PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU TRAVEL IN AFRICA
We at Conservation Safari Company understand that travelling in Africa can be a daunting experience but rest assured that when we plan your trip, every step is organised and seamless, from the moment you enter the airport arrivals hall to when you depart. There will be someone to greet you with a signboard and your name on it at each airport/hotel/lodge and you will be transferred in comfort and safety - you basically don’t have to think at all from when you arrive. We provide you with a comprehensive Travel Document that details each day’s plan, what time you need to be where, who the provider is and their contact details – we make sure that everything happens on schedule. In addition our team is here 24hrs and contactable so that if there is a hiccup, we can fix it straight away.
In addition to us planning your safari, we are making a difference as a company. One percent [1%] of the value of every trip booked with us is spent on conservation, at no cost to you. We want to protect Africa’s wild places and wildlife, for future generations – please read more about our conservation efforts on our website!
Thank you for considering Conservation Safari Company
Luxury travel, making a difference!
Travel Documents
Very few additional documents or vouchers are required these days, but copies of electronic flight tickets and any provided vouchers will be sent to you or included in your printable Travel Document. Your Travel Document will contain detailed daily arrangements of each destination and transfer, flight details and contact numbers. It will also contain a list of emergency contact details - a copy of your itinerary should be left at home with friends or next of kin so that they have a means of knowing where you are and who to contact in case of an emergency.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking with all safari outfitters that you have the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependants/travelling companions for the duration of your trip to Africa. When it comes to making a critical decision in the case of an emergency it is essential that all the service providers have your Insurance Company, Policy Number and a 24hour contact number.
Visas
For travelers visiting South Africa with Children, please download and read the PDF document on our website 'South Africa Children & Visa' - specific documents are required.
Please be advised that visa requirements are subject to change and that visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not Conservation Safari Company. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from Africa and that you have enough blank pages in your passport for all of the visas you require.
The majority of visas in Africa can be obtained at the border however it is essential that you check the visa requirements of every country you will be visiting with the local embassy, consulate or a reputable visa handling company for the most up to date visa information before you travel. African countries are in a continual state of political flux and visa requirements can change overnight.
Health
There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention – please consult your medical practitioner and check with your health department/travel clinic prior to departure from your home country, in the event there have been changes in the health regulations of the country you are visiting.
The primary concern for travellers in Africa is Malaria, Yellow Fever, Tsetse Flies and Ticks. Malaria is prevalent in specific areas and usually during the summer months - most travel doctors will recommend malaria tablets. Please read our pre-travel document on this page [pdf] and also consult the World Health Organization website for detailed information or the Centre for Disease Control website.
Luggage Weight Limits
Please take note of the weight limits for travel in the region and take particular note if you are flying on a light aircraft to any of the private and more remote destinations. Typically luggage on light aircraft flights is limited to a total of 20kg (including hand luggage) but in some cases is 15kg or 12kg in soft bags only - no hard cases or soft bags with frames!
Most commercial airline, regional flights have a 23kg check-in baggage limit with a total of 7kg carry on.
What does it mean to be SATSA Bonded?
Conservation Safari Company (Thom Media & Travel Pty Ltd) is a bonded member of the South African Tourism Services Association. As a bonded SATSA member our clients receive a financial guarantee against any deposits they make to us. The SATSA logo signifies our integrity and commitment to the highest service levels as an African travel facilitator.
VIEW OUR SATSA CERTIFICATE AND NUMBER ON OUR WEBSITE
GENERAL INCLUSIONS
- Meet & greet, transfers to/from airports and hotels/lodges
- Regional flights & taxes
- Meals and drinks specified per accommodation
- Daily excursions & activities as specified
- Park fees and entrance fees as specified
- Safari activities and lodge/guide staff
GENERAL EXCLUSIONS
- Visas
- International flights
- Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance
- Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
- Items of a personal nature & curio purchases
- Gratuities or tips
Thank you for looking at our itinerary and considering Conservation Safari Company as your travel provider, we put a lot of time and thought into creating itineraries and experiences for your specific needs and interests - so please check all the tabs above [if you are viewing a digital itinerary] or each page of a printed itinerary, to make sure you get through all the information. We know you have a choice of many providers, but we believe we offer excellent service, value for money pricing, and we are making a difference through our conservation projects. [https://www.conservationsafaricompany.com/conservation]
Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500 kilometres of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving. Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants. Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However, you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Mozambican Metical
Symbol: MT
ISO code: MZN
Subunit: Centavo (1/100 of a Metical)
Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 meticais
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 meticais
Banking
Card Transactions: Widely accepted in major cities
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 07:30 – 15:30, Weekends: Closed, Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: LAM Mozambique Airlines
International Airports: Maputo International Airport
Domestic Airports: Beira Airport, Nampula Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes, mainly in urban areas
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes, in major cities
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, limited service
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes, to the Bazaruto Archipelago
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if washed
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, if cooked thoroughly
Street food: Yes, from reputable vendors
Local cuisine:
Mozambican cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Portuguese, and Arab influences. Seafood is a staple, especially prawns, served with piri-piri sauce. Coconut, lime, and spices enrich dishes like Matapa, a stew made with cassava leaves and nuts. Corn porridge (Xima) is a common side.
Drinks: Notable local drinks include Laurentina and 2M beers, and Tipo Tinto rum.
Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies greatly, from 500 mm in the south to 900 mm in the north
Average temperature: 28°C
Summer:
Average highs: 31°C
Average lows: 24°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 18°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November during the dry season when temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and beach holidays.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes, in major cities and tourist areas
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities
Cafes: Yes, in major cities
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes, in major cities
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: C, F, M
Voltage (V): 220 V
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
