Travel Tips

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WAS CORRECT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION. FOR ALL MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL PRACTITIONER AND FOR ALL VISA REQUIREMENTS PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR TRAVEL AGENT AT TIME OF DEPARTURE.

The following information is a guideline to assist you with your holiday preparations.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Please check visa requirements with the consular office of each country you will be visiting. Alternatively, consult your agent or ourselves. You should allow plenty of time for obtaining necessary visas.

VISA REQUIREMENTS: - (For Australian Passport Holders)

MEDICAL/HEALTH

Most vehicles and lodges carry a first aid kit which is for use in emergencies.
However, we would strongly advise you to bring a personal medical kit. Any reputable medical store will be able to provide this.

Suggested contents includes:

• Lip balm
• anti-histamine cream or tablets
• sunscreen
• water purifying tablets
• pain killers
• anti diarrhoea remedy
• moisturiser
• rehydration salts
• elastoplast/bandaids
• insect repellant
• sterile dressings
• antiseptic cream

Malaria is endemic in most parts of Africa. It is your responsibility to provide anti-malaria tablets and other preventative measures. You should consult your doctor as to the correct prophylaxis for the countries to be visited. It is also useful to avoid being bitten through the use of an insect repellant containing DEET and wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers at night.

VACCINATIONS

Please consult your doctor or immunisation centre for the relevant vaccination requirements for the countries to which you will be travelling. Please note, however, that Yellow Fever vaccination is compulsory for most African countries. In addition, we would recommend vaccinations for typhoid, polio, tetanus, hepatitis and meningitis.

INSURANCE

Personal travel insurance is compulsory for all our safaris. This should include a comprehensive medical cover including repatriation, personal effects and luggage, as well as cancellation and curtailment insurance. If you are in any doubt as to the cover you need, please contact either your agent or ourselves.

MONEY

It is advisable to bring spending money in both cash and travellers cheques in either US dollars or pounds sterling. Travellers cheques should be a well known brand such as Thomas Cook, American Express or Visa. Cash should be in a variety of denominations.

Credit cards can be used in some places, so can be a useful resource. However, credit cards should not be relied upon as a main source of funds as there are many places where cards cannot be used, especially for cash advances.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Naturally, there are many opportunities for photography. As film can be very expensive in Africa, we suggest you bring plenty from home. If you are visiting the gorillas you will need to bring fast film as, at times, they are found deep in the forest. It is also advisable to bring a resealable polythene bag to keep dust from your equipment.

Video photography is also possible. Batteries can be recharged at most lodges and hotels, but it is advisable to bring spares. You should be aware that some National Parks authorities levy a charge of US $5 - $20 per video camera.

A note of warning. Under no circumstances should you attempt to photograph government buildings, police, military personnel or any government official. This applies especially at borders. It is not unknown for people to have cameras confiscated if officials even suspect a photo has been taken. It is also advisable to ask a person for permission before taking their photograph.

WHAT TO PACK

Try to keep luggage to a minimum. The following is a suggested list of clothing and accessories:

• 2 long sleeved shirts/blouses
• extra passport photos
• 3-4 short sleeved shirts or t-shirts
• vaccination certificates
• 2 pairs trousers or 1 pair and 1 skirt
• money and traveller's cheques
• 1-2 pairs shorts camera and film
• tracksuit pants
• personal toiletries
• heavy sweater
• water bottle
• light sweater
• watch
• underwear
• sunglasses
• hat
• torch and spare batteries
• water/windproof jacket
• small sewing kit
• boots or trainers
• clothes washing soap
• sandals or thongs
• plastic bags
• Set of smart clothes and shoes
• Swimsuit
• passport
• If you wear glasses it is also advisable to bring a spare pair.

Overland Camping Safaris: -

sleeping bag, sleep sheet and mat, pen knife, toilet paper, clothes line and pegs, music tapes (our vehicles are equipped with stereos)

ELECTRICITY

Most African countries operate on 220/240 volts AC. You must take with you international adaptors if you wish to use hair dryers, irons and charge video batteries. Most countries operate on the British three square pin system, but we do suggest you also take a European adaptor plug if necessary.

CLIMATE

The climate in Southern Africa countries is very similar to Australia with summer temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is from November to February in most countries. Night temperatures in winter can fall to below zero in some regions.

The climate in East African countries, because they are nearer to the equator are mostly hot and humid year round. The long rains fall between April and May while there is a short rain period between November and December.

During the winter months in Africa it is advisable to dress in layers as once the sunrises so do the temperatures, sometimes quite dramatically.

TIPPING & GRATUITIES

We suggest the following as a guideline: - USD1.00 per bag for porters, 10 percent for taxi drivers and waiters and approximately USD5.00 per day for guides and game rangers. Although all tips and gratuities are dependent upon the level of service provided.