What to Pack for Botswana: From Dawn Drives to Delta Boats
Pack earth-tone, quick-dry layers for dusty tracks and mokoro rides through the reeds, a warm fleece for 32–46°F sunrise drives, UV hat and polarised sunglasses, strong repellent, and a soft-sided duffel for light aircraft.
Updated on January 2, 2026
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Packing for Botswana’s contrasts — blistering midday sun, dust‑hazy tracks, and surprisingly cold evenings — can feel daunting. This guide turns it into a clear formula, explaining what works in safari vehicles and mokoro boats, what locals favor in towns, and what to skip so your bag stays light. Remote camps mean limited shopping, so decisions count. Plan on breathable layers and sun‑smart protection.
Dress codes are relaxed but tidy. Earth tones like khaki, olive, and sand blend into the bush and feel right at lodges, while tailored‑but‑loose silhouettes handle heat and movement. In towns and community visits, modest coverage is appreciated, and dinners lean neat rather than formal. By day it’s easy, and after dark one refined layer finishes the look. Keep colors muted and skip bright whites.
Expect real swings: summer brings hot 86–100°F days with crackling storms, while the dry months sit at 68–86°F with nights that can fall to 32–46°F. Open vehicles funnel wind at dawn, pans reflect harsh glare, and the Okavango adds humidity and mosquitoes even when elsewhere feels crisp. Roads turn to mud in the rains and sand lingers in the dry. Carry a warm layer for dawn and a packable rain shell in summer.
From here we map the core kit that earns space — sun and insect protection, the right layers, and quick‑dry pieces — then dial it by season and by activity, from game drives and mokoro days to cool‑night camp life. You’ll also get footwear advice, what to skip, mistakes first‑timers make, and how to pack for light aircraft limits, power and money realities, and respectful travel in remote places.
Part 1: Packing Essentials
Packing List
Adults
Clothing
Footwear
Kids Clothing & Footwear
Botswana Day Bag Checklist
What you'll carry for a typical day exploring the city.
Part 2: Style & Weather
Botswana Weather: Pack for Hot Days & Cold Nights
Botswana’s semi‑arid climate alternates between hot, wet summers (Nov–Mar) with 86–100°F afternoons and frequent storms, and a dry, cool season (Apr–Oct) with clear days of 68–86°F and nights that drop to 32–46°F. Okavango floods create humid, mosquito-prone microclimates near waterways.
Monthly Temperature Guide
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 93°F | 73°F |
| Feb | 93°F | 73°F |
| Mar | 91°F | 70°F |
| Apr | 86°F | 63°F |
| May | 79°F | 52°F |
| Jun | 72°F | 41°F |
| Jul | 70°F | 37°F |
| Aug | 73°F | 39°F |
| Sep | 81°F | 46°F |
| Oct | 88°F | 57°F |
| Nov | 91°F | 66°F |
| Dec | 93°F | 72°F |
Seasonal Insights
spring
Spring (Sept–Nov) brings warming days of 72–90°F and dusty mornings; rains increase late. Pack: breathable long-sleeve shirt + quick-dry trousers, light merino midlayer, wide-brim hat, insect-repellent clothing and spare socks.
summer
Summer (Nov–Mar) is hot and humid with 86–100°F days and heavy storms; mosquitoes peak near waterways. Pack: UPF shirt, quick-dry trousers/shorts, packable waterproof, high-SPF sunscreen, treated long sleeves and insect repellent.
fall
Fall (Apr–Jun) is the start of the dry cool season: clear days of 68–82°F and chilly 36–50°F mornings. Pack: breathable base, insulated merino midlayer, wind shell, long neutral trousers, sturdy low-ankle shoes, dust scarf and hat.
winter
Winter (Jun–Aug) is peak dry and clear: daytime 64–79°F with nights often 32–46°F. Okavango floods favor boating safaris and crisp mornings. Pack: merino base, insulating jacket, packable down, waterproof shell, waterproof shoes, hat & gloves.
Botswana Style Guide: Safari-Ready Dressing
Botswana style blends rugged utility with understated lodge refinement. Pack breathable cotton and quick-dry synthetics for hot 30–38°C days, merino for chilly 0–8°C nights, and ripstop outer layers for dusty, windy drives. Neutral, low-contrast colors respect local communities and reduce insect attraction while still letting you look put-together at camps and town restaurants.
The Local Dress Code
Towns are casual; lodges favor neat, smart-casual looks. When visiting villages or cultural sites wear modest, non-revealing pieces and avoid flashy jewelry. On safari choose neutral, earth-tone layers for sun protection and blending into the landscape; bright whites and fluorescents are discouraged.
Practical, respectful style for Botswana: layer for hot days and cold nights, prioritize sun and insect protection, and choose earth-tones and quick-dry fabrics for remote safaris and Okavango water excursions.
Style at a Glance
- • Layer light, breathable pieces for 30–38°C days and merino or fleece for 0–8°C nights
- • Stick to khaki, olive, sand, rust, teal and navy—earth tones reduce insect attraction
- • Prefer slightly loose, functional silhouettes for sun protection and mobility
- • Bring two pairs of shoes: sturdy low-ankle and waterproof or quick-dry options
- • Focus on UV and insect protection: wide-brim hat, treated clothing, and repellents
Color Palette
Shopping in the City
Botswana has limited technical gear outside major towns; buy sunscreen, insect repellent, and small essentials locally but bring core technical layers and footwear. Seek local textiles and handcrafted accessories as cultural souvenirs.
Brands to Look For
Okavango Outfitters: Technical safari pieces and quick-dry shirts designed for water and vehicle safaris; practical cuts and reinforced seams for long trips. ($$ - $$$)
Kgalagadi Gear: Rugged ripstop shells and travel trousers made for dusty tracks and charter transfers; focus on durability and packability. ($$ - $$$)
Mmuiri Weaves: Handwoven scarves and wraps from local artisans—lightweight, breathable pieces ideal for sun protection and modesty during village visits. ($ - $$)
Riverine Threads: Casual lodge shirts and breathable blends with subtle patterns inspired by delta waterways; tailored enough for dinners. ($$ - $$$)
Makgadikgadi Leather: Durable, low-profile leather goods and camp-friendly sandals built for everyday use without flashy hardware. ($$ - $$$)
Baobab Essentials: Sun hats, UV scarves and insect-screen accessories crafted for hot, reflective landscapes and humid river zones. ($ - $$)
Where to Shop
Gaborone Main Mall: Urban stores, outdoor shops and artisan stalls for clothing and basics
Maun Market: Local crafts, woven scarves, and small gear items for safaris
Neighborhood Vibes
Gaborone: Modern capital style—lightweight linen-blend separates, polished sandals or loafers, and a smart layer for evening dining. Practical yet tidy for shops and cafes.
Maun & Okavango Gateway: Utility-forward travelwear: quick-dry tees, ripstop pants, wide-brim hat and sturdy low-ankle shoes. Expect dusty transfers and early-morning cold; layers are essential.
Seasonal Outfit Formulas
spring
Delta Morning Layers — Early-morning game drive when mists lift and temperatures rise.
- • Lightweight long-sleeve quick-dry shirt: Neutral color, UPF fabric to block sun
- • Ripstop travel trousers
- • Low-ankle hiking shoes
- • Wide-brim sun hat
Village Visit Casual — Respectful, tidy outfit for community and cultural visits in town.
- • Breathable cotton blouse
- • Lightweight chinos
- • Closed-toe casual loafers
- • Woven scarf: Covers shoulders for modesty and sun protection
summer
Wet-Season Boat Safari — Mokoro and motorboat trips in humid, mosquito-prone conditions.
- • Quick-dry short-sleeve tee
- • Convertible quick-dry trousers
- • Closed-toe quick-dry sandals
- • Permethrin-treated buff: Extra insect protection around neck and face during evenings
Mokoro Calm Day — Low-intensity water travel with strong sun and reflective glare.
fall
Pan Day Walk — Walking on salt pans and open plains with intense sun and wind.
Birding at Dawn — Early birdwatching sessions—quiet, layered and camera-ready.
winter
Cold-Start Game Drive — Frosty mornings and very cold nights—insulate without bulk.
Stargazing Night — Clear, cold nights—dress warmly for extended outdoor sitting.
Footwear Guidelines
- • Primary: sturdy low-ankle hiking shoes with good grip for sandy tracks and uneven trails
- • Wet-season: waterproof boots or quick-dry shoes for mokoro and boat access
- • Casual: closed-toe quick-dry sandals for lodge water access and river banks
- • Camp: lightweight camp shoes or slides for evenings and tent living
Accessory Guidelines
- • Wide-brim UV hat and high-SPF sunglasses to manage intense sun and glare from pans
- • Long-sleeve lightweight layers and a buff for sun and dust protection
- • Insect protection: DEET or picaridin repellent and permethrin-treated clothing
- • Modest, neutral scarves or wraps for village visits and wind protection
- • Compact waterproof pouch for electronics during boat safaris
What to Wear for Every Botswana Adventure
Game Drives (morning/evening)
Open 4x4 game drives dominate Botswana — early starts are cold and dusty, afternoons warm and bright; dressing in layers is essential.
Mokoro & Boat Safaris
Water-based Okavango trips bring humidity, mosquitoes and different packing rules than land safaris — keep gear dry and light.
Walking Safaris & Guided Bush Walks
Close, slow-paced bush walks need practical clothing and strict guide-led etiquette for safety and low-impact visitation.
Birdwatching (wet & dry seasons)
Birding in Botswana can be exceptional year-round; season and habitat change where and how you watch.
Stargazing & Night Drives
Clear dry nights reveal spectacular skies; night drives also offer close nocturnal wildlife viewing with strict safety rules.
Cultural & Village Visits
Visiting communities requires modest dress, respect, and asking permission before photographing people or homes.
Pan Visits & Quad/Bush Excursions
Trips to salt pans like Makgadikgadi expose you to extreme sun, glare, wind and fine dust — timing and protection matter.
Photography-Focused Safaris
Photography trips need gear protection, quick access to lenses and weight-conscious packing for light aircraft transfers.
Part 3: Expert Tips
What Not to Pack for Botswana — Safari & Okavango
Save luggage space and avoid common overpacking mistakes by leaving these items behind.
- • Bright white or fluorescent clothing: Bright whites and fluorescents attract tsetse flies and mosquitoes, show dust and stains on pans and boat trips. Choose neutral khaki or olive quick-dry long sleeves and a wide-brim hat for sun protection instead.
- • High-fashion stilettos or heels: Stilettos are impractical on sandy tracks, uneven game-drive trails and lodge decks; they also look out of place at village visits. Bring sturdy low-ankle hiking shoes and a pair of camp shoes or closed-toe sandals instead.
- • Heavy, bulky suitcases: Large hard cases are hard to stow on charter flights and safari vehicles and exceed weight limits. Opt for soft-sided duffels or compressible packs, distribute weight across bags and use luggage straps.
- • Expensive, visible jewelry: Flashy jewelry attracts unwanted attention at airports and lodges and risks theft. Leave valuables at home or pack inexpensive pieces and use lodge safes; photograph heirlooms instead of wearing them.
- • Only heavy cotton jeans: Heavy denim retains dust, dries slowly after mokoro or rain, and is uncomfortable in hot 30–38°C days. Swap for lightweight quick-dry trousers, merino or linen-blend pants that wash and dry overnight.
- • Strong perfumes and fragrances: Scented products can disturb wildlife, fellow guests and can attract insects in humid Okavango areas. Use unscented sunscreen, fragrance-free toiletries and DEET or picaridin repellent as a targeted alternative.
- • Only one pair of shoes: Relying on a single pair is risky with muddy rainy-season tracks, wet mokoro landings and dusty dry-season pans; nights can drop to 0–8°C. Pack hiking shoes plus waterproof footwear or quick-dry sandals and camp shoes.
- • Fragile or unnecessary cooking gear: Most lodges provide meals and remote transfers make carrying fragile pots impractical. Instead bring a compact spork, collapsible cup and trust lodge catering; save weight and space for spare clothing and meds.
- • Bright touristy colours and loud prints: Loud colours stand out in village visits, attract insects and spoil wildlife photography. Stick to earth tones—khaki, olive, sand—or muted teal and rust to blend in and respect local customs instead.
- • Heavy hardcover guidebooks and bulky maps: Paper guides add weight and take space when shops are scarce; power outlets can be limited at camps. Use downloaded offline maps, ebooks and photo copies, and carry a small power bank for devices instead.
Botswana Insider Packing Tips
Local wisdom and practical advice gathered from seasoned travelers and residents.
- • Layer for huge day-night swings: Pack a merino base, breathable mid-layer and a windproof shell. Botswana has hot 30-38°C days and nights that can drop to 0-8°C. Layering saves space and keeps you warm on pre-dawn game drives.
- • Sun protection for intense glare: Bring a wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen and polarized UV sunglasses. Glare off salt pans and the Okavango doubles sun exposure; reapply often and use SPF lip balm to prevent painful chapping.
- • Mosquito and tsetse fly defense: Use 30-50% DEET repellent, treat shirts and socks with permethrin, and sleep under nets where provided. Okavango and floodplains breed mosquitoes and tsetse flies, especially in Nov-Mar wet months and humid microclimates.
- • Soft-sided luggage for light aircraft: Use soft-sided, compressible luggage for charter flights and 4x4 transfers. Most light aircraft have strict weight limits. Distribute essentials across bags and keep meds, documents and a spare outfit in your daypack.
- • Quick-dry and waterproof essentials: Bring quick-dry shirts and a packable waterproof shell for mokoro and motor-boat trips. Okavango days can be humid even in dry season; quick-dry fabrics and a zippered dry bag will protect camera gear and valuables.
- • Footwear for sand, mud and boats: Bring two reliable pairs: low-ankle hiking shoes with grippy soles for sandy tracks and game drives, plus waterproof shoes or closed-toe sandals for mokoro and muddy floodplains. Avoid white shoes that show dust.
- • Neutral tones respect and conceal: Pack khaki, olive and sand tones. Neutral colors respect local norms and help you blend on safaris for better photography. Bright whites and neon attract tsetse flies and show dust; aim for earth-tone layers you can mix.
- • Bring spares—laundry is scarce: Remote lodges offer limited laundry and shops are scarce. Pack duplicates of underwear, socks and one extra technical top. Bring travel wash soap and a clothesline; quick-dry pieces let you refresh garments between long transfers.
- • Med kit and malaria planning: Carry a compact med kit with prescriptions, basic antibiotics, oral rehydration salts, blister care and antihistamines. Discuss malaria prophylaxis before travel. Risk varies by region and increases near wetlands and Okavango channels.
- • Headlamp, batteries and lighting: Pack a bright headlamp plus spare batteries and a small LED torch. Night walks, early starts and power outages at remote camps make hands-free lighting essential. Use a low red setting for star-gazing and to avoid startling wildlife.
- • Photography tips for remote conditions: Protect camera gear from dust and water: carry lens cloths, silica packets, spare batteries, and a zip-top dry bag. In boats or on dusty pans, secure straps and avoid changing lenses in the open to prevent grit ruining sensors.
- • Respectful clothing for cultural visits: Bring modest, non-revealing clothes for village and cultural visits: cover shoulders and knees, avoid low-cut tops and short shorts. Remove hats indoors, ask permission before photos and buy local crafts to support communities respectfully.
Botswana Travel FAQs: Safari, Climate & Packing
Common questions from fellow travelers, answered with local insight and practical experience.
What shoes are best for game drives, mokoro and pans?
How can I stay safe from mosquitoes, tsetse flies and malaria?
How should I layer clothing for hot days and freezing safari nights?
What luggage and weight rules apply for charter flights and transfers?
How does Okavango flooding affect what I should pack?
What power gear and charging plan should I bring for remote lodges?
What should I wear for village visits and cultural experiences?
Common Botswana Packing Mistakes and Fixes
Learn from others' experiences to avoid these common packing pitfalls and travel more comfortably.
Underestimating cold safari nights
Assuming Botswana is warm all day: nights can drop to 0–8°C on dry-season safaris. Pack lightweight insulating layers (merino or fleece), a windproof shell, and a warm hat. Layering beats single heavy coats.
Insufficient insect protection for Okavango
Skipping serious insect protection: Okavango’s wet microclimates and tsetse risks mean mosquitoes appear even outside rains. Pack DEET (20–30%+), permethrin-treated clothing, a head net and long, loose sleeves.
Relying on finding gear in remote lodges
Expect few shops outside major towns: remote lodges rarely stock technical gear, medicines or spare batteries. Bring duplicates of socks/underwear, a compact repair kit, spare power bank and basic meds in carry-on.
Packing bright or white clothing that attracts flies
Packing bright whites or fluorescent gear: they attract tsetse flies, show dust and make wildlife approaches harder. Opt for khaki, olive or sand quick-dry fabrics, neutral layers, and low-sheen sun protection instead of heavy fragrances.
Ready for Your Botswana Adventure
You're ready to fall for Botswana: sunlit pans, mokoro canals and quiet starlit nights. Pack layered outfits for large diurnal shifts (days 20–30°C; nights 0–8°C), bring targeted insect protection (repellent, treated clothing), and carry soft-sided luggage plus a spare technical top for remote transfers and limited shopping. Dress modestly in earth tones, respect local customs, travel light, and savor every wild, water-soaked moment.
