What to bring along and what not to bring...

[VanderVlietm]

I am sorting out tickets at the moment to come to Botswana at the end of November. I am from the UK and so I assume i will be granted a 90 day visa on entry.

I don't have a work visa but I am coming over there to look for a job as a pilot. Obviously I will have to disguise this from customs. Would bringing along a leather pilots case give it away?

Have many of you had problems on entering the country?


Thanks,


Mike

[squire]

A tent,mosquito repelant,sunscreen,some decent books and lots of patience.:ok:

[Rhodie]

G'day Vander

Guess you'll be going to Maun then...

The pilot case shouldnt be a problem - you can tell customs that you are a pilot going to do some sightseeing, if they ask...

The Bots borders are a whole lot friendlier than some of our northern neighbors (Zim, Nam) and generally won't give you uphill unless you try to hurry them or bullsh*t them too much - they, like the rest of Africa, love the foreign money, but the Pula is actually STRONGER than the rand and has a value in the free world...

Summer is here, and Bots gets as bl**dy hot as anywhere, so bring light clothing, a good hat (a full hat that protects your neck) and a peak cap. Bring a good pair of light hiking boots (not those snow boots from last winter...!) and some slops, good sunglasses (very important), shorts, long and short sleeve shirts and a good removable lining jacket for the colder nights, all in a good quality back-pack should do.....

Other than that, the normal every day stuff - ah, dont forget any prescription medicines that you may need - the local towns are sometimes many miles from nowhere..

A good compact camera (film is always available) and some books for the transit times.

DONT bring: flashy gold chains, genuine Breitling's (you can buy fakes there..), the top-of-the-range Nikon or anything else that you cannot replace - this is not to say that the stuff will get swiped, just that you may get seriously pissed in Maun and forget where you left things.... :uhoh:

Lastly, check with your local travel agents if you require any vacinations and get these asap.

Enjoy the trip...!!! :ok:

[VanderVlietm]

Thanks very much for the advice Rhodie. Was very helpful mate.

Mike

[B Sousa]

Rhoadie may not know squat about Anti-Malarials, but as a Doctor of Hangovers, Im sure he can prescribe the right meal or libation to quell the pounding in your head......

[Rhodie]

Ah, Mr B - as per your post above:

Dear Alcohol,

First and foremost, let me tell you that I'm a huge fan of yours.

Your many dimensions are mind boggling (different than beer goggling,
which I'll touch upon shortly). Yes, my friend, you always seem to be there
when needed. The perfect post-work cocktail, a beer with the game, and
you're even around in the holidays hidden inside chocolates as you warm us
when we're stuck in the midst of endless family gatherings.

Yet lately I've been wondering about your intentions.

While I want to believe that you have my best interests at heart, I feel
that your influence has led to some unwise consequences, briefed below for
your review.

1. Phone calls: While I agree with you that communication is important, I
question the suggestion that any conversation of substance or necessity
takes place after 2am.

2. Eating: Now, you know I love a good meal and, though cooking is far from
my specialty, why you suggested that I eat a kebab with chili sauce, coupled
with pot noodles and some stale chips (washed down with
chocolate Nesquik and topped off with a Kit Kat all after a few cheese curls
and chili cheese fries) is beyond me. Eclectic eater I am, but I think you
went too far this time.

3. Clumsiness: Unless you're subtly trying to tell me that I need to do more
yoga to improve my balance, I see NO need to hammer the issue home by
causing me to fall down. Completely unnecessary. Similarly, it
should never take me more than 45 seconds to get the front door key into the
lock.

4. Pictures: This can be a blessing in disguise, as it can often clarify the
last point below, but the following costumes are banned from ever being
placed on my head in public again: Indian wigs, sombreros,
bows, ties, boxes, upside-down cups, inflatable balloon animals, traffic
cones, or bras.

5. Beer Goggles: If I think I may know him/her from somewhere, I most likely
do not. Please do not request that I go over and see if in fact, I do
actually know that person. The phrase 'let's F***'is illegal from now on.
While I may be thinking this, please reinstate the brain-to-mouth-block that
would stop this thought from becoming a
statement, especially in public.

6. Furthermore, the hangovers have GOT to stop. Now, I know a little
penance for our previous evenings debauchery may be in order, but the
2pm-hangover immobility is completely unacceptable. I ask that, if the
proper precautions are taken (water, vitamin B, bread products, aspirin)
prior to going to bed/passing out facedown on the kitchen floor with a bag
of popcorn, the hangover should be minimal and in no way interfere
with my daily Saturday or Sunday (or any day for that matter) activities.

Come on now, it's only fair -- you do your part, I'll do mine.

Alcohol, I have enjoyed our friendship for some years now and would like to
ensure that we remain on good terms. You've been the invoker of great
stories, the provocation for much laughter, and the needed
companion when I just don't know what to do with the extra money in my
pockets.

In order to continue this friendship, I ask that you carefully review my
grievances above and address them immediately. I will look for an answer no
later than Thursday 3pm (pre-happy hour) on your possible
solutions and hopefully we can continue this fruitful partnership.


:E :E

[Kiwi Flyer]

Hi Mike,

Dont forget to see your local GP and get all your jabs before you leave, well worth it, especially Hepatitis.
Tell customs in Bots your visiting friends, and give your address in Botswana as Audi Camp, Maun. Works every time! They will probably give you a 30 day visa, but this is easily extendable.

Cheers

KF

PS. If you want to make us kiwis happy bring kiwi Marmite and tins of Watties Tomatoe Sauce!!!:ok:

[VanderVlietm]

Thanks KF,

Having those sorted out tomorrow. Sure will bring those things with me. I have booked my ticket to leave on the 3rd of December to arrive in Gabarone.

Whats the best way to get from there to Maun? Any chance a ride with one the charter companys possible?


Thanks,


Mike

[Kiwi Flyer]

Hi Mike,

The charter companies dont do much Gabs-Maun, but check closer to the time. Air Botswana flys the route daily, but expensive! Otherwise there are the local buses. Cheap and safe, but its a long ride!:{

Cheers

KF