FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Botswana is considered a safe travel destination. It is both financially and politically stable. It has been spared much of the unrest and turmoil which plagues so many countries in Africa. As is the case elsewhere, the larger cities and population centres generally have the most crime, but once you are on safari, such problems are all but non-existent. It is, however, a good idea to leave your valuables (expensive watches, jewellery, etc.) at home, thus eliminating the temptation for possible theft. Luggage locks are always advisable when flying.

A valid passport is a requirement for any international travel, when travelling into Southern Africa your passport needs to be valid for a minimum requirement of 6 months after your entrance date as well as 2 blank pages. Citizens of certain countries are required to obtain visas for entry into Botswana. As this list of countries changes from time to time, it is important to check with your travel consultant regarding current visa requirements, well in advance of your departure. Please note that it is your own responsibility to ensure all necessary visas are obtained prior to entry (unless available on entry, such as Zimbabwe at current time).

You will be met at the airport in Maun. After passing through customs, you should look for a uniformed Ker & Downey representative with a sign showing 'Ker & Downey Botswana'. The Ker & Downey Botswana representative will then transfer you either to your flight to camp, the Ker & Downey Botswana offices, your hotel or other appropriate destination as per your itinerary.

Depending upon the time of year you safari in Botswana, lightweight clothing of cotton and cotton/blends are most suitable. During the winter months it can be very cold and a warm jacket will be needed for early morning and evening game viewing activities. During the summer months bring a lightweight water/windproof jacket in case of rain, but otherwise temperatures are very warm. For evenings bring lightweight long sleeved clothing as protection from mosquitoes. Neutral colours such as khaki, beige/cream or olive green are appropriate, and are less conspicuous to the animals. Laundry is done daily in camp, so it is not necessary to over pack. Consult our packing list as a general guide before you travel.

It is recommended that on your international flight to Botswana you carry a change of clothing (e.g. t-shirt and underwear), any prescription medicines and your valuables (documents, camera, wallet) in your hand luggage in case of lost luggage or luggage delays from connecting international flights. In the case of lost luggage, Ker & Downey will assist where possible in calling the airlines to monitor progress in your luggage claim which, in most cases, arrives the following day, however please note that it is often beyond our control and your best precaution is the essential items being packed in your hand luggage.

Yes. Water supplies in camp are filtered to city standards. Water flasks in each tent are replenished on a daily basis with purified water readily available at each camp. All our camps are equipped with reverse osmosis systems that purify the water to drinking standards. Glass bottles are provided in the main area and can be replenished from water coolers – this is to reduce plastic waste and is part of Ker & Downey Botswana’s green initiative.

Ker & Downey Botswana’s preferred charter company is Safari Air, a subsidiary of Chobe Holdings. The charter company operates a fleet of Cessna 208 Grand Caravans, and Mahindra GA8 Airvans. These are ideal bush aircrafts, that are able to land and take off using the short runways.

Ker & Downey Botswana uses Toyota Landcruisers which have been specially built for game viewing and photography. All have completely open seating areas for full viewing and unhindered photography. Each has ample seating with storage, reference books, snacks, bottled water, toilet paper, insect spray and a cool box for refreshments.

All our camps - Shinde, Shinde Footsteps, Kanana, Okuti, and Dinaka have been successfully converted to solar power. This system enables the operation of lighting, fans, and other basic camp facilities.

On our standard fly in safaris, inter-camp transfers are provided by light aircraft. Transfer times are minimal, averaging 30 minutes to one hour twenty to Kasane. Flights are booked on a 'seat rate' basis which allows us to offer a more economical transfer than a private charter. This means that flight times are scheduled by the charter company the day prior to fit in with their flying schedule. All requests are taken into consideration for flight times and international flights are guaranteed to be met provided correct information is provided by the guests. Meals and activities are planned around the flights and transfers.

Self drive access is possible to Okuti, from either Maun or from Chobe National Park or within Moremi Game Reserve. In order to drive within the National Parks of Botswana you need to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle as the roads are sand/dirt in varying conditions throughout the year. Previous 4x4 experience is highly recommended and a well kitted vehicle is compulsory (spare tyre, jack, spare fuel, water etc).

Ker & Downey Botswana - Gratuities Guidelines
Tipping is entirely at your own discretion, and need only be done once, at the end of your stay.

•Guide, Specialist Guide – We recommend USD 20.00 per guest per day.
•Mokoro Poler – We recommend about USD 7.00 per guest per day.
•The General Safari Camp/Lodge Staff – We recommend USD 20.00 per guest per day. Please note that this will be distributed equally amongst all general staff at month end. The gratuity may be placed in the communal tipping box, left it in a sealed envelope with Camp/Lodge Management, or settled by credit card on departure.

No. Getting into and out of vehicles and light aircraft as well as some walking is the most strenuous activity you will encounter. Our safaris are considered 'soft adventure'. Some of the road terrain can be bumpy as it is 'off road'. If you have a back problem please do advise us in advance.

There is a strict luggage restriction for all guests travelling by light aircraft transfers of 20kg (44lbs), 65cm/25inches length, 40cm/width, 30cm/12inches height, manageable bags which may have one rigid side, this includes hand baggage and camera equipment. No hard suitcases or bags with wheels or frame are permitted. This is for safety and logistical reasons.

Most major currencies are accepted throughout Botswana. You will not need large sums of cash while on safari, as our rates are all inclusive. However, some guests enjoy shopping in Maun.

Selected camps have a small gift shop stocked with various curios, safari items and film, credit card can be used (Master or Visa cards, no American Express ). Otherwise, you may need money for any accommodations, meals and shopping before or after your scheduled safari as well as for visas (Zimbabwe etc) and taxes. The amount needed, of course, is your personal decision.

Surprisingly, there are very few snake problems in Botswana, normal common sense minimises contact with snakes (i.e. don't go crawling through dense bushes!). Insect repellent is provided in all tents and safari vehicles. However, for your personal comfort, we recommend you bring some insect repellent of your own and take malarial prophylaxis (please consult your local travel medical specialist for the medication best suited to you). It is also a good idea to bring some sunscreen as even in the winter months the days are warm and clear and as you spend a large part of the day outside on activities, there is a risk of sunburn.

All camps have Wi-Fi which is accessible to all guests, therefore there is a guaranteed/easy communication with family and friends.

You should leave the contact details for the Ker & Downey Botswana Maun office in order that you can be contacted in the camps by radio from Maun in the case of an emergency. Our booking form asks for an emergency contact for your next of kin, in case we should need to send an urgent message through.