Charter Airline Luggage Limitations
Please note that the luggage restriction on the scheduled charter flights in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe is 20kgs (44lbs) per person which needs to be packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.
In Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia the luggage limit is 15Kgs (33lbs) per person packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.
Note that seat rate charter flights operate a shuttle service and guests may be collected at other camps before proceeding to your destination.
Visas
Certain countries in Africa require you to obtain travel authorisation ahead of your arrival in those countries. For some travellers, the online application portals can be challenging to use, causing frustration and anxiety. If you do not want to navigate the online process yourself, feel free to contact a specialist visa agency such as Visa HQ to assist you.
Yellow Fever
Please note that you need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travel to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. You must travel with the original certificate as you may be asked for proof thereof.
Malaria Medication
We recommend that you take malaria prophylactics as you will be travelling to a malaria risk area. You will need to liaise with your primary care physician or travel clinic regarding the medication most suited to your needs. We're not able to recommend which one to take as it depends on other medication you're currently taking / any medical conditions etc.
Flights via the United Kingdom
From 8 January 2025, all USA passport holders will require a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if travelling through, or even transiting, the UK. For other nationalities, click here to see when you can apply for an ETA: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
The cost is currently £10 per person. Everyone needs an ETA, including infants and children. NOTE that you need to complete the ETA application prior to your arrival in the UK. It usually takes 3 working days for your ETA to be approved.
The most convenient way to apply is on the app: download the UK ETA app from the App Store or Google Play. If you are unable to access the app, you can apply online by clicking here: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply
Visa Note for South Africa
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to South Africa. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 30 days after your date of departure from South Africa.
Visa Note for Botswana
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Botswana. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Botswana.
Please be aware - all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Botswana, clearly showing the details of both parents. Both parents need to be travelling with the child. If this is not the case, additional documentation may be required. Please contact us for further info.
Visa Note for Zambia
Zambia has waived all visa fees (including day trip visas), for nationals from Australia, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
All other nationalities are required to pay for their Zambian visas. The entry fee is currently US$50 per person (subject to change). You can purchase your visa at Livingstone / Lusaka Airports on arrival. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person which allows you access to both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Visa Note for Zimbabwe
Most passport holders can purchase their visa for Zimbabwe on arrival at a cost of US$30 (subject to change). NOTE the following exceptions: visas for Canadian nationals are US$75 per person and for British / Irish passport holders, it's US$55 per person.
Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Visa Note for Mozambique
The E-Visa site and implementation of the registration process has NOT been successful, and Mozambique is now rolling out a Visa exemption implementation.
This means the temporary suspension of the pre-registration process for visitors from visa-exempt countries.
Clients can now enter Mozambique without any form of pre-registration (a temporary measure to provide flexibility and convenience for visitors).
Upon entry into Mozambique clients from visa-exempt countries now only require the following:
*Pay MZN 650.00 (at the current rate of exchange this is USD10.00 or R180.00).
There are credit card facilities available but cash is preferred. No change is available, so please ensure you have the correct amount in cash handy. USD and South African Rand are both accepted.
*Provide a valid passport with 6 months validity AFTER the last day of your stay in Mozambique, plus 3 blank pages.
*Provide confirmation of your round-trip flight details (return tickets)
*Proof of accommodation in the form of a letter from your accommodation provider
Visa Note for Namibia
Currently American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Namibia. However, you are required to have at least three consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry.
NOTE that as of 1 April 2025, Namibia’s new visa regulations come into effect. This means that 31 countries who did not previously require visas will now require them. The affected countries include the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, France, Germany, amongst others. The visa fee will be N$1,600 per person (around USD90). You may obtain your visas at the airport on arrival.
Please be aware - all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Namibia, clearly showing the details of both parents. Both parents need to be travelling with the child. If this is not the case, additional documentation may be required. Please contact us for further info.
Visa Note for Seychelles
A visa is not required for stays up to 30 days.
On arrival, travelers need to provide proof of onward or return transportation, a confirmed accommodation booking and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. They will then be issued a Visitor's Permit which is valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
All visitors must apply for entry through the Health Travel Authorisation platform prior to their arrival in the Seychelles. Please visit https://seychelles.govtas.com/ This health authorisation is essential for travel and will be required when you check in for your flight. Visitors will not be permitted to board their flight without the authorisation being in place.
Visa Note for Kenya
Kenya has implemented an eTA (electronic travel authorisation) system. This is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry.
All visitors are required to apply for an eTA prior to arrival in Kenya by clicking here - https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
The cost is currently US$32.50 per traveller, plus bank and processing fees.
For most travelers, a single entry eTA will be sufficient. If you are visiting neighbouring countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda and then returning to Kenya afterwards, you will be able to use the same eTA for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits.
NOTE that the eTA is only valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so please don’t apply too early. If the eTA expires prior to your arrival in Kenya, you will need to start a new application. The eTA is only required for entry into Kenya - there is no need to re-apply for an eTA if it expires whilst you are in Kenya.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Kenya, and you require at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
IMPORTANT: Single use plastic bags are banned in Kenya. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bringing single use plastic bags into the country. Being in possession of a single use plastic bag is an offence and offenders could be penalised.
Visa Note for Tanzania
US passport holders can purchase their visa for Tanzania at the port of entry at a cost of US$100 per person. Please have the exact amount in cash available as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Note that, should you be arriving in Tanzania from Kenya, via the Isebania border post, you must apply for your Tanzanian visa ahead of your arrival.
Because the arrival visa process can take a long time, we suggest that you apply for your e-visa prior to travel by clicking on this link - https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ Guidelines are available here which provides further information on what you’ll need for the application process: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/guidelines
If you are visiting neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda and then returning to Tanzania afterwards, you will be able to use the same visa for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits. Keep in mind that Zanzibar is part of Tanzania.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Tanzania. You are also required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
CROSSING THE BORDER FROM THE MASAAI MARA (KENYA) TO THE SERENGETI (TANZANIA) – ISEBANIA BORDER POST
You will fly from your safari lodge to the Migori Airstrip – from here, you will board a shared bus (arranged by the airline) to the immigration check point. After you’ve completed the border formalities, you will continue by bus to the Tarime Airstrip. From here you will fly to your safari lodge in the Serengeti.
Though it is usually possible to get your visa for Tanzania on arrival, for this border crossing you MUST get your Tanzania visa in advance. This is due to the time constraints imposed by the airlines as the flights need to stick to the scheduled times.
Travellers must have the following documents ready when crossing from Kenya to Tanzania:
Passport
Yellow fever certificate
E-visa
Completed entry declaration form
Visa Note for Uganda
Uganda Immigration have implemented the use of electronic visas. All visitors who require an entry visa must apply through the online application system prior to arrival by clicking here: https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
You are required to upload clear copies of the bio-data page of your passport, your Yellow Fever certificate and a recent passport photo.
On completion of the online application you will receive a barcoded e-mail notification. Print out this e-mail and bring it along with you to Uganda.
Upon arrival you must present the barcoded e-mail to the relevant authorities.
The immigration officer will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints, collect your photo and request the US$50 cash payment for the visa. (Please note: Uganda only accepts USD bills dated 2006 or later, and bills that are in excellent condition). A visa sticker will be printed with your photo and placed in your passport.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Uganda, and you’re required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
It is possible to get an East Africa Tourist Visa which covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on a single visa. Note that Tanzania is not included and if you have travelled to Tanzania and then return to either Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya, the East Africa visa will no longer be valid. You need to lodge the application with the first country on your itinerary (note that if Kenya is the first country on your itinerary, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not apply and you will need to obtain separate visas for each country).
Visitors to Uganda who will be participating in gorilla trekking activities are required to wear a mask while with the gorillas.
NOTE that e-cigarettes have been BANNED in Uganda.
Uganda is one of the 35 countries globally where e-cigarettes are banned according to World Health Organization (WHO). Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that emit a vaporized solution to inhale. These include e-hookahs, vaporizer cigarettes, vapes, and vape pens.
Please do not carry these items, even if you don't intend on using them.
Visa Note Rwanda
Visas may be obtained on arrival at Kigali International Airport. The cost is currently US$50 per person and must be paid in cash.
You can also apply for a Rwanda e-visa online, please follow this link - https://irembo.gov.rw/home/citizen/all_services
When the site loads – go to Immigration and Emigration to complete the visa application.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Rwanda. You also require at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
It is possible to get an East African Tourist Visa that covers entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. These need to be purchased from the first country of entry. Please note that this visa does not cover entry into Tanzania and if you enter Tanzania from one of these other countries having travelled on the EA Visa, the East African Tourist Visa will no longer be valid. You need to lodge the application with the first country on your itinerary (note that if Kenya is the first country on your itinerary, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not apply and you will need to obtain separate visas for each country).
Travellers over the age of 5 years who are scheduled to visit the primates at the Volcanoes, Nyungwe and / or Gishwati-Mukura National Parks are required to wear a mask during their visit.
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.
Entry Requirements
ENTERING NAMIBIA
You do NOT require a visa to enter Namibia if you are a citizen of -
· Australia
· Canada
· UK
· United Kingdom
· the majority of the EU countries (please check for exclusions)
If you are a citizen of another country, please check THIS LIST
(http://www.namibia.org.za/consular.htm), to determine if you need a visa before you enter.
In all cases, ALL visitors are required to have a passport which is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Namibia.
In all instances, ALL visitors must ensure there are TWO successive blank pages in their passport per country to be visited.
Visitors traveling through South Africa, to and from Namibia, should be advised that the passports of ALL travellers to South Africa must contain at least TWO blank consecutive (unstamped) visa pages EACH time entry to South Africa is requested; these pages are IN ADDITION to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport.
Foreign nationals who do require a visa are advised to enquire/apply manually at relevant Namibian embassies/consulates of home residence.
Banking and Currency
CURRENCY - CREDIT CARDS, ATM’s & FOREIGN EXCHANGE in NAMIBIA
The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (N$).The Namibian Dollar is fixed and equals the South African Rand (ZAR)
You can happily utilise South African Rands in Namibia, but you will receive your change in Namibian Dollars.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted at major lodges and shops in Namibia and can be used to make payments, MasterCard and Visa are preferred.
American Express and Diners Club are sometimes not acknowledged.
Smaller vendors do not accept credit cards; please ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.
ATM’s
ATMs are relatively easily found in large cities and urban centres, but are far and few between in small towns, rural areas, and villages. When venturing out of the big cities and towns, be sure to have enough cash on hand, or have alternative payment methods available, as ATMs are not always an option.
Foreign Exchange
Travellers’ cheques may be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, or at bureau de change offices. Better exchange rates are obtained on travellers’ cheques than on cash.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers’ cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand.
TIPPING
Although not compulsory, if you are happy with the level of service provided, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, and support staff, and it is appropriate to do so in Namibian Dollars (N$), South African Rand (ZAR), or US$.
General Guidelines for Tipping
· Ranger/Field Guide - US$20 (±R200) per couple per day
· Tracker - US$11 (±R110) per couple per day
· Butler -US$15 (±R150) per couple per day
· Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff - US$15 – US$20 (±R150 – ±R200) per couple per day
· Private Tour Guides: US$20 – US$30 (±R200 - ±R300) per person per day
· Scheduled Tour Guide: US$10 (±R100) per person per day
· Transfer Drivers - US$5 (±R50) per transfer
· Porters - US$1 (±R10) per bag, more if the bag is heavy Restaurants - 10-15% of the bill
Whilst it is not encouraged to carry enormous quantities of cash, visitors should be aware that facilities for exchanging or drawing any type of currencies are restricted to cities, towns and villages, which are widely interspersed.
Many camps do allow tipping by credit card.
NOTE: US dollars dated 2006 or earlier are NOT accepted in Namibia.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Airlink, Fly Namibia
International Airports: Hosea Kutako International Airport
Domestic Airports: Eros Airport
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: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes
Health and Medical Information
VACCINATIONS & GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION for NAMIBIA
Malaria
Since Namibia does not have much stagnant water, the risk of contracting malaria is minimal in most parts of the country, or is limited to a specific time of the year.
Visitors remaining in the southern part of the country (Sossusvlei), the Namib Desert, and the coast (Walvis Bay), do not need anti-malarial drugs, as these areas are regarded as almost risk-free.
However, a high malaria risk does exist in the river meadows of the north, northwest and northeast of the country, along the Kunene river and in Kavango and Caprivi regions, and you are advised to take precautions year round.
Kaokoveld, Etosha National Park, the Otavi Mountains and the East, including Bushmanland, Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwenga, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke, are areas of medium risk. Precautions are strongly recommended during the rainy season (November to April).
The risk is small in the area between Otjiwarongo and Windhoek, and mosquito repellent is advised.
To obtain a prescription for anti-malaria medication, visitors should consult their own medical doctor or health authority prior to departure.
Currently, the most commonly prescribed anti-malarial tablet is Malarone. Your primary-care physician will be able to offer the best advice.
Vaccinations
Due to the size of the country, services and facilities are spread out, and often immediate medical treatment is not available; as a precautionary measure, meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis, tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis vaccinations, are recommended.
If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, upon your arrival the government of Namibia requires proof of a yellow fever inoculation.
USA, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and the EU, do NOT fall into this category, BUT, if you have travelled or transited through countries where yellow fever is apparent, you will be required to provide a Yellow Fever certificate.
Endemic countries include Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
A full list of yellow fever risk countries may be viewed HERE.
The yellow fever inoculation is valid for ten years, and must be administered no later than ten days prior to departure.
NOTE: should you fall into the yellow fever risk category, you are required to travel with your Yellow Fever certificate/card.
Water
Although the taste of bottled water may be more to your liking, tap water in Windhoek, and the bigger towns, is perfectly safe to drink.
In more remote areas, all safari camps and lodges supply fresh, clean (bottled or filtered) water for their guests.
Do however always check with the camp/lodge staff if it safe to brush your teeth with the tap/faucet water.
Medication(s)
Pack your own basic medications for headaches and hay fever for instance, as well as for any other minor afflictions, and/or travel-related maladies, you think you may experience in the course of your stay.
Visitors are advised to carry sufficient supplies of specialised (prescription) medication they may require for the entire duration of their holiday.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Namibian cuisine features a rich blend of German and South African influences, with a focus on grilled meats and fish. Dishes like Biltong (dried, spiced meat), Kapana (grilled meat from street vendors), and Potjiekos (slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew) are popular. Seafood is also abundant along the coast.
Drinks:
Popular local drinks include Windhoek Lager and Tafel Lager, locally brewed beers.
Tipping: customary, usually around 10-15% in restaurants.
Climate and Weather
THE WEATHER in NAMIBIA
Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world's driest deserts, and averaging 300 days sunshine each year, Namibia's climate is generally very dry and hot.
Summer runs from around November to March and brings a small amount of rain; winter, with no rain, stretches from around April to October.
From December to March some days will be humid and rain may follow, frequently in the form of localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.
January and February are the hottest months, when daytime temperatures in the heart of the Namib can exceed 40°C /104°F.
April and especially May are habitually lovely months in Namibia, increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, which is largely clear and free from dust.
From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can be cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing in some desert areas.
By September and October the country warms up again.
November is a highly variable month, occasionally the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain – if you're lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, you'll never forget the drama
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
WHAT to PACK for NAMIBIA
Whilst muted colours are recommended for a safari holiday, there is no need to purchase serious safari gear for your visit to Namibia.
It is quite acceptable to wear jeans with a neutral-coloured shirt and a baseball cap, with the emphasis on comfort and ease.
Must Haves
· A good wide-brimmed sun hat – for the intense African sun
· A bandana - for the dusty, dry regions
· Comfortable sneakers, tennis shoes, or boat shoes - you do not require specialised hiking shoes for bush walks
· Sandals – flip-flops for around the camp
· Golf shirts or T-shirts
· Long-sleeved cotton shirts – to provide protection from sun, as well as from mosquitos in the evenings
· Shorts - note that short skirts are not practical and not recommended
· A sport bra - for bumpy game drives
· A micro-fibre zippered jacket and light rain gear - for rainy summer months
· Swimming costume – whilst at all times respecting modesty of local custom
· Warm fleece, anorak, scarf, gloves and ski cap/beanie - for morning and evening game drives, for the winter months, and for higher altitudes, where it can be cool even in summer.
A Detailed List of the Most Practical Items to Pack
· Khaki, green, beige, neutral colours
· Shirts with long sleeves
· T-shirts
· Shorts or light skirt (not short)
· Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
· Wind-proof warm jacket
· Light sweater/jumper
· Lightweight water-proof jacket
· Swimwear
· Comfortable walking shoes
· Socks & underwear
· Personal toiletries
· Sun block, after-sun gel, moisturiser, lip salve/balm
· Strong insect repellent
· Hat and sunglasses
· Binoculars and camera equipment (as well as a dustproof bag for cameras and accessories).
LAUNDRY
Laundry can be done at most camps. At many of the camps and lodges, this service is complimentary, but there may be a nominal charge at other establishments.
Owing to and depending on prevailing local traditions in the country, at certain camps, the staff may not or will not wash underwear or intimate apparel.
It is totally acceptable to wear the same outfit more than once while on safari, there is no need to be a fashionista in the bush!
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
POWER in NAMIBIA
A large number of the camps and lodges in Namibia are situated in remote areas and generate their own electricity - either by solar power or by diesel generator.
These power sources in turn charge banks of batteries known as an inverter system, which then provides 220Volt power in each tented room for lighting and ceiling fans.
Hairdryers & Electric Shavers
It is very often not possible to use appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers in tented rooms at the camps/lodges, as they have low-wattage fuses which will trip the power.
You will however be able to charge your equipment in a designated area in the camp - either in your room, or in a central charging station in the common areas.
Most camps and lodges have adapters for your use, but if you would like to purchase one at home prior to departure, the most commonly found plug/socket type in Namibia is the ‘M’ (shown below).
