African Safari Tips
African Safari Tips A well-planned safari is often the
vacation of a lifetime. Africa's national parks and game
reserves boast some of the best wildlife viewing, if not the
best in the world. Here are a few tips to make sure your african
safari is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.
Passports and Visas
Getting visa approval may take a while, so it's best to tackle
this aspect of your safari in good time--say at least 2 months
in advance.
Passport must be valid for at least six months upon your return
home. Also make sure you have extra passport photos (just in
case). Make sure your passport has enough blank pages to
accommadate any visa requirements (entry/departure stamps) that
may arise during the course of your safari.
Ensure you have up-to-date information on the specific
documentation requirement for your trip--find out from your
travel agent, relevant diplomatic mission, airline or tourist
board.
Leave a copy of your passport and travel itinerary with someone
responsible at home. It is also advisable to carry an extra copy
with you when you travel to Africa.
Travel Insurance--minimum travel insurance is essential.
In general your insurance should cover:
twenty-four hour medical assistance
emergency cash transfer
accident coverage
lost baggage
accidental death
Gorilla Tracking and Permits
Each safari park gets allotted a limited number of gorilla
permits each season. It is therefore essential to obtain your
gorilla permit when you initially book your safari.
For the gorillas' protection (and visitors') nobody under the
age of 15 yrs or persons with illness may view the gorillas on
safari treks.
Viewing the gorillas is limited to one hour at a minimum
distance of 5 metres.
You are not allowed to use a flash when taking photos.
Video cameras are (generally) allowed.
Every viewing group will be escorted with park rangers,
trackers and guides. Follow the guide's instructions and please
abide by the park's rules.
Avoid the temptation to break the minimal distance for viewing
the gorillas. Also absolutely avoid physical contact with the
gorillas. Physical contact with gorillas exposes them to human
diseases (a major cause of death to wild gorillas). Remember
there're few enough of these magnificent creatures without you
abetting in their extinction (albeit unintentionally).
Gorilla viewing may be denied at short notice at the discretion
of the national park authorities. This may occur because of:
Park or border closure due to security reasons;
Gorillas out of range (usually close tabs are kept on the where
abouts of the gorillas by rangers who track them on a daily
basis).
So please be aware that obtaining a gorilla permit is not an
absolute guarantee that you'll see the gorillas. If for any
reason you're unable to view the gorillas (though you paid for a
permit), refunds are at the discretion of the park or the
respective wildlife authority of that particular country...not
your tour company.
Customs Issues
Don't forget to factor in airport taxes, which may sometimes be
extra and due before you depart.
Check duty-free allowances (alcohol and cigarettes) for the
various countries you are visiting if you intend to take stock
with you.
Generally, personal effects such as cameras, video cameras,
digital recorders (tape as well) may be imported without a
permit (so long as you don't have unreasonable numbers).
Occasionally a customs bond may be required--to ensure that any
such imported merchandise is exported at departure.
Firearms require a special permit.
Health Issues
Discuss pertinent health issues with your doctor (in good time)
prior to embarking on your African safari.
Make sure your childhood vaccinations are up to date. Different
countries have different vaccine requirements.
Yellow Fever--No vaccine is usually required unless
you're arriving within six days of leaving an infected region.
Malaria--A malarial prophylactic course is highly
recommended for all non-Africans. As usual confer with your
physician/and or the nearest vaccination center for the most
up-to-date requirements. AIDS--For many African countries
AIDS / HIV are serious health issues. However for most
travellers this should not be a major concern. The HIV virus is
transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids, therefore, as long
as you practice the same sensible (cautionary) measures as you
do back home you should be okay.
Bilharzia--(schistomiasis). This disease is caused by
tiny waterborne parasites found in certain snail species.
Prophylaxis (preventitive measures) is not available and the
only option is treatment by drugs and injection. The condition
is quite unpleasant so it is best not to swim or or wade in
rivers or streams.
Currency
It is inadvisable to enter or depart an African country with
large sums of local currency.
Travel with a sufficient number of small-denomination traveller
checks to cover any incidental expenses you may have.
In cities and larger towns many establishments accept
international credit cards.
Usually there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you
can import.
Currency exchange is legal only through authorized dealers.
Most city hotels are equipped to exchange money and more often
than not the official exchange rate will usually be quite
favorable. It is ill-advised to try to exchange your money on
the black market (for a better rate). Doing so is an unnecessary
security risk, and there's a good chance you may get ripped off.
ATMs are usually available in most cities and towns but
remember this is not America or Europe so plan accordingly You
may tip in local currency or U.S. dollars (more likely than not
most locals would prefer being tipped in dollars).
You can change your travellers checks and dollars into local
currency at airports and banks. Small denominations are
preferable. Always keep your receipt so that you can exchange
any excess local currency back to dollars on your departure.
Keep at least $150 (usually in denominations no larger than
$20) in cash, for visas and airport departure fees (per
individual).
Be aware that only high-denomination US bills printed after
year 2000 are generally accepted (something to do with
counterfeit preventative measures).
What To Pack On An African Safari
Find out the luggage restrictions (limitations) from your tour
operator if your safari is through such an organization.
Avoid clothing that resembles military attire--African
countries tend to be jittery of such (coup plot phobia).
It's preferable to travel with soft compact baggage.
Laundry is performed on a daily basis in most camps and lodges
(this may not extend to your underwear), so it isn't necessary
to cart along tons of luggage.
Africa is sun rich so sunglasses are recommended as well as
head protective gear(safari hats).
Malaria is a fact of life in Africa--mosquitoes usually hunt
from dusk till dawn--so long-sleeved shirts and trousers (pants)
are advisable for the evening.
Formal dress attire may come in handy if you intend to visit
any clubs, casinos or restaurants that implement such
requirements. The following items are strongly recommended:
Insect repellent
Sun block
Comfortable trekking shoes
Raincoat / Jacket
Best of luck and have a great African Safari!