IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFO

PASSPORTS

Due to constantly changing requirements, it is recommended that travelers contact the appropriate embassy for accurate and up-to-date information & requirements

Passport & Visa requirements are guest’s sole responsibility*

    1. Please refer to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for updated information on each country.
    2. Please familiarize and acquaint yourself with the visa and other related travel requirements.
    3. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of country exit
    4. 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. 
    5. Airlines will refuse board if you do not meet this requirement. Please see this link: https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/passport-pages-for-visas.html
    6. Please note the 6 pages required for NAMIBIA!
BLANK VISA PAGE REQUIREMENTS

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 the 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     

(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 t3 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.
VISAS

Visa’s are guest’s sole responsibility

Click  for latest    VISA REQUIREMENTS!!

  • Please refer to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for updated information on each country.
  • US citizens need to obtain a visa at the port of entry:
    • Zimbabwe: Cost is US $ 50 per person and should be paid in cash/US
    • Tanzania & Kenya is $100 and can also be obtained at the port of entry and should also be paid in cash/US

       

Botswana
Namibia
  • A tourist visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into Namibia. Tourist visas are currently being offered free of charge on arrival at all points of entry (subject to change without notice)
  • Currently not required for USA citizens. Please check your eligibility and updated requirements here. https://www.namibia.org.za/visa-requirements/

 

 

Please see our FAQ page for more details

Note: All Visa, Passport & Health related issues are guest's sole responsibility

Kenya

Please read the latest Kenya general travel requirement issued on the 9th September 2022.

All visitors to Kenya must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date from Kenya. Visitors must also ensure they have enough blank pages in their passports, bearing in mind they may be visiting several different countries and that certain countries, such as South Africa, often utilize the entire page for their visa stamps.

You should have at least two blank pages in your passport on arrival.

Purchase Kenya VISA online ahead of travel: All passengers arriving in Kenya must have an approved e-visa. Visas are no longer issued on arrival in Kenya. The e-visa takes a minimum of 2 working days to be approved. We advise you apply a month in advance if possible. Here is a step by step guide on the Kenya Visa Online Application

    1. A Visa invitation letter will be supplied to you by Africa-Photo-Safaris
    2. All passengers arriving in Kenya must have an approved e-visa.
    3. Visas are no longer issued on arrival in Kenya.
    4. The e-visa takes a minimum of 2 working days to be approved.
    5. We advise you apply a month in advance if possible. Here is a step by step guide on the Kenya Visa Online Application 
    6. Find a list of countries that do not require a visa to enter Kenya, please note this may change from time to time and important to check with your country of origin  Kenya Visa Waiver Program | Kenya Visa-Free Countries (kenyanevisa.com)
South Africa
Tanzania

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends, and should have a minimum of two (2) blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps.

A tourist visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into Tanzania.

To apply for an eVisa, visit https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/start.

USA. citizens visiting Tanzania for tourism are required to apply for a multiple-entry visa, which is valid for one year.

The cost is USD $100 (subject to change without notice). Citizens of Canada may obtain a single-entry e-Visa (ordinary visa), valid for three months.

Purchase Tanzania VISA online ahead of travel.We recommend that you apply at least 60 days prior to your arrival date. Average time to receive an eVisa is approximately 10 days.

When applying for your eVisa make sure you have your passport details, a copy of your passport photo and return ticket, as you will need to upload these documents to complete the application process.

Read and follow all instructions carefully to ensure a smooth arrival in Tanzania.

Complete the “Travel Information” section of the application as indicated below:

  1. Type of Visa: Multiple entry (U.S. citizens); Single-entry/Ordinary (Canadian citizens)
  2. Purpose of Visit: “Leisure and Holiday”
  3. Port Type: Choose either “Airports” of “Roads”
  4. Port of Entry and Port of Departure: These specific ports may be left blank
  5. Date of Arrival: Enter your date of entry for Tanzania
  6. Departure Date: Enter your departure date from Tanzania
  7. Host Details: Select “Company/Organization”
  8. Full names and Physical Address of the Host: To be advised
  9. Host Email: To be advised
  10. Where are you going to stay? Choose hotel from the dropdown menu and then enter the contact information of the first hotel on your itinerary. If you experience technical problems with the eVisa website, try again a few hours later or the following day.

 

Uganda

US citizens must apply for their Uganda e-Visa online. This involves entering their details into the relevant fields of a short form. This takes a matter of minutes to complete.

The information required includes:

Personal details

Passport information

Contact details

Specifics about the planned trip to Uganda

Travel and health questions.

 

Some examples of the basic personal information that Americans must provide include:

 

Name

Date of birth

Gender

Marital status

Nationality

 

All applicants, including US citizens, must provide the following passport details:

 

Passport number

Dates of issue and expiry

Country of issue

 

American travelers are also required to enter their contact information, including the following:

 

Current email address

Phone number

Residential address

 

Visitors from the US must also share the following information about their travel plans in Uganda:

 

Address of accommodation in Uganda

Reason for the trip

Arrival date

Length of stay in the country

 

There are also a few quick questions for security reasons relating to the applicant’s health and travel history. All visitors, including US nationals, must answer these questions, in line with Uganda’s visa policy.

 

Documents Required for the Uganda e-Visa for US Nationals

 

Uganda has several visa requirements for Americans that must be met to obtain the e-Visa.

 

To apply for any type of Uganda e-Visa, US visitors must upload a digital copy (scan) of the following documents:

 

Valid US passport (valid for at least 6 months)

Passport-style image of the American traveler

Yellow fever vaccination certificate

 

Only the main bio-data page of the US passport must be scanned and uploaded. This is the page with the photo of the holder and their information.

 

In addition to the required documents, Americans must also provide the following so that the application can be processed:

 

Email address (the e-Visa will be delivered here)

Credit or debit card to cover the processing fee

Uganda transit e-Visa requirements for US nationals

 

Americans who intend to stop over in Uganda while traveling to another destination will require a transit e-Visa.

 

To support their application, they must write a letter, which must state:

 

The reason why the US traveler must stop in Uganda

The final destination

Zimbabwe
  • A tourist visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into Zimbabwe and can be obtained on arrival at all points of entry.
  • Although there is also a Zimbabwe eVisa option, it is not available to U.S. or Canadian citizens.
  • U.S. citizens can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival valid for 30 days for USD $30 (subject to change) or double-entry visa valid for 60 days for USD $45 payable in cash USD (subject to change).
  • Visas can be obtained at the port of entry 
  • Read more here https://www.evisa.gov.zw/#/Home
Zambia

Required for USA citizens, but obtainable at port of entry http://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm

HEALTH

Click for QUICK SEARCH requirements & restrictions for EACH COUNTRY

Due to constantly changing requirements, it is recommended that travelers contact the appropriate embassy for accurate and up-to-date information & requirements

VACCINATIONS:

    • Please refer to your health care professional for advise, as well as the CDC for updated information, but typically only malaria prevention medication is advised. Usually, no other shots are required
    • The most widespread issue is malaria, so ask your doctor about malaria prophylactics and pack insect repellent along with long pants for the evenings. Best is to visit the CDC site for updated information
    • Please note proof of Yellow fever vaccination where applicable (Kenya and others)

Heath requirements are guest’s sole responsibility*

Botswana

Botswana currently has no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry for U.S. and Canadian residents.

 

 

Namibia

Namibia currently has no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry for U.S. and Canadian residents.

Kenya
  • Kenya currently has no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry for U.S. and Canadian residents.
  • Visit the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov or the Government of Canada at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for up-to-date information and travel advisories.
  • All requirements are subject to change.

 

 

 

Yellow fever:

CDC recommendation: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

Although a yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Kenya if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa–including East African countries such as Tanzania and Uganda.

The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries. If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting. You will be travelling to an area of malaria transmission.

 

Malaria:

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Kenya take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

 

Covid-19:

Travelers displaying flu-like symptoms on arrival at any point of entry will be required to complete a passenger locater form: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/ and take a COVID-19 antigen test. Should the antigen test prove positive, travelers will also need to take a COVID-19 PCR test. Depending on the severity of symptoms, travelers who test positive will be required to isolate per the Ministry of Health guidance on isolation. All related costs are the responsibility of the traveler.

 

Antihistamine / anti-itch cream

Please be sure top pack a tube or 2 of “anti-itch” cream which will help alleviate mosquito and/or tsetse bite spots.

 

We strongly advise that you speak with your doctor or travel clinic regarding your itinerary, individual risk assessment and options for mosquito bite prevention and antimalarial drugs. We recommend filling any prescriptions before you depart.

 

To bring a drone or “Unmanned Aircraft System” (UAS) into Kenya one needs to apply for a temporary 30-day permit. You can read about this on the KCAA website. Any unauthorized ‘drones’ bought into Kenya will be confiscated by customs officials.

 

South Africa

South Africa currently has no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry for U.S. and Canadian residents

Tanzania

Visit the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov or the Government of Canada at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for up-to-date information and travel advisories.All requirements are subject to change.

Travelers may be subject to medical screening on arrival, including a temperature check, questionnaire, and visual assessment.

Yellow Fever:

CDC recommendation:  Travelers ≥1 year of age arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission, are required to show proof of vaccination on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis to enter the country

  • Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.
  • A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Tanzania if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa – including East African countries such as Kenya and Uganda.
  • This means that if your itinerary includes visits to both Kenya and Tanzania, you may be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccination when entering either country.
  • The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries.
  • If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; you may be denied entry without it.
  • If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting.
  • You will be travelling to an area of malaria transmission.
  • We strongly advise that you speak with your doctor or travel clinic regarding your itinerary, individual risk assessment and options for mosquito bite prevention and antimalarial drugs. We recommend filling any prescriptions before you depart.

 Malaria:

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Kenya take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

 Covid-19:

Tanzania currently has no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry for U.S. and Canadian residents.

Antihistamine / anti-itch cream

Please be sure top pack a tube or 2 of “anti-itch” cream which will help alleviate mosquito and/or tsetse bite spots.

Uganda

Arrival at Entebbe Airport

  • The requirement for a negative PCR test for both inbound and outbound passengers has been suspended, the government of Uganda now only requires passengers to show proof of a full Covid 19 vaccination.
  • Please note that arriving guests should have applied for the visas online, we encourage guests to apply for their Visas 14- 10 days prior to arrival. Online visa applications are made at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

The information required includes:

Personal details, Passport information, Contact details, Specifics about the planned trip to Uganda, Travel and health questions.

All applicants, including US citizens, must provide the following passport details:

Passport number, Dates of issue and expiry, Country of issue, Current email address, Phone number, Address of accommodation in Uganda, Reason for the trip, Arrival date, Length of stay in the country, Residential address, Email address (the e-Visa will be delivered here), Credit or debit card to cover the processing fee

To apply for any type of Uganda e-Visa, US visitors must upload a digital copy (scan) of the following documents:

Valid US passport (valid for at least 6 months), Passport-style image of the American traveler, Yellow fever vaccination certificate

Only the main bio-data page of the US passport must be scanned and uploaded. This is the page with the photo of the holder and their information.

Americans who intend to stop over in Uganda while traveling to another destination will require a transit e-Visa.

To support their application, they must write a letter, stating the reason why the US traveler must stop in Uganda

Zimbabwe

All covid-19 entry protocols have been removed, i.e., travelers are no longer required to provide evidence of vaccination or a PCR test result.

Wearing of masks in public areas is now optional.

Zambia

Zambia currently has no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry for U.S. and Canadian residents.

STAY IN TOUCH!

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 +1 949 400 5262. You should see me listed as “KARI”, and the please send me a quick message just so I know we are connected.

WEATHER

In general, the climate in southern Africa is as near perfect as you can get with dry season temperatures similar to those of the Mediterranean, but without the humidity. Daytime temperatures average 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit but can get much hotter, especially in the months of October and November, just before the rains arrive.

During the winter period, June through August, nighttime temperatures in some areas can drop to freezing or below. Early morning game drives during these winter months can start out very chilly and you should bring a warm sweater, gloves and even a hat to cover your ears. However, by mid-morning the days will heat up dramatically. The rains occur each year during November through March, with the dry season stretching from April through October.

Fall  (April & May) and Spring (September & October) is our favorite season – fabulous mild weather ensure optimum comfort and safari experience.

ARRIVAL

Absolutely there will be someone to meet you on arrival at the airport.

As our valued guests, it is our pleasure to welcome you to Africa!  After passing through customs at your arrival airport, you will be greeted by a staff member who will take you as swiftly as possible to the comfort of your hotel.

TIPPING

Tipping while on safari is often a sensitive topic, and so we thought we would provide a few guidelines. The first and most important point is that tipping in entirely your decision and you should never feel obliged to tip anyone. Be aware though that your tip can make a big difference to staff at lodges, and it is always truly appreciated. Also be aware that there are many people who play a role in making your safari experience a great one – most of whom you never meet in person.

How much do I tip?

Guide/Tracker: Your guide and tracker are central to the success of your safari. You’ll have plenty of time to connect with them and, by the end of your trip, they might just be your new best friends. With guides, it’s customary to leave a tip on your departure. What you choose to leave is totally up to you, but a general rule of thumb on safari is to tip your guide US$30 per day

Camp/Lodge Staff: There is a lot that happens behind the scenes of your safari and it’s important to consider and acknowledge all the wonderful people who look after the lodge. From housekeepers, to wait staff, to chefs – they all deserve to be thanked appropriately! Most safari lodges and camps have a communal tip ‘jar’ and a minimum of US$ 20 per day is considered reasonable.

How do I tip? 

Most lodges will provide you with envelopes to place the tips in. These can then be handed directly to the staff member it is intended for, or to management to distribute depending on the lodge’s process.

Currency?

East Africa: Tips can be given in US$. However, the local currency is preferred for small tips.

Southern Africa: South Africa & Namibia prefers South African Rands (ZAR) as tips while Zimbabwe and Botswana accepts US$.

PACKING LIST

Knowing what to wear while on safari can make a big difference to how comfortable, and therefore, how much you enjoy your time on safari. So let us guide you through our recommendations for what to wear and not to wear while on safari. Please note that all the information below holds true for safaris in southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia), as the main safari areas in Kenya and Tanzania are much closer to the equator, requirements for these will vary – please contact us if you are travelling to these areas and would like advise on what to pack.

Firstly, we cannot stress enough, Africa gets cold! Too many people think that Africa is always hot and that they won’t need warm clothes, this is simply not Temperatures can fall below freezing, and when you are traveling in an open vehicle at dawn it can be bitterly cold. If you are traveling during the southern hemisphere summer (October to March) you will need very different clothes to if you are traveling during the mid-winter season (May – August), refer to our guide below to make sure you are well prepared!

If you’re taking charter flights then check the luggage restrictions. It’s usually 20 kg per person, so pack light! Comfortable, loose fitting clothing is best and think in layers as those early morning starts can be chilly, so long and short sleeve T-shirts with long sleeve safari shirts works best. A lightweight but warm down jacket is always handy as it does get really cold in the winter months on early morning and late afternoon game drives. Other essentials include a wide-brim hat, sun screen, binoculars, sun glasses with polarized lenses and a good pair of walking shoes.

POWER ADAPTORS

Most Southern Africa counties use 220 power and the power sockets are of type D, M and N. However, note that most cellphone chargers, camera chargers, laptop and tablet chargers are dual voltage and a power converter would not be needed for these. You would however need a power adaptors South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Order on EBay or on Amazon

  • Botswana: M-plug & G-plug adaptors. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • Namibia and South Africa: M-plug adaptors. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • Tanzania: D & G adaptors. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • Kenya: G adaptors. The standard voltage is 220-240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Hairdryers and other hair styling devices: do not pack your US 120V products!

If the camp has regular power: Please purchase a travel hair dryer with DUAL voltage 120-220v, click for example 

If only solar power is available in camp: 12 v Hairdryer  and Hair straightener

WI-FI

Most smart phones can be used internationally, but guests should be aware of the expensive data roaming fees that can accumulate while traveling.

International roaming service is not automatically enabled on cell phones, even if subscribing to one of the services above. You will need to contact your service provider and ask them to activate the international feature. Also visit the web site of your carrier to get up-to-date information on coverage and options. U.S. cell phones using AT&T and T-Mobile will generally work in urban areas such as Nairobi, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Remarkably, there is even cell service in many remote areas of the bush of East Africa. Coverage in the more remote parts of Southern and East Africa can be spotty, however, as well as in the area around Victoria Falls. If you subscribe to Sprint, Verizon or another mobile service, ask your service provider specifically for a phone that will work overseas. Cell phones are also available for rent at the major airports-rates are reasonable, and you pay for calls made.

Most lodges in South Africa offer internet services .In the Botswana reserves, the signal is non-existent or patchy at best. Most camps have a guest computer for sending and receiving e-mails and all camps do however have radio communications with their town/city offices in case of any emergencies.

GAME VIEWING

No matter what safari you choose, you are assured of comfortable vehicle and excellent sight-lines for the unforgettable things we will see in the bush. In East Africa, your vehicle will have no more than six passengers. In Southern Africa, vehicles are larger so there may be up to nine. If you would like a private vehicle for just your party, simply let us know when you are booking your safari and we will be happy to arrange this for you.

SAFETY

Africa’s biggest enemy is the international media who represent all 46 African countries as a single entity and not as unique and individual countries with their own characteristics.

It would come as a surprise to many people to find out that there are in fact areas that are worse off in more developed countries than in the “dangerous” African countries. No country can claim to be 100% safe, and so as with travel to any new or unknown destination, it is advisable to take certain standard security precautions. Visitors should take the same precautions as they would normally take in any other destination worldwide. Keep an eye on your purses, wallets, passports, money and cameras when walking in a crowd. Avoid walking in the cities at night and place valuables in your hotel safe. Choosing a knowledgeable operator such as Africa Picture Safaris as your specialist Southern African tour operator is the best decision you can make.

While staying at African safari lodges and tented camps you are typically far removed from human settlement and crime in the camps is virtually nonexistent, in fact, we have never heard of it and have been traveling to the camps for years.

ACCOMMODATION

When it comes to choosing where you want to stay on safari, there are lots of considerations. Of course, the first is usually budget. Keep in mind that when you plan to stay can affect the cost as well. Prices will be higher in the more popular months such as August.

Next, think about the type of lodging you’d prefer. Do you like the thought of staying under the stars, able to hear the call of the wild? Or is the idea of a hotel more enticing? Let us know what you prefer so we can plan accordingly!

Another point to consider—many of the camps and lodges include game drives, meals, drinks, and transportation as a part of their price per night. You do really get a lot of bang for your buck!

CREDIT CARDS

Yes, most locations accept VISA or MasterCard. American Express in not widely accepted.

BAGGAGE

COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS

Included is one free checked bag weighing up to 20 kg / 44 lbs. and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 7kg / 15 lbs plus a slimline laptop bag or small handbag. For anything more, you can simply purchase extra bags online at a discounted rate or at the airport.

CHARTER & LIGHT AIRCRAFT FLIGHTS

  • Typically  limited to 15 kgs. / 33 lbs. per person. Please note the restrictions related to specific airlines below. Bags should bring have to be small, flexible, soft sided Unfortunately, large suitcases and rigid, inflexible luggage cannot be transported.
  • Luggage with “pull along” handle frames and wheels are NOT flexible soft bags and do not fit into the aircraft.
  • All luggage must be packed in the belly pods of the aircraft. Suitcases and luggage with rigid wheel frames do not fit and as a result cause delays and inconvenience for other travelers.
CELLPHONES

We suggest calling your cell provider and asking them to add an international calling and data plan to your account – If you do not, you will becoming home to a huge cell/data bill. Once the plan is in place, you can make (lower cost) cell call, but you will be able to use the data by adding the WhatsApp app on you phone which allows you to make calls, txt and picture messages to other WhatsApp users using data only. Please be sure to add our WHATSAPP number so that we can communicate while you are in safari. Alternatively, we suggest purchasing a local sim card and data plan at your port of entry. This usually works best as these local sim cards uses the local networks.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is a recommended but not required for most destinations. Travel insurance can be bought through a third-party travel insurance company and is solely the guests’ responsibility.

Please note, for walking safaris in Botswana, travel medical insurance is required, and must be purchased prior to travel. Travel insurance must be comprehensive and cover full air evacuation and repatriation, in the unlikely event of an emergency.

American Express travel insurance is recommended.

PLANNING

Right now!

We encourage our clients to plan their African safari as far in advance as possible; several months at a minimum to one and half year in advance to  ensure a better selection of camp availability. This is especially important if they are planning to travel during the Southern Africa safari “high season” months of July through October. 

It’s easy to get muddled for choice…even if you’re seasoned in Africa

  1. Refine your own interests. It could be ticking off a short list of large mammals on the one hand to a finely selected list of bird species on the other. It might be landscapes or cultural experiences, even a mix of the lot. Get a clear picture of your interests.

  2. Choose your destination/s. Then narrow down even further. Eastern, Southern and Central Africa are separated by vast distances. Then our better safari spots are often remote from the well known safari hubs of Victoria Falls and Nairobi. You could save a lot of time and money taking sensible advice on logistics and connections. Narrow down your destinations.

  3. Get your timing right. Seasonal changes have a significant effect on game movements and the location of big herds. Big crowds too! Prices on safari change depending on season. “High season” when lots of travelers are about and prices are highest isn’t always the best time to be on safari! It depends on where you go and what your interests are.

DURATION

How much time can you dedicate for your trip to Africa? Ideally, you need to give yourself at least a week to truly appreciate the safari experience, but if you can get away even longer, you’ll be so glad you did. Since travel to Africa from the USA or Europe is long, we recommend spending at least 10 days in Africa, up to 45 days… to longer!  Why not move here, right?

Make sure you allow enough time at each camp so that you can go on several game drives to see the area and its wildlife. Avoid the temptation to try and cram in many different parks, staying just one or two nights in each place, as this will increase travel time between the parks and decrease the amount of time you’ll have for wildlife viewing. Spend a minimum of three nights at any one location, that gives you two full days of game viewing with most lodges offering two safari activities per day. 

Safari with us

TRAVEL EXPERTS

Africa is our home…we live, breath &  sleep Africa!

USA BASED TRANSACTIONS

Easy and secure safari payments

MANY HAPPY GUESTS

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