Malawi Southern Circuit With Mvuu Lodge

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All visitors to Africa must have a passport which is valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended departure date from  their final destination in Africa. Visitors must ensure they have enough blank VISA pages (not endorsement pages) in their passports. Our recommendation is 3 pages (or even 4 if you are travelling through more than one country on your journey). If there is insufficient space in the passport then entry into a country could be denied.

Visitors must also be in possession of outward travel documents and have sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.

If you are routing through or visiting Botswana during your stay, Parents travelling with children 18 years and under must travel to Africa with the children’s original full birth certificate which shows both parents names who are travelling with them.  This is a requirement of Botswana immigration.  In addition to having a valid passport with valid visa (if applicable) and the child’s original birth certificate, children under the age of 18 travelling with only one of his/her parents, must have an affidavit from the other parent allowing the travel of the child in their absence. However, in the instance that one of the child's parents is not named on the birth certificate, an affidavit is not required.

VISAS
Visas are the responsibility of the traveler.  Please discuss with your consultant on specific visa requirements for the country/countries you are visiting

Please note:

• If visas are required, please ensure you have the correct cash amounts available as credit cards and travelers cheques are not accepted at immigration. 
• You must advise the relevant official of the total number of days that you are spending in the country otherwise you may be charged to obtain an extension/additional visa later on.

Health and Medical
The information that follows is simply designed to give the reader some guidelines and general tips. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor prior to travel and get accurate and up-to-date advice on inoculation requirements, and anti-malarial precautions.

Medical insurance, preferably one that includes air evacuation, should be regarded as a pre-requisite for any safari holiday.

Tetanus and the hepatitis vaccinations are recommended.

Malaria: is caused by a mosquito borne parasite and is endemic in many countries in Africa. Please remember that the best precaution is the preventative kind.

• Avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellents liberally. A lot of camps provide a locally made repellent, however, please feel free to bring your own if you suffer from any skin sensitivities or allergies.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
• Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
• Where provided, please use the insecticide supplied to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
• Mosquito coils are also effective.

Malaria is transmitted by a very small percentage of female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are mainly active in the early evening and throughout the night. Malaria transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November through to April. From May through to October the risks of contracting malaria are reduced.

There is a 6 to 7 day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your medical practitioner does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Malaria can be prevented if you are sensible and take basic precautions. It is important to consult your doctor prior to your safari; he will prescribe a course of prophylactics.

The Sun: The African sun can be very strong and sunburn can occur through clouds and even a light T-shirt. Bad sunburn can spoil your safari so be sensible, use cream and wear a hat.

De-Hydration: in a mild form can be fairly common in the hotter months. It is not dangerous so long as you recognize the symptoms and react accordingly. The key is to keep body fluids up by drinking plenty of water. If nausea or vomiting results, then medical attention should be sought. It would be worth including a couple of packets of rehydration salts in your holiday medical kit if you have one.

Diarrhoea: is a common problem when travelling anywhere in Africa. The standards of hygiene in all of the safari camps booked by us is very high but it is not uncommon for individuals to react to a change in diet or water. The best bet is to be sensible about what you eat and drink and bring suitable medication just in case. Camps will generally advise if the tap water is suitable for drinking or not. Most camps will provide bottled mineral water which we suggest you use for drinking to avoid any stomach reactions.

If you do have any particular medical needs or requirements, please advise us in advance so we can ensure the best care in each of the properties you are visiting.

INSURANCE
People and Places and its agents, staff or associates cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can they be held liable for personal injury, accident or illness. Please ensure that you have yourself and your belongings adequately insured before your departure.  Insurance is compulsory for all our trips. If you do not possess a policy, please contact your broker for details.

a)              Health Insurance
Before you travel anywhere it is imperative to have medical/accident insurance which covers you while you are away, as well as for emergency repatriation.

b)              Cancellation
You might have to cancel your safari due to unforeseen circumstances. If you cancel a trip close to the departure date for any reason you could lose all that the safari was going to cost you. Depending on the reason cancellation insurance should cover you for this eventuality.

c)              Baggage Insurance
Airline liabilities with respect to your baggage is limited. It is advisable to take out insurance if you are carrying expensive and valuable camera equipment. You should always carry such equipment as "carry-on" luggage. Do not put anything of value in your checked baggage!

d)              Claims
If you anticipate an insurance claim upon your return, be sure to document as accurately as possible any accident, injury or loss.  Doctor’s notes and police reports will aid any claim.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Should you be following a special diet or have allergies to certain types of food, please advise us in advance so we can notify the properties where you are staying. Most camps are able to cater for dietary requirements, but due to the remote locations, they do require necessary notice so as to be able to order any special supplies in advance.

CLIMATE
The weather in southern Africa is generally pleasant throughout the year – warm to hot days, and cool to warm nights. During our winter months however (May to September), it can get really cold at night and in the early morning, particularly when on safari, so we would like to suggest that you pack accordingly – very warm clothing including an anorak/winter jacket, a beanie, scarf and gloves are recommended. Please also refer to our packing suggestions list.

Summer
October to April - days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Day temperatures average 25°C - 35°C and night temperatures drop to 14°C - 20°C. Low-lying areas can also be considerably warmer all year round with temperatures of 35°C - 50°C.  The rainy season is generally from November to March.

Winter
May to September - days are dry, sunny and cool to warm 20°C - 25°C, while evening temperatures drop sharply to 5°C - 10°C. Exceptionally cold spells can occur 0°C - 5°C. 

OUR SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Lightweight Khaki or neutral-coloured clothing is best. Avoid white or colourful clothing, as this is not practical (it will get dirty very quickly, because of the dust) and when walking you will stand out in the bush, which can scare wild animals away. Blue and black colours hold the heat and Tsetse flies love these colours too. Khaki and beige are perfect colours to wear. Loose clothes are preferable and layers are always useful. Evening dress in all camps and most hotels is casual but bring longs to protect against mosquitoes when eating out in the bush. A sweater or light jacket is useful at most times of the year. If traveling in our winter months a warm jacket will be necessary. We strongly recommend dressing in layers, as this is an effective method of compensating for the wide variations in temperatures during the day and night.

Clothing

• Sun hat/bush hat.
• Headscarf/bandana – particularly for dusty dry regions.
• Golf-shirts and/or T-shirts – preferably with sleeves to protect your shoulders from the sun.
• Long-sleeved cotton shirts.
• Shorts and/or skirts – really short skirts are not practical for getting in and out of game drive vehicles.
• Long trousers/slacks.
• Track suit.
• Pyjamas – lightweight for summer and warm/thermal for winter.
• Underwear – on game drives the roads can be bumpy and uneven so a suitable bra may be required.
• Socks – thermal options are recommended for the winter months.
• Good closed walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine).
• Sandals – preferably low heeled or flat if you are going on safari.
• Swimming costume.
• Lightweight jersey or fleece in summer.
• Light rain gear or jacket for summer months.
• Warm jersey or fleece plus anorak or parka in winter.
• Additionally, a scarf, gloves and beanies/woollen hats for the cold winter months.
• More formal attire for your stay at prestigious city hotels.

Equipment and Other

• Good quality sunglasses
• High strength sun block (SPF 30 or higher)
• Moisturizer and lip salve
• Insect repellent for body application
• Padlock for your checked in luggage
• Basic Medical Kid (eye drops, headache tablets/painkillers, travel sickness pills, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream and tablets)
• Binoculars – an absolute must if on any type of safari. Many options are available but with this equipment invariably the more you spend the better you get.
• Travel adapter plug
• Torch – Many camps have no mains power so night-time lighting may be by candle or hurricane lamp, a lot of camps will have torches by the bed but best to pack your own.
• Glasses – if you wear prescription glasses bring a spare pair. If you wear contact lenses bring a pair of glasses as well since dust can be a problem.
• Camera equipment – This is obviously very personal but zoom or telephoto lenses are useful. Cleaning equipment and a dust proof bag are also useful. Spare batteries and memory cards are very important.
• Visas, tickets, passports, money, credit cards, insurance details, etc

LAUNDRY
Laundry can be done at most camps. This service is generally complimentary (sometimes charged at a nominal fee). Laundries are available at the hotels in major centres and is laundry is charged for per hotel rates. Please note that at most of the safari camps washing is done by hand and therefore underwear will not be accepted for washing.  Items of a delicate nature are washed at your own risk.

COMMUNICATIONS
Many of the camps and lodges do not have cellphone coverage or internet. Where internet is available it is normally slow and can be unreliable. Should you require more specific information on communication options in the camps you are staying in please contact your consultant who will be able to assist you.

GRATUITY GUIDELINES
Tipping is not compulsory, if, however, you want to tip because you have received good service our general recommendation is to tip in accordance with the level and quality of service provided. Tips are generally given at the end of a stay.  You should tip the guide, tracker, boatman/canoe or mokoro paddlers directly and the back of house staff in the general tip box, which you will find at the reception.  The following guidelines are generally accepted practice. If you are travelling as a family we recommend working on 3 adults travelling.

• Safari guide(s): $ 10 - $20 per day per guest.
• Trackers (if applicable): $5 - $8 per day per guest
• Butler (if applicable): $8 per day per guest
• Boatman/ Canoe/Mokoro paddlers (if applicable):  $5 per day per guest
• Camp staff: $5 - $8 per day per guest, to be shared among the housekeepers, waiters, bartender, etc.
• Drivers: $5 per guest
• Meet and Greet Staff: $5 per guest
• In Restaurants in the city: 10% of the total bill is accepted.

DRINKS POLICY
Unless otherwise specified in your quotation all local drinks are included in the standard Fully Inclusive (FI) tariff, but exclude premium imported brands and champagne. Please refer to your itinerary for specific details.