Safari Travel Guide
Planning your journey with Desert Tracks Bookings & Safaris? This guide will help you prepare so your safari is smooth, safe, and memorable.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. It should cover cancellation, emergency evacuation and repatriation, medical expenses, loss or damage of luggage and valuables, as well as missed flights or delays. Arrange this before departure and carry both printed and digital copies.
Emergency Contact Details
Please share the contact information of a next of kin or trusted person in case of emergency. Include their full name, phone number, and relationship. These details can be submitted on the Booking Form we provide.
Passports, Visas, and Vaccinations
While we provide guidance, travelers are responsible for ensuring their documents are valid and complete.
Visas: Many African countries offer e-Visas or visas on arrival. Common requirements include a passport valid for at least six months with three blank pages, proof of accommodation and travel arrangements, travel or medical insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. If traveling with children, additional documents such as birth certificates and parental consent letters may be required.
Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are required for entry unless you are arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever area. We recommend consulting your doctor or travel clinic for the latest advice, especially regarding malaria prevention.
Luggage and Local Flights
On charter or fly-in safaris only soft-sided bags are allowed. Weight limits are generally 15–20 kg including hand luggage. Extra or oversized baggage may result in additional costs or may not be accepted.
Self-Drive Guidelines
If you are driving yourself, keep headlights on at all times, obey speed limits, and be cautious of wildlife and livestock, particularly at dawn and dusk. Refuel often as distances between stations can be long, and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
Connectivity
Share your phone number with your consultant, ideally with a local SIM card. SIM cards are affordable and widely available in Namibia, Botswana, and Tanzania. Wi-Fi is offered at most lodges and hotels but may be limited in remote areas.
TravelKey App
Download the TravelKey App to access your itinerary digitally, even offline. It is available for both Android and iOS, and we will provide you with a unique code to log in.
Traveling with Minors
Strict rules apply when traveling with children under 18 in Southern and East Africa. Required documents usually include a valid passport, a full birth certificate, and in some cases notarized consent letters from parents or guardians. We will advise you on the specific requirements for your route.
Additional Tips
Keep printed and digital copies of all important documents. Carry some cash in local currency or South African Rand for remote areas. Tipping is customary: about USD $1–2 (or local equivalent) for porters and USD $5–10 per person per day for guides and drivers. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Electricity supply is 220V, using South African-style three-prong plugs.
Assistance
For any questions or emergencies, contact us at bookings@desert-tracks.com or +264 (0)81 867 0705.
Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa, and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders. Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund boasting remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.
Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.
A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.
