4X4 safari questions relate specifically to our 4X4 safari expeditions, how they’re run, what to bring and more.
If we have not covered your query please make contact with us, we’re here to help. Explore our 4X4 safaris.
WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS?
For most of the countries we travel to you will not need a visa. once you have a destination in mind we will advise on any documentation that may be necessary.
We suggest that before you depart on any international trip that you make a copy of the information page of your passport as well as any visas and leave this with a family member or friend in case you lose your passport!
MONEY and CREDIT CARDS
Most major centers and airports have ATM’s or exchange facilities.
Foreign currency is accepted for payment of goods and services in Euro, Pound and US Dollars. Bring small denomination bills to make life easier for yourself.
You can use your credit card to pay for goods, services or activities in the larger towns and cities. Visa is the most widely accepted with Mastercard a close second.
Diners Club and American Express are also welcome.
WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
If you do have any dietary requirements it is extremely important that you inform us well ahead of time. We will do our best to accommodate you if you have chosen a catered tour. If we have booked accommodation for you at lodges or hotels it’s important for us to be able to inform them in advance.
If you have medical dietary requirements, then it is advised that you contact us well in advance and we will advise you how best to proceed.
We need to know about allergies too – gluten, lactose, peanuts etc
If you will be celebrating a birthday or anniversary while you’re on safari please let us know, we would love to make a fuss and treat you!
WILL I BE ABLE TO DO LAUNDRY?
Yes, most definitely. No matter what sort of safari you book with us we will make sure a laundry facility is available. In the safari lodges of Africa laundry is most often complimentary.
WHAT ARE THE LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS?
Your hand luggage is for medications, eye glasses, sunglasses, wallets, passports, computers, iPads, cell phones, cameras, binoculars, jewelry etc
Luggage restrictions vary between airlines / countries and aircraft. Please check with your travel consultant with regard to weight restrictions and quantity / size of bags permitted.
On safari only SOFT bags with no wheels under 25kg’s, especially if you will be using light aircraft to fly into your lodge of choice.
We can arrange secure storage of your excess luggage if necessary.
SHOULD I BRING A CAMERA AND BINOCULARS?
Very definitely YES!
Bring spare batteries for your camera, lots of memory cards and somewhere to backup all those fantastic photographs you will take. A laptop, iPad or remote storage device is highly advised.
A good, strong pair of binoculars is essential. On safari the animals are not always co-operative and birds are often a good distance away so a decent set will add great value to your safari experience.
HOW WILL I CHARGE THINGS ON HOLIDAY?
Whether you are in the bush or in the city there will always be a time or place where you can charge your mobile phone, iPad, laptop or your camera batteries. Please check what adaptors you may need before leaving, though these are easily bought if necessary in most towns and cities.
DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS? WHAT ABOUT MALARIA?
NO, there is no formal requirement for any vaccinations for entry into Africa, however, we highly recommend that you do take precautions against malaria, particularly in the summer months.
Your physician will be able to assist you with a prescription for prophylaxis for malaria prior to your arrival if you are going to be visiting a malaria area.
Tips on avoiding Malaria : Take a prescription antimalarial drug. Use insect repellent liberally and wear long pants and sleeves to prevent mosquito bites.
To maximize the benefit of inoculations/immunizations we suggest you see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect. Please consult with your physician for recommendations regarding inoculations/immunizations.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance (including trip cancellation / curtailment and medical evacuation) before you travel.
If an incident does occur where a med-evacuation is required, we have a full med-evacuation plan in place to cater for such incidents. We also carry a satellite telephone with us at all times.
African Safari Experts is insured through SATIB – Safari & Tourism Insurance Brokers, an industry leader in providing insurance to all aspects of tourism.
WHAT ABOUT WATER?
In most cities and towns the water is safe to drink. However, as this water may contain things your tummy isn’t used to we recommend that you stick to bottled water at all times.
Having a dodgy tummy on safari is not fun and easily avoided.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I PACK?
· Light weight shirts/blouses with long sleeves as protection from the sun and mosquitos
· T-shirts
· Shorts
· Safari trousers
· Pajamas
· Socks
· Underwear
· A light weight water-proof jacket
· Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
· Comfortable walking sandals or flip flops for warmer days
· A wide brimmed hat with under-chin tie to prevent it from flying away
· Swimsuit
· A warm windproof jacket (winter)
· A fleece jacket that will go under the warm jacket (winter)
· A warm polo neck shirt (winter)
· A beanie (winter)
· Gloves (winter)
· A warm scarf (winter)
· Sunglasses
· Spare prescription eye glasses/contact lenses
· Binoculars
· Cameras and related paraphernalia like lenses etc and plenty of memory cards and spare batteries
· A small powerful flashlight and extra batteries
· Travel alarm clock
· Small purse size umbrella can come in handy
· A light packable backpack or tote to carry equipment and stuff on game vehicles
· A supply of Ziploc bags in different sizes may come in handy for dust or water proofing items
· Chargers for cell phones, iPads, cameras, computers etc
· Band aids
· Antiseptic cream
· Pain tablets
· Heartburn relief
· Eye drops
· Insect repellant
· Itch spray for bug bites
· Sunscreen with high SPF
· Hand sanitizer
· Purse size kleenex packets
· Eye drops
· Chapstick
· Any prescription medications that you rely on, on a daily basis.