WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Botswana is an unforgettable travel destination blessed with abundant wildlife, ancient cultures and a staggering diversity of landscapes.
First up, Central Kalahari Game Reserve: This vast, rugged landscape offers a rare opportunity to witness wildlife in its most natural habitat, where predators like lions and cheetahs roam freely alongside herds of antelope and desert-adapted species. The wildlife in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is both diverse and resilient, adapted to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Iconic species such as lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, Oryx and leopards roam the vast plains, while antelope species like springbok, gemsbok, and wildebeest graze the open grasslands
Next up, Okavango delta’s Khwai region. This pristine wilderness offers a unique blend of lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, providing a habitat for an abundance of wildlife. From majestic elephants to elusive predators, Khwai is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking a close encounter with Africa’s untamed beauty.
Lastly, the Chobe Game Reserve, is renowned for its incredible wildlife, particularly its massive elephant population, which is one of the largest in Africa. Chobe’s lush riverfront attracts a rich array of birdlife, such as vibrant kingfishers and pelicans, and offers some of the best game-viewing opportunities in the region. The park’s unique ecosystem, with its mix of floodplains, woodland, and savanna, makes it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
MAP
DAILY
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-3 | Botswana
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
◽️ DAY 4-6 | Botswana
Okavango Delta (Khwai)
◽️ DAY 7-9 | Zimbabwe
Chobe Game Reserve
◽️ DAY 10 | Return
Departure
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 1
JOHANNESBURG
Overnight
📍 Witwater Guest House
WITWATER GUEST HOUSE
Guest House Overview
Bed & Breakfast
Conveniently located 5 miles from Johannesburg International airport, Witwater Guest House & Spa offers accommodation with access to spa facilities, wellness packages and beauty services.
À la carte and continental breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities and fresh pastries are available daily at the guest house. Guests can eat in the on-site traditional restaurant, which is open for dinner, lunch, brunch and high tea.
B&B
GUEST HOUSE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-3
CENTRAL KALAHARI G/R
Safari Days
📍 Deception Valley Lodge
KALAHARI GAME RESERVE
Area Overview
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a superlative wilderness covering the centre of Botswana full of wildlife, stars and a safari lover’s dreams. With vast stretches of unmodified landscapes and plant groups ranging from a mosaic of enormous clay pans and fossil river basins to undulating, vegetated sand dunes and woods, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a place of outstanding natural phenomena and is of exceptional natural beauty.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to some of southern Africa's most distinctive wildlife, including several densely populated threatened animal species like the Brown Hyena and a variety of raptors. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to the largest variety of the lion species in Africa, the "black maned lion," one variation of the panthera leo.
One of the best illustrations of how people and nature can coexist, especially in dry environments, is the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. It is a location where the Basarwa (San) people have lived beside what is thought to be a difficult environment for a long time. They have survived by hunting animals responsibly using poisoned arrows made from only the best of nature's creations.
Safari days
A typical day on Safari in Africa! Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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DECEPTION VALLEY LODGE
Camp Overview
Situated on the northern edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in a private reserve, Deception Valley Lodge offers a unique bush experience in Africa's remote semi-desert.
With six chalets and a family suite, the lodge provides comfortable accommodation, with each unit featuring an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, and private lounge. The main complex includes a dining area, lounge, and bar with a deck overlooking a frequented waterhole.
Guests can enjoy activities in the Kalahari Private Reserve, including 4x4 game drives, night drives, bird watching, and guided walks. The lodge's gym, swimming pool, and curio shop add to the amenities, ensuring a memorable stay in this harsh but captivating environment.
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 4-6
KHWAI REGION
Safari days!
📍 Sango Camp
KHWAI REGION
Area Overview
A wildlife-rich and diverse ecosystem that offers a mosaic of lagoons, shallow flooded pans, open grass plains, and wooded woodlands is located on the boundaries of the well conserved Moremi Game Reserve. Without a doubt, one of Botswana's most picturesque regions is the Khwai region. Take advantage of the traditional Khwai village's cultural offerings while staying at Khwai Leadwood.
The Khwai Concession is a private reserve adjacent to the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve, separated from this reserve by the Khwai River. Dominated by grasslands, permanent flood plains and large areas of Mopane forests and home to large herds of elephants take their bath next to hippos, whilst being watched by lechwe antelopes. As the Khwai concession lies outside the parks, it offers the freedom and flexibility normally only possible with the heavier price tag of a private concession. Go off road for a closer look at sightings, night drives in search of nocturnal species, and with a little advanced planning, head out on game walks to check wildlife on foot!
During the dry season, many animals migrate down from the Linyanti area because the Khwai River provides a reliable source of water, attracting many antelopes, giraffes, buffalos, and zebras. There are also numerous bird species, particularly egrets, cranes, vultures, and various eagle species that specialize in catching catfish.
ACTIVITIES
During your time here, you’ll spend most days exploring the narrow Khwai river, which forms the natural boundary to the Moremi Game Reserve the south. The Khwai river is a beacon for wildlife and plays host to leopards talking Letswe in the long grass, lions swimming from the banks to save their cups during territorial disputes and crocodiles competing with while dogs for a meal of Impala.
Safari days!
A typical day on Safari in Africa! Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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SANGO CAMP
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks
Bordering the Moremi Game Reserve!, the camp offers you the perfect base from which to explore the wildlife and culture of this unique habitat.
This intimate safari camp offers you the chance to learn first hand about the unique lifestyle and experiences that come from living and growing up in one of the most wildlife rich areas of Botswana.Accommodating 12 guests in 6 en-suite Meru tents, the camp is designed in the style of the classic tented safari camp of days gone by. With its open-air bucket showers, hand crafted furnishings and classic styling, it aims to rekindle the atmosphere of the luxury mobile safari camp, successfully blending the rustic with the luxurious.
ACTIVITIES
The camp’s location allows guests to take advantage of a host of wildlife activities which include; open vehicle game drives both in the Moremi and in the Khwai concession area, guided bush walks, and night drives. With a combination of permanent water, seasonal floodplains, open grasslands, riverine forests, and dry woodlands this incredibly rich habitat supports a diversity and abundance of mammals and birds rarely matched in northern Botswana. Sango Safari Camp invites you to share in this bounty.
Morning transfer to local airstrip for your scheduled chartered flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta - Moremi Game Reserve! *Please be on the lookout for your driver with your name sign. Baggage assistance followed by a road transfer to camp.
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 7-9
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Safari Days
📍 Chobe Elephant Camp
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Area Overview
The Chobe National Park established in 1968 and is situated in the northern most part of Botswana. Park stretches from the tip of northern Botswana to the fringes of the Okavango Delta. It has a wide range of distinctive landscapes, from the emerald floodplains of the Chobe River to the sweeping grasslands of the Savuti Marsh and skeletal leadwood trees in the Savuti Channel.
With such varied environments and habitats there’s a magnificent array of wildlife. A profusion of palatable grass species attracts a variety of herbivores, including wildebeest, impala, kudu, waterbuck, giraffe, and tsessebe. The puku is found, as is the endemic Chobe bushbuck. Predator sightings are good, with leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and large prides of lion that hunt elephant. From servals to side-striped jackals, the list is endless.
All that said, Chobe is most famous for its elephant and buffalo populations, both of which can herd in mammoth proportions. With an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 elephants, these gentle giants constantly surround you. In the dry season the Chobe River sees thousands lining the banks and crossing the water. Boat trips at this time provide excellent photograph opportunities.
The Chobe River forms its northern boundary and in the extreme south-west it borders the Moremi Game Reserve. The riverfront is a markable wildlife area due to the permanent water source of the Chobe River. Most wildlife activity occurs along the banks of the river - especially during the drier winter months (May – October) when animals congregate at the river to quench their thirst. The spectacle of all the animals coming to drink and frolic at the water's edge is a sight t behold! Birding enthusiasts will find the riverfront a fantastic destination at this time with more than 400 species of birds, including migratory species and numerous birds of prey.
The park's picturesque wetlands also attract a wide variety of birdlife, with the chance to see numerous species among the 460 that call this place home or pass through, including raptors, vultures, and waterfowl.Head out on a sunrise game drive to observe the animals at the beginning of their day, when they are most active. You might even spot a leopard returning from a hunt.When you return to your luxury accommodations at the lodge in the evening, take pleasure in the comforts it offers, gather for dinner, and share stories about your day.
Safari days!
A typical day on Safari in Africa! Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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CHOBE ELEPHANT CAMP
Full board, excl. premium drinks | No-limited Wifi | Laundry
Bordering the Moremi Game Reserve!, the camp offers you the perfect base from which to explore the wildlife and culture of this unique habitat.
This intimate safari camp offers you the chance to learn first hand about the unique lifestyle and experiences that come from living and growing up in one of the most wildlife rich areas of Botswana.Accommodating 12 guests in 6 en-suite Meru tents, the camp is designed in the style of the classic tented safari camp of days gone by. With its open-air bucket showers, hand crafted furnishings and classic styling, it aims to rekindle the atmosphere of the luxury mobile safari camp, successfully blending the rustic with the luxurious.
ACTIVITIES
The camp’s location allows guests to take advantage of a host of wildlife activities which include; open vehicle game drives both in the Moremi and in the Khwai concession area, guided bush walks, and night drives. With a combination of permanent water, seasonal floodplains, open grasslands, riverine forests, and dry woodlands this incredibly rich habitat supports a diversity and abundance of mammals and birds rarely matched in northern Botswana. Sango Safari Camp invites you to share in this bounty.
Morning transfer to local airstrip for your scheduled chartered flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta - Moremi Game Reserve! *Please be on the lookout for your driver with your name sign. Baggage assistance followed by a road transfer to camp.
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
FULL BOARD
CHALET
GAME VIEW
DAY 10
RETURN
DEPARTURE
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Goodbye to the safari life, feeling relaxed, mesmerizing scenery, great food, family time, and romantic memories.
Morning road transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight... dreaming of the trip of a lifetime!
IMPORTANT INFO TO TAKE NOTE OF
Please refer to 👉 FAQ's for all related travel information
- IN & EXCLUDED
- PASSPORTS
- BLANK VISA PAGE REQUIREMENTS
- VISAS
- HEALTH
- CONNECT
- HEALTH
- PACKING LIST
- GRATUITIES
- CONTACT
- TRAVEL INSURANCE
- POWER
- SAFETY
- BAGGAGE
INCLUDED
- Experience of a lifetime
- 24/7 support before & during your safari
- Accommodation
- Road transfers
- Tours & Activities
- Meals & Drinks
- Tour Guide (where applicable)
- Airport & airstrip transfers
- Park fees, levies & taxes (unless otherwise indicated)
- Inter-Africa commercial & light aircraft flights
____________
* As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary
EXCLUDED
- International airfare
- Personal gifts & purchases
- Incidental charges
- Travel insurance
- Conservation fees*
- Visa fees
- Balloon safari* (if applicable)
- Laundry*
- Tips
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* Unless otherwise indicated on your itinerary
Due to constantly changing requirements, it is recommended that travelers contact the appropriate embassy for accurate and up-to-date information & requirements
Please refer to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for updated information on each country.
Passport & Visa requirements are guest’s sole responsibility*
- Expiration date valid at least 6 months past return dates
- Please check the number of blank Visa pages required by each country.Passport MUST have AT LEAST 2-3 blank “VISAS pages” per entry – the word “VISAS” must appear at the top of the page to be considered a “Visas Page” . They must be consecutive and blank back and front. Please note the 6 pages required for NAMIBIA!
- Airlines will refuse board if you do not meet this requirement. Please click to view more info on this link
- Please note special requirements when travelling with a minor(s)
The table below shows the number of blank visa pages required by each country.
- If you plan to visit multiple countries during the same trip, you need to add the requirements for each country together.
- If your passport does not have a sufficient number of blank pages, you will need to replace it before your trip.
- It is no longer possible to add visa pages to a passport. You must apply for a new passport.
Botswana 3 blank pages (3 or more unused pages; one blank page per entry)
Kenya 2
Mozambique 3
Namibia 3
Rwanda 1
South Africa 2 (2 Consecutive blank Visa Pages: South Africa requires travelers to have 2 consecutive completely blank visa pages in their passports upon every arrival in South Africa. YOU WILL BE DENIED ENTRY if you do not have 2 consecutive blank visa pages in your passport. This does not include the endorsement pages.
Tanzania 2
Uganda 1
Zambia 3
Zimbabwe 3
(All visitors to Zimbabwe need to present a valid passport, return transportation ticket, sufficient funds and at least 3 blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps.
How Many Blank Pages Are Required by Each Country?
- Many countries have a specific travel regulation for the number of blank passport pages visitors should have. This is to allow space for visas and visa stamps.
- Before embarking on an international trip, it is important to check your destination’s passport requirements to ensure that you meet them.
- Having a certain number of blank passport pages is a mandatory rule for some territories, along with any necessary travel documents such as an eVisa or Travel Health Certificate.
- Each border authority has its own passport requirements for travelers. The number of compulsory blank pages depends on the individual territory.
- Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Morocco only require visitors to have 1 blank page to enter.
- Others, for example Germany, India, and South Africa, follow a 2-page regulation.
- Some African destinations need at least 3 blank pages, such as Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia.
- There are even some territories, including Brunei and Namibia, that demand a minimum of 6 empty passport pages.
- If you fail to meet these requirements, you could be refused permission to board by an airline or refused entry at border control.
What if I am visiting multiple countries?
- If a trip consists of visiting multiple countries, it is necessary to add the requirements of each country together.
- For example, if you are traveling to somewhere that requires 1 page, then continuing to somewhere that requires 2, you will need to have a total of 3 empty passport pages.
Can I Add Passport Pages?
- Most countries do not allow passport holders to add pages. The United States, for example, previously provided this service but no longer do. The same applies for the UK.
- In most cases, it is necessary to apply for a new passport if there are no more blank pages left.
- You can contact your destination’s embassy or consulate if you are unsure about passport page requirements.
👉 Visa
No visa required for USA Citizens for:
- South Africa, Botswana, Namibia & Zambia
Visa required for USA Citizens for:
- Zimbabwe: Buy at port of entry ($ 50 cash US Dollar bills)
- Kenya,Tanzania & Uganda: Applied for online prior to travel!
Visa requirements differ from country to country and, on occasion, are subject to change with no warning.
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USA: US$50
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Britain / UK / Ireland: US$70
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Canadian:US$75
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On arrival please ensure you request the correct visa for your needs
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Always check your visa has been issued for the correct number of days
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Zimbabwe, KAZA UniVisa and Mozambique visas each use a full passport visa page
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Carry the exact amount of cash to pay for your visa as credit card machines may be offline and change is not always available
👉 Health
Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your doctor or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions.
- Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Applicable to Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda.
- Malaria prophylaxis medication is recommended when traveling to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and in certain areas of South Africa.
Insider Tips
- Take out comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard against the unexpected. Should you fall ill or have an accident when staying in a remote area you may have to be evacuated by air to a private medical facility which is a costly exercise.
- Carry the name and contact details of your doctor together with information pertaining to any medical condition and its treatment.
- If you take prescription medication ensure you carry sufficient to last the duration of your trip, plus a little extra in case of flight delays.
- Prescription medication should be kept in its original container which should be clearly labelled.
- More unusual drugs and ones that contain sedatives should be carried with a medical attestation signed by a physician certifying the traveler requires the medication for a specific medical condition.
- Ask you medical practitioner to recommend items for a basic first aid kit
- In the event your checked bag is lost or delayed we recommend you carry prescription medication including anti-malaria tablets, spare contact lens and essential toiletries in your hand luggage.
- If you travel with a CPAP machine, please advise us well in advance so we can check your chosen safari lodges/camps are able to run a generator throughout the night. Alternatively, you may choose to carry a portable battery pack that can be re-charged daily.
- Please advise us of any special dietary requests in advance of travel.
IMPORTANT: Please install the WHATSAPP app on your phone and set up the account –it is all free! This is the preferred method to stay in contact during your safari, just in case you have a question—you never know!
Once the app is downloaded, please add my contact number: +1 949 400 5262. You should see me listed as "KARI | AfricaPhotoSafaris" and the please send me a quick message just so I know we are connected.
👉 Health
Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your doctor or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions.
- Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Applicable to Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda.
- Malaria prophylaxis medication is recommended when traveling to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and in certain areas of South Africa.
Insider Tips
- Take out comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard against the unexpected. Should you fall ill or have an accident when staying in a remote area you may have to be evacuated by air to a private medical facility which is a costly exercise.
- Carry the name and contact details of your doctor together with information pertaining to any medical condition and its treatment.
- If you take prescription medication ensure you carry sufficient to last the duration of your trip, plus a little extra in case of flight delays.
- Prescription medication should be kept in its original container which should be clearly labelled.
- More unusual drugs and ones that contain sedatives should be carried with a medical attestation signed by a physician certifying the traveler requires the medication for a specific medical condition.
- Ask you medical practitioner to recommend items for a basic first aid kit
- In the event your checked bag is lost or delayed we recommend you carry prescription medication including anti-malaria tablets, spare contact lens and essential toiletries in your hand luggage.
- If you travel with a CPAP machine, please advise us well in advance so we can check your chosen safari lodges/camps are able to run a generator throughout the night. Alternatively, you may choose to carry a portable battery pack that can be re-charged daily.
- Please advise us of any special dietary requests in advance of travel.
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In the event your checked bag is lost or delayed we recommend you carry prescription medication including anti-malaria tablets, spare contact lenses, essential toiletries, and a change of underwear in your hand luggage.
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If you take prescription medication ensure you carry sufficient to last your whole trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container.
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Leave expensive and sentimental pieces of jewellery at home and never carry jewellery in your checked baggage.
IMPORTANT: Please install the WHATSAPP app on your phone and set up the account –it is all free! This is the preferred method to stay in contact during your safari, just in case you have a question—you never know!
Once the app is downloaded, please add my contact number: +1 949 400 5262. You should see me listed as "KARI: AfricaPhotoSafaris" and the please send me a quick message just so I know we are connected.
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Don’t tempt fate by traveling with expensive jewelry, only bring what you need. If its irreplaceable or has sentimental value, then leave it at home. Never carry jewelry in your checked baggage.
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In the unfortunate event your checked baggage is lost or delay we recommend you carry prescription medication, including anti-malaria tablets, essential toiletries, and a change of underwear in your hand luggage.
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Misplacing or losing original travel documents is frustrating and time consuming as it takes time to have them replaced. Always carry a copy of the ID page of your passport, travel itinerary, and travel insurance with you. The best method is to scan these documents and store them electronically. Packing a copy separately from the original documents and leave a copy with a family member or trusted contact are other options.
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It is advisable to secure your luggage with a suitable lock when flying both locally (within South Africa), regionally (to neighboring countries), and internationally.
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Please do not check in any valuables or chronic medication as these should be kept in your carry-on luggage
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Always drive with your doors locked and your windows closed, with handbags/backpacks/parcels, and valuables stored out of sight in the boot/trunk of the car.
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Keep mobile phones, wallets, and cameras well hidden, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
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Never leave your luggage unattended (e.g. do not leave handbags under tables, on the backs of chairs, or restroom hooks).
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Separate your cash and credit cards and do not carry all your cash with you.
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Avoid counting cash in the open.
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Be vigilant whenever approaching an automated bank teller machine (ATM). If you feel unsafe, rather return at another time or use an alternate machine.
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Please store any valuables, travel documents (passports/airline tickets/vaccination cards), and additional cash in your camp/lodge/hotel room safe or the property's main safe. Keep your room locked at all times and hand in room keys or cards whenever you leave your hotel.
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