Leadership Trails Botswana

We have a comprehensive First Aid kit in camp, on board our vehicles and on walks; we cannot however cover everything, if you have any medical problems or existing medical conditions please bring enough medication and inform us of these problems as soon as possible.

We do not know what you have already been vaccinated for. So for vaccinations, please consult your local GP or health provider.

Our camp is in a malaria area. Although it is very remote and therefore very unlikely for malaria to occur, it is better to be safe than sorry. We suggest you speak to your local GP or healthcare provider and take the action he/she recommends as there are various differing ideas about what prophylactics to take, if at all. Some of the prophylactics can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches and a lowering of your resistance to the sun and it is important to bear in mind that malaria can be contracted despite taking tablets. We provide insect repellent but you are welcome to bring your own and please use them liberally, especially in the warmer months.

Summer (October – April) is hot in the middle of the day, sometimes as high 40 degrees Celsius in October, our hottest month, but this is uncommon, becoming cooler but still warm at night. The average day time temperatures are in the mid 30’s dropping to the low 20’s during the night. Botswana is a summer rainfall region and late afternoon showers can be common from December to April.

Winter (May – September) can go below 0 degrees Celsius at night but during the day it warms up substantially to about 25 degrees Celsius. Early morning game drives and on an open vehicle and the first hours of the walk can be quite chilly (particularly in July and August when scarves and warm hats are recommended). Dressing in layers is the best way to deal with the varying temperatures during the winter months, and a windproof jacket is a good idea.

Bring along a good jacket, scarf, gloves and woolen or fleece headwear if you are travelling in winter. It can get quite hot during the day so light summer clothing is also a must. The best was to deal with winter is to dress in layers.
If you are travelling in summer, a good sweater (jumper) is recommended, as it can get rather cool as well as a light raincoat. Light trousers and a cool long-sleeved shirt in the evenings in summer will help protect you from the mosquitoes. For the remainder bring light cotton clothing.

For walks it is recommended that you bring neutral or camouflage colored clothing (beige, khaki, olive, stone etc.) but when travelling in the vehicle, most colors are fine – light colors generally being cooler. Dark blue and black clothing are not recommended. Bring clothing that can be hand washed easily and dried quickly.
Bring some good walking shoes and quick drying sandals (with sturdy soles to protect you from the large thorns, ‘Keen’ is a good brand) as you may need to get your feet wet on walks and mokoro or boating activities. You may get opportunities to swim, so bring along a swimming outfit. Don’t forget your sun hat!

Although Botswana’s water is generally safe to drink, we supply filtered water. It is important to remember to drink enough water while on safari. If you are traveling in the summer months you should bring rehydration salts to add to your water. One sachet per person per day will be sufficient and will prevent any dehydration problems. Rehydration salts are available in most pharmacies in powder form, which is the most suitable for travel.

In Camp all meals are provided; please inform us if you have any special requirements or if you are allergic to any food. Water, tea and coffee and soft drinks are available all day. Wines, beers, spirits are available at sundowners and in the evening.

On safari we prefer to travel light. If possible restrict to hand luggage only. Otherwise duffel/soft bags are preferable, as these pack easier into aircraft and vehicles, hard cases are not recommended.

Since your training is prepaid, you will not need to travel with much cash. Botswana currency is in Pula (P) and Thebe(t). Pulas can be collected with your credit- or bank-card at the ATM in Maun before departure to the bush. The best denominations to bring to Botswana are Euro and US Dollars.

Tipping of our staff is optional and the amount is entirely up to you.

Binoculars are a must for safari. 10*42 is an ideal magnification, but any will do.
A camera with extra rechargeable batteries.
A good torch, handheld or better: head torches with 3+ LED units (Petzl, Black Scorpion are good brands)

As it is almost always sunny, we run on solar power. We have adequate electricity in camp and charging facilities for local, USB and European plugs. USA clients should bring converters to South African or European plugs.