Pre-departure and guest information for your safari with Great Plains Conservation

Great Plains Conservation welcomes you and looks forward to hosting you on your African journey. In order to ensure that you have the best experience possible, please read the following information carefully.

Further information is available to you on our website www.greatplainsconservation.com or the official Botswana Tourism Authority’s website www.botswanatourism.co.bw GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION & Cabinet has mandated the South African DETAILS ON BOTSWANA Department of Home Affairs to put in place the necessary legal instruments to give effect to this TRAVEL DOCUMENTS decision. The status quo will remain until such time Travellers going to / from Botswana are strongly the department has provided a legal instrument encouraged to update themselves on what the for this category of travellers. In the meantime requirements are in terms visa requirements travellers are encouraged to comply. for South Africa and Botswana as well as those wanting to travel to, from and via South Africa to The decision to retain the Inter-Ministerial Botswana with children. Committee on Immigration Regulation will greatly assist in dealing with whatever difficulty might “South Africa’s Cabinet’s have made an updated arise as a result of the implementation of its decision (as at late October 2015) regarding recommendations until such time that the main the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial decisions have been implemented. Committee the South African President had established to look at the unintended In order to implement Cabinet decisions on this consequences and mitigating factors relating matter, the Department will do the following: to the implementation of the Immigration In the next three months, Amendment Acts (2007 and 2011) and • Implement the capturing of biometrics at ports Immigration Regulations, 2014. The law, as of entry starting with a pilot at OR Tambo, King amended, will remain with adjustments to be made Shaka and Cape Town airports, in implementation, to make it easier for people to comply. • Look at introducing an Accredited Tourism Company Programme for countries like China, In terms of the decision, on the requirement for India and Russia, travellers to apply for visas in person, in countries • Consider a long-term Multiple Entry Visa for where there is no SA mission, the Department of a period exceeding 3 months and up to 3 years Home Affairs will receive applications, including for frequent travellers (for business meetings), by post, and capture biometrics of travellers on business people and academics, arrival at ports of entry. • Principals will issue letters confirming To address concerns around the geographical permission for children to travel on school tours, spread of countries like China, India and Russia, certain measures will be put in place to ease the • Extend the validity of the parental consent process of application, in particular for tourists. affidavit to 6 months.

With regard to the travelling of children, the South Within a year, • Add visa facilitation centres, including in African Cabinet approved four processes. Zimbabwe, United Arab Emirates and Botswana, Child-travel requirements for outbound travelling • Consider a South African visa-waiver for India, from South Africa will stay, including proof of China, Russia and other countries, parental relations through unabridged birth certificates, and, as necessary, parental consent. • Look at issuing visas on arrival for persons In respect of inbound travel where visas are travelling to SA having in their passports valid required, it will still be required that original birth visas for the UK, USA and Canada or any other certificates and, as necessary, parental consent country that applies stringent checks on visitors or certified copies are submitted during the visa to their countries, to ease travel for tourists, application process. Requirements regarding • Consider granting a certain category of frequent unaccompanied minors will remain, like providing travellers (business and academics) from Africa copies of the identity document or valid passport a 10 year Multiple Entry Visitor’s Visa, and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive an unaccompanied minor. • Open two Business Visa Facilitation Centres in Durban and Port Elizabeth, in addition to the For visa-exempt countries a strong advisory will centre recently opened in Sandton, be issued, with travellers advised to have proof of relationship and consent from the absent parent/s or guardian/s, in case they are asked to provide such on arrival.

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM In the long term, one year and beyond, The scale of cancellation charges is expressed as • Install systems for pre-flight checks at a percentage of the total safari package invoiced international airports, value as follows:

• Upgrade Advance Passenger Processing systems • More than 16 full weeks notice prior to arrival: and implement Passenger Name Record, to Deposit is refundable; enhance risk assessment, • Between 16 weeks and 8 full weeks notice prior • Finalise automation of the visa and permitting to travel: Deposit is forfeited; system • Between 8 weeks and 4 full weeks notice prior to travel: 50% is forfeited; and These measures will ensure the balance between national security and economic interests of the • Less than 4 weeks notice prior to travel: 100% is country. Child safety will not be compromised. forfeited. Should a guest be a “No Show” or depart early for http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/ any reason whatsoever after they have commenced statements-speeches/687-statement-on-cabinet- travel with Great Plains Conservation no portion of decision-on-the-immigration-amendment-acts- their itinerary will be refunded. and-regulations Non-Great Plains Conservation services YELLOW FEVER CERTIFICATE such intercamp air transfers, private air All travellers coming from, or passing through, charters, regional scheduled flights and hotel countries that have been declared Yellow Fever accommodation may be booked via the Great Plains infected areas must provide an international Conservations reservations office and would be certificate of vaccination for Yellow Fever upon subject to alternative relevant cancellation policies arrival into Botswana. This applies specifically to which will be advised and confirmed at the time of visitors entering Botswana at Kazangula or Kasane cancellation. Airport from Livingstone, Zambia. Inability to produce a valid certificate or medical waiver could INSURANCE result in refused entry. If you are unable to have the It is a condition of booking, that the sole Yellow Fever vaccine, then you must carry a medical responsibility lies with the guest to ensure that they waiver stating why. carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any BOOKING CONDITIONS AND ACCEPTANCE dependants/travelling companions for the duration Your confirmed reservation is governed by our of their trip to southern Africa. This insurance booking conditions and Terms and Conditions. should include cover in respect of, but not limited If you do not have a copy, our reservations team to, the following eventualities: would be willing to send you a copy. Taking this journey with us implies your acceptance of these Compulsory Insurance: conditions. Great Plains Conservation Ltd, its staff, • Emergency evacuation expenses agents and operators cannot be held liable for any • Medical expenses cancellation fees and costs. Your reservation is confirmed with the payment of your deposit. • Repatriation expenses

CANCELLATION POLICY Recommended Insurance: Cancellations are effective on receipt of written • Cancellation or curtailment of trip notification. Cancellation charges may be • Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money calculated on the total safari package value. and goods

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM Great Plains Conservation, including its SAFETY GUIDELINES representatives, employees and agents will take It’s sensible to take some basic precautions whilst no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred travelling anywhere in the world. Below are or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependants recommendations that we feel hold true for travel or travelling companions, with regards to, but in general and which we thus suggest are followed not limited to, any of the above mentioned during a southern African itinerary – they apply eventualities. Guests will be charged directly by mostly to travel in the major cities and towns but the relevant service providers for any emergency elements are also relevant for stays in camps in services they may require, and may find themselves conservation areas. It is advisable to lock your in a position of being unable to access such services luggage with a suitable lock or at least with cable should they not be carrying the relevant insurance ties when flying both locally (within South Africa cover. or to neighbouring countries) and internationally. As an additional precaution we suggest that 1. Health Insurance check-in luggage is shrink-wrapped. Please do It is compulsory to have full medical, emergency not check-in any valuables. Valuables and any evacuation and repatriation cover for the full chronic medication should be kept in your carry- period of time that you are travelling. on luggage. Store valuables and additional cash in 2. Cancellation and Curtailment your camp’s safety deposit box or camp safe. If for any reason you cancel a trip close to departure date, you could lose the entire cost of LOST LUGGAGE your trip. Should you have to leave before your Luggage that goes missing on scheduled flights is holiday is finished, we cannot refund you the beyond the control of Great Plains Conservation cost of the portion of the package you do not and/or the airline concerned. The airport controls complete. In the eventuality of this happening, what happens to passengers’ luggage from when insurance may cover you, depending on the it is checked in/out until it is put on/taken off the reason for cancellation and curtailment. aircraft. We suggest that you take the following precautionary action: pack a small bag with your 3. Luggage & Money Insurance essentials including any life sustaining medication, It is advisable to take out luggage and money which can be carried with you as hand luggage. If insurance especially if you are carrying a lot your luggage goes missing, you will still have your of cash or expensive camera equipment. You essential items on hand to see you through the first should always carry such equipment as “carry- couple of days while we try and recover your lost on” luggage. Do not put anything of value baggage. including any vital medication in your checked- in baggage! 4. 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.

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM LOSS OF ARTICLES • These limits are applicable to guests travelling Please note that we cannot accept any on a seat rate basis so may differ if guests have responsibility for the misplacement of any articles booked on a sole use or private charter option in whilst on your travels. Naturally, we will endeavour which case the maximums depend on the type of to reunite you with your misplaced items. However, aircraft and the number of passengers booked. logistics may not be favourable for the returning of These luggage restrictions appear minimal, articles unless you are prepared to pay for the cost however, please bear in mind the following: to get your goods back to you. Any costs incurred • Most safari camps / lodges and hotels provide in this process will be for your own account. This basic toilet amenities. issue is possibly the single biggest form of stress for guests who have left their goods behind somewhere • Laundry can be done on a daily basis (many en route and who are not prepared to pay for the camps provide this service free of charge but costs to be reunited with their possessions. some camps and hotels do charge a nominal So please make sure that you keep all your goods fee). with you. • Mainly casual clothing is required. As no formal clothes are needed throughout most of southern LUGGAGE & PACKING LIST Africa, we recommend that luggage is limited to • There are strict weight restrictions in place the basics. More formal attire is usually required on any itinerary, which includes light aircraft only when staying in the more prestigious city transfers in Botswana for the following reasons: hotel establishments or on any of the luxury • The aircraft are designed with a maximum trains. On a wildlife safari, casual clothing is the bodyweight and luggage weight allowance. order of the day. Please refer to our suggested • Most of our airfields are over 1000 metres packing list as a guideline. above sea level and are located in the tropics, LUGGAGE and therefore the permissible aircraft carrying We, along with our flying partners in Botswana capacity is reduced. who look after you with your inter camp air • The aircraft have physical space restrictions. transfers, would like to remind you on the Some important issues must please be noted for importance of traveling with the correct luggage air transfers: sizes and weights on their safari through Botswana. -- Luggage, including camera equipment This is irrespective of the class of travel you may and hand luggage, is restricted per person have enjoyed coming to Southern Africa or on travelling on seat rates to 20kg (44lbs). schedule airlines you travel with on your safari. -- Only soft bags will be accepted - no wheels, Due to the remoteness of the lodges in Botswana, frames or rigid structures can be transported light aircraft are used to transfer passengers to, as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft. from and in between the various lodges. Most -- The maximum dimensions of the soft bags lodges have their own small un-paved landing strips that can be accommodated are as follows: that are only accessible to light aircraft. 25cm (10 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high and 65cm (25 inches) long. Please keep in Passenger luggage is stored in pods secured to the mind that the baggage compartments on the underside (belly) of these aircraft. Each passenger light aircraft are only 25cm high (10 inches), so is allowed up to 20 kilograms of luggage on safari, the pilots must have the ability to manipulate and this includes hand luggage and camera bags. the bag into the compartment. Generally their main luggage (a soft sided duffel -- A collapsible wheeled luggage frame/trolley bag) would be up to 15 kilograms which would fit in (separate to the bag) is allowed, as long as the aircraft pod, and we allow another 5 kilograms basic dimensions are similar to that of the of carry on luggage that would be stored at the rear bag. of the cabin in the aircraft making up a total of 20 kilograms. • Please inform us in advance if guests weigh more than 100kg (220lbs) as additional weight Safety is our number one priority. Oversized or allowance on the aircraft must be purchased overweight luggage causes a decrease in aircraft for safety and comfort. The costs for this are performance – lodge airstrips are generally 1000 calculated on request according to specific meters or less so take off performance is critical. region and routing, and provides for a maximum of 70kg (154lbs) excess weight.

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM Not only is weight a problem, but the physical size We trust this will help in passing on the importance of the luggage can make loading and offloading of you traveling with the correct luggage in order difficult, and due to the shape of the aircraft pods, to avoid any embarrassing or frustrating arrivals can result in us only being able to fit only one or two into Maun or Kasane airports with you may or may bags per pod. Soft-sided duffel bags are preferred, not be aware of in terms of the relevant luggage but hard-cases or bags with wheels pose a real restrictions we need to adhere to. problem. We would also recommend that you bring along waterproof or water-resistant duffelbags, especially in summer, as the game vehicles in EXCESS LUGGAGE which the luggage is transferred from the airstrip If you need to bring luggage in excess of your to the camp and vice versa don’t always have any allowance, you may have the option of buying rain protection and the loading and unloading of an extra seat. This “seat in plane” allows for a bags can occur on wet or damp remote airtrips and maximum of 70kg (154 lbs) excess weight, on the runways. proviso that the bag(s) conforms to the dimensions 25cm (10 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high Should you wish to travel with additional or and 65cm (25 inches) long; soft bag i.e. no wheels/ oversized luggage we do allow this as long as an frame/rigid structures. extra seat/s are booked well in advance in order for us to plan ahead on which aircraft type etc to use. The additional cost of this varies depending on your flight schedule so please contact us, or your agent, Should a you arrive at Maun - or Kasane - Airport for further details. with oversized luggage that they have not pre booked as excess luggage, or if you are traveling On arrival in either Maun or Kasane, you also have with oversized luggage that we were not made the option of sending your excess luggage ahead aware of, then we are able to offer the following at an additional cost. If the safari begins in Maun, solutions: the excess luggage will be forwarded to Kasane and stored. If starting in Kasane, the excess luggage 1. You would be offered a chance to repack your will be forwarded to Maun for storage. You can luggage into smaller bags at the airport before then collect this excess baggage at the end of your departure or to consolidate your luggage into Botswana trip. We need to know in advance if this a smaller bag. You would be responsible for the service is needed so that arrangements can be supply of these bags. made and the transfer can be handled smoothly. 2. If, at the airport, you are adamant you do not Please note that the same dimensions as above want to re-pack or leave any luggage, you would apply to this unaccompanied baggage. be given the option of chartering your own aircraft for your sole use in order for the flying company to take all of their luggage. This could cause a delay to your flight whilst a a special, new aircraft and crew is sourced at short notice to carry out such a flight. Bear in mind that your itinerary may include numerous flying legs and a private charter would have to be booked then for all sectors of your safari.

You would then need to pay our flying partner directly for this extra service before the aircraft leaves Maun or Kasane. Charter flights would then be needed for each and every sector that they fly between the lodges with their excess luggage.

We have included images of the various aircraft belly pods we use to give you an idea of the size and shape, and to show just how difficult it is to try and squeeze several hard-cases into each pod.

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM SAFARI SUGGESTED PACKING LIST you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get The below packing list will help prepare you. Please irritation from the dust. remember the luggage restrictions of 20kg (44lbs) 3. A good quality torch. (in a soft bag with no wheels or frame) on your light 4. Southern African bird guide if you are a keen aircraft transfers within Botswana and usually birder, e.g. Newman’s or Sasol. 20kg (44lbs) on most scheduled airline flights. 5. Personal toiletries (basic amenities are supplied Southern Africa is generally pleasant throughout by most establishments). the year - warm to hot days and cool to warm 6. Malaria tablets (if applicable). nights. Summer (September to April) is the hottest 7. Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any time of year; while winter (May to August) can be allergies. far cooler than most people realise especially in evenings and early morning. Therefore, we suggest 8. Anti nausea tablets if you suffer from motion you pack accordingly and this list will help: sickness. 9. Moisturising cream and suntan lotion – SPF 30 1. Sun hat/bush hat. or higher recommended. 2. Headscarf/bandana – particularly for dusty dry 10. Insect repellent for body application e.g. Tabard, regions. Rid, Jungle Juice, etc. 3. Golf-shirts and/or T-shirts – preferably with a 11. Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, sleeve to protect your shoulders from the sun. antiseptic cream & antihistamine cream etc) 4. Long-sleeved cotton shirts. 12. Tissues/Wet Wipes. 5. Shorts and/or skirts – short skirts are not 13. Visas, tickets, passports, money, credit cards, practical for getting in and out of game drive insurance details etc. vehicles though. 14. Camera equipment including spare batteries, 6. Long trousers/slacks. chargers, film, flash cards, memory sticks etc. 7. Track suit. 15. Waterproof/dustproof bag or cover for your 8. Pyjamas – lightweight for summer and warm/ camera. thermal for winter. 16. Binoculars – we highly recommended that you 9. Undergarments - some game drives can be bring your own pair for viewing both wildlife bumpy so we recommend sports bras for and birds. 8x40 and 10x42 are the recommended women. general-purpose binocular specifications. 10. Socks – thermal options are recommended for Please note: the winter months. Bright colours and white are not advised whilst 11. Good closed walking shoes (running/tennis on safari. Camouflage clothing is also not shoes are fine). recommended for travel in southern African 12. Sandals – preferably low heeled or flat. countries (camouflage or military-inspired clothing 13. Swimming costume. is prohibited when travelling in Zimbabwe). 14. Lightweight jersey or fleece in summer. FLIGHT CHECK-IN TIMES 15. Light rain gear or jacket for summer months. Please check in early at all airports (at least one 16. Warm jersey or fleece plus anorak or parka in hour prior for domestic flights, three hours for all winter. international flights) due to additional security which now affects international travel around the 17. Additionally, a scarf, gloves and beanies/ world. Please be aware that during peak season, woolen hats for winter. delays may be encountered on scheduled flights. OTHER: CURRENCY 1. Good quality sunglasses, UV protected, The currency in Botswana is the Pula (P) which is preferably polarised. Tinted fashion glasses are made up of 100 Thebe. Botswana banks only accept not good in Africa’s strong light. US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euro and South African 2. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that Rand in cash.

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM Any cash payments made to camps for curios, or Please remember that the best precaution is the gratuities to guides or staff, need to be in one of preventative kind: these currencies. Travellers Cheques in any of the above currencies are also acceptable. • Avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellents liberally. Great Plains provides a locally made CREDIT CARDS repellent but please bring your own as there may International Visa and MasterCard are usually be skin sensitivity. accepted throughout Botswana, including Great • Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in Plains Conservation camps. American Express the evenings. and Diners Club are not accepted by the banks in • Please use the mosquito net over your bed where Botswana, and therefore not at our camps. supplied/available. VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) • If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a All goods and services in Botswana are priced to suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that include value added tax (VAT) of 12%. On departing may have flown into your room. from Botswana, non-residents may claim a • Mosquito coils are also effective. Malaria is VAT refund on goods exported as accompanied transmitted by a very small percentage of luggage. In order to claim, the original tax invoice, female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are mainly with passport details reflected thereon, must active in the early evening and throughout the be presented to the designated Customs Officer night. Malaria transmission is at its highest together with the relevant VAT claim and export during the warmer and wetter months of declaration form. November through to April. From May through to October the risks of acquiring malaria The value of the goods must exceed BWP 5 000.00 are reduced. There is also less prevalence in (Pula), all in one invoice, per export and the goods remote areas where our camps are situated; must be available for inspection. Refunds are made nonetheless, you need to consider taking by way of a transfer into your account. Customs preventative measures. also ask for bank account details, and payment There is a six to seven day minimum incubation may be deposited directly into the account from period before symptoms present themselves. Botswana. Guests must have these details on hand, If you become ill on your return, while still on as refund documents have to be submitted on the prophylaxis or even once you have stopped same day that the items leave the country. Bank taking them, ensure that your doctor does details cannot be sent at a later stage. everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. DUTY FREE Malaria can be prevented if you are sensible and There is no duty free shopping allowance available take basic precautions. There have been very at O.R.Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) few cases of our guests contracting malaria in on flights to Botswana. Please make sure your duty our many years of operation. It is inadvisable free purchases of perfume, alcohol etc is made for pregnant woman to visit malarial areas before arriving in southern Africa. as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental to mother and child. Whilst above HEALTH should be seen as guidelines only, you should There are a few basic health matters that require consult your medical practitioner before travel care and attention. The following points are to ascertain the best treatment and prevention recommended guidelines only. Ensure you check applicable to your travels and circumstances. with your local medical practitioner about the possible need to carry yellow fever and other inoculation certificates

1. Malaria Malaria prophylactic 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. Both chloroquine-resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent in Africa.

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM 2. Water It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and therefore can actually contribute to dehydration. Generally, water throughout Southern Africa is safe to drink directly from the tap. However, filtered water is readily available, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated.

3. Dietary Requirements For those guests with specific dietary requirements please ensure that we are notified prior to arrival. We can accommodate most reasonable requests.

4. Medical Conditions You need to notify us of any medical condition you may have prior to your arrival. This includes any allergies e.g. bee stings, nuts, shellfish etc.

CLIMATE The weather in southern Africa is generally pleasant throughout the year – warm to hot days, and cool to warm nights. During our winter months however (May to September), it can get really cold at night and in the early morning, particularly when on safari, so we would like to suggest that you pack accordingly – very warm clothing including an anorak/winter jacket, a beanie, scarf and gloves are recommended. Please also refer to our packing suggestions list above.

Summer is from November to the end of March and usually brings very high temperatures. It is also the rainy season and cloud coverage and rain can cool things down, although only usually for a short period of time. The winter season begins in May and ends in August. This is also the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas. The in-between periods - April/early May and September/October – still tend to be dry, but the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter.

TEMPERATURE (ºC) - THESE ARE THE AVERAGE LOWS AND HIGHS MAUN JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 19 / 32 19 / 31 18 / 31 14 / 31 9 / 28 6 / 25 JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 6 / 25 9 / 28 13 / 33 18 / 35 19 / 34 19 / 32 AVERAGE RAINFALL (MM). THIS VARIES ACCORDING TO THE YEAR AND LOCATION MAUN JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 110 80 70 25 7 3 JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 0 0 0 30 50 95 TEMPERATURE (ºF) - THESE ARE THE AVERAGE LOWS AND HIGHS MAUN JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 66 / 89 66 / 87 64 / 87 57 / 87 48 / 82 43 / 77 JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 42 / 77 48 / 82 55 / 91 64 / 95 66 / 93 66 / 89 AVERAGE RAINFALL (INCHES). THIS VARIES ACCORDING TO THE YEAR AND LOCATION MAUN JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 4.33 3.15 2.75 0.98 0.27 0.11 JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 0 0 0 1.18 1.97 3.74

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM LANGUAGE We recommend guests bring two batteries so Botswana’s national language is Setswana, but its while one is charging, the other can be used. While official language is English. some camps can supply adaptors (3 prong round, 3 prong square, 2 prong round and 2 prong flat) it Travel services in southern Africa are normally is advisable that guests carry their own adaptors conducted in English and it is therefore beneficial with them to ensure the ability to charge their for guests to have knowledge and basic proficiency equipment. of English at minimum. Electric shavers and hairdryers are not usable in TIME most camps because their high-wattage will trip the Botswana is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean camp’s power supply. Time (GMT) year-round. FOOD AND BEVERAGE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS While inclusions vary, all our rates include all The dates of certain public holidays change from meals, house spirits, wine and non-alcoholic year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on beverages (excluding imported beverages and a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public champagne). Beverage policies in other camps, holiday. lodges or hotels outside of the Great Plains Conservation portfolio may differ. Please refer to 01 January New Year’s Day your itinerary for specific details.

Varies Good Friday TRAVELLING COMPANIONS Varies Easter Monday While travelling to camps and lodges on our safaris you will meet up with other guests who are from 01 May Labour Day different parts of the world and who are of various 25 May Ascension Day ages. To get the most out of your safari experience, co-operation and harmony between you and your 01 July Sir Seretse Khama Day fellow guests is essential. Should any guest behave 17 July President’s Day (Date is subject to change) in such a way that it affects either the enjoyment or safety of other guests, that guest will be warned 30 September Botswana Day and if need be, eventually taken off safari. Our 25 December Christmas Day safaris are conducted in English and for safety 26 December Boxing Day reasons, it is important that all guests are able to communicate in basic English – this also enables compatibility with fellow travellers. CAMP DETAILS VEHICLES LAUNDRY Our safari vehicles are open 4X4 vehicles and are This service is complimentary at our camps. designed for all guests to enjoy all round visibility At certain camps the camp staff will not wash of the surrounding wilderness and wildlife. underwear, due to prevailing local traditions in the country (in these cases washing powder is supplied for guests to rinse their own underwear).

ELECTRICITY All our camps are situated in remote areas and we have to generate our own electricity. We do so in a number of ways. In most camps, we have solar farms which charge a bank of batteries known as an inverter system which then provides 220V power in each tented room for lightings, ceiling fans and plug points. The only exceptions are Selinda Canoe Trail and Selinda Explorers Camp. Selinda Explorers Camp has a central charging port for shared guest use. Selinda Canoe Trail does not offer charging facilities.

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM PRIVATE VEHICLES • Never walk on your own without a guide – even If you would like a private vehicle and guide, we can to your rooms. After retiring to your rooms at arrange this for you at an additional nominal cost night, don’t leave them. and subject to availability. If you elect not to take up • Observe animals silently and with a minimum this option you will be travelling with other guests of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud on activities. We would appreciate acceptable talking on game drives can frighten the animals behaviour on the vehicle that will ensure that all away. our guests have enjoyable wildlife experiences. • Never attempt to attract an animal’s attention. DRIVING CONDITIONS Don’t imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, While visiting remote areas or national parks and pound the vehicle or throw objects. reserves, the roads could be rough and bumpy and • Please respect your driver-guide’s judgment occasionally we will travel “off road”. It is possible about proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. that injuries may occur - if for example a hidden Don’t insist that he take the vehicle closer so you pothole is struck and the Great Plains Conservation can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven group of companies, their staff members, associates too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to and agent cannot be held liable for any accidents or abandon a hard-earned meal. any damages. • Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly. WALKING IN THE SELINDA & DUBA RESERVES • Never attempt to feed or approach any wild We conduct guided walking opportunities where animal on foot. This is especially important near possible but walking is at your own risk as it can lodges or in campsites where animals may have take you close to dangerous wild animals. become accustomed to human visitors. • Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry RESPECTING WILDLIFE & SAFETY WHILE ON African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire SAFARI can kill animals. Safety is of utmost concern to us and we request you take note of the following guidelines: COMMUNICATION IN GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION CAMPS • The wild animals are not like those found in It has been our conscious decision to avoid internet theme parks – they aren’t tame. access at our safari camps for guests. We believe • Most of the safari camps are unfenced and that the beauty of being away in the wilderness is dangerous animals can (and do!) wander the very fact that you are not in contact with your through the camps. Many of the animals and office or the outside world! A Digital Detox. reptiles you will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare. However, Of course, if there were a problem we would get there are no guarantees that such incidents messages to and from guests via radio – we have will not occur. None of the Great Plains group been doing that for years very successfully. An of companies, their staff members, associates, increasing number of guests are bringing satellite agents, or their suppliers can be held liable for and iridium phones with them on safari. As most any injuries caused during an incident involving people come on safari to “get away from it all”, we the behaviour of wild animals. feel that we must set guidelines on the use of any phones when on safari as follows: • Please listen to the camp staff and guides. The safety precautions need to be taken seriously, and strictly adhered to.

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM 1. Please ensure the ring tone is kept at a low • Guide to the Trees & Shrubs of the Okavango volume to avoid disturbing other guests. Delta - Veronica Roodt • Guide to the Wildflowers of the Okavango Delta - 2. Please use your phone in the privacy of your Veronica Roodt room and not any of the common areas: dining room, bar/ lounge area, or on any of the • Botswana Tourist Map & Guide - Veronica Roodt vehicles or on game drives. • Running Wild: Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog - McNutt, Boggs, Hamman & GRATUITIES Heldring Gratuities are not compulsory. If, however, you • Wild About the Okavango - Duncan Butchart want to tip because you have received good service, then please do. Gratuities are distributed evenly • Botswana - The Bradt Travel Guide - Chris amongst the general camp staff (many of whom McIntyre work behind-the-scenes) and can be placed in the We also carry reference materials in our camps staff “tip” box in the main lounge on departure. A and vehicles, and highly recommend that everyone general guideline is about $20 per guest per day should bring their own pair of binoculars in order for the general staff, depending on how much you to get the most out of the safari. It you are a keen enjoyed the service. Gratuities to guides are done birder we suggest you bring your own bird book as separately, and directly. We advise following a well. similar guideline of about $20 per guest per day for excellent service. QUALITY & FEEDBACK We pride ourselves in running quality itineraries RECOMMENDED READING and offering the best experience possible for such We recommend the following books specific to remote locations. If there is anything you feel that Botswana. we can do to enhance your experience, please do • Okavango: Wetland Wilderness - Adrian Bailey not hesitate to contact the camp or your Great Plains representative. If you have a problem, please • Okavango: An African Paradise - Daryl Balfour bring it to our attention at the time, giving us a • The Lions and Elephants of the Chobe - Bruce chance to try and rectify it immediately. If you do Aitken not communicate to the camp or your Great Plains • This is Botswana – Daryl Balfour representative at the time as it will be more difficult • Botswana: A Brush with the Wild - Paul to resolve later on. Augustinus • Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa and ENJOY YOUR SAFARI WITH US! Common Birds of Botswana - Ken Newman

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM LUGGAGE

VISIT: WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM