Prepare to be awed by the amazing wildlife on our most special Africa adventure. The Kalahari is my favorite region and our past three groups raved about it. I spent months designing this for you AFS Afroholics. With the pandemic, we decided to make the itinerary simple with only one Covid test, yet still intense with adventure.  Now it is perfect. You’ll be so pampered in our luxe camps with gourmet meals and the staff is so eager to welcome you! They have implemented the highest safety standards and will still maximize your thrills each day on safari. This is the best time to go.  From Kwai to Moremi, Okavango to Kalahari – with bushbabies to meerkats, Botswana has it all.  

It is your responsibility to read our important emails and updated notes to these Trip Tips.  Let us sweat the small stuff as we strive to make your trip worry-free. This may well be the best time to go and fully enjoy your vacation!

Facebook Group here - https://bit.ly/3vyKMGA

Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly.)

Carol Huntington has been on 20+ AFS trips over the years and has led many of our solo travel tours. She has been a ray of sunlight to each of those groups. She has a passion for seeing the world and experiencing new cultures. Having traveled to over 92+ countries and all 7 continents, she continues to pursue her dream, while working for the past 25 years in the banking industry. Her goal is to build relationships, problem solve and keep clients happy. She genuinely cares for people and is cool under pressure. These are great qualities for the business and the travel world.

Trip Prep:

• Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
• Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages.  We recommend renewing your passport well ahead of any planned international travel. Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. Scan your important documents – Covid tests, trip tips, passport etc. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email folder on your phone to re-issue new one quickly.  
• To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport.  Look in your App Store for details.  
• Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.  
• Vaccines – I got mine feeling it will eventually be necessary for travel. Many countries now are eliminating Covid test and quarantine for vaccinated visitors.  Bring your vaccine card.  Don’t laminate vaccine card as some countries won’t accept it.  You can take photo of both sides and store on phone or copy both sides and laminate the copy.  Login to your trip file booking form and answer question about Vaccine Yes (or will) or No.  Suppliers want this info.
• All airline Covid rules differ.  It is imperative to read your airline rules to ensure a smooth departure!  Click here for the latest info on PCR tests required to travel abroad Latest Covid Testing Info.  Failure to get the correct test may cause the airline to turn you away.   It’s your responsibility to know the airline rules that can change right up to departure. They won’t speak to us with reservations in your name. All websites post their Covid rules at top of landing page. All airlines in the process of making significant routing and scheduling changes now as they scramble ramping up hiring for the travel surge to come. How to reach them?  Call direct or request a callback time. Check to see if your questions can be resolved on the airlines mobile app or via Twitter or turn to their social media for assistance. Travelers get best results via Facebook message to the airline.  
• The local supplier and AFS may require you sign a Travel Pledge before departure.  If so, we’ll email a form to you  prior.
• No visa or shots

Covid Testing Rules tend to mutate faster than the virus itself.  Therefore, a special webpage has been built so you can get the latest info… Click here  Failure to read this page can result in your airline preventing your boarding your flight!  Read the page, it’s vital  https://www.afstravelers.com/basic-covid-info/  Because rules always change, final details will be sent to you a month out. Currently you need a negative Covid test within 72 hours of departure to South Africa as well as Botswana. Arrange your own PCR test here in USA. Our supplier will arrange your PCR test there needed for Botswana- Cost settled directly with clinic, reasonable.  

Malaria – although Botswana is considered a malaria zone, it’s the end of the rains in March. Please consult your health provider. Anti-malaria meds are a personal decision. We’ve sent countless AFSers to Africa over 35 years with no problems. See my notes below. At dawn and dusk, Carol will remind you to wear a long sleeves and pants. Use repellent on exposed areas or use the easy repellent ankle and wrist bracelets. Lodges provide repellent spray and mosquito nets.

Fitness level – Easy

Air–  Land dates Mar 28-Apr 4, 2022  (Departure USA Mar 25-27)  At present, we don’t offer a group air from USA as this is a small group of seasoned travelers. You can book all your air USA round trip to Maun if you like. 

Or it’s easy to book airfare round-trip to Johannesburg JNB with many choices! Delta has great rates now. United has nonstop from Newark. Then we can ticket you together on group air with Airlink flights to Maun. You must be ready in Johannesburg airport March 28 by 9:30 AM to check in. We advise you to overnight to rest in Johannesburg. All our groups love the Sunrock B&B – around $70 including airport transfers and breakfast.  Our friend Ian is owner holder us 15 rooms now.  Please book t[your room emailing - info@sunrock.co.za or n.delmulle@africanspiral.com

Example –

·  Mar 26  fly USA to JNB.  Land 3/37 and overnight 

·  Mar 28 -  airport checkin 9AM for flight to Maun. 

·  Apr 4 – Fly Maun back to JNB at 3:50PM.  All international flights back to USA depart in the evening. 

Maun Group Air - $595 we are holding 18 seats.  Go to  https://tri.ps/24zPN  and login to update and reserve booking.

Mar 28 JNB-Maun 12-1:40PM  

Apr 4  Maun – JNB  2:15-3:50PM

Transfers and Meeting Group - More on this later closer to departure.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland.  You change hotel properties several times.  For all small charter planes in Botswana, luggage must be soft sided, weighing no more than 20 KG (40lbs) including your hand carry-on.  Dimensions 12” wide, 13” high, 28” long.  

If you overpack by adding side pre-or post-trip luggage, make prior plans as to where to stow the excess luggage. You may be responsible for any overage charges. So many cool new luggage trackers with GPS available now to prevent lost baggage!  We like LugLoc, DynoTag, Samsung or Apple Trackers.   The new hard cases are difficult to fit in coach storage. Be sure to attach ID to both bags. Leave space for great souvenirs.

Packing – the word “safari” means to journey or move. You must pack light. Casual clothing of neutral colors is all you need. Sneakers are fine for walking in the bush. For village visits, please bring some goodies for the children.  Check Google Weather a week prior to departure. November is summer in this part of the world and the perfect time to visit.  Temps should be in the 90’s.  Read Suzy’s Africa below and Packing 101 in Heading Abroad with AFS https://www.afstravelers.com/heading-abroad/

Pack your hygiene kit and munchies in clear plastic bags.  Airport and inflight food service may be limited.  Safaris are totally casual. Mornings are always cool so pack a jacket that is warm.  Dress in layers! Shorts and T-shirts fine by day. Long pants and sleeves after dusk. Bring a day pack, DEET insect repellent, wide rim hat with chin strap, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuit, sandals and comfy sneakers or walking shoes.  More below. 

Electric– Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug.  AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers. All countries use the same round 3 pin plug (WA-10) , so only one adaptor needed.Check Amazon for adapters.  See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Money Matters – You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $300 in cash should suffice. Always bring some cash!  Wise to have new crisp bills.   Change currency arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM.  Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering. Avoid using unless it’s an emergency.  Currency  Exchange Rates…

• Botswana   $1 = 11 Bots Pula  USD widely accepted so no need to change money here.  Small demonization best.  
• Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet  https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Be sure you bring New Bills (dates after 2016) as countries may not accept older bills when changing money.
Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I convert half of it upon entry. I use my credit card for most purchases.  Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees.  You can use CC to pay for most things except craft markets. Here they will accept USD and possibly give change in local currency which can then be used for tipping.  A reminder that Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere - Amex more difficult in Africa due to very high cc charges.

Gratuities –  It’s protocol to tip our local guides, assistants, porters, drivers and ground staff. Guidelines have increased globally.  The staff and game rangers in each large give you their utmost attention and make you feel like family. 

Tipping on safaris can be complex as you will have your allotted ranger throughout your stay whom you’ll get to know and love. Rangers average $10 per day. Lodge staff $8 dollars per day. Carol will advise there on distribution.  Please bring envelope of $140 in Tens and Twenties for all tips.  If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly.  All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. I personally carry a personal stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed.  

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Communication– Internet is available. With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad.  Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate.  Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.  

Get Smart: Avoiding Hackers on Vacation.  Thieves not only want your money but also your data.    Change passwords often. Check device security settings before you leave for your trip. Back up, update, and encrypt your devices and data using a virtual VPN.

• In hotel rooms, hide iPods or laptops to avoid “evil maids” that want to clone your tech.
• Bottled water is always best abroad, as our gut isn’t accustomed to local tap water. Eat clean food and avoid street vendors.
• Pickpockets are everywhere now, especially at night.  Never carry your passport outside of the room.
• It’s wise to grab a business card from the desk before heading out on own.  To get back just show the card to a taxi driver- no memory or English needed.

Photography – Before taking pictures of locals, know it is polite to ask.  Your AFS Private Facebook Group Page is a great way to share your best shots with each other. AFS loves photos with group participants (not typical churches, monuments, or any shot that looks like you pulled it off of the net, etc.) for our website. The best photos are ones that include a group member with a local, children, animals, or at iconic sites in the same frame!

Retail Therapy – There is wonderful shopping in this part of Africa. Even non-shoppers will find themselves tempted by local goodies. Our past groups have come back with the coolest stuff.  Wise tip – Do ALL shopping at end in JNB airport store “Out Of Africa”!  They have everything and can even ship.

Sought-out treasures are African tribal art, diamonds, tanzanite, masks, beaded anything, wines, painted ostrich eggs, safari wear, and endless crafts. For any items over $60, ask for a VAT receipt to receive a 15% tax refund to be collected at airport departure.  Crafts and artwork are favorites for souvenirs and gifts, as they represent the ancient cultures and beliefs of the region. Traditional handicrafts include wood carvings and vibrantly colored masks (Makonde masks and figurines are popular due to their individuality and tribal significance). Also, traditional tribal jewelry, garnet, soapstone and malachite carvings, printed textiles and batiks, mats and baskets woven from reeds, pottery, decorative homewares, leather items, and salts and spices.

Cuisines–  Meals are listed on itinerary and included.  All food and water at properties are purified. Fresh meals and desserts here are so delicious, you’ll put on pounds.

Roomies – We all live alone, but save money when traveling by rooming together. Suzy spends a lot of time on roommate matching.  99% of our clients are wonderful and you’re only in your room to sleep at night.   Note, kindness begets kindness.

Leisure Time –  For your free time, it’s best to arrive and ask our local expert guides for suggestions.  We notice many newer clients pre-plan many activities on the AFS trip well before they arrive, often with disappointing results.  Our daily itineraries are pretty full, but there will be some free time. Expert travelers revel in the element of surprise in a new destination and allow the wind to blow them where it will. Use Google Maps on your phone to find everything nearby.

Amending tour pre-or post-trip or arranging private tours during free time.  We often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them to countries before/after our trip. Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has nothing to do with this and is not responsible for the quality of these trips.  Visas and shots can become complex.