KENYA & TANZANIA: ACROSS 4 PARKS

2024

____________

USD $ 14,860  / pps*

*pps=per person sharing, Min 2 pax

Peak season

11 DAYS

WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!

Experience Tanzania’s most sensational landscapes across four of the most spectacular national parks!

  • Discover the wonders of Kilamanjaro National Park, located at the foot of the great Mount Kilamanjaro. Drink in the views of Africa’s highest peak surrounded by the rainforests, exotic wildlife, moorlands and desert that make up this exceptional national park.
  • Explore the infamous Ngorongoro Crater over two days, a staggeringly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and a glorious habitat for a dizzying concentration of wildlife, including rare black rhinos, hyenas, and lions.
  • Next up, the incredible Tarangire National Park with unrivalled views and Tarangire’s famous elephant herds.
  • Relish the infamous sights and sounds of Tanzania’s breath-taking Serengeti National Park – uncover everything from awesome prides of lions to elephants, antelopes, Thomson’s gazelles and more.

Highlights:

OVERVIEW

Itinerary at a glance

◽️ DAY 0        | Travel

Departure

 

◽️ DAY 1        | Kenya

      Nairobi arrival

 

◽️ DAY 2-4   | Tanzania

     Tarangire NP

 

◽️ DAY 5-6   | Tanzania

     Ngorongoro Crater

 

◽️ DAY 7-8  | Tanzania

     Serengeti NP

 

◽️ DAY 9-11  | Kenya

      Masai Mara GR

 

◽️ DAY 12     | Return

      End of safari

 

MAP

MAP

Visualize your journey!

DAY 0  |  Dates to be updated

DEPARTURE

Travel

DEPARTURE

Your adventure starts now!

Embark on an African safari and anticipate breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.

* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics

DAY 1-3 | Date to be updated

TARANGIRE NP

Safari days!

📍 Lemala Mpingo Ridge Camp

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Area Overview

Tarangire National Park is located between the meadows of Masai Steppe to the south east and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west. An often-overlooked gem!  It's land scape is framed by the stubby branches of fat baobab trees..is the backdrop to fantastic  game viewing, particularly in the winter months of the peak season. Its marshes, which dry out into verdant grassy fields during the dry season, draw great herds of elephant, buffalo, antelope and other plains game.

Thanks to its proximity to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park is usually assigned only a day visit as part of a larger northern-circuit itinerary. Yet it deserves much more, at least in the dry season (July to October). It's a place where elephants dot the plains like cattle, and where lion roars and zebra barks fill the night.

But here the wildlife tells only half the story. Dominating the park's 2850 sq. km, Tarangire's great stands of epic baobabs should be reason enough to visit. There are also sun-blistered termite mounds in abundance, as well as grassy savannah plains and vast swamps. And cleaving the park in two is the Tarangire River, its meandering course and (in some places) steep banks providing a dry-season lure for animals and thus many stirring wildlife encounters for visitors.

Twice daily game drives awaits!

The park boasts over 500 species of birds, including some species endemic to Tanzania. Lion and other predators are never far away...

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Activity: Safari days

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.

READ MORE DETAILS!

5.30 am: Time for a Wake-Up Call
6 am– 9 am Morning Game Drive
9 am- 11 am Return to Camp for Breakfast or Brunch
11 am –1 pm Relaxation: Read, Nap, Swim, Walk or Spa
1 pm – 2 pm Lunchtime
2 pm – 3:30 pm Relaxation: Read, Nap, Swim, Walk or Spa
3.30 pm: High Tea
4 pm –7 pm Afternoon Game Drive
7: 30 pm Dinner Time
9 pm Turn in for Bedtime
 

 

LEMALA MPINGO RIDGE

Camp Overview

Welcome to  Tarangire NP! This opulent property sits on top of an escarpment with sweeping views across the perennial Tarangire River Valley. The camp sit on the eastern side of the ridge, with views of the sunrise, and the other half face west – towards the sunset.

Safari tents have a contemporary design, with neutral tones, blends with traditional fabrics, beaded wall hangings, woven rugs and wicker light shades, to create an elegant and stylish feel that retains a sense of connection to the natural surroundings.

The suites are very spacious, and certainly have the “wow” factor. The central super-king-size or twin beds are draped in billowing cream fabric, tied back to the four posts during the day. There’s a useful dressing area behind the bed and a lounge furnished with an armchair and cozy sofa. Amenities include a fan, minibar, and tea and coffee facilities. The equally large en-suite bathroom, with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries provided, comes with twin stone basins, a rain shower and a free-standing bathtub with views over the park. A door leads to an outdoor shower, which is wonderfully refreshing after a long game drive. Each room has a large private deck with a small table and chairs, an inspired sunken sofa and a second free-standing bath – perfect for an indulgent soak!

The main areas feature the same contemporary style with a natural feel as the rooms, A large lounge, filled with natural light, features a beautiful exposed stone wall at one and is laid out with a variety of seating areas. The well-stocked bar is a friendly gathering place for sun downer drinks and snacks. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining room or on the large curved deck. The location and large windows make the most of the memorable views. End the evening with a nightcap around the campfire below the main deck.

ACTIVITIES
Tarangire NP is known for its elephants, and on our most recent visit in September 2019 we saw several large herds and have wonderful memories of watching their interaction. You can expect to see a good number of predators here, with several prides of lions in the park, numerous leopard and cheetah, which can occasionally be seen hunting on the open plains. Morning or afternoon walks are also available, led by a walking guide from camp and accompanied by a park ranger. Night drives are a further option, at an extra cost, giving you a chance to discover the park's lesser-known, nocturnal species such as civets and genets.

Transfer to camp via road or small aircraft - see you safari itinerary for details. Arrive at camp - check-in, settle-in and enjoy lunch and afternoon siesta. Tarangire wildlife experience awaits!

FULL BOARD

TENTED CAMP

GAME VIEW

DAY 4-5 | Date to be updated

NGORONGORO CRATER

Ngorongoro Crater experience

📍 Lemala Ngorongoro Camp

NGORONGORO CRATER

Area Overview

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans 8,300 square kilometres, stretching from the Rift Valley to the Serengeti. About 2.5 million years ago the young Ngorongoro Volcano became filled with molten rock that then solidified into a crust or roof. As the lava chamber emptied, the solid dome collapsed and from this was formed the largest caldera in the world. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) offers one of the richest wildlife viewing experiences on the African continent.

 

Approximately 25,000 large animals live in the natural enclosure formed by the 200sq miles crater, while the greater conservancy surroundings are home to wildebeest and zebra migratory movement in the wet season. It is undoubtedly the best place in Africa to see the Big Five, and photo opportunities are superb. The mineral-rich floor of the crater is covered in nutritious grasses, attracting great herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo and Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle that can even be seen from the crater rim, swarming across the landscape in great columns.The rainforests of the crater walls are home to elephant, buffalo, leopard and cheetah, making for spectacular game viewing.

It was recently voted one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the last remaining areas in Tanzania where you can see the endangered Black Rhino. A small population is thriving in this idyllic environment, and it remains one of the few wild places where they continue to breed.

In the conservation area lives 56,000 Masai in harmony with the East African Wildlife. Seeing the Masai let their herds share the grazing areas with thousands of Wildebeests and Zebras is unique phenomenon.

Ngorongoro Carter safari

Ngorongoro Crater! Another great day in your  safari adventure - Experience one of the world's most astonishing and renowned natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater!  This volcanic crater forms stunning backdrops to some of the most fertile and richest grazing grounds in Africa. Based on fossil evidence, various hominid species have occupied the area for 3 million years.

Crater decent day schedule:

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive, exploring the panoramic, short-grass prairies along the floor of this ancient volcanic caldera. Home to rare black rhinos as well as lions, hyenas and gazelles, this incredible “Lost World” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

7:00 am: Morning breakfast at the lodge.
7:30 am: Drive to Ngorongoro conservation area and descend in the crater for a game drive for the rest of the day. Lunch will take place at the picnic site inside the park.
4:00 pm: Depart Ngorongoro highlands and be transferred to lodge

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LEMALA NGORONGORO CAMP

Camp Overview

The camp is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the quiet, eastern side of the crater rim, a short drive past the Lemala Gate. Set in a grove of red-thorn acacia trees, the camp has more of a bush feel than many camps in this area of Tanzania, with plenty of birdlife and frequent visits by buffalo and elephant at night.

9 comfortable tents and dinning tent in camp. Hot water for the basin and the shower is provided on request, but this doesn’t take long; You will have a hot showers within 15 minutes of asking! Snug bathrobes and fluffy white towels are provided (as are hot water bottles, which are tucked into your bed while you're at dinner).All tent have en-suite bathrooms with a flush toilet and shower  in separate cubicles. A canvas screen separates the bedroom area from the bathroom, behind which is a spacious area with a table and a mirror, a storage unit for clothes, and a free-standing washstand with a brass basin.

ACTIVITIES
The focus of most visits is the drives down into the Ngorongoro Crater. However, there's good walking nearby and a number of Maasai villages welcome visitors. If you want to do some walking here then let us know - we need to arrange for you to be escorted by a park ranger and you may also need a local Maasai guide.

FULL BOARD

TENTED CAMP

GAME VIEW

DAY 6- | Date to be updated

SERENGETI (Central)

Safari Days

📍 Nyumbani Camp

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Area Overview

Experience the Serengeti wildebeest migration like never before. Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the vast plains, accompanied by herds of zebra and other majestic wildlife.

Witness this annual spectacle of nature as the wildebeest migrate in search of fresh grazing and better-quality water. With the precise timing of their movement dependent on rainfall patterns, every moment is filled with anticipation. Join us on an extraordinary adventure and discover the true essence of Africa.

Safari days!

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.

READ MORE DETAILS!

5.30 am: Time for a Wake-Up Call
6 am– 9 am Morning Game Drive
9 am- 11 am Return to Camp for Breakfast or Brunch
11 am –1 pm Relaxation: Read, Nap, Swim, Walk or Spa
1 pm – 2 pm Lunchtime
2 pm – 3:30 pm Relaxation: Read, Nap, Swim, Walk or Spa
3.30 pm: High Tea
4 pm –7 pm Afternoon Game Drive
7: 30 pm Dinner Time
9 pm Turn in for Bedtime
 

 

NYUMBANI CAMP

Camp Overview

  Full board excl. premium drinks

Experience the world famous Serengeti National Park! The Serengeti ecosystem is a world-renowned natural landscape.With resilient populations of predators and iconic wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, the Serengeti National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of The Great Migration of Wildebeest, Zebra and Thompsons Gazelle.

Nyumbani Camp is nestled in the heart of the untamed Serengeti National Park, amidst its thunderous paths.  Nyumbani the Swahili word for "home," reveals a deeper meaning. It is our pleasure to welcome you to your home away from home. Enjoy the enchantment of safari life and our welcoming oasis where earth meets sky in infinite space.

This modern camp is permanently located in the  Central Serengeti.

This exclusive personal setting, with only 8 luxury tented suites, provides a memorable wilderness adventure.
Each spacious safari tent has its own indoor sitting area where you can relax during the day and gaze across the starry sky at night.

Indulge in personalized luxury while surrounded by nature's awe-inspiring beauty. Drift off to sleep to the pleasantly soothing sounds of the African night. Dine in a personalized environment surrounded by nature's limitless grandeur.

ACTIVITIES
In between exhilarating daily activities and safari game drives, indulge in the simple pleasure of observing the vast stillness of the Serengeti plains.In the evening, a campfire is lit, and stories of the day are told while a hearty meal is served under the constellations of brilliant stars.

Fly to Serengeti National Park, host to the Great Migration for a portion of each year, when a staggering number of herbivores trek across the Serengeti plains in search of water and fresh grass — hungry predators awaiting them or following in their wake. Over the next two days, your adventure may reveal giraffes, wildebeests, elephants and much more on morning and afternoon game drives through the boundless Serengeti, home of one of the largest wildlife populations in the world.

FULL BOARD

TENTED CAMP

  Full board excl. premium drinks

GAME VIEW

DAY 8-10 | Date to be updated

LINYANTI WILDLIFE RESERVE

Safari Days

📍 Linyanti Expeditions Camp

LINYANTI WILDLIFE RESERVE

Area Overview

Linyanti (located inside the Chobe National Park) is a quiet, remote place in northern Botswana and one of the last great wildernesses in Southern Africa. Water is the draw card here! Elephants are particularly thirsty and during the dry season huge herds pass through and congregate along the river. Great groups of zebra and buffalo get stuck in too, jostling for a turn at the taps.

The Linyanti River is a permanent watercourse and is thus a magnet for the wildlife of northern Botswana and a destination for migration from the dry areas of northern Botswana. Game viewing is therefore excellent, especially during the dry winter months when surface water from rainfall has disappeared in other areas.

In terms of fauna, lion is common along with spotted hyena. Leopard frequent the larger trees in the riverine forest. Antelopes such as kudu, impala, reedbuck and steenbok will be found all year round. The area is a stronghold of waterbuck; these are found in few other areas. Giraffe are stalwarts here as are warthog and baboon. Wild dog traverse the area and are most likely to be seen in July and August in the Linyanti.

The presence of large game in this region significantly increases during the dry season, attracting substantial herds of impala, blue wildebeest, giraffes, and buffaloes, along with the world's highest concentration of elephants. The area is also home to multiple packs of wild dogs, and sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs are frequent occurrences. Nighttime drives present opportunities to encounter nocturnal creatures like civets, genets, honey badgers, and spring hares.

ACTIVITIES
Morning and afternoon game drives will deliver excellent game viewing experiences and since the Linyanti, Selinda and Kwando reserves are privately-managed, you'll be treated to off-road driving for close-up encounters as well as exciting night drives and guided nature walks.

 
Safari days ahead! Imagine what the sight of all these juicy beasts along the river looks like for lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena. Bat-eared foxes join the party, as do hippo and crocodile. You can even see the rare sable and Sitatunga antelope.

Safari days!

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.

READ MORE DETAILS!

5.30 am: Time for a Wake-Up Call
6 am– 9 am Morning Game Drive
9 am- 11 am Return to Camp for Breakfast or Brunch
11 am –1 pm Relaxation: Read, Nap, Swim, Walk or Spa
1 pm – 2 pm Lunchtime
2 pm – 3:30 pm Relaxation: Read, Nap, Swim, Walk or Spa
3.30 pm: High Tea
4 pm –7 pm Afternoon Game Drive
7: 30 pm Dinner Time
9 pm Turn in for Bedtime
 

 

LINYANTI EXPEDITIONS CAMP

Camp Overview

  Full board, drinks excl.

This small, intimate camp comprise of six ground level expedition style tents, with views of the bush around them. Each en suite bathroom has a toilet and bucket shower. The décor reminds of a bygone era of original African expeditions.
The main tented areas also include a dining tent where guests can witness the art of open fire food preparation, whilst sharing camp fire stories and the days’ events. The other tent serves as a lounge where guests can relax or read a book and enjoy the beautiful views over the Linyanti marsh.

ACTIVITIES
Located within the Chobe National Park, this seasonal camp, the focus is on walking safaris, Morning, afternoon and night game drives as well as mokoro trips through the Linyanti Wetland (water level permitted) is also offered. Due to walking activities. Linaynti Expeditions Camp operates from May to October

*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics.

FULL BOARD

TENTED CAMP

GAME VIEW

DAY 11 | Date to be updated

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!

◽️ Preparing for your trip

PREPARING FOR YOUR

SAFARI

Pre-Travel Information

PASSPORTS

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages.

Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents).

A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry.

Insider Tips

Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages.

Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel.

Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping

 

HEALTH

When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below.

Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey.

Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP 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. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic.

A 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.

Malaria is present throughout southern Africa 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.
VISAS
Visa requirements differ from country to country and, on occasion, are subject to change with no warning.
 
The team at Machaba Blue will always do what we can to provide accurate and helpful information pertaining to visas, however we cannot be held responsible if a traveller is refused entry to any country due to not complying with its visa requirements. For peace of mind, we recommend you check visa regulations with the embassy, high commission, or consulate of the countries you are travelling to.
 
ZIMBABWE
Foreign nationals visiting Zimbabwe fall within one of three visa categories: -
  • Category A – countries whose nationals do not require a visa
  • Category B – countries whose nationals are granted a visa on arrival at their port of entry on payment of a visa fee of US$30 single entry / US$45 – double entry.
  • Exceptions are Britain / UK / Ireland - US$55 single entry, US$70 – double entry, Canadian – US$75 single entry, China – US$60 single entry
  • Category C – countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a visa prior to travel
 
ZAMBIA
Foreign nationals visiting Zambia fall within one of three visa categories: -
  • Nationals who do not require a visa to enter Zambia
  • Nationals who are granted a visa on arrival
  • Nationals who are required to apply for a visa prior to arrival in Zambia
 
  • Visa type
  • Single Entry US$25.00 - allows a traveller to enter Zambia only once during the validity of the visa.
  • Double Entry US$40.00 - allows a traveller to enter Zambia twice during the validity of the visa.
  • Day Tripper US$10.00 - applies to visitors who are staying in Zambia for less than 24 hours. Only issued at the Victoria Falls and Kazungula borders and the visitor must enter and exit through the same port
  • Transit Visa US$25.00
 
KAZA UNIVISA
Is a special visa that allows unlimited cross-border visits between Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as a single entry into Botswana for a day trip through the Kazungula borders. Costs US$50.00, is valid for up to 30 days and is available to national of 65 countries. A KAZA UniVisa can currently only be obtained at the following ports of entry: -
 
ZIMBABWE
Harare International Airport
Victoria Falls International Airport
Victoria Falls border with Zambia
Kazungula border with Botswana
ZAMBIA
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport - Lusaka
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport - Livingstone
Victoria Falls border with Zimbabwe
Kazungula border with Botswana
 
BOTSWANA
Visitors to Botswana fall into two categories – Non-Visa Category and Visa-Category.
 
Non-Visa Category applies to citizens of Commonwealth countries, except for those from Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Foreign nationals whose countries have signed a Visa Abolition Agreement with Botswana are also not required to apply for a visa prior to travel. Non-Visa Category visitors receive a 30-day entrance stamp upon arrival, no fee is payable
 
Visa-Category visitors must apply for a visa prior to arrival in Botswana. For a list of the 96 countries that require a visa prior to arriving in Botswana refer to https://evisa.gov.bw/
 
MOZAMBIQUE
Except for a handful of SADC countries all visitors to Mozambique require a visa. Although visas can and are often issued on arrival, we recommend obtaining a visa prior to travel.
 
The issuing of visas on arrival is intended for visitors travelling from countries where there is no Mozambican diplomatic mission to issue a visa prior to travel. Immigration officials at Vilanculos International Airport, which is a popular tourist destination, are usually very helpful and don’t have a problem issuing visas on arrival but this may not necessarily the case at less popular or very busy ports of entry such as Nampula or Maputo airports
 
Visa issue on arrival involves filling in a visa application as well as an arrivals form, having a photo and fingerprints taken and paying US$50.00 per person in small bills. USD/ZAR/Euro are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted.
 
SOUTH AFRICA
Please contact the South African Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to check if you require a visa to travel to South Africa. If you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you must apply for a visa before entering South Africa. Should you require a visa but not be in possession of one you will be denied boarding your aircraft.
 
Insider Tips
  • On arrival please ensure you request the correct visa for your needs
  • Always check your visa has been issued for the correct number of days
  • Zimbabwe, KAZA UniVisa and Mozambique visas each use a full passport visa page
  • Carry the exact amount of cash to pay for your visa as credit card machines may be offline and change is not always available
GRATUITIES
In Africa tipping is customary but not obligatory and should only be undertaken if you are satisfied with the level of service you have received. Tipping is a much-appreciated gesture that goes a long way to making many lives easier. Whatever amount you believe to be appropriate will be appreciated by not just the staff you have interacted with daily but by those who work hard behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.
 
When staying in a safari camp/lodge tip just once at the end of your stay. Guides and trackers (and should you wish mokoro polers) are tipped separately. Envelopes are provided so you can personally hand each recipient their tip when saying goodbye. Housekeeping, front of house and back of house staff share the proceeds of the communal tipping box which is distributed equally.
 
The following guidelines are purely suggestions as there is no set rule when it comes to how much to tip.
 
BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIA
US$10-20.00 per guest per day for a safari guide when game viewing in a shared vehicle
US$20-30.00 per guest per day for a safari guide when game viewing in a private vehicle
US$ 5-10.00 per guest per day for trackers and mokoro polers
US$10-15.00 per guest per day for general staff
 
MOZAMBIQUE
US$10-20.00 per day for a host/butler
US$10-20 per activity
US$20-30.00 per day for general staff
 
SOUTH AFRICA – Safaris
In South Africa tips are normally given in South African Rand
ZAR100-200.00 per guest per day for rangers when game viewing in a shared vehicle
ZAR200-400.00 per guest in a private vehicle
ZAR1000.00 per guest when staying in a luxury lodge
ZAR 50-100.00 per guest per day for a tracker (may be more at a luxury lodge)
ZAR100-200.00 per guest per day for general staff
 
SOUTH AFRICA – City stays
ZAR25.00 per guest for an airport to city hotel transfer and double for longer out of town transfers
ZAR20-25.00 per bag hotel porterage
ZAR100.00 per guest for a half day sightseeing tour
ZAR200.00 per guest for a full day sightseeing tour
ZAR250-500.00 per guest for a half day sightseeing tour with a specialist guide
ZAR500-1000.00 per guest for a full day sightseeing tour with a specialist guide
ZAR100.00 per guest per day for general staff
10% is the minimum tip on meal accounts in restaurants and hotels, with 15-20% the accepted norm for attentive service, especially in Cape Town and the winelands
PACKING LIST
 
Suggested packing list
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of safari trousers (those that zip off at the knees are very handy)
2 short sleeve shirts
2 long sleeved shirts with collar to protect the back of your neck
3 T-shirts
Fleece and jumper/sweater
Light weight warm jacket
Light rain jacket
1 pair of sandals/flip-flops
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Undergarments
Socks
Swimming costume
Sun hat or cotton scarf
Beanie/warm hat, scarf/pashmina, gloves (winter)
Sunglasses
Contact lenses and/or prescription glasses (take a spare if you have one)
High factor sunblock and lip balm
Personal toiletries and wet wipes (body wash, shampoo and conditioner is usually provided)
Basic medical kit with aspirin, band-aid, Imodium, eye drops, antihistamine cream, headache tablets and motion sickness pills if needed.
Flashlight (most camps provide a torch)
Camera, spare camera batteries, dust proof case, cleaning equipment, and memory cards
Universal worldwide travel adapter
Binoculars in the range 8x40 or 10x40 are most useful
 
 
Insider Tips
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Leave expensive and sentimental pieces of jewellery at home and never carry jewellery in your checked baggage.
BAGGAGE
To comply with limited weight restrictions of between 12-20kgs/26-44lbs including hand baggage and camera equipment on light aircraft inter-camp flights means you need to pack smart.
 
Limiting what you take on safari is not as difficult as it sounds as nearly all safari camps and lodges offer a daily laundry service (weather dependent). Clothing should be light weight cotton fabric, casual and comfortable. Dressing in layers is the most practical way to adjust to changing temperatures, especially in winter when early morning and late afternoon game drives can be frosty and cold.
 
 
Please refer to AIRLINE BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS document for airline spesific information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard against the unexpected, such as a medical emergency, is a necessity when traveling to Africa. This is especially important when visiting off the beaten track areas on safari and for this reason most safari lodges/camps make travel insurance a condition of booking.
 
It is the responsibility of each traveller to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance at the time of confirming their booking. Cover should include cancellation and curtailment, medical emergencies, evacuation and repatriation expenses, disability and death, lost luggage, and personal effects. Certain activities are classified as high-risk or dangerous and may require extra cover to be taken out, please ensure you consult with your insurance company to ensure you are adequately covered. It is important to check if there is a travel age limit and should you be suffering from a pre-existing condition please check if there is a cap on medical emergency cover.
 
Certain banks and credit cards include or offer travel insurance as part of their service. Please always check exactly what is offered in the way of cover and if it is adequate for your needs. Although more expensive it may well be better to purchase a standalone policy that provides comprehensive cover.
 
By ensuring you are covered for the unexpected, travel insurance will provide you with peace of mind allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday.
 
Insiders Tip
  • Don’t tempt fate by travelling with expensive jewelery, only bring what you need. If its irreplaceable or has sentimental value, then leave it at home. Never carry jewelery in your checked baggage.
  • 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.
  • 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, travel insurance and Covid passport 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.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
It is sensible to take basic precautions whilst traveling anywhere in the world. Below are recommendations that we feel hold for travel in general and which we thus suggest are followed if traveling to Africa.
 
  • It is advisable to secure your luggage with a suitable lock when flying both locally (within South Africa), regionally (to neighboring countries), and internationally. As an additional precaution, we suggest that check-in baggage is protected and secured with a Luggage Glove.
  • Please do not check in any valuables or chronic medication as these should be kept in your carry-on luggage.
  • Never leave luggage unattended.
  • 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.
  • Keep mobile phones, wallets, and cameras well hidden, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
  • Never leave your luggage unattended (e.g. do not leave handbags under tables, on the backs of chairs, or restroom hooks).
  • Please report any stolen property and/or any incident involving your safety and security to the establishment where you are staying.
  • Separate your cash and credit cards and do not carry all your cash with you.
  • Avoid counting cash in the open.
  • Be vigilant whenever approaching an automated bank teller machine (ATM). If you feel unsafe, rather return at another time or use an alternate machine.
  • 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.
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED

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

____________

* Unless otherwise indicated on your itinerary

TRAVEL INFO

  • Health & Vaccines, Visas & Passports, Connectivity, Power adaptors, Travel insurance, Credit Cards, Tipping guide,Packing list and more

GORILLA TREK PACKING LIST SUGGESTION

Kindly note that the packing list below is just a mere guideline as you may have your own preferences

  • 1-2 long sleeved shirts
  • 3 short sleeved t-shirts
  • 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks)
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 1 sweater or sweatshirt
  • A waterproof and windproof jacket
  • 1 skirt ( for women)
  • Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
  • Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking
  • (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
  • Pair of sports sandals like Tevas
  • Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
  • Sleepwear
  • Underwear
  • Lightweight wool socks
  • Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)

 Miscellaneous

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent with DEET
  • Small day pack
  • Flashlight
  • Binoculars
  • Extra batteries
  • Camera and extra lenses
  • Film particularly fast film for the gorillas.
  • Personal toiletries
  • Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself

First Aid Kit including rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication.

KENYA VISAS

  • Note that your need to apply for a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa for  Kenya
  • Local host details to be used for Tanzania & Kenya  applications

TANZANIA VISAS

  • Note that your need to apply for a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa for  Kenya
  • Local host details to be used for Tanzania & Kenya  applications

UGANDA VISAS

  • Note that your need to apply for a SINGLE visa for Ugand
  • Local host details to be used for Uganda  applications

    PASSPORTS

    • Email or Whatsapp a clear color copy of your passport
    • Expiration date valid at least 6 months past return dates
    • Please check the number of blank Visa pages required by each country

    CONTRACT

    • Download the Safari Contract
    • Take a picture with your phone of the first & last page and email back
    • Include APPENDIX C / Indemnity for each person going on the safari

    GUEST INFORMATION

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