Because of the country's desire to manage the parks on a sustainable level, visitors to these unique areas are strictly required to camp within designated camping sites.
CAMPSITES
National Parks and Game Reserves have camping grounds for visitors. Most camping sites are serviced by ablution blocks with flush toilets, showers and hand basins, table/benchunits and braai/barbecue stands. Visitors are required to bring their own camping equipment and supplies.
NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES
Reservations
Reservations for entry into national parks and game reserves should be made prior to arrival at:
| Gaborone Office: | Parks and Reserves Reservations Office P.O. Box 131, Gaborone, Botswana Tel: (+267) 58 0774, Fax: (+267) 58 0775 E-mail: dwnp@gov.bw |
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| Maun Office: | Parks and Reserves Reservations Office P.O. Box 20364, Boseja, Maun, Botswana Tel: (+267) 66 1265, Fax: (+267) 66 1264 |
The offices are open everyday including public holidays (except Christmas Day). Reservations abroad can be made at any of the Botswana embassies, consulates and tour operators.
BASIC RULES AND REGULATIONS
Visitors should adhere to the following rules and regulations when visiting national parks and game reserves:
- Opening Hours
05.30 - 19.30 hrs (December, January, February)
06.00 - 19.00 hrs (March, April, May)
06.30 - 18.30 hrs (June, July, August)
06.00 - 19.00 hrs (September, October, November)
No driving is allowed outside the above hours. - Persons holding reservations for camping sites must take up their campsite by 17.30 hrs on due date of arrival, otherwise the site may be re-let and pre-payments forfeited.
- Entry to the park or reserve is allowed by permit only. These are available at the entrance gates.
- The maximum speed limit within a park or reserve is 40kph.
- Driving off roads is strictly prohibited.
- Removal of any flora or fauna is strictly prohibited.
- Visitors are required to conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly manner at all times whilst within a protected area.
- Visitors must not harass or feed the animals, as this can lead to human habituation and will result in the destruction of the animal(s).
- Visitors are required to stay in their vehicles, except in designated areas.
- No disturbance to animals or any person may be caused.
- Fires may only be lit in designated fireplaces.
- All litter must be placed in the bins provided for that purpose, except for combustibles, which may be burnt in a designated fireplace.
- No dogs or any other domesticated animal or bird is allowed within the parks or reserves.
- Firearms, and any other form of weapons, are strictly prohibited.
- All animals are potentially dangerous and should be treated with the respect
they deserve. Sleeping in the open is dangerous. Visitors should not swim
or enter any waters within the parks and reserves, due to crocodiles and
bilharzia.