Safari Life

While on safari in Botswana, one can expect comfortable beds, fresh linens, superb meals, cold beer, fine wine and hot showers; toilet facilities are attached to your personal tent. Many camps feature tents on raised decks connected by raised walkways. Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each room. (Conditioners, cotton balls and Q-tips are not supplied.) Tents are either mosquito proof or offer mosquito nets over the bed. Most camps feature fans in the tents as well.

ROADS: When visiting remote areas or national parks and reserves, the roads could be rough and bumpy and occasionally you will travel "off road", where it is possible that injuries may occur - if for example a hidden pothole is struck. Most main roads in Botswana are tarred, but not those in the national parks.

TYPICAL DAILY SCHEDULE ON SAFARI: All times are a guide only for a non-traveling day*. Times can and do change depending on local conditions and seasons.

Most Delta and Linyanti Camps:

Time*	Activity
5:00 am	Wake up call. Light continental breakfast consisting of cereals, tea, coffee, juices and pastries to be served in the dining area.
5:30 am	Depart on morning activity, returning to camp at approximately 10:00 am.
10:00 am	Brunch will be served, which consists of a large selection of breakfast and lunch dishes. From now until afternoon tea, your time is at leisure to read or relax.
4:00 pm	Afternoon tea is served featuring a selection of sweet and savory snacks.
4:30 pm	Depart on afternoon game viewing activity topped off with sundowners (drinks and snacks)
7:30 pm	Return to camp after dark – time could be later if there are good wildlife sightings.
8:00 pm	Pre-dinner drinks and snacks are served at the pub.
8:30 pm	Three course dinner – generally speaking the starter and desert is served, while the main course is buffet style or also served.
9:30 pm	Coffee and liqueurs will be served at the camp fire.

GAME DRIVES AND ACTIVITIES: Land game drives are in open 4x4 Land Rovers - the camps usually have ten-seater Land Rovers each accommodating a maximum of seven guests, allowing all guests an outside seat. Night drives usually are available (when allowed) with spot light. Walking safaris can be offered from most camps on a request basis, unless the camp has very high elephant concentrations. Some camps offer a hide within walking distance of the camp. Some camps offer mokoro (dug out canoes) safaris, depending on water levels and time of year. Boat excursions may also be available.

LAUNDRY: Laundry is done daily and is complimentary at the Botswana camps, but there may be a nominal charge at other establishments. The camp staff may not wash underwear, due to prevailing local traditions in the country. Larger city hotels offer laundry services at an additional cost.

SATELLITE TELEPHONES: Telecommunications in the urban areas are easily accessible but please note that the safari lodges and camps you may be visiting could be located in very remote parts of East Africa and often 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 it all," we feel that we must set some limitations on the use of these phones when on safari. We suggest the following guidelines on the use of satellite phones:

1. Please ensure the ring tone is kept at a low volume to avoid disturbing other guests.
2. Please use your phone in the privacy of your room and not any of the common areas: dining room, bar/lounge area, or on any of the vehicles or on game drives.
3. Phones should be used for outgoing calls and to check messages only. Incoming calls, and the loud ringing that ensues, should be curtailed.

ELECTRICAL POWER ON SAFARI: Most lodges and camps on safari are situated in remote areas and have to generate their own electricity, which is done in a number of ways. Each camp has a generator that 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 or supply power to each guest lodge room. Typically, power will be available when you are in the lodge or camp, except for overnight. Therefore, it is imperative that you have your own flashlight handy. Electrical plug outlets are not usually available in guest rooms and therefore it is not possible to use such appliances as hairdryers or electric shavers during your stay. Solar heated water is used for showers and some lighting.

SMOKING POLICY: While on safari, there is a no-smoking policy at meals, on the vehicles, on the aircraft, and on boats (in fact anywhere where there is a fire hazard). If you are a smoker, there will be "smoke breaks" on the drives to keep you happy! Please respect this ruling.

DRINK POLICY: While on safari, all local drinks, beers, wines and mineral water are included, with the exception of premium wines & champagne, and premium liqueurs & spirits.

WILD ANIMALS: Many of the animals and reptiles you will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare. However, no safari in Africa can guarantee that such incidents will not occur. Please note that most camps and lodge areas are unfenced. Please make sure that you listen to and abide by the safety talks given by your guides or lodge/camp staff. Don't go wandering off on your own without a guide – even to your rooms. After retiring to your rooms at night, don't leave your rooms. If you are sensible, you will be safe.

FLASHLIGHTS: As the grounds of many lodges/camps are unfenced it is essential that you bring a small flashlight (locally known as a torch) as you may encounter wild animals at night. You should also bring a spare globe as well as batteries as they are unobtainable en route.