1.Money: 
We recommend Visa card, they can be used almost everywhere in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and East Africa.  If you require cash, take US$, they are redeemable anywhere in Africa, but do not carry large amounts of cash with you, take small denominations, notes should be dated after 2001 for use in Africa. You will basically only need cash when you visit the open air markets and to purchase items of a personal nature.  Debit cards can also be used in South Africa but may give problems. Travelex Cash passports are also advisable and we can arrange these for you.

2.Vaccinations and Malaria Pills: 
We recommend that you contact your local Travel doctor in your area to confirm the vaccinations and medications required for your trip.  However you will need to take malaria pills, please enquire from you local travel doctor what malaria pills they recommend. Yellow fever vaccinations are required for both Southern and East Africa.

3.Alcohol: 
If you drink Bundaberg Rum, it is not available in Africa, so we recommend that you buy it at the Duty Free at the airport if you wish to drink it while on tour.                   

4.Insect Repellent: 
It is necessary to take insect repellents with you, however there will be repellent sprays available to spray in your rooms. 

5.Torches: 
Please take a small torch with you. 

6.Souvenirs:
If you want to buy things that weigh a lot, we suggest that you consider airfreight or sea freight to bring them home. Excess Baggage costs are very expensive, so unless it is delicate we recommend shipping it home. You cannot airmail, skins, grass woven products, wooden products or anything made from birds, i.e.: feathers or eggs, they would have to be air freighted. Refer to your customs and excise for more information. You can take old clothes to use for bargaining for souvenirs, mainly T shirts.

7.Clothing: 
The climate in Africa is the same as Australia, so work on the basis of what you would wear at that time of year in Australia.  You will not need formal clothes, but we do recommend a warm jacket and tracksuit pants or jeans for early morning and evening drives. You will also need a waterproof jacket for Victoria Falls. You will need to take a hat, and comfortable walking shoes, although the walks are not too long, it is important that your shoes do not give you blisters so please wear you new shoes in before you go.

8.Sunglasses, binoculars, sunscreen:
Africa's climate is similar to Australia and you will need to wear sunscreen, as you do not want to get sunburnt.  It can be very bright in the sunlight and you will be spending most of your days outdoors so we suggest a good pair of sunglasses.  Binoculars are essential on these tours as the animals will not always be close to the vehicles.

9.Visas: 
Australian passport holders do not need visas for South Africa, Botswana or Namibia, however you will need visas for Zimbabwe (multi entry visa required for Kenya), Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. However these regulations change from time to time, we recommend that you contact your local embassy to verify what visas are required for the countries you are travelling to.

10.Luggage: 
A maximum of 20kgs per person, soft bags are preferable, so try to travel as light as possible, take at least one extra towel if you plan on swimming.

If you are flying from the Serengeti or to and from the Masai Mara, you will only be allowed 15kgs of luggage. Excess baggage can be left with our drivers who will arrange for us to pick it up at an appropriate place for our onward journey.

Your hand luggage must not weigh more than 7kgs.  Do not carry any sharp objects or liquids in your hand luggage. Please put valuable personal items in your hand luggage. 

11.Cameras & Videos: 
Take spare batteries for your cameras. Take extra digital cards and video cards. Remember to take your battery chargers where applicable! Taking photos can be great fun but please keep your cameras on you at all times and ask permission to take photos of local cultures out of respect. Take note from your drivers and guides as you could lose your film and camera if you take photos/video in forbidden areas such as: border posts, airports, military installations as well as some bridges, dams, historical sites and museums. 

12.Plugs and Adapters: 
Both South African and UK adapters are required for the Southern African safaris. Only UK adapters are required for the East African safaris.

13.Internet Facilities:  
Some of the places where you will be staying will have internet facilities. Please bear in mind that the internet in most places is slow and in some cases dial up is still used.

14.Telephones: 
Digital Mobile phones do work in Africa, you will need to organise international roaming in Australia with your service provider before you go.  CDMA phones do not work in Africa. There are public phones at most of the places that you will visit and you can purchase phone cards at the airport or some of the souvenir shops and camps where you stop. The phone cards vary in price MTN and Vodacom are the 2 main telephone providers in South Africa, Safaricom or Zain or Airtel are the main providers in East Africa.

15. Airport Departure:  
You now need at least 3 hours to check in before any international flights and 2 hours to check in before any domestic flights.

16. Tipping:
Yes, tipping is commonplace in most parts of Africa. Your safari notes will give you a general guide to recommended tipping amounts and Clive will advise in more detail when and where tipping is appropriate.

17. Flights:
The prices you see on our website and in our brochures are quoted as 'land only' prices. In Australia, we also offer the option to purchase international air tickets with Safaris Into Africa & our retail store Globetrotters Travel Agency. We understand that everybody has different airline preferences and affiliations and may choose to book their international flight with their travel agent, directly with an airline or via an online site.

18. Group Sizes:
On the East African Safaris the group sizes are a maximum of 12 people, except on the Filming safari where there is a maximum of 6 people. On the Southern African Safaris the maximum group size is 10 people. We do offer customised tours for larger and smaller groups. We recognise that some of our travellers have never been on a group tour before. You can rest assured that our trips allow you to do your own thing within the framework of the itinerary. We do not attempt to instil a 'group ethos' and fully recognise your needs as an individual.

19. Physical Requirements:
Our tours are well within the capability of any healthy individual. Some excursions such as the Gorilla Treks are a little more arduous and can be strenuous.

If you are unsure about anything please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.

20. Travel Insurance:
This is compulsory for all of our tours. Please provide a copy of your insurance policy to our office prior to departure (This is not necessary if you have purchased your insurance through our Globetrotters Travel Agency).

Cover must be for personal accident, medical expenses, cancellations, curtailment and repatriation. If you consider optional excursions such as cruising, bungy jumping, or any high risk and adventure sports, please make sure that your policy covers these activities.

21. Essential Documents: 

• Your Passport- must be valid for 12 months after the date of departure.
• Vaccination certificates
• Travel Insurance
• Airline tickets

Remember to keep a separate photocopy of all documents in your luggage or at home in case of emergency.

22. Food, Dietry & Medical Requirements:

These can all be accommodated for but must be noted by our office prior to your travel. If you require certain foods that are difficult to attain please take your own supply.

Contact us if you have any questions or queries.

23. Itinerary Changes:
It is unlikely that our company will make changes to our safaris. Arrangements are made months in advance and occasionally, due to unforseen circumstances, changes may be made which the company reserves the right to do. Clients will always be advised as early as possible of any alterations.

24. Vehicles:

In East Africa we have customised 4x4 landcruisers and microbuses both with open rooftops. They are spacious as we only allow up to 5 people in each vehicle to give you more room to move, view animals and photograph.

In Southern Africa we have a customised 14 seater IZUZU cruiser. This vehicle is fitted with wall to wall carpeting, a deep freezer and fridge.

All vehicels are kept in immaculate condition and the drivers have excellent experience so you will always be in good hands.

25. Annual Reunion:
At the end of every year we hold a reunion for all clients who have travelled with us on safari. Our offices will advise you of the date, venue and time of the reunion. This is a great opportunity to get together with fellow travellers, swap stories, share photographs and reminisce on past adventures.