Why Botswana
Botswana is widely regarded as having some of the best wilderness and wildlife areas on the African continent. With a full 38% of it’s total land area devoted to national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas-for the most part unfenced, allowing animals to roam wild and free. A travel through many parts of the country has the feeling of moving though an immense nature wonderland.
Botswana is consistently voted best safari destination, and there are very good reasons for that. A safari destination isn’t just about the wildlife, but other factors like, political and economic stability which in turn creates a viable civil society, where peace and stability thrives. Just recently, Botswana was voted the safest country in Africa and was seventh in the world, in 2020.
On the wildlife side, Botswana has been hailed by the international community for her conservation successes. Compared to other safari destinations, Botswana’s wildlife isn’t confounded to fenced areas and roams free. This gives the Botswana experience that authentic feel of true wilderness experience.
A recent study from Oxford University has found Botswana to be the best country in the world in wildlife conservation, beating first world countries in a study that spanned over 152 countries, followed by Namibia
Are animals Dangerous?
If molested, yes. All animals are respectful of us and our space. This is including predators. Wildlife is only dangerous to us if we get into their space forcing them into a flight or fight mode. So, while on safari, please listen to your Guide at all times, whether you are on a game drive or on the ground in camp. You may do a walking safari as part of your program. Please note that the same rules will apply here. While the intention is to see wildlife on foot, you are to follow instructions all the time and stay behind your Guide quietly.
Will there be Internet or Cell Phone connection?
No. The idea of tented camping is to take you to the remotest corners where wildlife is best, but with little of the modern conveniences, like internet. We strongly believe there must remain on earth areas like that where mankind can take escape from the buzz and live free off these connections. Guides carry satellite phones, and will transmit any messages to Maun, which can then be phoned home. The Safari vehicles also have radio communication with base in Maun.
Can we pay by Credit Card?
No. All payments are to be made by bank transfer. An invoice will be sent to your email address with the bank details, and a wire transfer made to the bank details provided. Please make sure that you have adequate insurance as cancellations will be subject to conditions.
What health issues do you encounter on safari?
The most common problem we encounter on safari is dehydration related. Some guests take far less water than is required and slip into dehydration that causes other problems, like diarrhea, headaches and fever. The climate is drier here, with very little humidity. So drinking enough water during the day is imperative.
Sunburn is also common. One must remember to bring enough sunscreen. If you don’t have, please ask to share with some of the guests. Or ask your Guide if he has any to spare. Long sleeved clothing is thus recommended, especially if you don’t have sunscreen.
The other common problem we encounter is reaction to meds, especially Malaria pills. It comes usually in headaches, hallucinations, bad dreams and diarrhoea which in itself could set in dehydration. If you are drinking enough water, and still get some of these symptoms, it would be time to stop the pills.
Guests with underlying health issues must disclose information we must know before they come on safari. For example food and medicine allergies are important to disclose so we know to feed you the right foods.
What happens if a Guest gets critically ill?
A medical evacuation will be arranged to the nearest hospital. The Medical evacuation can be by Helicopter or Ambulance depending on time of day. Helicopters do not fly at night, so in the event of a situation at night, we would call upon an ambulance for assistance. These incidents are very rare!!
Your safari Guide/s are required to have first aid training and are capable ofadministering basic first aid, which is more often all that is required.
Please ensure that you have adequate medical insurance to cover you for any eventuality. While we will take you to the nearest medical hospital/clinic, the cost of taking you further are you own. Your insurance should also cover cancellations brought about by illnesses, and failure to join a safari on short notice.
What about Malaria?
Botswana is considered in the red zone for Malaria. However, chances of contracting Malaria are minute because your safari is done in none populated areas. You are still advised to take anti Malaria pills. Please consult your physician on the best drugs, with the least side effects. We recommend Malarone.
Can we Charge our Cameras while we are on safari?
Yes. All vehicles have power points that can charge at least 5 items at a time. The power point has universal adaptors that can work with any system from around the world, capable of charging Cameras, Camera batteries, laptops and power banks. Ideally, all the charging should be done in camp, while the vehicles are not in motion. There is plenty of time to charge between the morning and afternoon game drives, and more time in the evening after the evening drive.
What adaptors must we bring with us?
All power points in the vehicles have universal adaptors that can work with any unit from around the world. Please remember to bring the cable connections to your items. Also, crucially, remember to bring extra batteries. You would want your camera to still work while you are charging the other.
Are we going to see a Kill?
Unlikely. Predators hunt mainly at night, when their eye sight is stronger, and gives them advantage over their potential prey. They are then able to get to within a few yards to their prey without being detected. Potential of seeing the actual hunt and a takedown is thus minimal. However, there is that unlikely chance that you could!!
Are we going to see a Leopard?
The longer your program, the better the chances that you will see a Leopard. All of the programs that you can pick from in this website take you to places where there is good Leopard activity. One has to bear in mind that wildlife roams free, and that it isn’t a given that all safaris will see one. Statistically 95% of our safaris do see a Leopard.
I am interested in Birds. Do you have good birding Guides?
Yes. All our professional Guides are great birders, and all round naturalist. They are well equipped to handle all interests while on safari. It is important to disclose to us all interests before the safari starts, so that we are prepared and can deliver in those regards.
Do you do family safaris?
Yes. We are well equipped for family safaris, with tents specially designed to sleep a family of 4. We also prefer to do family safaris privately for those families. So, if you are a family of 4 and above, please book a date, advise us what dates you are interested in, and if no one has booked into the dates, we will hold the dates privately for you. With this arrangement, we can then accommodate families with kids from 2 years old, that we would not normally take into other existing safaris, with guests not related to the children.
What is the single most important item one must bring on safari?
A torch or a flash light. The small head lamps are powerful enough these days and are sufficient. It is always important to have a light when walking around camp after dark. You do not want to suprise an animal you do not want walk into. Elephants in particular can be very silent and are hard to see without a light in the dark.
Why Mobile Tented Safaris?
Mobile tented safaris are flexible and take you to the places where the wildlife is best at, with the least carbon footprint. Essentially, your camp moves ahead of you and is set for you by our professional crew and ready for your use upon your arrival on moving days. There are no hard camp perimeters, allowing for intimate wildlife experience even when in camp. This is the most authentic way of experiencing the African Wilderness.
Your Guide and crew stays with you from day one till the end of the safari, allowing for continuity that you would not otherwise get with other establishments, and this is a huge plus for safari enthusiasts.
Is it safe to do Mobile Tented SAFARIS?
Absolutely!! Whether you are staying at Lodges or doing tented safaris, you are exposed to the same wildlife. Your accommodations, mostly canvas, look solid to all wildlife species in our wilderness. Unlike Bears in the Americas and Europe, our predators stay away from tents. Elephants for their size, walk around our tents at night, and would even go over a tent rope rather than snap it off. But this is the experience we want for our Guests.
Do you carry a gun?
No. This is because our safaris take you into protected areas. We are not allowed to bring firearms into the parks. Botswana government has appropriately never allowed the carrying and use of firearms in the National Parks and Game Reserves. We feel the same as our government about it. Wildlife generally keeps a good distance from people. A good adherence to safety precautions from your Guide is important. If you do so, there is nothing to worry about regarding wildlife.
Are there any snakes?
Yes. There are many different types of snakes, some venomous. For their size compared to us, snakes are even more terrified of us, and would want to keep an even further distance from us than some of the big game like elephants. The few times I have seen a snake has been a slither across the road in front of the Cruiser. Most Guests rarely see snakes because even these rare sightings happen very quickly.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, because the water we carry for you on safari is the same bottled water you would buy from a supermarket in Maun. This is the water we use for washing the salad. You will be given a water canister at the beginning of the safari, which you will refill from a dispenser in camp, before game drives. We do not do plastic bottles.
What shots/inoculations do I need for Botswana?
Botswana is considered in the red zone for Malaria. However, chances of contracting Malaria are minute because your safari is done in none populated areas. You are still advised to take anti Malaria pills. Please consult your physician on the best drugs, with the least side effects. We recommend Malarone.
You do not need any other shots for Botswana. However, if you have been to a Yellow Fever Zone, you may be asked to produce your certificate, both at Oliver Tambo International Airport in South Africa and upon your arrival in Botswana.
Do I need a Visa for Botswana?
USA, Canada, Europe and Commonwealth countries do not require Visa for Botswana. The list extends to some of the countries in South America, the Caribbean and Asia. .
If you do require a Visa, you can acquire one upon arrival in Botswana at the port of entry OR BETTER still apply for one online. It is the responsibility of the Guest to ensure they have fulfilled all Visa requirements before entering the country. Royale Wilderness will assist, should assistance be needed in the form of support documents.
What about Mosquitos and Bugs?
Most of our safaris are conducted in the dry season. That means you will be here out of season for a lot of mosquitos and bugs. However, we have Peaceful sleep aerosol spray in your tent, which is safe to spray on your skin and clothes anytime if you feeling bites.
There are clothing items impregnated with anti-mosquito chemical. It would be wise to shop for some of these to wear on safari. Safaris in February, March and a little into April may experience some bugs around lit areas including in the dining area, and this is because of the small rains that you may experience.
Are there any refrigeration facilities to keep our meds cool?
Yes. All vehicles on safari have a refrigerator. The guest vehicles have a fridge that carries all your beverages. There is enough space here for your meds that need cooling. It is the Guest’s responsibility to make sure that his or her meds in the fridge are stored properly, in a secure packaging.
I am a Vegan. Can you provide meals suitable for Vegans?
Yes. We are seeing more and more dietary changes, with more Vegan guests than in the past. We have had to train our Chefs to make sure they can cope with both Vegan and Vegetarian diets. We have more than enough Vegan menus to please all demands for Veganism.
I am intolerant to Gluten. Would there be Gluten free meals?
Yes. We have had Guests not tolerant to Gluten, and are aware of gluten intolerance. So, we are well equipped and very capable of providing Gluten free meals. It is important to advise us, by way of filling a guest information form to disclose all dietary restrictions, so that we can prepare well for you.
Are LGBT guests safe in Botswana?
Absolutely. Botswana High Court of Justice ruled that discrimination of peoples by their sexual orientation is unconstitutional and infringes on individuals human rights. This ruling came late in 2019. Botswana, even before this ruling came, were quite relaxed about LGBT’s. The current President of the republic has welcomed the ruling and vowed to protect every citizen of this country, even the minorities.
What is the youngest age accepted on safari?
On any safari with guests unrelated to one another, the youngest allowed is 10 years and older. However, families of more than 4 people with younger children can book a private safari of their own. Kids under 14 years of age would be charged half of the adult’s rate. Guests can then bring children from 2 years old and upwards. Please advise us if you are interested in a private family safari.
What is the maximum number of guests can you take on safari?
All our safaris are designed for 7 Guests. This is the maximum number of Guests per safari vehicle. However, Guests looking to travel together exceeding 7 people are accommodated to a maximum of 12 Guests, and running 2 safari vehicles instead of one, with a second guide. We have enough capacity to handle a group this size, and guests are advised to let us know if they are likely to be over 7.
How much must we tip the staff?
It is not a must to tip staff!!! However, this question comes up all the time, and our recommendations based on what others recommend in the industry is US$ 15.00 per guest per day. This is to be broken down into US$10.00 per guest per day for the Guide, and US$ 5.00 per guest per day for the crew. The tip must be pooled together into 2 separate envelopes (1 for the Guide & 1 for the crew) and the crew’s tip to be handed to the Chef at the end of the safari, and likewise for the Guide.