Travel tips for traveling abroad, especially on Safari to Africa

Required Documents

Medical and Vaccinations
Many African countries do require and or suggest that travelers receive vaccinations.   Anti-malaria medication is strongly recommended when traveling within the African continent. We advise you to consult your physician or the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia at (404) 639-3311.

Clothing
Clothing should be light weight, loose-fitting and of "breathable" fabrics, such as cotton. While on safari, only four to five changes of clothes are necessary.  For the daytime, shorts and T-shirts are most comfortable. While out in the bush you will find that neutral colors are best as they blend in
with the natural surroundings and show the dust least. The nights at the higher elevations can be cool, so you should bring a sweater or jacket.  Boots are not necessary.  

Food and Water
Generally tap water is safe to drink in most major African cities. We recommend though that you drink bottled water which is available for purchase in most places.  Beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks are also available for purchase.

Cuisine throughout Africa is outstanding.  Meals include full American buffet breakfast with fresh local fruits; safari lunches usually consist of hot and cold buffets and dinners are sit down with an excellent choice of menu items.

Photography
Bring plenty of film and extra batteries as both items are very expensive in Africa. While on safari, make sure you have some way of protecting your camera from dust. As most of the safari game viewing takes place in the early morning and late afternoon, 100 or 200 ASA film is probably best to use.  A telephoto or zoom lens is recommended. Do not take pictures of military installations, police stations, government facilities, airports, border post soldiers or police.  Always ask before taking photographs of people.

Baggage
Baggage should be kept to a minimum, one main lightweight bag and one overnight bag are adequate. On many safaris, baggage is limited to 33 pounds. 

Banking
Travelers checks and most major credit cards are widely accepted.  Banking hours are generally from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday and some on Saturday mornings. Banks at some airports open for longer hours.

Botswana: All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. Certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.
Kenya: Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa and American Express) are widely accepted. Diner's Card is not generally accepted.
Namibia: International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia. Holders of other credit cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.
South Africa: Visa, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted by most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental firms and other points of sale and service. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances and it is therefore useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times.
Tanzania: Most top hotels and lodges around the country accept Visa and MasterCard. In addition to credit cards, clients should bring US dollars and traveler's checks.
Uganda: Credit cards are accepted at the major hotels. However, there are few other places where international credit cards are accepted.
Zambia: All major credit cards are accepted at the bigger hotels and shops. Note that certain lodges do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.
Zimbabwe: All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. However, please note that certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.

Security
As in most major international cities,  sensible security precautions should be taken.  Keep a close watch on purses, handbags, wallets and cameras.  Avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry.  It is advisable to hire a taxi if you wish to move around at night and for your personal safety, avoid deserted lanes and streets.

Airport Departure Tax
Most African countries charge an airport departure tax on international and domestic flights.  In some cases this is included in your ticket price and in other cases the airport will charge a fee upon departure.

Suggested Packing List while on Safari

• Three to five changes of casual clothing (shorts, T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, a sweater or jacket,  slacks, sports shirts, blouses and a  dress.)
• Two pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair of sandals
• Swim suit and cover-up
• Light, compact raincoat is a good idea for summer months
• Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives
• Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
• Hat with a visor
• Sunglasses (neck string comes in quite handy)
• Binoculars and camera
• Small flashlight
• Sun screen
• Insect repellent
• Eye drops
• Skin and hair moisturizers
• Personal medications
• A photo copy of your passport, credit cards, and airline tickets (to be kept separately form the originals)
• An extra pair of glasses/contact lenses
• Pre-moistened small towelettes

For more information call:
 888-626-0521 (Pacific time)
Vacation Discounters, Inc. is bonded and insured.  
State of California registration number: CST 2049287-40.  
Copyright © 2005 Vacation Discounters, Inc., All Rights Reserved