TRAVEL INFORMATION

On confirmation of your itinerary, we will provide you with detailed information for travel to the destinations featured on your particular Africa journey.

The points below are very general, as requirements change from region to region, and should be used as a guideline only.

MONEY MATTERS:

Make contact with your bank before you leave to find out whether a country block is in place on debit card transactions at your destination.

Take more than a debit card. We recommend travelers carry a mix of payment options that may include credit cards, debit cards, traveler's checks and currency to help them navigate through any circumstance.

If you can't withdraw cash from an ATM, go to a bank. Many U.S. debit cards come with a credit function that allows customers to get a cash advance. The fees and interest are higher than for a debit transaction. And if you have your checkbook, American Express offices usually will cash checks for any cardholder. Make sure you know how to contact your bank from abroad if you need to report fraud or a card malfunction.

USING YOUR CREDIT CARD OVERSEAS:

Using a charge card to make purchases when you're traveling overseas is a great convenience, because it means you can carry less cash. But convenience usually comes at a price, and many international travelers are unaware that credit card companies charge fees, sometimes substantial, for transactions made overseas. In fact, some travelers are not aware of these fees until they receive their credit card statements.

This type of fee, usually called a "foreign transaction fee" or "currency conversion fee," will apply to every credit card transaction you perform overseas. Foreign transaction fee structures, which can be quite complex, vary between credit cards. In general, the fees are one to three percent of the purchase price.

Before you travel, find out what your card provider charges for transactions performed overseas. This information may be on the terms and conditions document you received with your card, or you may need to call the card issuer's customer service line. You may need to be persistent to get this information - if you speak with a customer service representative who can't give you a clear answer, ask to speak with someone else.

Try to purchase as much of your international travel needs as possible in advance - travel, accommodations, car rentals, etc. Those transactions are likely to be U.S.-based and not subject to foreign transaction fees. However, be aware that some travelers have been charged foreign transaction fees when making reservations with a travel provider based outside the U.S. - even when the transaction is performed by a U.S.-based reservation center. Check with us if you are in doubt about your payments.

CONVERSIONS - DISTANCES AND TEMPERATURES:

Distances in most African countries are usually provided in kilometers. One mile is equivalent to 1.62 kilometers. Temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (also known as Centigrade).

10 degrees Celsius is equivalent to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

20 degrees C = 68 degrees F 30 degrees C = 86 degrees F

DRIVING:

Unlike the United States, where traffic moves on the right hand side of the road, traffic in most African countries moves on the left. Care must also be taken when crossing streets as a pedestrian. In many of these counries, South Africa particularly, the wearing of seat belts is required by law and use of a cell phone while driving is an offence.

Travelers should use caution at all times when driving themselves and especially avoid nighttime travel outside major cities. Excessive speed, poor lighting on rural roads, and insufficient regulatory control of vehicle maintenance and operator licensing have resulted in a high and rapidly increasing number of traffic accidents. Drivers should also take care to avoid pedestrians crossing roads at random, which occurs frequently, even on major highways.

Drivers must carry an international driving license.

'Smash and grab' robberies are not uncommon in some urban areas (Johannesburg and Nairobi as examples) and on highway off-ramps. In these cases an individual, often appearing to be a vendor or beggar, will walk down between lines of vehicles waiting at an intersection, surveying the contents of vehicles, especially on the passenger seat, for targets of opportunity. Once a promising candidate is located, the perpetrator will quickly smash the window and grab the item off the seat, departing at a run, often before the driver realizes what has happened. Drivers should avoid carrying anything of value (e.g., briefcases, purses, cell phones, etc.) visible inside the car that could attract potential assailants.

ELECTRICITY:

Standard power supply in most African countries is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. USA-made appliances of lesser voltage will need their own power supply units/transformers.

ETIQUETTE AND DRESS CODE:

The dress code is usually casual, with some city venues requiring more formal attire or that no jeans or shorts be worn in the evenings. Luxury trains usually require jacket for evening dining.

You are advised to dress more conservatively when visiting churches, synagogues, mosques, temples etc.

On safari: It is best to wear neutral colors. Light cottons, linens and natural fabrics are best in the hot summer months and in winter during the heat of the day. Topless swimming and sunbathing in public areas is not allowed, although this is disregarded on some beaches.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE:

The information below serves as a guideline only and reference is made to general precautions only. We strongly encourage you to consult with your physician prior to departing from home.

As good medical services are usually private and expensive, travelers are strongly advised to take out full travel insurance for accidents and illness before departure.

Malaria: Malaria is a risk in almost all wildlife viewing areas. Malaria is avoidable, but if precautions are not taken, malaria can also be fatal. We recommend that travelers consult their doctor for advice on the most effective prophylactic drugs at least 4 weeks prior to departure. In a malaria region, we also recommend that a mosquito repellent be used on arms, hands, legs and feet or exposed areas of the body, particularly in the evenings. Avoid using perfumes or lotions in the evenings. Please contact us for an update on malaria zones if you have any concerns.

For more information on Malaria and preventative measures, visit the website of the USA Centre for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases.htm#malaria

Yellow Fever: Yellow fever shots are required for a number of East Africa and Central African countries. If you are a foreign visitor entering other countries from a country which has yellow fever, you MUST be in possession of a Yellow Fever certificate. Should you not have a valid health certificate, authorities may either elect to keep you under observation (at your expense) for a minimum of six days, or vaccinate you against yellow fever – also at your own expense. Check with us for further information.

LUGGAGE SAFETY AND SECURITY:

Unfortunately, there have been incidents of theft of personal belongings from checked-in luggage at some African airports. So it is best to be cautious. It is of utmost importance that travellers do not put anything of high value (personal or financial value) in their checked-in baggage as luggage can be tampered with and valuables removed. This includes, but is not limited to jewellery, cameras, video equipment, reading /sunglasses, laptops or other computer/electronic equipment, medication (especially chronic medication) etc. If travelling from the USA, it is recommended that luggage is locked with TSA approved locks to accommodate both TSA regulations and to protect your luggage while travelling in Africa.

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS (VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION):

Passports MUST be valid for at least six months from your return home date. We recommend a validity of nine months to prevent any problems in this regard. There must be at least THREE blank VISA pages in the passport (not endorsement pages) and THREE blank visa pages if you are entering more than 2 countries while travelling in Africa. Guests have been refused entry due to not having sufficient Visa pages in their passports.

USA, UK and certain European passport holders do not require visas to the country. Visitors requiring visas should contact the South African Consulate or Diplomatic Mission in their own country, as it is not possible to have a visa issued on arrival in South Africa. At least four weeks should be allowed for the processing of visa applications. Multiple re-entry visas may be required for travel to neighbouring countries in Southern Africa.

Losing a Passport: If you lose your passport while travelling, you must contact your consulate in that country so that you can then be issued with a temporary passport. For this reason too, it is always useful to carry a copy of your passport in your checked luggage or separate from your passport.

Safety and security: - As in most countries, common sense should be used. Visitors should avoid walking alone in deserted areas, particularly at night, and use hotel safe-deposit facilities for valuables. Be on the alert for petty thieves in busy streets and markets, and avoid wearing ostentatious jewellery in these places. Items such as cameras and rucksacks should be secured with a strap and not carelessly dangled by the hand.

Smoking: Anti-smoking legislation has been introduced at many airports, shopping malls, businesses and restaurants. Watch for signage or ask us for further information if you are a smoker.

Sunburn: The African sun is harsh, even during the colder winter months. We recommend that a hat, sunglasses and high factor sunblock be used, particularly when on beaches, rivers or lakes, walking safaris or in the desert or open savannah.

TAXIS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

Taxis usually do not cruise for fares and should be booked by phone or by the hotel's concierge desk. If there is no meter in the taxi, be sure to negotiate the fare in advance. It is best to consult the hotel reception or your ground operator for reliable taxi services.

In many instances, minibus-type taxis cruise for fares along main roads, and are cheap and popular with the locals. However, they are not recommended as many are poorly maintained and equally poorly driven.

Buses are often more safe but infrequent and do not cover all routes.

TELEPHONES/CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND DIALING CODES:

Cell phones (mobiles) can be rented at the airport, visitor information centres and shopping centres in most towns and all major cities. Cellular telephone technology in Africa is extensive.

Tipping: Tipping varies from country to country and is dependent on the services. Africa Dynamics provides full guidelines and recommendations for your itinerary.

Trains: Trains are not recommended for suburban travel. The internationally famous five-star Blue Train and the exceptional Rovos Rail in South Africa, both offer luxurious train travel and are highly recommended.

WHAT TO PACK:

The following is a guideline and will depend on your itinerary and time of travel:

Lightweight clothes which can be layered for changing weather conditions

• Good walking shoes (comfort should take precedence over style):

- sneakers or running shoes on safari – hiking boots are not necessary
- sandals for the beach
- hiking boots are only recommended if your trip includes a full walking safari or mountain hike
- one pair of shoes for city restaurant wear

• Loose lightweight trousers

• Loose Cotton shorts

• Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved)

• Good semi-casual trousers and shirt (or skirt or dress) to wear in city restaurants in the evenings

• Lightweight sweater

• Light jacket or windbreaker for early morning and evening game drives in open vehicles (if travelling in the southern hemisphere mid winter June to August, a heavier jacket and sweater or fleece are recommended and gloves and a scarf may be useful in open safari vehicles at night and early morning)

• Swimwear

• Hat and Sunglasses

• Undergarments (easy to wash)

• Toiletries with basic medications for headache, nausea

• Other Medications – malaria prophylactics and your usual medications with doctor’s prescriptions for re-fills or replacements

Anti-diarrhea medications

Anti histamines for allergies

• Plenty of high factor sunscreen lotion and moisturiser

• Binoculars – essential for safari as sharing binoculars with your guide or fellow travelers can be frustrating when good game viewing or birdwatching is at its best but not too close

• Camera (plastic cover for lenses to shield from dust on open safari vehicles) Camera film, battery unit – see Electricity above

• Insect repellent sticks or small tube of lotion (useful to carry with you in the afternoon/evening wildlife excursions, especially in the southern hemisphere summer months)

Note: Dress for specialized adventures, e.g. gorilla trekking, walking safaris, horse back safaris, etc. will be provided separately.

We urge all travellers to secure adequate medical, travel and baggage insurance. Contact us for quotations/options. Emergency medical transportation is a requirement for any safari reservation.

Standard terms and conditions apply to all travel and tours – available on request.
It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that all terms and conditions are understood prior to payment and departure to Africa.