Travellers Guide / FAQ

What health precautions should I take when travelling in Southern Africa?
What airlines should I use to travel to Africa?
May I make alterations to my confirmed safari schedule?
What happens if I get unavoidably delayed before the Safari?
What happens if I lose my baggage on a flight?
Is the water safe to drink?
What Travel Insurance do I need?
What information will I need to file an insurance claim when I return?
What is included in my safari trip?
What is NOT included in my safari trip?
Climate in Southern Africa: What do I bring?
How much am I supposed to tip on Safari?
How much money am I allowed to carry on Safari?
What sort of clothing and baggage should I carry on Safari?
Can wild animals be approached unaccompanied by a guide?
What kind of camera equipment should I bring?
Can I bring a flashlight/torch in my backpack?
Recommended Reading - Nature Books
What sort of electrical power outlets do they use in Africa?
Can I bring my mobile (cell) phone, iridium or radio phone?
What happens should a problem occur?
Visa and Passport Information - Important
About Africa
How does one find out about the real Africa?
Why travel and explore Africa?



What health precautions should I take when travelling in Southern Africa?

Although southern Africa is generally safe in terms of health and other diseases, we strongly recommend that you start an anti-malarial course of tablets 2 weeks prior to your departure. Although most lodges provide mosquito nets on beds, insecticide sprays, mosquito coils, etc., we also recommend that you bring a personal supply of mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes are generally most active during the evening, especially during dinner hours. Wearing long sleeve shirts and pants in the evenings will help you avoid being bothered by mosquitoes.

Please consult your local doctor for specific advice before departure to Africa. Although we have not had any client contracting malaria during our Safaris, it can develop once you return home, in which case, visit your local doctor immediately and request a blood test, explain that you have been on a safari in Africa where you might have been exposed to malaria-carrying mosquitoes and advise your doctor to contact our Johannesburg Head Office for further details and explanation. Time is of the essence.

International certificates of vaccination are required for yellow fever and typhoid before entering either Tanzania, Zanzibar or Kenya - please contact your nearest Tanzania or Kenya embassy for an update and information before departure for east Africa.

Please bring a sufficient supply of any special medications you may need, as there are not always a pharmacy within reach.

What airlines should I use to travel to Africa?

Please contact Afrika Zambezi Safaris, to recommend which flights you should book to co-ordinate your arrival at Johannesburg international Airport in time for the first safari briefing at the hotel. We normally recommend the South African Airways flight from Atlanta International Airport at 10:30am USA time overnight to arrive Johannesburg international Airport at 09:00am South African time.

Remember that for international flights, you need two hours prior check in. Afrika Zambezi Safaris will not be held liable for any act, omission, unexpected event causing a client to miss their flight.
International return flights between your home and Johannesburg are not included in the price of the safari.

May I make alterations to my confirmed safari schedule?

Although we will be flexible to try and accommodate client requests, we cannot make changes to set itinerary safaris which include other clients.
Accommodation may be changed due to reservation problems, conditions of roads and airfields, game migrations or other reasons where clients’ safety takes priority.

What happens if I get unavoidably delayed before the Safari?

We will be flexible but we cannot be held responsible for airlines running late. We will make every effort to reunite you with your group, but we have a responsibility for the others on the trip with you. We will try to accommodate your new travel schedule in order to catch up with the group.

If our professional tour leader guide is unable to conduct his/her safari trip due to causes of illness or other circumstances, Afrika Zambezi Safaris will supply a substitute tour leader guide of equal calibre for your trip.

What happens if I lose my baggage on a flight?

Losing baggage on a scheduled flight can be a nightmare. We recommend that you try to check your baggage in as a group at the same airport to avoid loss or misplacement. Afrika Zambezi Safaris shall supply a soft duffel bag and t/shirt which will be sent to all clients confirmed on safari trips - making it easier to identify others in your group. Our Johannesburg Office will supply further details.

If your bags are lost, your tour leader will help you complete all necessary documentation required by the airline and our Johannesburg Office will arrange to forward your baggage to one of the lodges if it is found (we cannot guarantee this). The airline will have to compensate you if your bags are lost or damaged. Please ensure that you keep your baggage tag numbers safe in your purse which will assist in tracing lost luggage.

Is the water safe to drink?

Not always. We do not recommend drinking tap water in any hotel, camp or game lodges during your trip. We recommend you drink only bottled water. The tap water in your room, however, can be safely used to brush your teeth and wash with. Note: To avoid effects of dehydration, please drink lots of bottled water and other beverages while travelling, especially in the hot months (August to November). On any walking safaris please take one or two bottles of water with you.

What Travel Insurance do I need?

We strongly advise you to purchase full and comprehensive travel insurance to cover any eventuality before travelling, including: Safari Cancellation, injury, accident, illness, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation, loss of money or personal belongings. This is compulsory on all trips and can be arranged at the time of your deposit payment. Please arrange insurance with our Johannesburg Office, or your personal broker or agent before departure.

Afrika Zambezi Safaris shall not be liable or held responsible for any loss of baggage, damage, injury, death, safari cancellation, accident or illness during the Safari trip.

What information will I need to file an insurance claim when I return?

If an incident(s) occurs, keep copies of every detail and document such as police reports, doctor’s notes, when and where it happened, etc. in order to enable you to make a claim on your return home.

What is included in my safari trip?

All your Safari lodge transfers, accommodation and laundry, villages and school visit tours, walking trails, game drives, meals and drinks in the lodges, charter flights from one lodge to the other are fully inclusive as detailed in your itinerary.

What is NOT included in my safari trip?

The international flights that bring to you Africa and take you home. All non-itinerary activities, e.g. Johannesburg cultural tours to Soweto township and the Apartheid museums, Victoria Falls curio shopping, personal shopping, meals at Victoria Falls, extra activities.
We suggest you budget at least US$30 a day if you intend to shop for souvenirs in the markets. Any extra tours such as a cruise to Nelson Mandela’s Robben Island on the Cape Town section, can be arranged in advance by our Johannesburg office on request.
Please refer to your itinerary for what is or is not included.

Climate in Southern Africa: What do I bring?

1. The wet summer months are November, December, January and February (Usually we do not contact Safaris on these months unless special on requests), lots of rain with minimum temperatures of 36 degrees F/2 degrees C.
2. Winter months are May, June and July which can be very cold with minimum temperatures of 36 degrees F/2 degrees C.
3. Spring months are August, September and October and this is the best Safari season although hot with lowest temperatures of 60 degrees F/15 degrees C.

Pack clothing according to the season in which you will travel - frosts in an African winter are not uncommon. Choose neutral colours so as not to startle the animals. Here follows a suggested list:

* Good walking shoes - Leather or Trainer type, with high ankle
* Good strong sandals
* Long trousers (Preferably unzip at knee type) chinos or slacks.
* Long sleeved shirts for evenings/short sleeved for day
* Polarised good quality sunglasses
* If you wear contact lenses, bring enough cleaner and solution for the trip. Tip: Also pack a spare pair of ordinary prescription glasses - we may encounter very dusty conditions when you will be more comfortable with ordinary spectacles.
* Swimming costume / bathing suit
* Warm track suit
* Shorts/skirts for ladies
* T/shirts (Cotton)
* Warm sweater, beanie, scarf, warm gloves for winter months (Preferably warm Anorak/Parka for cold early morning drives)
* Underwear and socks
* Lightweight pair of good Binoculars
* Lightweight Raincoat/wind cheater
* Basic First Aid kit with any personal medications, anti-malarial tablets, antihistamine cream/tabs, elastoplasts, immodium, antiseptic cream & aspirin. Vitamin A helps to ward off, and heal, sunburn.
* Cameras and plenty of film / spare batteries / multi-plug recharger
* Khaki/green peak cap or shady bush hat
* Toiletries, moisturising creams/sunscreen lotions
* Torch/flashlight with spare batteries
• Your valid passport!

For fly-in safaris, a soft bag carrying no more than 12 kg are essential. Bring also a small day-pack (backpack type).

How much am I supposed to tip on Safari?

Tipping during safari is not compulsory, and is at client’s discretion - only tip if you had a blast and enjoyed the service given to you. A guideline is:
* Guides at the lodges - around US$6-00 per day.
For your tour leader guide who accompanies the entire Safari Adventure with you for 16 days - perhaps a little more than the above.
* General staff at the lodges - around US$4-00 per client per day - usually lodges provide a tipping box and tips are shared amongst all the staff.
* In hotels/Restaurants, around 10% is usual for excellent service.

How much money am I allowed to carry on Safari?

We would recommend you bring small denominations in cash for easy exchange, tips, airport departure taxes etc. - US$1, US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50. Many countries may not have change for large notes such as US$100. The remainder of your money should be in Travellers Cheques as this is by far the best way to travel with your funds. Credit cards can be used in South Africa and Botswana. Ensure that your tour leader guide is close to you when using credit cards, as she/he will know the requirements of each country’s Credit Card facilities.

What sort of clothing and baggage should I carry on Safari?

We would encourage you to keep your clothing and baggage to casual and comfortable basics.
Do NOT bring the following clothing: ARMY/Camouflage print clothing, bright colours, army hats.
Baggage: Due to the lack of space in our vehicles and weight limits in our small aircraft, clients are only permitted to carry ONE soft duffel type bag weighing between 9-12 kg and a small daypack for camera, binoculars etc. It is a strict rule imposed by aviation regulations. Massive suitcases will not be allowed on the small Cessna 206/Caravan during your Safari trip; please do not be disappointed on arrival. Most international flights allow 18-20kg per passenger but remember that you will be asked to leave excess weight behind at the hotel in Johannesburg. This can be collected on the day of departure (But we would not encourage this as you will be late for check-in). If you really need to to bring excess baggage, please first consult with our Johannesburg Office first.

Can wild animals be approached unaccompanied by a guide?

Never! Even if animals approach the lodge grounds, we are not in a Zoo or a Theme Park where animals are accustomed to humans. Your safari will be conducted in real African wilderness with occasional close encounters with wild animals. Attacks by these animals are rare, but we cannot guarantee that it will not happen. All wild animals need to be treated with respect. Clients are advised to adhere to rules and follow the instructions of the guide conducting your safari, especially on walking trails. Afrika Zambezi Safaris, cannot be held responsible for any injury or incident that may occur due to carelessness or negligence on your part.

What kind of camera equipment should I bring?

The less weight, the easier for you to carry during your Safari. Small hand held digital video cameras are excellent on a walk or game drive. The minimum lens when taking still photos will be 200-300 mm zoom lens with standard SLR cameras,and a lightweight telescopic lens if you wish to take pictures of birds or mammals at a distance.

We recommend that you visit your local camera shop in your hometown for advice before departure. We advise that you purchase lots of film or memory sticks as these are not always available in the more remote parts. Large camera tripods will take up too much space - a small hand tripod or monopod is ideal.

Can I bring a flashlight/torch in my backpack?

We recommend you bring a small, powerful flashlight/torch and spare batteries or recharger - although some of the lodges do equip rooms with flashlights/torches.

Recommended Reading - Nature Books

Identifying and reading about species of birds or mammals with your local guides is an enjoyable part of your trip. As you are required to travel light, we recommend you purchase just one or two of these books:
* For keen bird watchers: Ken Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa, 7th edition.
* Mammals: Chris & Tilde Stuart’s Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa.
* Keen on reptiles: Bill Branch’s Field Guide to the Snakes & Reptiles of Southern Africa.
* You want to learn tracking skills on Safari: Clive Walker’s Signs of the Wild.

What sort of electrical power outlets do they use in Africa?

220v or 110v are the most commonly used electrical power outlets. South Africa, Botswana and Namibia have a round plug system similar to American type. Zimbabwe and Zambia have square 3-pin plugs similar to British type. We recommend you bring a 50 watt Radio Shack multi-nation Travel Adapter that can convert 220/240v to 110/120v and will fit most sockets in Southern Africa or Europe.

Most game lodges use diesel generators or solar panels for electricity in the camp, please bear with lodge staff and management as they will advise when the power will be available for our use.

Can I bring my mobile (cell) phone, iridium or radio phone?

Be informed in advance that any type of phone/Radio will not be allowed for usage during Safari, as this will hinder the privacy and the enjoyment of your holiday in Africa. Should you bring this equipment, please ensure that you keep and use it in your room only, not in the public areas at lodges and it should never interfere with any other guests on Safari.
E-mail facilities or internet cafes will be available only in cities or towns such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Victoria Falls.

What happens should a problem occur?

We expect your trip to be problem-free but if any do occur, please do not hesitate to contact your tour leader guide, management or the staff at any of the lodge/camps and they will be able to assist or attend to your problem immediately.

About Africa

Africa is the most beautiful continent in the world, featuring some of the last pristine, unchanged natural landscapes on earth and proud, smiling people. Although the western discoverers came to share and learn about Africa from the late 1700's onwards, the rich culture and traditions of Africa have not been changed or diluted much, in spite of conflict over her rich resources. Even today the myth and mystery of Africa is still largely unknown - a continent with tangible magic interwoven with the tremendous fabric of nature - animals, vegetation, insects and bird life.

The breathtaking beauty of Africa is found it its savannahs, forests, rolling rivers and waterfalls, lush hills and mountainous landscapes. It nourishes the soul of those with environmental awareness, and delights visitors keen on wildlife conservation, photography and bush adventures, forever leaving them with a great feeling of proprietorship and responsibility towards Nature. No wonder the likes of Dr. David Livingstone were quoted as praising African landscapes with words such as, "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."

How does one find out about the real Africa?

In the media, Africa may be popularly known for its poverty, environmental degradation, wars and the current HIV/AIDS epidemic among others but this could be said for any continent today. But Africa is modernising, ready to take its place in the world with massive growth and investments from all over the world. The trade routes dreamed of by Cecil John Rhodes and David Livingstone are becoming reality today.

This question still remains a mystery. Many travellers are afraid to travel to Africa because of the way it is dramatised in the media - wars, poverty, disease, and so on. So I ask this questions to my clients during Safari adventures with them but none of them seem to have an appropriate answer, and that always puts me to puzzling thinking.
If you were to believe all the negative stories in the media, be it newspapers, internet or television, then Africa would be the last place you would think of visiting to see beauty and harmony.

I reflect on the old days of great explorers such as David Livingstone and others who portrayed the image of Africa as beauty and adventure. In literature, we learn good things and legacy left behind by these men who had heart and love of Africa and so I conclude that the only way to know the real Africa is to come, like them, and visit for yourself.
When you come to travel in Africa, you merely discover the beauty and mystery of Africa, culture and true tradition of this continent.

As a traveller perhaps you would want to join hands with local communities, learn about their traditions, the diversity of their culture, the legends and history of Africa. Your visit encourages and contributes to sustainable tourism.
You may fall in love with Africa, just like Dr. David Livingstone who lived among the tribes and peoples of Africa, fought against the slave trade, fell ill and later died in the caring hands of African people and left his heart buried at Chief Chitambo’s Village in northern Zambia in the Soil of southern Africa. Which traveller today would not admire this legendary legacy left by Dr. David Livingstone, whose body was carried thousands of miles overland to lake Tanganyika and then back to the highlands of Scotland and finally laid to rest in Westminster Abbey in England.

The old world learned of Africa through the eyes of “Great White” hunters such as Courteney Selous and the prospecting and mining by Cecil John Rhodes with his ambition to build the mighty railway line from Cape Town to Cairo in Egypt. Such ambitions were often foiled by the harsh conditions of Africa, which remained and protected the wild places. It is the spirit of this Adventure which we try to impart to our clients and we feel that we are privileged to welcome visitors and to introduce them to the magnificent world of Africa. We combine our experience with your dreams, building the pace and the flow of each safari so that your expectations are met and exceeded.

Discover your dream adventure with us; explore the thundering waters of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi river, the mysteries of the flowing Okavango river delta. Africa's land is full of wildlife, from the great highlands to the idyllic Indian ocean coastline and the legendary Table Mountain and Cape Point where foreign explorers first touched the soil of Africa. The reality of your visit is only as far away as our booking form.

Why travel and explore Africa?

Perhaps the same question was asked of the great travellers during the colonial era when explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Dr. David Livingstone and others risked the unknown to discover the trade routes between Asia and Europe. It was believed that the traders could transport raw materials and goods through the channels of the Nile and Zambezi rivers, portaging the thundering waters of Victoria Falls, and on through the deep gorges of the Zambezi Valley.

Later, this question also fed the great imperial ambitions of Cecil John Rhodes who planned a railway line from Cape Town to Cairo, to transport of minerals from Africa to Europe. However, all these ambitions never completely came to pass and many lost their lives in the process. Today however it is far safer!

There were many great explorers, some of whom were not mentioned in the literature of travelling and discovery in the Dark Continent as some called it. What was the lure of this adventurous journey to Africa? I suppose it was about the love of travelling, new sights and interests, discovery of wealth, leisure, sport and the glory, tribute and recognition of great explorers by peers and families back home.

Now you, too can weave your own legend - come and be an African explorer, with Afrika Zambezi Safaris.

Obert Lusinga