 30 minutes from Maun, in Xobe Settlement, on the banks of the Boteti River. Boteti Tented Safari Lodge is easily accessed via air or road. Fly into Maun Airport and we will transfer you to the Lodge in a game viewer vehicle. An airport/Maun pick up and transfer to the lodge is included in all packages and tented room accommodation.
Should you prefer a self-drive option, please note that only 4×4 vehicles are able to travel the roads to the Lodge.
Boteti Tented Safari Lodge to Maun – about 15km, Maun to Shorobe turn off where the tar road will end – about 30km, from Shorobe to Mowana gate – about 15km (Once the Mowana gate is entered you are in the greater wilderness area where all wildlife can be seen. All of the big 5.), Mowana gate to South Gate (Moremi) – about 45km. So in other words, from the Mowana gate you have a chance of seeing any wildlife species that occurs in Moremi.
Weather
Maun
In Maun, the summers are short, hot, and partly cloudy; the winters are short, cool, and clear; and it is dry year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 9°C to 35°C and is rarely below 6°C or above 38°C. Based on the beach/pool score, the best times of year to visit Maun for hot-weather activities are from mid April to early May and from late August to late October.
Average temperature hot season (Sep to Dec): above 32°C
Average temperature cool season (May to August): below 27°C
Rainy season: October to April with most rain occurring in January
Kasane
In Kasane, the wet season is hot, muggy, and mostly cloudy and the dry season is warm and clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 10°C to 34°C and is rarely below 6°C or above 37°C. Based on the beach/pool score, the best time of year to visit Kasane for hot-weather activities is from late August to mid October.
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve has a climate that is warm to hot. The Dry season runs from April to October and is characterized by cooler, dry conditions. The Wet season, from November to March, receives the majority of the reserve’s rainfall, along with higher temperatures.
Money
The official currency of Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP). The Pula is divided into 100 thebe. The symbol for the Pula is P. Credit and debit cards, including International Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at most lodges.
At Boteti Tented Safaris, we accept cash (Pula and USD), major credit and debit cards.