Yes it is safe, the statistics back that up as there are very few incidents recorded. It is of course a wild place and most lodges are not fenced with wild animals all around, so you do have to be aware of your surroundings and you must adhere to all camp and safari activity safety protocols. You must also have insurance, as a minimum you must have evacuation cover to get you to the nearest hospital in case of an accident.

Yes there is malaria although risk of contracting it are very low, but please consult your travel doctor to get professional advice on taking prophylaxis.

You will need comfortable clothing, ideally no bright colours or white - comfortable walking shoes, not hiking boots. For winter you need warm jackets and long sleeves and long trousers, in summer you need sun protective clothing. Of course you need your camera, binoculars, bird book and an open mind! Our full packing list is available in our pre-travel documents and also here.

Ideally around 12 months in advance. Botswana is a relatively small destination with a limited number of lodges. To get space at the best value lodges, and to get your selection of lodges to line up in your preferred travel window, you should plan at least 12 months before. That said, last minute bookings are possible and sometimes at discounted rates.

Most of the lodge sin the Okavango Delta are surrounded by water or it would take a long time to get there by land, so light aircraft flights are required for those lodges. A number of lodges in the Moremi, Khwai, Savuti and Chobe are accessible by road. We also offer overland safaris where no flying is required.

We book and arrange all the relevant flights to and from the lodges, we also coordinate timing so that you get to either Maun or Kasane in time to check-in for departing flights and exit transfers. There are a number of 'airlines' that offer these 'unscheduled charters' - mostly in Cessna Caravan 208, Cessna 210, Airvans and similar aircraft, seating 3 - 13 people. The aircraft are owned and operated by various lodge groups. You are likely to drop off and pick up other passengers on the way to or from a lodge, the schedule is planned the day before and follows a route to serve guests that need to get between the various lodges and airports. Typically no tickets or times are provided in advance, but you will be given any relevant paperwork before your first flight.

There are no required vaccinations or medical requirements, it is generally a healthy country to visit. Malaria prophylaxis is optional.