LANGUAGE

English is widely spoken throughout Southern Africa.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bring sufficient memory cards and batteries as these are not always readily available.  Remember to ask permission before taking a photograph of any local people.

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any of the conservation areas we manage, until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule applies throughout Africa, as our partners have adopted a similar stance.

CULTURAL AWARENESS

Please note that local laws, religious beliefs and cultural practices in parts of Africa may be more conservative than those in your country of origin. As these must be observed and adhered to, we suggest that guests carry out due diligence and exercise their discretion when travelling in the region. 

DIETARY

Most dietary requirements can be catered for. Please advise us of any specific dietary requirements before you travel, and these will be communicated to all properties.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Please consult your physician for advice on malaria precautions before travel to Southern Africa. 

Ticks: Ticks can be found in Africa’s wilderness areas. To avoid getting bitten when going on bush walks, guests are advised to take precautions by wearing long trousers, socks and boots. Please note that there is a possibility that tick bites could lead to tick bite fever. Symptoms include fever, headaches and painful, enlarged lymph glands in the area of the bite. If you experience these symptoms after returning home, please visit your doctor and advise them of the possibility of tick bite fever.

Allergies, Medication and Prescriptions:

If you suffer allergies, it is advised to take counteracting medication with you, as the medication you require may not be available due to the remoteness of these destinations.

If on medication at time of travel please ensure that you bring a sufficient supply for the entire trip, as it may be difficult to obtain after arrival.  This applies to any malaria prophylaxis, prescriptions, chronic or preferred brand medication.

FIRST AID

Although most hotels and lodges are equipped with a first aid kit, we suggest that you bring a small airtight container with a few well-chosen articles, such as plasters, travel sickness tablets, antiseptic cream, pain relieving tablets for headaches, indigestion tablets, sunscreen, eye drops, insect repellent, medication for upset stomachs and after-sun moisturiser.  We remind travellers who have any allergies, for example insect stings, or an asthma condition, to pack the required medication.

SAFETY

Like anywhere else in the world, visitors must always take reasonable precautions as opportunistic crime does happen and it can be best described as when an opportunity presents itself and subsequently tempts a person to steal.

Most accommodations offer in-room or reception safes to secure your valuables.

Visitors are advised not to leave their belongings or personal property unattended.

Do not carry large sums of money or valuables on your person.

​Always buy your excursions from a licensed operator, your hotel or travel agent representatives can assist you with verification.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE & PASSENGER WEIGHT

When embarking on an African safari, luggage is required to be packed in a soft bag with no wheels or hard frame. These requirements differ from operator to operator, based on various conditions; however, because most of our guests travel cross border, and with more than one charter airline, we recommend that they adhere to the standard rule. 

When travelling to any of destinations in Africa, please remember that it’s a criminal offense to be in possession of, to deal with or to traffic in wildlife products. This includes, without limitation, Ivory, Rhino horns, furs, claws, teeth, bones, eggs, meat and feathers of any form of wildlife.  The penalties for violating legislation governing the possession and trafficking of wildlife products in Africa are among the most punitive in the world and may even lead to life imprisonment upon successful prosecution. To avoid any inconvenience, you are strongly advised not to purchase any wildlife products of any nature from any street vendor, local marketplace, or village market when participating in any excursion. Only purchase wildlife products which are offered for sale at legitimate curio vendor establishments located within the duty-free demarcated area of the airport as these vendors are required by law to hold the necessary legal permits to enable them to offer for sale the wildlife products on display in their establishments.

General Requirement for Light Aircraft 

Type of luggage & dimensions: Soft bags with maximum dimensions of 35cm (13.7 inches) wide x 40 cm (15.7 inches) high and 70 cm (27.5 inches) long.  No hard suitcases are allowed, and oversized bags may not be carried on your lap. An additional seat can be booked for extra luggage, subject to availability.  

• Maximum of 20kg (44lbs) soft bags which includes hand luggage

PASSPORTS & VISAS

Passports are required by all foreign visitors and must be valid for six months after the intended length of stay.  Please ensure that you have at least two consecutive blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport. Our recommendation is three or even four blank pages if you are travelling through more than one country. If there is insufficient space in the passport then entry could be denied.

Visa costs and requirements are specific to nationality and country of origin.  It is imperative to check your visa requirements with the relevant embassies / consulates as it may vary according to your nationality.

Requirements and costs for visas can change with little notice.  The official source for up-to-date visa requirements can be found by following the links by country below.  Where it is possible to obtain an electronic visa, we recommend doing so. 

Eligibility for visa on arrival is indicated on the official websites.  

WHAT TO EXPECT

The time taken to clear immigration and customs will vary based on your arrival time.  Guests can book a representative to meet them on arrival and assist with formalities before escorting them to their transfer.  At the discretion of airport authorities, pre-arranged VIP meet and greet services at certain airports can meet arrivals airside and escort them through expedited formalities.

Depending on nationality and country of origin, a visa may be required to enter. In many instances, visas must be applied for prior to travel as they cannot be arranged on arrival. Visas that can be obtained at port of entry are payable in US dollars cash only. 

CLIMATE

Although located in the tropics, temperate conditions prevail all year as the climate is moderated by altitude and the inland position of the country. The hot and dry season is from August to October, and the rainy season from November to March. Night-time temperatures can become very cold during the winter months.

ELECTRICITY

220/240 Volts AC, 50hz

It is possible that lodges in more remote areas do not have electricity and run on generator or solar power.

ZIMBABWE VISA INFORMATION

The official immigrations website for Zimbabwe:

https://www.evisa.gov.zw

CLIMATE

Botswana’s climate is mainly temperate. Summer, October to April, can be very hot, but daytime temperatures typically average around 30ºC (86ºF). The rainy season lasts from January to March. Winter, May to September, brings cooler weather with an average temperature of 25ºC (77ºF), early mornings and evenings may be very cold.

ELECTRICITY

220/240 Volts AC, 50hz

It is possible that lodges in more remote areas do not have electricity and run on generator or solar power.

BOTSWANA VISA INFORMATION

The official immigrations website for Botswana:

http://www.botswanaembassy.org/page/guidelines-for-completing-a-visa-application