pack your bags & lets go!

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your kit

our kit
Knowing what to bring and what to leave behind is essential when travelling through the great African bush. If you’ve been before you’ll know, but for those visiting for the first time this guide will provide you with all the “must haves” and "need to knows".

The essentials
dont leave home without them

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We're going on safari!
Pack in your hand luggage so you don’t lose them…
1.     Head torch and flashlight: This is a must for the bush. The beauty of travelling through the wilderness of the African continent is that the light you see at night is only from the stars and moon or the campfire, but be sure to invest in a decent one. You don’t want it breaking half way through your journey. (and remember to pack extra batteries)
2.     Binoculars: These are the second most important piece of equipment and again, invest! Don’t leave home without them!
3.     A Digital Camera: This is a perfect way to capture those moments you’ll cherish when you’re home.
4.     Your Medication: All personal medication should always be kept with you.

For more information on Binoculars and Camera equipment contact our resident photographer/guide - Steven Stockhall
FOR ALL TRIPS                                           
•  Small Backpack                  •  Sturdy Sandals                               
•  Wide Brimmed Hat           •  Sturdy Closed Shoes                       
•  Sunglasses                           •  Sun Screen (factor 30+)        
•  Extra Reading Glasses         •  Insect Repellent
•  Binoculars                           •  Body Soap
•  Camera & Chargers            •  Shampoo
•  Headlamp                           •  Medication (if applicable)
•  Extra Batteries                    •  Spending Money (recommend $USD)
•  A Good Book                     •  Underwear (optional)

The cars
best seat in the house

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Our open game viewing vehicles allow for the greatest visibilty and comfort.
For your journey through Botswana you will be driven in what we call a “Safari Limo” which is a Land Rover/ Cruiser game viewer. These are specially adapted vehicles where a frame that sits on the car with bench seats to give you maximum space and view of the landscapes and wildlife you’ll encounter. These can be tricky to climb in and out of but you’ll soon have your own technique and will be a pro by the end of your trip. If you suffer from back problems or have any mobility issues, please let us know in your form so we can help.

For Photographers: No need to carry bulky equipment with you. We have tripods for those long exposure shots and extra bean bags in the cars. We also have mounted photographic arms on both sides of the vehicle, prefect with a beanbag or Wimberley mount.
See  picture below.
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Hire this lens locally in Maun Botswana for just USD 130.00 per day.

Clothing
Your Safari Wardrobe

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Pack light and practical.
Neutral earth tone clothing is a must. By sticking to the color palette of khaki, stone, olive, grey, etc. you won’t stand out. Camouflage clothing is, on the other hand, not permitted. Make sure they are lightweight and preferably cotton so your body can breathe. 

Also a good pair of walking shoes is essential along with a pair of sandals. Both should have a sturdy sole, as the thorns here can be quite impressive. Crocs are good as they can be washed but Merrell is a great brand of hiking shoe you’ll wear as slippers when you get home.
WINTER WARDROBE (May - August)
Heavy cotton shirts and a fleece, wind breaker, gloves, fleece hat that covers your ears and a shawl to stop that cool breeze down the back of your fleece. This may sound like over kill for an African adventure but trust us, you’ll be happy we told you.
But don’t forget the shorts and t-shirts. Not only are they good as extra layers when you leave camp first thing, you’ll feel the benefit at lunchtime.

•  Fleece Hat/ Beanie                      •  Heavy Cotton long sleeved shirt
•  Gloves                                         •  T-Shirts
•  Shawl/ Scarf                                •  Trousers
•  Wind Breaker                             •  Shorts
•  Fleece                                          •  Socks
SUMMER WARDROBE (September - April)
T-shirts and light weight cotton shirts (UV resistant fishing shirts are great and dry quickly) Cotton shorts and long trousers for after sunset against those pesky mosquitoes.

•  Long Sleeved Cotton Shirt          •  Waterproof Poncho/ Raincoat
•  T-Shirts                                       •  Shorts
•  Trousers                 
All of the above should be packed in a Duffel/ Soft Bag so they travel easier in the vehicle and on small charter flights. Weight limit is 20kg.
Pack all fragile items in your hand luggage/ Backpack.
Hard cases are not wise and wheelie cases are impractical in thick sand. (you’ll be surprised how many arrive with the latter)

ACCOMMODATION 
expedition style

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Spacious walk in tents with en-suite bathrooms and comfy made up beds.
Camping in the great outdoors is a truly an amazing experience but it does come with a few risks. We, in Botswana, are very lucky to have animals roam free with over 30% of Botswana’s landscape dedicated to wildlife and staying in these wild places is privilege. Due to this we recommend you are extremely vigilant during your time in camp. You never know who will come to visit. Nigh time is particularly important, as our eyesight is not as well adapted to twilight as our furry friends.  

The camp will consist of a dining tent, dome tents with bedrolls with toilet and bucket shower cubicles to share.

(If you’re wondering what a bucket shower is… it’s a suspended canvas water bag with a shower rose. It takes a little technique but you’ll soon get the hang of it.)

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Our covered dining areas where meals are served.

Lodge style

Lodge Accommodation varies from property to property. Whether you want a bush adventure or a romantic getaway there are lodges for  all styles and budgets.

You can also have a combination of Lodge and Expedition style accommodation.

Little extras
books & field guides

Food for thought
and other treats
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A perfect memento to add to your library
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Wholesome hearty meals served up by our safari chefs.
Your Guide will have books on flaura and fauna as well as a couple of recommended reads but if you want to invest in your own copies here is a list of essential safari books:

•  Wildlife Photography in Botswana – A Practical Guide 
by James Gifford & Steven Stockhall (can be purchased on Safari)
•  The Safari Companion
by Richard Estes
•  Okavango - A Field Guide
by Lee Gutteridge & Tony Reumerman
•  Sasol’s Birds of Souhtern Africa
By Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, Peter Ryan & Warwick Tarboton
•  A Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa
by Chris & Tilde Staurt
•  Game Ranger in your Backpack 
by Megan Emmett & Sean Pattrick

Also, if you have an iPad, there are some great apps such as Robert's Birds and e-birds.
We also recommend bringing a novel to read for those quiet afternoons in camp as well as a bit of night-time reading. 
All food is lovingly prepared and cooked in the camp by our Chef. If you have any dietary requirements or foods you don’t like at all, please let us know. Some foods are difficult to get hold of here but we can try our best to help make your culinary experience enjoyable.

We also provide snacks for your journey exploring the bush as well as packed lunches on the days you don’t return to camp (ie: moving days)

Wine, gin, local beer and soft drinks can be provided (at clients expense) to add to your enjoyment of your trip especially as you watch sunset. (sun-downer)

Water, tea and coffee are available all day both in camp and during your game drive.

WATER
We provide filtered drinking water on your journey with us. It is important to drink enough water while you travel and during the summer months. We recommend bringing rehydration salts or electrolytes. This keeps your minerals topped up and help prevent dehydration.

FINALLY…

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If, by a miracle, you have space in your luggage after all we’ve recommended, we ask that you pack a few items for the people here. Art materials, children’s books, toys and clothing you don’t want or need anymore are always needed here in Africa.
Donations of old cameras and binoculars are also welcome for Cameras for Conservation.