Leaving in 1 week!
 

After 9 months of planning, it's nearly time for our family to go to the Delta. So I've just checked the weather forecast for while we're there, and the low is expected to be about 10(C) (about 50 F). That's not what I'd call cold, and certainly not ski clothes weather. Is the weather forecast likely to be wrong, or is it just warmer than average in the Delta at the moment? (Basically, I don't want to lug out lots of really cold weather clothes if we don't need them).

Any other last minute advice anyone can give me?

I felt the same way about lugging a heavy coat to SA the last weeks of May. I was glad I did take gloves, warm scarf and a fleece jacket. It was cold in SA in the early morning and late evening game drives. The windchill from riding in an open jeep even at 15 mph is very chilling.

The camp where we stayed did have fleece jackets, vests, scarfs, hats and gloves for sale in the gift shops. My husband who opted not to take any of these items added to his wardrobe by buying gloves, scarf and fleece jacket.

It was 5 C during the cold spell that came through while we were there in middle May 2007.

Our camp also had light blankets as well as hot water bottles. I found the hot water bottles on your lap were very effective. The cashmere scarf I brought wrapped around my head and then with my safari hat on top to keep scarf on was very effective as well. I would at least suggest some gloves, scarf and possible stocking cap as they don't take up much room in the suitcases.

Not sure what the cold factor will be in the Delta area.

Hope this helps
Granny Joan

Bring hats, gloves and scarves and maybe a sweatshirt to layer. Our lodges in the Delta had lots of heavy blankets in the vehicles for evening drives.

Bear in mind, also, the potential temp change from high to low. When I was in Somalia several years ago, it was almost 80 degrees at night, but I needed a medium weight jacket because it was about 30 degrees cooler than the heat of the day.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

Thanks very much! (Not the answers I wanted to hear admittedly, but the ones expected!)
I hope we have a wonderful trip too! (leave in 6 days, and in 7, we'll be in Vumbura Plains. I'm unbelievably excited, and my colleagues are bored of hearing me talk about it!)

rockabell,

just got back from northern Botswana. Dont know if you are going to any of the camps in the greater linyanti area, but, the mornings for the first two hours were pretty cold. Even the guides were dressed like they were ready to ski! I didnt go to the delta, i would think it would be a touch warmer but, not by too much.....

Rockabelle -- Just back from the Delta, and I second everyone's advice. I did not need gloves, but loved having a fleece earband and neck gaiter. Didn't need a full hat, but you'll be glad your ears are covered in the mornings and evenings, especially if you're travling in boats on the delta. (Helps keep bugs from buzzing in your ears, too!) Headband and gaiter weigh virtually nothing and take little space. I also loved having silk long underwear for sleeping and layering. Didn't need them every night or morning, but really felt great on colder nights. In the morning, I usually just threw clothes on over my silks and enjoyed the lightweight layer. Most days I was able to keep the long johns on until we returned to camp for brunch around 10:30 or 11 -- hadn't gotten so hot yet as to make me uncomfortable. (Once in a while I removed the underlayer during a bush break.) Bottom line: layers you can peel, and coverage for your ears and neck. The sights, sounds, and smells of the Delta will warm your heart.

Have a fabulous trip. Beth