CLIMATE:
There are 2 distinct seasons, and the mood of Chobe changes with each, dictating a different experience.

The rainy season is accompanied by high temperatures, averaging 35°C to 40°C with night time temperature seldom falling below 26°C (a summer's day in Western Europe). Despite the heat, humidity is usually low in the Chobe area and there are long periods of dry weather during the rainy season.

The cooler dry season, May to September, sees an average day time temperature of a comfortable 27°C. It is cold at night, much colder than people expect, with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing.


GETTING AROUND:
Chobe's roads, or lack of them, are part of your safari experience in one of Southern Africa's most remote and untamed wilderness areas. Whether you fly into camps or travel overland to campsites or lodges, you will encounter untarred roads and tracks on your journeys between points or on game drives. Chobe is 4X4 country and the dirt roads range from excellent to challenging, depending on the season and soil type.

HEALTH:
Sunblock and a sunhat should be the first items in your bag - even in winter, the sun is harsh and unrelenting. Choose a shady spot under a tree for your afternoon siesta and drink plenty of water - either bring your own, or, easier and cheaper, drink the water from the lodges or campsites. The water provided by your lodge or guide will be safe to drink, having been drawn from clear natural sources and filtered.

Malaria is an ever-present threat in Chobe, but is far more prevalent during the mid to late rainy season (January to May).
Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart.


SAFETY:
More on people's minds is the threat posed by animals. All lodges and campsites are unfenced and wandering elephants during the day are commonplace. The golden rule is to stay within the camp or lodge and not to go too close to animals. At night curious hyena hover in the shadows and lions occasionally pass through - it is therefore vital to use a torch and ensure your tents doors are zipped up.

As for the smaller animals you are extremely unlikely to even see, let alone encounter, a snake or scorpion. Spiders are non-threatening and flies, at least in the dry season, are of little concern. The most serious danger, however, is posed by one of the smallest of animals: the malaria-carrying anopheles mosquito.

WHAT TO PACK:
Clothing while on safari should be light and loose-fitting. Most people on safari wear green, brown or khaki cotton clothing - try to avoid white or bright colours. A sunhat is essential, along with lightweight walking boots and waterproof sandals (river rafting type sandals are perfect).

In the dry season the days are mild and sunny so shorts, T-shirts, cotton tops and sweat shirts are ideal. With night time temperatures plummeting it is advisable to pack trousers, a fleece/thick jersey, jacket and even a woollen hat or beanie.

The rainy season has hot days and mild nights, but many travellers pack long-sleeved tops and trousers as protection against mosquitoes. A light rain jacket would be advisable.