Passports & Visas Health & Vaccines
Immigration Requirements.
To enter most African countries you will need a passport that remains valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure from that country, not your departure from home, and at least three blank passport pages are required. However, just like other non-citizen and non-residents arriving by Air, they must be in possession of valid return air tickets.
Health Services and Vaccines
Health service(s).
All camps and (private) guides have a First Aid Kit available at all times but if you do require any other personal medication try and take more than enough for the trip as getting hold if it may be difficult in many remote areas of Africa. Before travelling it is a very good idea to contact your local physician for advice for travelling to Africa or visit the CDC website at least 6 weeks prior to departure. Countries may change their vaccination requirements without notice according to recent epidemics or outbreaks, so check up before you head out. Many African countries might be a malaria area so prophylactics are advised. Usually travelling in the drier season the risk is far lower than in the wetter months.
Medical services are underdeveloped and often only large cities might you find anything resembling western standards. There are a number of small private clinics which are better than the general hospitals, but the clinics in the rural areas usually only have the basics. Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is boiled already, or extensively filtered and very much safe for drinking. Bottled water is readily available in the bigger towns, however we ask our travellers to carry a reusable water bottle to minimize the use of plastic during their trip.
Cash and Cards
Currencies in Africa
With cash US Dollars, make sure you bring new notes – the ones with the “big heads” . Many banks don’t accept the old notes with small heads or notes that are damaged, torn or written on and so you’ll find that you can’t spend them anywhere. The oldest dated need to be no older than 2013 and some countries even 2021. Your trips are normally all inclusive and the cash money to take with may be to use at shops, restaurants or given as a tip to staff on safari.
When exchanging your US Dollars for local currencies, preferably use only the services of a designated Bureaux de Change and keep up-to-date with the most recent exchange rate. Both at the airport as well as at most shopping centres there are official places where you can change your money.
At most African border posts, you can exchange USD at the border for local currency – but you won’t get a favourable exchange rate, and are bound to come across informal money changers. Be very aware of scam artists, fake bills, and paper fillers!
Paying with credit cards, and some debit cards, can be very difficult away from the larger airports and cities, extra credit card charges may also be incurred. VISA and Mastercard are most commonly accepted, American Express and Traveller's Cheques are almost unheard of.
ATMs are available within large cities and some major towns . Most banks have ATM’s which accept Visa cards for cash.
Suggested Packing List
You can find most of what you need for your safari from The Safari Store website.
Safari Checklist
Clothing
Avoid bright, black and white colours Do not wear camouflage clothing as this is often associated with the military. Avoid dark blues and black, they tend to attract insects. Choose breathable, lightweight, quick-drying and earth-toned clothing
• T-shirts x 5
• Long sleeve blouses and shirts to protect you from the sun and insects x 3
• Shorts x 3
• (Zip-off) pants x 1
• Casual dress and/or skirt (for women) x 1
• Fleece and/or warm jacket (depending on time of year and area of the country) x 1
• Pyjamas
• Raincoat (November to April)
• Windbreaker jacket
• Swimming suit
• (Wide-brimmed) hat
• Undergarment and socks
• Sports bra (for women)
• Closed walking shoes for walking safaris otherwise light well ventilated shoes
• Flip flops and/or sandals
• Sunglasses
Health & Safety
• Vaccination card
• Passport
• Visa(s)
• Cash
• Pharmaceuticals & Toiletries
• Standard toiletries
• Prescription meds
• Malaria tablets (if recommended)
• Small first aid kit
• Meds for: diarrhoea, nausea, headaches, indigestion, heartburn, sore throat, stomach flu, allergies)
• Nasal spray
• Eye drops
• Antiseptic lotion
• Bandages
• Band-aids
• Sunburn treatment
• Thermometer
• Ziplock bags
• Earplugs
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent
• Wet wipes
• Sunscreen SPF30 or higher
Gadgets
• Binoculars
• Camera and lens(es) + battery (s) + charger + memory card(s)
• Headlamp or small torch
• Portable power bank
• Smartphone
• Kindle/iPad
• Headphones
• Adapters
• Hard Drive
Gratuities
Tips – These are often greatly appreciated by the staff in the camps and a general guideline to help is usually around $5-$20 per person per day for the general staff and $10-$25 for your (local) guide per person per day. Obviously this is entirely at your own discretion and not obligatory and with how well you feel your experience has been.
If you would like to tip at a restaurant check if a service charge has already been added if this has not happened then a maximum of 10% is fine.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is often required by properties as a condition of your booking. We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services for US residents. For more information on the available plans or to enrol, go to www.travelex.com or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 09-1185. Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 15 days (Travel Basic) or 21 days (Travel Select) from the time you make your initial trip deposit. However, the plan can be purchased any time prior to departure. The product textriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 83I
Social Media
If you plan to document your trip on social media, please remember to tag us @wild_n_beyond_safaris, @jamesda_privateguide
This unique, peanut-shaped country, once known as Northern Rhodesia, offers visitors an authentic African experience complete with adrenalin pumping adventure sports, a variety of fascinating cultural activities, and an abundance of indigenous wildlife, which finds refuge in Zambia’s vast national parks. Spend your evenings enjoying the spectacular site of the world’s largest waterfall, the Victoria Falls, while sipping on sundowners after an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting down the rapids of the mighty Zambezi River. If that sounds a little too adventurous for your taste, take a houseboat cruise along the exquisite Lake Kariba while watching wild elephants drink at the riverbank as you try your hand at catching the elusive tiger fish. However you choose to spend your time in this unique country, you are bound to leave with a heavy heart and a desire to return again soon to this exceptionally beautiful Southern African country.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Zambian Kwacha
Symbol: ZK
ISO code: ZMW
Subunit: Ngwee
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kwacha
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 ngwee, 1 kwacha
Banking
Card Transactions: Limited
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Zambia Airways
International Airports: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Domestic Airports: Yes
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Zambian cuisine features a variety of dishes, including Nshima (maize porridge), which is often served with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other popular dishes include Ifisashi (vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Biltong (dried meat).
Drinks: Mosquito (fermented maize), Chibwantu (traditional beer), and Munkoyo (fermented drink made from maize or millet).
Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from June to August when wildlife viewing is at its best. However, the wet season from November to April offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
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
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Limited
Public parks: Limited
Libraries: Limited
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
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.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Zimbabwean Dollar
Symbol: Z$
ISO code: ZWL
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 dollar
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cent, 1, 2, 5 dollar
Banking
Card Transactions: Limited
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air Zimbabwe
International Airports: Harare International Airport (HRE), Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ)
Domestic Airports: Yes
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Zimbabwean cuisine is influenced by traditional African dishes and British colonial heritage. Sadza, a thick maize porridge, is a staple, often served with meat and vegetables. Other popular dishes include Nyama, a grilled meat dish, and Mopane worms.
Drinks: Notable local drinks include Chibuku (traditional beer) and maheu (fermented drink).
Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies
Average temperature: 22°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 15°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 10°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the dry season from May to October when wildlife viewing is at its best, especially in national parks like Hwange and Mana Pools. The weather is generally pleasant during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Limited
Public parks: Limited
Libraries: Limited
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type D, Type G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
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.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Pula (BWP)
Symbol: P
ISO code: BWP
Central bank: Bank of Botswana
Subunit: Thebe
Banknotes: P100, P50, P20, P10
Coins: P5, P2, P1; T50, T25, T10, T5
Banking:
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Generally, no
Visa: Yes
American Express: Generally, no
Diner’s club: Generally, no
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08h00 or 09h00 – 16h15 or 17h15
Weekends: 08h00 or 09h00 – 10h45 or 12h00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Airports in major cities
Main airlines: Mack Air and Kalahari Air
International Airports: In major cities
Road:
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes, if your national licence is not in English. If your national licence is in English, you may use it for up to 6 months.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No, but similar services
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: No
Local city bus networks: No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, overnight train from Francistown to Gaborone to Lobatse.
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes within major cities
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes within major cities
Ice: Yes within major cities
Meat: Yes within major cities
Street food: Yes within major cities
Local cuisine: Food centres around meat such as goat, beef, chicken and fresh water fish, and a maize meal known locally as “pap”. Adventurous culinary enthusiasts may want to try the traditional speciality of Mopane Worms, while those with a sweet tooth should make sure to sample the local Kalahari Truffles (made as a dessert) and unusual fruit called Marula. It is believed that watermelon originated here.
Drinks: Bojalwaja Setswana (the beer of Botswana) - created using fermented sorghum seeds.
Tipping: 10%, usually added to the bill at restaurants. It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 475 mm
Average temperature: 27°C
Summer:
Average in highs: 31°C
Average in lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 23°C
Average in lows: 22°C
Best time to visit: It’s best to visit Botswana between April and September – the dry winter months. At this time, animals usually stay close to their water sources, increasing your chances of seeing them.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes in cities
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes in cities
Cafes: Yes in cities
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes in cities
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: D/G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
