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Climate
Because South Africa is below the equator, its seasons are the opposite of those in North America and Europe. Summer falls between November and March, with the peak summer months being December and January. Winter is May and August. Since most of South Africa enjoys a pleasant, warm climate year-round visitors find it's not necessary to wait for a particular season. The subtropical location, on either side of 30 degrees South, accounts for the warm temperate conditions so typical of South Africa. The country also falls squarely within the subtropical belt of high pressure, making it dry, but with an abundance of sunshine. Annual average rainfall ranges from less than 10 inches in the west to about 40 inches in the east.

The wide expanses of ocean on three sides of South Africa have a moderating influence on its climate. Cape Town and the southernmost part of the Western Cape has a very Mediterranean-type climate, with warm to hot summers winters that bring gentle rain showers around Cape Town and the West Coast. Owing to the increase in the height of the plateau towards the north-east, there is hardly any increase in temperature from south to north as might be expected. For example, the average annual temperature of Cape Town is 17 degrees C while that of Pretoria is 17.5 degrees C.

KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a subtropical and sunny climate all year. Snow sometimes falls in the Drakensberg and Cape mountains in winter but the interior is dry and warm in winter, with cool nights. Summers are somewhat hot with more frequent rain. (Return to Top)

Geographical Features
With an area of 1,227,200 km2 (472,359 square miles), South Africa is situated at the southern most tip of Africa. South Africa's west coast borders the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern coastline runs along the Indian Ocean. On the north, South Africa borders Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and in the northeast Mozambique and Swaziland. Completely enclosed by South African territory in the southeast, is the Kingdom of Lesotho.

South Africa is divided into nine provinces : Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Northern Province, North West and Western Cape.

In terms of the Constitution, the Republic of South Africa is divided into nine provinces, each with its own Legislature, Premier and Ministers. The provinces each feature their own distinctive landscapes, vegetation and climate. The provinces are the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape, Free State, North-West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Northern Province. (Return to Top)

Customs Regulations
All visitors require a valid passport for entry into South Africa. Entry is regulated by the Department of Home Affairs. Enquiries regarding visas and customs regulations may be directed to South African Missions. Department of Home Affairs : Tel : + 12 3148911 Fax : + 12 3148516

You may bring in duty-free gifts and souvenirs to the total value of R1 250 plus 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 2 litres of wine, 1 litre of other alcoholic beverages, 50ml of perfume, and 250ml of toilet water into South Africa without paying duty. Thereafter duty is levied at 20%. You may not import or export more than R200 in South African bank notes. The alcohol and tobacco allowance applies only to people over 18.(Return to Top)

Value Added Tax
Value added tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods and services. Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods. VAT refunds may be claimed at airports, harbours and customs offices on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250,00. For more information contact : Tel : + 11 4847530 Fax : + 11 4842952 (Return to Top)

Credit Cards
All major credit cards can be used in South Africa, with American Express and Diners Club enjoying less universal acceptance than Mastercard and Visa. In some small towns, you may find you'll need to use cash. A rather strange anomaly - you may not purchase fuel with credit cards. You can, however, pay road tolls with MasterCard or Visa. You may want to print out a list of these useful numbers before you leave home. All numbers are shown as you would dial them from within South Africa. The 0800 numbers are toll-free from a landline within South Africa - but not from a mobile phone.

* American Express (011) 359 0200
* Diners Club 0800 112 017
* Master Card 0800 990 418
* Visa 0800 990 475
* Absa Bank 0800 111 155
* First National Bank 0800 111722
* Nedbank 0800 555 111
* Standard Bank 0800 021 000

Some bank cards and debit cards work in our Automated Teller Machines, and some do not. Please check with your bank before you leave home. You need a five-digit pin to use a card in our machines. (Return to Top)

Currency
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand - and the international symbol is ZAR = 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. All currency must be declared on entry. (Return to Top)

Foreign Exchange
Travelers checks and foreign currency notes of all major currencies can be exchanged at airport, commercial banks, as well as major hotels. American Express, Diners Club and Thomas Cook operate in South Africa. Fluctuations in Foreign exchange markets are reflected in rates quoted on a daily basis. Because of the favourable exchange rate, you'll find South Africa a very inexpensive destination as well as an easy one. (Return to Top)

Time
South Africa operates on Central African Standard Time (CAST), which is two hours ahead of Universal Time (UT), which used to be called Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and is the time in London. So, for example, when it is 06h00 in London, it is 08h00 in South Africa. This time difference is so slight that visitors from England or Europe do not experience jet lag. (Return to Top)

Banking Hours
Generally speaking, banks are open Monday to Friday from about 9am to 3.30pm but those at the airports adjust their hours of opening to accommodate all international flights. From the moment you step off the plane, you'll see that there are banks, bureaux de change and automatic tellers almost everywhere. Traveller's cheques in most major currencies are accepted at most hotels and stores. (Return to Top)

Telecommunications
South African utilizes the GSM system for cellular phones thereby enabling foreign visitors to use their cell-phones in the country. Cellular telephones can be rented through Cell C Rentals here on the HotelDesk site.  Click here for Cell C Rentals.  You will receive your cell number automatically upon booking and can pick up your phone at the airport or at other convenient locations.

International dialing codes can be found in all localtelephone directories. Coin and card operated public phones are readily available throughout South Africa. Phone cards to the value of R10, R20, R50 and R200 are available at airports, shops or post offices. (Return to Top)

Postal Services
Most post offices are open during business hours. Monday to Friday 08.30 - 16.30, Saturday 08.30 - 12.00 An international priority mail service is available.

For more information contact : Customer Service Centre, South African Post Office Toll-free 0800 1144 88 (Return to Top)

Languages
South Africa is a multi-lingual country. Besides the 11 officially recognized languages, there are scores of others because South Africa is the crossroads of southern Africa.However, most South Africans speak English - even if not at home - so you'll have very little trouble communicating. The 11 official languages are Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, North Sotho, South Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. (Return to Top)

Places of Worship
Although the majority of South Africans practice Christianity, South Africa caters to most religious denominations. (Return to Top)

Shopping
South Africa has a wide range of shops, malls as well as informal street vendors and flea markets.

Shopping hours are generally:

Weekdays 08.00-17.00

Saturdays 08.00-13.00

Many shops in metropolitan areas are open on Sundays from 09.00-13.00 (Return to Top)

Public Holidays

• New Years Day 1 Jan
• Human Rights Day 21 March
• Good Friday March/April
• Family Day March/April
• Freedom Day 27 April
• Workers Day 1 May
• Youth Day 16 June
• National Women's Day 9 August
• Heritage Day 24 September
• Day of Reconciliation 16 December
• Christmas Day 25 December
• Day of Goodwill 26 December (Return to Top)

Medical Care
Medical services in South Africa are readily available. Certain pharmacies and hospitals render 24-hour emergency service in most towns and cities. Major hotels have contracts with physicians and dentists.

In telephone directories medical facilities are listed as follows: Doctors are listed under Medical Practitioners; Dentists are listed under Dental Surgeons and Hospitals are listed under H Visitors on special medication are advised to bring a reserve supply and/or their prescriptions. It is recommended that medical insurance be obtained for the period of visitors sojourn in South Africa. (Return to Top)

Immunizations
You do not generally need vaccinations or inoculations. If, however, you will be travelling through a yellow fever-endemic area (like West Africa) you will need a vaccination to get into South Africa. A yellow fever vaccination certificates is required for travelers one year of age and older entering South Africa within 6 days of leaving an infected country. Some medical practitioners advise their patients to have hepatitis A, anti-tetanus or cholera inoculations. This is not necessary but is a reasonable precaution for travelling in any part of the world. Visitors are advised to contact the nearest South African mission for more information. (Return to Top)

Malaria
High Risk Area - Chloroquine Resistant. Take preventative measures against mosquito bites throughout the year and prophylactic medicines from October to May.

Low Risk Area - Chloroquine Sensitive. Take preventative measures against mosquito bites throughout the year.

Malaria risk areas in neighbouring countries. Chloroquine Resistant. Take preventative measures.

For more information contact the nearest pharmacy. (Return to Top)

Airports
South Africa has nine major airports:

• Bloemfontein Tel + 51 473811
• Cape Town (Int) Tel + 21 9340407
• Durban (Int) Tel + 31 426111
• East London Tel + 431 460211
• George Tel + 441 769310
• Johannesburg (Int) Tel + 11 9759963
• Kimberley Tel + 531 8511241
• Port Elizabeth Tel + 41 334444
• Upington Tel + 54 311364

There are frequent flights operating between all major countries. Scheduled and charter flights link other towns and resorts. Scheduled bus services, taxis and rental cars are available at all major airports. (Return to Top)

Rules of the Road
The basic rule of the road is: Drive on the left hand side of the road and give way to vehicles approaching from the right.

The general speed limit on national highways, urban freeways and other major routes is 120 km/h (75mph). On secondary roads it is 100 km/h (62mph), and in built-up areas 60 km/h (37mph), unless otherwise indicated.

Any valid drivers license is accepted in South Africa, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English. South Africa has an excellent road network. Driving is on the left. Road sign distances and speed limits are in kilometres. Wearing of seat belts is compulsory Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and the passengers. (Return to Top)

Public Transportation
Taxis are available at airports and on call. Most major centers have train and bus services. However, taxi and bus services in smaller towns are limited and it is advisable to make use of car rental facilities.

Information on train services can be obtained from:

• Metro Passenger Service. Tel + 11 7735878 Fax + 11 7737475
• Transet Tel + 11 4887111 Fax + 11 4887125 (Return to Top)

Car Rental
An international driver's license is required. Cars can be rented here on the HotelDesk site from Avis Car Rental and picked up at airports and many other convenient locations throughout South Africa. (Return to Top)

Luxury Trains
Blue Train: This luxury five-star railway service operates on a regular basis between Johannesburg/Pretoria and Cape Town; Johannesburg/Pretoria and Victoria Falls.

Rovos Rail: Rovos Rail offers various unique steam safaris and exclusive trips. You may obtain additional information and make reservations here on the HotelDesk site under the "Custom Tour" tab on our home page. (Return to Top)

Water
South African tap water is extremely palatable and perfectly safe to drink. Bottled water is also available at most retail outlets. (Return to Top)

Electricity

The electricity supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. Appliances of lesser voltage require a transformer. Adapters are obtainable locally. (Return to Top)

Gratuities
In restaurants, the norm is 10% of the bill for good and up to 20% for excellent service. Hairdressers are usually tipped about 10%. Where not included, hotel porters should be tipped a few Rand per bag and hotel housekeeping staff likewise. (Return to Top)

Tourism Office

• South African Tourism Board (SATOUR)
  Tel + 12 3470600 Fax + 12 454889
• Free State Tourism Board
  Tel + 51 4033436 Fax + 51 4488361
• Northern Province Tourism Board
  Tel + 152 2952829 Fax + 152 2912654
• Free State Tourism Board
  Tel + 51 4033436 Fax + 51 4488361
• Northern Province Tourism Board
  Tel + 152 2952829 Fax + 152 2912654
• Mpumalanga Tourism Board
  Tel + 13 7527001 Fax + 13 7527013
• Northwest Tourism Board
  Tel + 140 843040 Fax + 140 842524
• Western Cape Tourism Board
  Tel + 21 4183705 Fax + 21 4194875
• Eastern Cape Tourism Board
  Tel + 401 952115 Fax + 401 92756
• Northern Cape Tourism Board
  Tel + 531 31434 Fax + 531 812937
• KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Board
  Tel + 31 3047144 Fax + 31 3056694 (Return to Top)

Airlines Serving Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Service from Europe, the US and other international cities via KLM and Northwest Airlines)
• South African Airways (Service from Europe, the US and other international cities as well as domestic service throughout South Africa)

Click here for Reservations on KLM or

Click here for South African Airways

Other airlines serving South Africa include:

• Emirites Air
• Air Mauritius
• Air Namibia
• BA Comair
• Egypt Air
• Kulula.Com
• Lufthansa
• Malaysia Airlines
• Nationwide Airlines
• SA Express Airlines
• Sabena/Nationwide
• Singapore Airlines
• South African Airways
• Sun Air
• Virgin Atlantic (Return to Top)

the best time to travel?
This is a tricky one and really depends on what you want to do. The best periods for the following activities are:

• Game viewing: Late spring, August to October
• Whale-watching: Mid-June to the end of October (Southern Right ) August to December (Humpback)
• Diving and surfing: Winter - April to September
• Beaches: Mid-summer is the best time. The beaches of northern KwaZulu-Natal are warm and sunny even in mid-winter. Remember the seasons are the opposite of Europe and North America
• Flowers: August and September
• River rafting: In the Cape at the end of winter; and in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga in summer (late November to February)
• Hiking: The shoulder seasons, spring and autumn are best, as summer can be very hot. In the Drakensberg, summer thunderstorms are extremely dangerous and there is a good chance of snow in winter. In the Cape, the winters can be wet, so hiking can be demanding
• Birding: The palaeoarctic migrants arrive in about November and the intra-African migrants usually by mid-October (Return to Top)

Weather
South Africa has a mostly temperate and pleasant climate, with lovely warm sunny days most of the year.

Generally, summer is from November to February and, over most of the country, is characterized by hot weather with afternoon thunderstorms, which clear quickly, leaving a warm, earthy, uniquely African, smell in the air. The Western Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is the opposite and gets its rain in winter.

Autumn (or fall) runs from February to April and offers probably the best weather. Very little rain falls over the whole country, and it is warm but not too hot. In Cape Town, autumn is fantastic, with hot sunny days and warm, balmy nights, which most people spend at outdoor cafés.

Winter in the higher-lying areas is characterized by dry, bright, sunny, crisp days and cold nights. So it's a good idea to bring warm clothes. Mpumalanga and the Maputaland Coast offer fantastic weather in winter with bright, sunny, warmish days and virtually no rain or wind. The Western Cape gets most of its rain in winter and there may be a few days of grey, cloudy, rainy weather, but these are always interspersed with wonderful days to rival the best of a British summer. The high mountains of the Drakensberg and the Cape usually get snow.

Spring, like everywhere else in the world, is a time of renewal and rejoicing - when bright green buds appear on the trees and young grasses pop up from the bush veld, but nowhere is it more spectacular than in the Cape. Here the grey winter is forgotten as the bright green foliage of the south and east, and the sear browns of the north and west, give way to a riot of colour as thousands of small, otherwise insignificant plants cover the plains in an iridescent carpet of flowers. The journey to see the flowers of the Namaqualand in the Western and Northern Cape is an annual pilgrimage for many South Africans.

For daily and long-term forecasts, see www.weathersa.co.za(Return to Top)

Visas
If you are a national of Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Lichtenstein, Singapore, Switzerland or the United States, you do not need a visa for a holiday visit. Otherwise contact your nearest South African embassy. You can find a comprehensive list online. (Return to Top)

Taxes
Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services but, as a foreign national, you may reclaim VAT on anything you bought to take out of the country unused. You need to do this before you embark on your flight home. See www.taxrefunds.co.za for details. All South African airports charge an airport tax, which is automatically included in the purchase price of your ticket.(Return to Top)

Travel insurance
Before leaving home make sure you have travel insurance and make sure you know exactly what it covers. If you are planning to indulge in some of our wonderful adventure activities, check that you will be covered in the unlikely event of an accident. Whatever you do, read the fine print carefully - once you have experienced the problem, it's too late to start re-negotiating the contract.(Return to Top)

Travel Time to South Africa
South Africa is served by more than 70 international airlines and our national carrier, South African Airways, flies to many destinations in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The flights from Europe are generally overnight and are a dinner-bed-and-breakfast away. The direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg or Cape Town are about 15 hours and flights between London and Johannesburg take about 12 hours. (Return to Top)

Family Travel
Your children will love South Africa and this is an opportunity for them to store up precious memories that will last them a lifetime. Obviously, there are some places that do not accept children but there are many that do. And some areas are just tailor-made for great family holidays. The whole coast, from Cape Town and the Garden Route to the Wild Coast and KwaZulu-Natal is geared up for family fun. Most children are absolutely enthralled by the sight of wildlife. Do, however remember that it is a bit risky taking young children into malarial areas, but there are so many wonderful game-viewing areas where malaria is not a problem. Many of the private game lodges tend to have age limits - unless the travelling party takes over the whole lodge. (Return to Top)

Business Hours
Banks and Post offices are open from about 09h30 to 15h30 or 16h00, weekdays and on Saturday mornings from 09h00-11h00. Most offices operate from Monday to Friday, 08h30 - 17h00. Supermarkets and shops in malls are open from about 09h00 to 18h00 in Johannesburg, and later at the coast.
Banks, shops and restaurants at airports stay open to accommodate international flights.(Return to Top)

Travel Infrastructure
If you are travelling to South Africa on business or leisure, you'll find that most things work far better than you may have imagined. Our cities are about as sophisticated as anywhere, and our transport and telecom infrastructure is equal to the best in the world. So you won't be subjected to a culture shock! (Return to Top)

Malaria-free Game Viewing
The Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, the Northern Cape, parts of the Northwest Province and the Waterberg area of Limpopo province are free of malaria. Of these, the best national parks are Addo in the Eastern Cape, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape, Madikwe and Pilanesberg and in the Northwest, and Limpopo's Waterberg. There is also a fine selection of private game reserves in these areas.(Return to Top)

Safari Sites
The greatest profusion of animal, bird and plant life on earth. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Cape Buffalo and Leopard (the so-called "Big Five"). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelle, Giraffe, Baboon and Hippo. The bird life is fantastic - in some areas up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and the hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! The acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine. Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow when the clouds clear. And .…. The romantic evenings around a camp-fire with a star-filled sky like you have never seen before!(Return to Top)

Accommodations
Elite Southern Africa represents only five star accommodations in southern Africa. The lodges and luxury, tented camps meet the standards of the most discerning traveller. All camps and lodges are very carefully selected to ensure the highest standards so as to guarantee your ultimate comfort during your stay.

Lodges are permanent structures (mostly under thatch) which have been aesthetically designed to blend into the landscape and retain a rustic ambiance, providing luxurious and modern facilities. Most lodges also have swimming pools.

Camps are relatively small and may be permanent, semi-permanent or mobile camps. Whatever the nature and structure, the camps are fully catered (you do not have to participate in any chores) and generally apply a staff/guest ratio of 3 to 1. Camps are either thatched chalets or permanent and luxuriously furnished walk-in tents. The camps/lodges that Trans Africa Safaris recommends are specially selected for their locations, are en-suite and offer all the modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. (Return to Top)

Game Safety
Professional rangers and trackers ensure that close encounters with wildlife are exciting, informative and safe. Rangers undergo extensive selection and training, and are engendered with a code of ethics and a reverence for all life. Most are armed with rifles on game viewing drives and bush walks, and trained guards patrol the camps at night. In the event of an emergency, medical rescue services are on standby to airlift anyone to the best medical facilities in South Africa.(Return to Top)

Snakes and Bugs
This aspect is very exaggerated. You will rarely see a snake and if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the romantic ambience... Bear in mind that malaria is a health hazard in most wildlife areas, and it is essential to consult your physician for advice before embarking on your safari. (Return to Top)

Safari Food
You will find the food exquisite! Breakfasts are substantial in the true colonial tradition, offering a selection of fresh fruits or juices, hot or cold cereal, eggs, sausage or bacon, toast and fresh baked bread, and coffee or tea. For lunch you can choose from an elaborate buffet which includes a variety of hot and cold food, and the opportunity to experience some African cuisine. You can expect your evening meal to match the standards you would find in any top class restaurant in the world. If you have a sweet tooth you will certainly enjoy the specially prepared desserts. (Return to Top)

Children on Safari
Generally speaking children are welcome on safari. Some of the camps/lodges require that children be at least eight years old. Certain camps/lodges will restrict activities available to small children, but this is purely due to physical demands. Children will have the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife and meet the tribal people, and during their free time they can relax in the swimming pool. (Return to Top)

Traveling Single
Sure! A safari is the ideal trip for the independent traveller. Visit new places and meet new people! Just be aware that many of the lodges and camps apply a single supplement. (Return to Top)

Weather
Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia:
The best time to visit Southern Africa is between the months of May and October. This is the dry season and temperatures range from a low of 40 degrees to daytime highs in the mid-70's. In June and July, the evenings can be quite cold - sometimes in the low 30's.

South Africa:
South Africa is generally sunny and temperate throughout the year. Since the country lies south of the equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Winters (June/July) are usually cool and mild. June to October is the ideal time to visit the game reserves.

Namibia:
Namibia's climate is typical of a semi-desert area, with hot days and cool nights. Inland summer days (October to April) are warm to hot (sometimes in excess of 100F). Nights are sometimes extremely cold, so be prepared! The rainy season is in summertime, with most rainfall occurring in the north and northeast. Rainfall normally occurs as short, but sometimes violent thunderstorms.

Travel Insurance
Supplemental health insurance as well as trip cancellation insurance is indeed suggested, and some operators insist that clients indeed have it. Please contact us for more details in this regard. (Return to Top)

Safari Extra Costs
Most safari packages are all inclusive with the exception of tips to camps staff and gratuities to game rangers and trackers. At certain camps/lodges alcoholic beverages are also excluded. (Return to Top)

A Typical Safari Day
In the bush, the age-old Latin adage applies - "Ex Africa semper aliquid novus" - Out of Africa, always something new! No two days on safari are alike. The only thing the days have in common is that each day will be filled with some new experiences coupled with the joy and excitement of being on safari in Africa!

Your day usually begins with an early morning wake up call, accompanied with a hot beverage, before you prepare for your first game drive of the day. This game drive is early in the morning when the animals are most active. Then, after viewing the African wildlife for about three hours, you return to the comfort of your lodge for a sumptuous breakfast. Most animals bed down during the heat of the day, and are not active until the day cools down again in the afternoon.

Spend the middle of the day relaxing at the poolside or visit with the African people at a local village. Mid-afternoon, return to your game viewing vehicles for an afternoon game drive which ends around sundown. Many lodges offer night drives, which affords the opportunity to view the nocturnal species. Thereafter, return to camp for a hot shower and sumptuous meal, often under the African skies. (Return to Top)

Packing
Cotton slacks and shirts are ideal, with a sweater or other layers to shed as the day heats up. A hat with a brim is essential, and a cotton bandanna useful. Khaki and cotton travel well, and pale earth colors such as tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds. Camouflage clothes are illegal in many African countries. Long pants and closed shoes are preferably and afford better protection from insect bites.

Comfortable walking shoes, such as topsiders or running/tennis shoes with socks, are recommended over sandals.

Include a lightweight raincoat or jacket and a swimsuit as most lodges have pools. Laundry service is available at most lodges and even tented camps.

Other items to bring along are:

• Sunscreen
• Cap or Hat
• Sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Small Flashlight
• Aspirin, Diarrhea medicine
• Film and extra camera batteries (Return to Top)

Luggage
Travel lightly. While you're on safari, additional baggage can be safely stored at your hotel or airport. Most safaris involve light aircraft transfers and the baggage restriction on these aircraft is 12kg (26 lbs) per person, inclusive of carry-on items and camera equipment. Soft duffel-type bags measuring 80cm (32in) long and 35cm (14in) wide are recommended. Solid suitcases cannot fit into the charter aircraft. (Return to Top)

Electrical Appliances
If you bring along video camera, electric iron, razor or hair dryer, make sure they are adaptable to 220 AC and 50 cycle current and that you have adapter plugs for English outlets. Game lodges use generators which shut down at bedtime. (Return to Top)

Cash Money Needs
Aside from shopping, you need money for drinks, tips and incidentals. Experience has shown that most clients spend between $400 and $500. The curio shops are full of tempting items. Certain lodges and vendors accept credit cards and traveller's checks, but many take cash only. (Return to Top)

Safari Etiquette:
Be on time. Nothing is more irritating than to have to constantly wait for another group member. Be at the appointed meeting place on time and ready to go. If you decide not to go on a game drive or sight-seeing excursion, be sure to tell your driver or guide in advance so they don't wait for you.

Be quiet. Part of the beauty of the African bush is the silence and serenity. If you notice others aren't speaking, it's probably a sign they wish you weren't either. On game drives you risk scaring away the animals you want to see by making a noise or speaking loudly. Quietly point out to the driver the animals in question and be assured he'll respond appropriately.

Be considerate. Some in your group may want to move on while others want to linger to get that perfect shot, so be respectful of their different needs. Don't assume that you are the only person who likes the front or rear seat. It's always best to ask. Refrain from smoking in vehicles and during meals. Don't be a complainer. Most problems are easily rectified when the right person knows about them. If something is bothering you tell the person concerned or your guide. You're on the adventure of a lifetime - it's not supposed to be "just like home!" (Return to Top)