A well planned safari is often the vacation of a lifetime. Africa’s national parks and game reserves boast some of, if not the best, wildlife viewing in the world. Here are some tips to make sure your African safari is as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible.
Passports and Visas
Getting visa approval can take a while so it is best to approach this aspect of your safari early, for example at least 2 months in advance.
The 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 meet any visa requirements (entry/exit stamps) that may arise during the course of your safari.
Make sure you have up-to-date information on the documentation requirements specific to your trip; check with your travel agent, relevant diplomatic mission, airline or tourist office.
Leave a copy of your passport and travel itinerary with a person in charge at home. It is also advisable to take an extra copy with you when you travel to Africa.
Travel insurance–Minimum travel insurance is essential. In general, your insurance must cover:
24 hour medical assistance
emergency cash transfer
accident coverage
lost luggage
accidental death
Gorilla Tracking and Permitting
Each safari park is allocated a limited number of gorilla permits each season. Therefore it is essential to obtain your gorilla permit when you initially book your safari.
For the protection of the gorillas (and visitors), no one under the age of 15 or sick people can see the gorillas on safari.
Gorilla viewing is limited to one hour at a minimum distance of 5 meters.
You are not allowed to use a flash when taking photos.
Video cameras are (generally) allowed.
Each observation group will be accompanied by park rangers, trackers and guides. Follow the instructions of the guide and respect the rules of the park.
Avoid the temptation to break the minimum distance to see the gorillas. Also absolutely avoid physical contact with gorillas. Physical contact with gorillas exposes them to human disease (a leading cause of death for wild gorillas). Remember that there are enough of these magnificent creatures without you being complicit in their extinction (albeit unintentionally).
Gorilla viewing may be denied at short notice at the discretion of the national park authorities. This can happen due to:
Closure of parks or borders for security reasons;
Gorillas out of range (generally the rangers who track them daily closely monitor the whereabouts of the gorillas).
So keep in mind that getting a gorilla permit is not an absolute guarantee that you will see gorillas. If for any reason you are unable to see the gorillas (even though you paid for a permit), refunds are at the discretion of the park or the respective wildlife authority for that particular country…not your tour company.
Customs Affairs
Don’t forget to take into account airport taxes, which can sometimes be extra and must be paid before departure.
Check the duty-free allowances (alcohol and cigarettes) for the various countries you are visiting if you intend to take stock with yourself.
In general, personal effects such as cameras, video cameras, digital recorders (also tapes) can be imported without a permit (as long as it does not have unreasonable numbers).
Occasionally, a customs bond may be required to ensure that any imported merchandise is exported upon departure.
Firearms require a special permit.
Health problems
Discuss any relevant health issues with your doctor (in plenty of time) before embarking on your African safari.
Make sure your childhood immunizations are up to date.
Different countries have different vaccine requirements.
yellow fever–No vaccination is generally required unless you arrive within six days of leaving an infected region.
Malaria–A prophylactic course against malaria is strongly recommended for all non-Africans. As usual, check with your doctor or the nearest vaccination center for the most up-to-date requirements.
AIDS–For many African countries, AIDS/HIV are serious health problems. However, for most travelers this shouldn’t be a big concern. The HIV virus is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, so as long as you practice the same sensible (precautionary) measures that you do at home, you should be fine.
Bilharzia–(schistosomiasis). This disease is caused by small waterborne parasites found in certain species of snails. Prophylaxis (preventive measures) is not available and the only option is treatment with drugs and injections. The condition is quite unpleasant, so it is best not to swim or wade through rivers or streams.
Badge
It is not advisable to enter or leave an African country with large sums of local currency.
Travel with a sufficient number of small-denomination traveler’s checks to cover any unexpected expenses you may have.
In larger cities and towns, many establishments accept international credit cards.
There is generally no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can import.
Currency exchange is legal only through authorized dealers. Most hotels in the city are equipped to exchange money, and in most cases the official exchange rate is usually quite favourable. Trying to exchange your money on the black market (for a better rate) is inadvisable. Doing so is an unnecessary security risk, and there’s a good chance you’ll be scammed.
ATMs are usually available in most cities and towns, but remember this is not America or Europe, so plan accordingly
You can tip in local currency or US dollars (chances are most locals prefer to be tipped in dollars).
You can exchange your traveler’s checks and dollars into local currency at airports and banks. Small denominations are preferred. Always save your receipt so you can exchange any excess local currency for dollars on your departure.
Keep at least $150 (usually in denominations no larger than $20) in cash, for visas and airport departure fees (per person).
Please note that only large denomination US bills printed after the year 2000 are generally accepted (something related to anti-counterfeiting preventative measures).
What to pack on an African safari
Find out the baggage restrictions (limitations) from your tour operator if your safari is through such an organization.
Avoid clothing that resembles military dress – African countries tend to be nervous about that (phobia of coup plots).
It is preferable to travel with soft compact luggage.
Laundry is done daily at most camps and lodges (this may not extend to underwear), so there’s no need to carry tons of luggage.
Africa is rich in sun, so sunglasses and protective headgear (safari hats) are recommended.
Malaria is a fact of life in Africa: mosquitoes typically hunt from dusk to dawn, so long-sleeved shirts and pants (shorts) are recommended for the evening.
Formal dress can be helpful if you intend to visit clubs, casinos, or restaurants that implement such requirements. The following items are strongly recommended:
insect repellent
sunscreen
Comfortable trekking shoes.
Raincoat / Jacket
Best of luck and have a great African Safari!