A land-locked country about the size of France. Two thirds of the land is arid Kalahari savanna - unsuitable for agriculture. Large areas have been set aside as wildlife reserves and these include some of the very finest in Africa. The magnificent Okavango Delta - in which Moremi Wildlife Reserve is set - fans out across the north-western corner and creates a paradise of islands and lagoons teeming with birds and wildlife. In the northeast, the famous Chobe National Park supports great concentrations of Elephant and Buffalo. With just over one million inhabitants, Botswana is one of Africa's most stable and affluent nations.

A vast and varied land the Kalahari desert with its shimmering pans and stark beauty Okavango Delta the world's largest inland delta supporting a rich oasis of flora and fauna with an amazing variety of game and birdlife and to the north Chobe National Park, famous for its huge herds of elephant. Wild Frontiers can tailormake any style of safari to Botswana - we recommend a combination of 'water & land' camps, offering game viewing on foot, by mekoro or boat, or in a 4x4.

Central Kalahari - The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest protected tracts of land in Africa, covering about 52 800km2 of the Kalahari. This is reputed to be the second largest game reserve in the world and it is here where the San communities continue to pursue their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The park is characterised by open plains, saltpans and ancient river beds - in the north, sand dunes, trees and shrubs cover the land, in the centre, level bushveld dominates, while the south and east are heavily wooded.

Chobe - The Chobe National Park was established in the 1960's to create a vital sanctuary for wildlife that was under intense pressure from traders, big game hunters and explorers. Today, the Chobe teems with wildlife - the densest populations of elephant, zebra and lions in Africa with a wide range of landscapes, from the lush banks of the Chobe River to the rolling grasslands of the Savuti.

Moremi - The Moremi is best visited during the dry months, when game viewing peaks, between July and September. At this time of the year, the seasonal pans have dried up and wildlife converges on sources of permanent water. Most of the Moremi consists of shallow floodplains, woodland and deep lagoons. Game viewing is traditionally undertaken in converted 4x4 safari vehicles on land, or in canoes and powerboats on the water. On the whole, the wildlife is habituated to the various game viewing activities, allowing visitors the opportunity to observe them at ease in their natural habitat.

Okavango Delta - The world's largest inland delta fans out over the sands of the Kalahari as a result of massive geological forces. The Okavango Delta wetlands cover an area of almost 15 000km2, fed by southern Africa's third largest watercourse, the Okavango River. The River rises in the Angolan Highlands and flows away from the Atlantic Ocean, across Namibia's Caprivi Strip, to form an immense and wondrous inland delta of lagoons and labyrinthine channels, palm-fringed islands and fertile floodplains.

Savute - Savute pulses to a timeless rhythm, a melody of mysterious wet and dry cycles that moulds its landscape and determines its inhabitants. For the moment Savute is dry. A winding fossil channel vanishes into the sweeping expanse of a relic marsh, where Savute's extraordinarily flat countryside is relieved by the spectacular fortress of the Gubatsa Hills. A handful of small pans sustain Savute's thousands of animals with a permanent, yet fragile water source. The woodlands fringing the marsh shelter kudu and roan antelope, while the hills conceal leopard and klipspringer. After the first rains in November lion and hyena tracks lead to the marsh, the venue for one of Africa's most spectacular zebra migrations. Thousands of zebra visit Savute en route to the new grass upholstering Mababe in the south, and return around February on their way home to Linyanti. They share the marsh with tsessebe, wildebeest, giraffe and cheetah. The rains also welcome thousands of migrant birds that swell Savute's existing 300 species. Spurwing geese, knobbilled ducks and lesser moorhens paddle in the rain-filed pans where you might glimpse a visiting hippopotamus.

BOTSWANA COUNTRY INFORMATION:

HEALTH
There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention. We are obviously not medical practitioners and the following are only recommended guidelines. Please consult your doctor. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations. Currently no vaccinations are required unless coming from a yellow fever area. Tetanus recommended. Bilharzia also present.

A) MALARIA
Both chloroquine resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent in Africa. Malaria is transmitted by some female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are active in the early evening and throughout the night usually when one is sleeping or sitting around campfires in the evening.

MALARIA prophylaxis recommendations for southern African travellers:
Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that
malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. Please remember that the best insurance against contracting malaria is to try to prevent oneself from being bitten, so use mosquito repellents liberally. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings. If staying in a bungalow/tent, spray with an insecticide like DOOM to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room. Mosquito coils are also effective. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped, make sure that your doctor does everything necessary to establish that your illness is not malaria. Malaria is not a serious problem if people are sensible and take basic precautions. We do not have camps in any densely populated areas, and this greatly reduces the risk of being infected by malaria. We have had very few cases of guests contracting malaria during the 10 years we have been operating.

B) WATER
It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. In Botswana water is generally safe to drink anywhere, even from rivers and lagoons within the Delta. It is generally recommended that one drink at least 2 to 3 quarts of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and can actually contribute to dehydration.

VISAS
Always check with your local consular office before travelling, as visa requirements may change without notice. Visas are required by all travellers with the exception of citizens from member countries of the Commonwealth (except Ghana, India, Mauritius, Nigeria and Sri Lanka), Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, The Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, San Marino, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA and Western Samoa. Please ensure that you have all the necessary visas prior to departure (unless available on entry) AS WILD FRONTIERS, THEIR STAFF, THEIR AGENTS NOR THEIR OPERATORS CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS. Guests who are NOT permanent residents of South Africa and travelling through R.S.A. must make sure that they carry either an onward ticket from South Africa or sufficient funds to purchase such ticket in order to comply with South African immigration regulations. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST BRING YOUR TICKET WITH YOU ON SAFARI OR YOU MAY BE REFUSED RE-ENTRY INTO SOUTH AFRICA. South African citizens travelling on a foreign passport require an exit permit to leave South Africa. Please note that any passengers requiring a visa for South Africa (WHETHER A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA OR NOT) must carry a re-entry visa to get back into South Africa.

CURRENCY
1 Pula = 100 thebe.
Hard currencies, major credit cards, and travellers cheques are widely accepted.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
Between April and November, witness thousands of zebra and plains game migrating into the Okavango Delta, returning to the Savuti Grasslands between March and April. In November and December, see the trials and triumphs of survival firsthand during the calving season, while the Okavango Delta becomes home to hundreds of migratory birds.

CLIMATE
Generally a hot, dry semi-desert climate prevails throughout the country. Summer is very hot and wet, lasting from October to April, with rain making some of the roads impassable and game dispersing over wide areas. The best time to travel is the dry winter period from May to September when wildlife congregates around scarce water sources, an advantage for game viewing.

CLOTHING
It is advisable to dress in layers of light clothing during the day with warm jackets and jerseys for winter evenings and early morning game viewing activities. While on safari, avoid bright or highly contrasting clothing, including white. The general dress code is casual but some hotels and lodges discourage the wearing of jeans in the evening. Camouflage clothing is not permitted.

LUGGAGE
As no formal clothes are needed, we recommend that you keep your luggage to the basics. Bright colours and white are NOT advised and ARMY CAMOUFLAGE UNIFORMS OR ARMY HATS ARE FORBIDDEN (Khaki is fine to wear). For safety and space reasons, we have a 12 kg limit on luggage. This is due to a weight problem when travelling in charter aircraft. The 12 kgs includes camera bag and equipment. We insist on a soft carry-all (instead of a suitcase) with the following maximum dimensions: 80 cm long by 35 cm wide. A clothing list is attached for your information. Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25 cm high, so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment. NB. PASSENGERS WHO BRING MORE THAN 12 KGS MAY NECESSITATE THE USE OF AN EXTRA CHARTER AIRCRAFT, IN WHICH CASE THEY WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE CONSIDERABLE EXTRA CHARTER COSTS IF THEY WANT THE EXCESS BAGGAGE TO TRAVEL WITH THEM. Guests will also have the option on arrival, in either Maun or Kasane, to send their excess baggage ahead for an additional cost per person. If the safari begins in Maun, the excess baggage will be forwarded to Kasane and stored. If starting in Kasane, the excess baggage will be forwarded to Maun for storage. Guests can then collect this excess baggage at the end of their Botswana safari. We would prefer to know in advance if this service will be needed so that arrangements can be made and the transfer can be handled smoothly. Additionally, a guest travelling alone who weighs 90 kgs or more, or two guests travelling together whose combined weight is 177 kgs or more must advise us. All weight limits are due to safety factors involved in the light aircraft transfers. Kindly note that should these limitations be exceeded, it may be necessary to charge for an additional aircraft.

POWER IN THE CAMPS
Some camps are situated in remote areas and we have to generate our own electricity. We do so in a number of ways. Generally each camp has a generator, which runs for about 6 hours per day (3 hours in the morning and 3 in the afternoon when guests are out on activities). These generators then charge batteries located at each tented room, which provide good 12v lights all night (if used sensibly). There are no 220v or 110v power points in camp. If you need to have your video battery re-charged we could do so while you are out on an activity. Please therefore bring a spare for use while the other is being charged. These systems are simple but perfectly functional.

VOLTAGE
230 volts A/C 50 Hz.

SATELLITE & IRIDIUM TELEPHONES
Please note that the Okavango is a very remote part of Africa and the camps do not have telephones. An increasing number of guests have been bringing satellite phones along with them on safari. As most people come on safari to get away from the outside world, we feel that we must set some limitations to the use of these phones in our camps and on safari. Therefore, the following restrictions will apply to the use of satellite phones:
1. Phones are not to be used in any of the common areas: dining room, bar/lounge area, or on the vehicle or on game drives at any time.
2. Phones may not be used for any incoming calls when the ringing may disturb other guests. They may be used in the privacy of your tent, but only to retrieve messages and dial out. Otherwise, the phones are to be switched off at all times.

TRANSPORT
Botswana's waterways, desert and vast expanses mean that flying is the easiest and quickest way to get around. Light aircraft serve many camps, and are an exhilarating way to view game, the delta too! Baggage should be kept to a minimum, in a soft light bag, as space and weight are limited on light aircraft. 4x4 open-top vehicles are used for transfers to and from many camps as well as for game viewing, offering totally unrestricted views.

INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that you take out a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy covering medical expenses and evacuation, trip cancellation and baggage coverage. We can assist you in this regard. Wild Frontiers and its associates cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can they be held liable for personal injury, accident or illness. Please ensure that you have yourself and your belongings adequately insured before your departure. Insurance is compulsory for all our trips. If you do not possess a policy, we can issue insurance at competitive rates. It is however better to purchase your policy locally as this will cover you for repatriation back to your home country. Please contact Wild Frontiers, your broker or your travel agent for details. We cannot be held liable for any losses or damages incurred.

a) Health Insurance
It is compulsory to have full medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation cover for the period of time you are away.
b) Cancellation and Curtailment
You might have to cancel or curtail your safari due to unforeseen circumstances. If you cancel a trip close to departure date for any reason you could lose all that the safari was going to cost you. Should you have to leave the safari early, we cannot refund you the portion of the safari you do not complete. Dependant on the reason for cancellation and curtailment, insurance may cover you for this eventuality.
c) Baggage & Money Insurance
It is advisable to take out baggage and money insurance, especially if you are carrying a large amount of cash or expensive and valuable camera equipment. You should always carry such equipment as "carry-on" luggage. Do not put anything of value in your checked baggage!

Claims
If you anticipate an insurance claim upon your return, be sure to document as accurately as possible any accident, injury or loss. Doctor's notes and police reports will aid any claim.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
The tour fares are fully inclusive as detailed in the itinerary. However, personal expenditure, gratuities for driver/guides and mokoro paddlers, and airport taxes and visa fees are excluded. We suggest that you allow US$25 per day to cover the cost of personal expenses and souvenirs (within reason) etc. Botswana banks will only accept US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Deutsche Mark, and South African Rand cash. Therefore, any cash payments to camps for curios, or gratuities to guides or staff, need to be in one of these currencies. Travellers' checks in any currency are acceptable, and most camps will also accept Visa or MasterCard. All properties have their own drinks policy. Please consult your itinerary or confirm with your agent the specific details of what is included at each property visited on your safari. Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you. We usually recommend that there are three categories of staff members to tip: your guide, the camp staff and the mokoro paddlers.

1. Guides
We recommend US$5 per guest per day if the guide has done a good job.
2. The General Camp Staff
Here we recommend about US$3 per guest per day. This should be handed into the communal tipping box to be distributed equally among all the staff at a later stage
3. Mokoro Paddlers
Mokoro paddlers are great capitalists. We could include a tip for them in your safari cost, but we have found that we get better results if they are being rewarded directly from the guests for their hard work. So tips are not included in the tour costs. The paddlers therefore have the added incentive to put in that extra effort to ensure that your stay with them is a memorable one. We recommend that each paddler receive US$ 3 per guest per day.
NB: On all international flights from Botswana, there are departure taxes to pay. These taxes can be included in your airfare and should be reflected on the ticket for any Air Botswana or other scheduled flight. If this is not reflected on the air ticket, then Air Botswana will collect this from you directly. All domestic departure taxes on charter flights are included in the price of your safari.

RECOMMENDED READING
a) Okavango: Wetland Wilderness - Adrian Bailey
b) Okavango: An African Paradise - Daryl Balfour
c) Chobe: Africa's Untamed Wilderness - Daryl Balfour
d) The Lions and Elephants of the Chobe - Bruce Aitken
e) This is Botswana - Daryl Balfour
The Bushmen - A Changing Way of Life - Anthony Bannister.
g) Africa's Top Wildlife Countries - Mark Nolting
h) Botswana: A Brush with the Wild - Paul Augustinus.
I) The Kalahari, Survival in a Thirstland Wilderness - Nigel Dennis, Dr Michael
j) Birds of Prey of Souther, Central, and East Africa - David Allan
k) Newmans Birds of Southern Africa and Common Birds of Botswana - Ken Newman.
l) The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals - Jonathan Kingdon
m) The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals - Richard D. Estes
n) Guide to the Trees & Shrubs of the Okavango Delta - Veronica Roodt
o) Guide to the Wildflowers of the Okavango Delta - Veronica Roodt
p) Botswana Tourist Map & Guide - Veronica Roodt
q) Wildlife of Southern Africa, A Field Guide - Vincent Carruthers
r) Running Wild: Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog - John McNutt, Lesley Boggs, Dave Hamman & Helene Heldring.
s) Field Guide to the Snakes & Reptiles of Southern Africa - Bill Branch
t) Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - Chris & Tilde Stuart
u) Wild About the Okavango - Duncan Butchart

If you wish to purchase copies of these or any other nature books, please contact: Russel Friedman Books at P.O. Box 73, Halfway House, 1685, South Africa or on fax +27 11 7021403 or e-mail: rfbooks@iafrica.com. If you are a keen birder we recommend that you bring your OWN Newman's bird book. Everyone must bring their own BINOCULARS in order to get the most out of your safari.

ITINERARY PLANNING
First time visitors to Botswana usually have misconceptions about what happens with the game viewing and water activities in the Okavango. Many have heard about Botswana's game and also heard about the Okavango and the water environment. Many people then automatically assume that the two go hand in hand, and that the game viewing in the Okavango Delta must be fantastic. This is not the case. The areas which offer the best water experiences usually offer limited game experiences, and the best game areas offer little in the way of water experiences. For this reason, itineraries visit camps that can offer a wide variety of experiences.

VERY IMPORTANT FOR SCHEDULED AIR BOTSWANA FLIGHTS
Please check in early at all airports as the flights are occasionally overbooked. If your flight travels through Gaborone, please insure that on arrival in Gaborone you claim your baggage, clear customs and check in immediately for your connecting flight to Maun, as passengers with confirmed tickets have been "bumped off" flights because they checked in too late. Please insure that all your onward flights are reconfirmed at least 72 hours prior to flying. Listed below are some helpful telephone numbers to assist you in reconfirming your flights on arrival in Victoria Falls, etc. (NOTE: The first set of parentheses is the country code, the second set of parentheses is the city code. If you are phoning long distance within a country, you will have to dial a "0" before the city area code.

AIR TRANSFERS
We offer two types of air transfer: either a private charter where you have sole use of the aircraft, or a scheduled air transfer based on a "seat-in-plane" basis where you share the aircraft with other guests (and thereby benefit from the lower cost). Unless specifically requested to do otherwise, we will automatically book you onto the scheduled air transfer with other guest's, as this is the more cost-effective option. When we package an itinerary using scheduled air transfers, we book the aircraft and pilot through licensed charter companies in Maun. That portion of your trip is therefore sub-chartered. All the flight times between lodges are arranged a few days before the flights take place so that there are not endless schedule changes. The lodge or camp where you are staying will be advised of your departure time the day before and will have you at the airstrip on time. We cannot be firmer on timings as the charter companies are compelled to service their aircraft every 100 hours, which could mean all air movements have to be rescheduled at the last moment. At certain times of the year it may be necessary, for safety reasons, to transfer you from camp to camp during the cooler times of the day, in early morning or late afternoon only. Once the departure times have been set they cannot be changed unless large additional costs are paid.

PHOTOGRAPHY
The choice of the correct camera equipment and film will determine the quality of your photographs on the trip. For good photography of birds and animals, a good SLR camera and telephoto lens is necessary. The minimum recommended size is 200 mm and a zoom lens can be extremely useful on safari. Consideration should be given before traveling with any lens bigger than 400 mm as most interesting shots are taken using hand held equipment. Colour reversal film (slides) will give far greater quality than prints. The guides have found that they are getting the best results using Fuji film. Fuji has brought out a good high-speed film that gives good colour with very little grain (less so than any of their competitors). This is especially useful when using a big lens in low light situations. The guides' personal preference is the slower film (either 50 or 100 ASA) as this gives almost perfect quality for normal light. However you may consider going to 200 ASA for a larger lens in low lighting conditions. The only disadvantage with the low ASA film is that you need a tripod for the early morning and evening shots. IMPORTANT: BRING LOTS OF FILM, AS IT IS NOT AVAILABLE ON THE SAFARIS - BRING A SPARE CAMERA BATTERY.

LAUNDRY
Laundry can be done at all camps. Most camps charge a modest and nominal fee for this facility but others do provide this service for free. The camp staff will not wash underwear owing to local traditions prevailing in the country.

WILD ANIMALS
Many of the animals and reptiles we will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare. To date we have had an unblemished record but no safari in Africa can guarantee that such incidents will not occur. Neither Wild Frontiers, their staff members, associates; agents, nor their suppliers can be held liable for any injuries caused during an incident involving the behaviour of wild animals.

FLASHLIGHTS
As the grounds of all lodges/camps in Botswana are unfenced it is essential that you bring a small flashlight as you may encounter WILD ANIMALS in camp at night. You should also bring a spare bulb, as well as extra batteries, as they are unobtainable in Botswana. Most of the camps supply a flashlight, but it is good to have your own as a backup.

DRIVING CONDITIONS
The roads are rough and bumpy and occasionally we will travel "off road" where it is possible that injuries may occur if for example a hidden pothole etc is struck. Wild Frontiers nor their staff members, associates or agents can be held liable for any accidents or any damages!

PARK FEES
The Botswana Government has imposed tariff scales for entrance to the Parks of approximately US$18 per person per day. These park fees are generally included in the cost of your safari.

LOSS OF ARTICLES
Please note that we cannot accept any responsibility for the misplacement of any articles whilst in the camps. Naturally, we will do all possible, but the logistics of inter-camp communication and the schedule of charter flights for the period may not be favourable for the returning of articles. Any costs incurred will be for your own account.

LOST BAGGAGE
Luggage that goes missing on scheduled flights is beyond the control of Wild Frontiers, and often the airline concerned too. The airport controls what happens to passenger's luggage from when it is checked in until it is put on board the aircraft. We would like to suggest that you take the following precautionary action: Please pack a small bag with your essentials, that can be carried with you as hand luggage, and pack a second bag containing non-essentials that can be loaded in the aircraft hold. If the second bag was not to arrive, you will still have your essential items on hand to see you through the first couple of days while we try and recover your baggage.

PRIVATE VEHICLES
If you would like a private vehicle and guide to take you on your game drives, we can arrange this for you at an extra cost. If you elect to take up this option then you will have a private vehicle and guide for you and your party. The guide will then be available to you at all times. If you elect not to take up this option you will be travelling on game drives with other guests at the lodge. We would appreciate acceptable behaviour on the vehicle that will insure that all our guests have enjoyable game drives.

RESPECTING WILDLIFE
- Observe the animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.
- Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.
- Please respect your driver-guide's judgement about our proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. Don't insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt, or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.
- Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.
- Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
- Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill animals.

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST - MAXIMUM 12 KGS - IN ONE SOFT SPORTS BAG
(INCLUDING CAMERA EQUIPMENT)
1. Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarized - tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
2. Bush hat
3. T-shirts and one long-sleeved cotton shirt
4. Shorts/skirts
5. Long trousers/slacks
6. Track suit
7. Underwear and socks
8. Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
9. Thongs/sandals
10. Swimsuit
11. Warm winter sweater
12. Warm Anorak or Parka (important for the cold winter mornings in June-August)
13. Camera equipment and plenty of film (If available, it is expensive in Botswana)
14. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
15. BINOCULARS - ESSENTIAL (and Newman's bird book if you are keen)
16. Personal toiletries
17. Malaria tablets
18. Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
19. Anti-histamine cream
20. Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc
21. Basic medical kit (aspirins, Band-Aids, Immodium, antiseptic cream etc)
22. Tissues/"Wet Ones"
23. Visas, tickets, passports, money etc
24. A flashlight with spare batteries and a spare bulb as these are unobtainable in Zimbabwe and Botswana
25. Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April)
26. Scarf and gloves for the winter months (May to September)

Please remember that you do have the option of purchasing an extra seat on the air transfers, which will allow a further 56 kgs of luggage as long as this is packed in a soft bag and can be stowed on an aircraft seat. Please request this at the time of booking.

PROBLEM SOLVING
We pride ourselves in running quality experiences, offering the best there is for such a remote location. If there is anything you feel that we can do to enhance your experience, please do not hesitate to contact your camp manager.