Packing list for Botswana, travel insurance for Botswana and taking your belongings

What to take to Botswana: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents and money: a passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival and has sufficient blank pages. Many European travelers do not require a visa for a short stay, but always check the current entry requirements. Bringing paper and digital copies of important documents is useful, and in some cases, a vaccination booklet. The local currency is the Botswanan Pula (BWP). You can withdraw cash in cities such as Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane, but bring sufficient cash (USD or EUR) if you are visiting national parks or remote areas.
• Clothing: light, breathable clothing made of cotton or linen, for example, is ideal for daytime. In the evenings and during winter safaris (May-August), it can get surprisingly cold, so also bring a warm sweater or fleece and a windproof jacket. Choose neutral colors such as khaki, green, and beige for safaris; it is best to avoid bright colors and camouflage clothing. Modest clothing is appreciated when visiting cities or villages.
• Shoes: sneakers are fine for the cities, but sturdy hiking boots are advisable for safaris and walks. Sandals or flip-flops are comfortable for lodges or campsites.
• Personal care and hygiene: sunscreen with a high SPF, lip balm, and moisturizer. The sun is strong and the air is often very dry.
• Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack during the rainy season (November-April) and sealable bags to protect cameras and electronics from showers and dust.
• Insects and animals: mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin is important, especially in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and other wetlands.
• Sleeping and bed: an impregnated mosquito net if you plan to stay in basic accommodations.
• Medicines and travel first aid kit: a comprehensive first aid kit with plasters, blister plasters, ORS, painkillers, personal medication, and, depending on your itinerary, any malaria prophylaxis.
• Outdoors and practicals: sunglasses, sun hat or cap, reusable water bottle with filter.
• Technology and equipment: a universal adapter for type D, G, and M sockets. Also, a flashlight or headlamp and binoculars for spotting animals.

To consider:

• Spare batteries and memory cards.
• A dust cloth or lens cloth for dusty safari trips.
• French phrasebook or translation app (offline).
• A dry bag for mokoro trips in the Okavango Delta.
• A star chart or star app; Botswana is one of the best places in the world to admire the night sky.
• Knowledge of safari etiquette such as not getting out of the vehicle without permission, not feeding animals, and always remaining calm increase both your own safety and that of the animals.

Are there mosquitoes in Botswana?

• Yes, mosquitoes are mainly found during the rainy season and in water-rich areas, such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.
• Malaria occurs in northern Botswana, particularly the north and west. In the drier central and southern parts, the risk is much lower.
• You can protect yourself with protective clothing and a good mosquito repellent.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Botswana?

• Sandflies generally do not pose a problem for travelers in Botswana.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Are DEET, or other mosquito repellents, available in Botswana?

• In larger towns such as Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane, various types of mosquito repellents are available for purchase at pharmacies and supermarkets.
• If you are going into the bush for several days, bring plenty of your own trusted mosquito repellent with you.

Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Botswana, or to bring it with you to Botswana?

• No. Botswana has a strict drug policy. While cannabis is legal for industrial purposes, it remains illegal for recreational use.
• Possession, cultivation, use, sale, and importation carry severe penalties, such as hefty fines and prison sentences of up to 15 years.