Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
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Example holiday
Discover the Magic of Botswana
We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to Botswana is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Botswana for 4 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
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Discover the Magic of Botswana.
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Upon arrival into Maun Airport, you will be met and assisted with your check in for your Moremi Air flight.
Moremi Air (Light Aircraft): Fly from Maun (MUB) to Nxai Pan Camp - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to your camp. Modestly sized and largely under-visited, Nxai Pan is one of Botswana's best-kept secrets for a desert safari. The action takes place around Nxai Pan itself and the Park's 2 waterholes, which keep wildlife in the area year-round. Much of Nxai Pan can be explored in a day, however the real reason to visit is to take a slower pace and watch the waterholes as the wildlife arrives to drink. If you're lucky, your patience might pay off as a hungry cheetah charges a thirsty springbok, sending a shower of dust over the waterhole.
For landscape photographers, the famous Baines' Baobabs are a half day trip from Nxai Pan itself. The baobabs sit on the edge of Kudiakum Pan, whose salt-encrusted surface provides a small hint of the vast saltpans further south in the Makgadikgadi.
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip.
Moremi Air (Light Aircraft): Fly from Nxai Pan Camp to Lagoon Camp - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to your safari camp. Lagoon is perched on the banks of the wild Kwando River, overlooking the Mudumu National Park in the Namibian Caprivi Strip. Lagoon has a well-earned reputation for big game and large herds of elephant and buffalo, especially in the winter months, when herds of up to a thousand are not uncommon. This vast concentration of game attracts the attention of large predators. The Lagoon wild dog pack regularly den close to the camp and the excellent viewing opportunities have led to Lagoon's reputation as one of the best places to see wild dog in Botswana.
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip.
Moremi Air (Light Aircraft): Fly from Lagoon Camp to Maun (MUB) - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met at Maun Airport and assisted with the check in for your onward international flight.
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
Nxai Pan Camp
Makgadikgadi Pan: 2 Nights
Nxai Pan Camp is located on the western edge of the fossil pan from which the camp takes its name, and is the only permanent camp in the Nxai Pan National Park. The camp faces east over the open grasslands of the pans and accommodates a maximum of 18 guests in thatched units.
The biggest draw to the Park are the zebras that migrate by the thousands to the area, (usually) from mid-February to late April to give birth – which is the second largest land animal migration in Southern Africa, during the summer after the rains have fallen. The pan is also known for its huge springbok population, wildebeest, elephants and large groups of giraffe. During the rainy season, birdlife here is prolific, many species being different to what one would see in the Delta – it is definitely a birders paradise.
Activities offered at Nxai Pan are game drives, as well as day trips to the famous Baines' Baobabs. These age-old trees were immortalised in paintings by the artist and adventurer Thomas Baines in 1862. If you were to compare Baines’ paintings to the scene today, you would find that after 150 years, the trees are nearly identical – testament to the age of these magnificent giants. Another classic activity is a walk with one of the San bushmen trackers, an informative walk that takes place within the camp’s footprint. Learn about how the San used to live nomadically, gather food, find water sources, hunt and identify which plants were used for medicinal purposes. Their wealth of true bush knowledge is unparalleled.
The 9 en-suite chalets at Nxai Pan Camp (including a 2 bedroomed family chalet close to the main area) are linked to the main area by low raised walkways. Inside, the chalets are wide, airy and spacious. All have a relaxing lounge area and sliding doors that open onto a viewing deck, which faces a permanent waterhole where elephant are frequent visitors.
The main area of the camp includes an expansive open-air lounge, dining area, bar, plunge pool and curio shop. The wide, wooden viewing deck leads out to an open firepit area where guests often enjoy pre and post dinner drinks, and breakfast is usually served here too. Off to one side of the deck is a small plunge pool, with sun loungers offering front row seats to the action at the waterhole.
This lodge is a perfect contrast to the Okavango Delta and Northern Botswana regions, and is a great way to start or round off any trip.
Example Details For Nxai Pan Camp
Nights:
2 Nights
Adults:
2
Children:
0
Room:
1 x Safari Tent
Includes:
All meals; scheduled game activities; local branded drinks; a laundry service; and Park fees are included.
Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.
Location
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
Lagoon Camp
Kwando Concession: 2 Nights
Lagoon Camp is perched on the banks of the Kwando River, and is nestled beneath towering ebony and marula trees within the private Kwando Concession - currently the largest private wildlife reserve in Botswana, covering 2,320 square kilometers of unfenced wilderness in the far north of the country.
During the dry winter months (June/July/August), large herds of elephant drink at the river bank near to the camp in full view of the main deck, while playful spotted-necked otters are commonly seen performing in the water. The Lagoon wild dog pack regularly den close to the camp and the excellent viewing opportunities have led to Lagoon's reputation as the place to see wild dog in Botswana.
Activities offered at the camp include walks (seasonal) and game drives (both off road and at night).
Another special feature of the camp is the afternoon river cruise. The unique double deck boat allows several guests the opportunity to drift along the river while enjoying spectacular views, mammal and bird life while sipping at your 'sundowner' of choice. For those guests who enjoy fishing, there is ample room to throw a line in the water while the boat meanders along.
The 8 en-suite tents all offer picturesque views over the river. Each tent has a private deck, a spacious living area and an en-suite bathroom with both an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a bathtub for an enjoyable afternoon soak.
There is also a 2 bedroom family tent adjacent to the main area.
The main areas of the camp include a bar and sitting area, outdoor deck with a swing, dining area, curio shop, orientation centre, and a cosy second-level library overlooking the river.
Example Details For Lagoon Camp
Nights:
2 Nights
Adults:
2
Children:
0
Room:
1 x Tent
Includes:
All meals and shared safari activities are included.
Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.
Location
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
Important Travel Information For Botswana
Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter Botswana when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days:
United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; New Zealand; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Norway; Spain; South Africa.
If you are a passport holder from another country, you can check to see if you require a visa and apply for an eVisa here: https://evisa.gov.bw/#/home.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Botswana and have sufficient blank pages for the Botswana entry/exit stamps (at least 2).
TRAVELLING TO/FROM BOTSWANA WITH CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 18 YEARS OF AGE AT DATE OF TRAVEL: The following requirements apply regardless of nationality.
Parents travelling with children must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child, showing full details of the child's parents. If the birth certificate is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in the country concerned.
If the child is adopted, the adoption certificate must be produced.
If only one parent is travelling, said parent must also show consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent named on the birth certificate authorising the child to travel (the affidavit must be no more than 6 months old from the date of travel), or a court order granting full parental responsibilities to the travelling parent, or (where applicable) a death certificate for the deceased parent. Legally separated parents should also provide a court order when the other parent does not give consent.
Where a person is travelling with a child who is not their biological child, he/she must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child supplemented by affidavits from the child's parents/legal guardian giving consent for the child to travel and copies of the identity documents or passport of the parents/legal guardian PLUS their contact details.
There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors - available on request.
PLEASE NOTE: All documents must be original - PHOTOCOPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTED. In the case of foreign countries that do not issue unabridged birth certificates, a letter to this effect issued by the competent authority of the foreign country should be produced.
For more information, please contact your local Botswana High Commission.
IMPORTANT: Plastic bags are banned in Botswana. This ban is primarily aimed to reduce plastic in commercial use (as opposed to tourists bringing in plastic bags to carry personal property), however, we would strongly recommend guests avoid bringing plastic bags into the country if possible.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
Important Travel Information For Botswana
Continued
Medical
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Botswana.
To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
There is a risk of malaria in the northern half of Botswana, including Chobe and the Okavango Delta, particularly during the months of November to June - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Botswana. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Botswana requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
Languages And Culture
English is the official language of Botswana and widely spoken with all guides and general staff in camps and lodges having a good command. In the broader population, however, not everyone will speak English fluently as many have grown up speaking different tribal languages.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Although homosexuality is no longer prohibited by law in Botswana, public attitudes are less tolerant and public displays of affection may attract negative attention. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.
You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph. Taking photographs of military and government buildings is prohibited.
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
Book With Confidence
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Flexibility and peace of mind before you travel
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
Postponing to a later date
Switching to another destination
Receiving a full refund of all monies paid to Travel Butlers for the trip, providing the balance due has been paid in full
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel or your booked country is placed on the red list
The government in your country of residence (non-UK residents) restricts all but essential travel
The destination you are travelling to has entry restrictions in place that prohibit you travelling, such as closed borders or extended quarantine requirements
International flights are cancelled without alternative routing available for you to use to reach the destinations in the itinerary
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
Support whilst you are away
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
Financial protection for your Travel Butlers holiday
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Finding suitable travel insurance that covers Covid-19
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
cancellation if you or anyone covered by the policy gets a positive coronavirus test in the two weeks before you travel
medical costs if you get coronavirus while you are away
additional transport and/or accommodation expenses if you fall ill with coronavirus while you are away
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.