Pre Departure Information
Travel Insurance
No holiday should be contemplated without valid comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical repatriation, cancellation and curtailment. The costs of a holiday can be considerable, and if you are forced to cancel due to illness before you travel or during your holiday, you will lose money if this is not covered. It is your responsibility to ensure your travel insurance covers you for all aspects of your holiday.
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You must ensure that your insurance covers you for medical evacuation and repatriation both internationally and locally, and we would advise that your policy covers loss and theft of your possessions. It is also important to check that it covers you for any activities that you intend to do on your holiday.
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We recommend that you take out travel insurance at the same time as booking your holiday to ensure you are covered in the event of you having to cancel your holiday.
Visas & Passports
Passports: all travellers must have a valid passport (in good condition) which has at least three unused pages and be valid for at least six months after your holiday end date.
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Visas: it is your responsibility to check that you have the correct visa for wherever you are travelling. Please ask for us for assistance if you are unsure.
Health & Immunisation
Please consult your doctor before departure for up to date advice.
Malaria
Expert opinions differ regarding the best approach to malaria, and you must consult your doctor as to which is the most suitable for you to take.
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Use mosquito repellents liberally; long- sleeved shirts and trousers/ slacks in the evenings.
Most camps have rooms which are easily sealed and can be kept insect free, where this is not the case mosquito nets are provided.
If you become ill on holiday or soon after, please contact your doctor and make him aware that you have visited a malarial area recently. Malaria can have a delayed reaction and can be dangerous.
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Yellow fever
Yellow fever rules are always changing and the rules vary depending on the country you are travelling from and/or via, so please ask your GP for up to date advice. Should a yellow fever certificate be required for entry, you will need to have the original document with you on arrival.
Luggage & Weight Restrictions
International Flights
Please check with your airline for weight restrictions on luggage and also dimensions for your carry-on and checked in luggage.
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Domestic Flights
For safety reasons on chartered and scheduled aircraft within Africa, there are strict limits of 12kgs-20kgs inclusive of camera equipment. Please check with us before travelling as this amount varies depending on the airline booked. Only take one soft bag per person, as hard suitcases are difficult to store in light aircraft and airlines reserve the right to refuse to carry such items if they cannot be stowed safely.
Tipping
Safari: whilst on safari, tipping is not compulsory. If you want to tip because you have received good service, we recommend between US$15 and US$30 per guest per day for general camp staff. This should be placed in the communal tips box or handed to the lodge manager so it can be distributed among the staff. Most lodges and camps do not encourage you to tip individuals, but if you really want to please discuss this with the lodge manager. If you have a private guide, we would advise the same amount again.
Checking In
Depending on the airline it is possible to check in and reserve seats between 24 and 48 hours prior to your departure. We suggest you do this as early as possible to ensure that you can reserve seats together.
Packing
You can find out detailed packing advice here.