Travel Checklist

Travel documentation

• Passport
• Itinerary
• Air tickets
• Vouchers for ground arrangements
• Driver’s licence
• Scuba diving certification
• foreign exchange

Insurance policies

Ensure you have adequate and appropriate insurance cover for the duration of the trip, including cancellation or curtailment of reservations, lost luggage and, importantly, medical expenses.

Immunisation

Immunisation is not required for visitors entering South Africa, except for those who have left an area infected by yellow fever. In such cases, visitors will need a valid international yellow-fever vaccination certificate. Visitors travelling to other countries in Southern Africa (besides South Africa) should let their travel advisor know, so that he or she can check additional immunisation requirements.

Malaria & insect repellant

Please consult your doctor regarding precautions to be taken prior to departure, during your trip and upon returning home. This is especially important when visiting malaria-endemic areas such as Mpumalanga, parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and East Africa.

Peaceful Sleep, Tabard and herbal, citronella-based repellants are available in South Africa.

Medication & allergies

• Personal prescription medication should be brought from home in sufficient quantities for the duration of your trip, plus copies of prescriptions.
• Advise your travel advisor of any allergies, injuries, chronic medication or physical or mental handicaps in case of an emergency.
• Inform your travel advisor of any dietary requirements (diabetic, kosher, halaal, vegetarian, vegan) or allergies.

Sun protection

• Sunscreen lotions and lip balms with a high UV-protection factor.
• Sunglasses for the strong sunlight and glare common in southern Africa.
• A wide-brimmed sun hat.

Clothing

• Cool, casual clothes and sturdy, yet comfortable, walking shoes for day wear.
• Swimming costume – pool towels are provided at the hotels and lodges.
• Pack neutral colours for safaris as they are most conducive to good birdwatching and game-viewing.
• Long-sleeved cotton shirt to wear in the evenings in malaria areas.
• Warm clothing for night wear: a sweater, tracksuit or anorak, woollen hat and gloves are recommended for early morning and evening game drives.
• Semiformal attire for dinner at city restaurants.

Equipment

• Camera with spare batteries and film or a back-up memory card.
• Battery charger and download cable.
• Videocamera with charger.
• Binoculars – these are great to have on game drives so it is best to bring your own.
• International plug adaptors. Other travel essentials
• Novels for lazy afternoon reading or, if you want to travel light, download your favourite novels onto your Kindle
• Journal and pen to record the holiday of a lifetime.
• iPod and its charger.
• Electric toothbrush charger.
• Bird, mammal, insect, plant and tree field guides. Most lodges have libraries, but bring your own field guides if you have a keen interest in these subjects.