Botswana:
No Visa required for stays less than 3 months.
Departure taxes are included in airfares.


Kenya:
A visa is required and a single entry visa can be obtained on entry for approximately US$50 per visa.
Please ensure you have $US in cash for the visa.


Mozambique:
A visa is required and a single entry one month visa can be obtained on entry for approximately US$82 cash per visa.An arrivals tax of US$2 cash and departure tax of $US20 cash is payable.
Please ensure you have $US in cash for both visa and departure tax payments


Namibia:
No Visa required for stays less than 3 months.
Departure taxes are included in airfares.


Rwanda:
A visa is required and a single entry visa can be obtained on entry for approximately US$60 per visa. Visa applications and Entry Facility applications should be made online at: www.migration.gov.rw . Applications for an Entry Facility should be made at least two weeks prior to your arrival in Rwanda.


South Africa:
No Visa required for stays less than 3 months.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION WHEN TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 YEARS
Now effective for travel to South Africa from 1 June 2015, parents/guardians will need to carry and produce on request an unabridged birth certificate (in English) as well as a valid travel document (passport) for children under the age of 18. Copies of the birth certificate must be certified and be no more than 3 months old. If the birth certificate is not in one of the 11 official languages of South Africa, which includes English, travellers will need to provide an English translation from an accredited translator.

In addition to the requirement to produce a valid travel document (passport) and an unabridged birth certificate, children travelling with only one parent will also be required to produce a legal document signed by the non-travelling parent giving approval for the child’s travel or where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered on the birth certificate of the child, or a court order granting sole custody. A legal document can be a Statutory Declaration or an Affidavit and must contain full names and passport details of both parents registered on the birth certificate and child(ren), with contact details for the non-travelling parent. The document should also specify the travel destinations of the parent and child(ren). These legal documents or certified copies of these documents cannot be more than 3 months old. If there is only one parent registered on the birth certificate, that person has sole responsibility.

Non-compliance from 1 July 2015 is likely to result in airline companies refusing to allow travellers to board flights, or being turned back at the border, and possibly fined.

Departure taxes are included in airfares.


Tanzania:
A visa is required and a single entry visa can be obtained on entry for approximately US$50 per visa.
Please ensure you have $US in cash for the visa.


Zambia:
A visa is required and a single entry visa can be obtained on entry for approximately US$50 cash per visa and a double entry visa for US$80 cash per visa. Recommend that you purchase the new UNIVISA at US$50 cash (see details below)

Departure taxes of ZMK28,000 cash (approximately AUD$6) is payable on departure when travelling within Africa.

There are now Point of Sale (POS) terminals, for ease of payment of visa and other fees, at the following entry points:

  1. Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka
  2. Harry Mwanga International Airport in Livingstone
  3. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola

These POS terminals have been configured to accept the following bank cards:

  • VISA
  • MasterCard
  • Maestro
  • American Express 

Please ensure you have $US in cash for the visa in case there are issues with the POS terminals.


Zimbabwe:
A visa is required and a single entry visa can be obtained on entry for approximately US$30 cash per visa and a double entry visa for US$45 cash per visa. Recommend that you purchase the new UNIVISA at US$50 cash (see details below)

Departure taxes of $US5 cash is payable on departure when travelling within Africa.
Please ensure you have $US in cash for the visa


UNIVISA – Zambia & Zimbabwe:
A new uni-visa system has been implemented at Zambian/Zimbabwean borders and will mean that visitors to both countries will require only one visa. This applies to all 40 countries that currently require visas for either country.

The UNIVISA – standard fee of US$50 cash – where credit card point of sale facilities are not available at port of entry it is recommended that clients have US$50 cash available for payment.

Validity – the KAZA UNIVISA will be valid for 30 days as long as you remain in Zimbabwe and Zambia and you can cross into Zimbabwe/Zambia as frequently as you like within the 30 day period. (If the UNIVISA is obtained at Victoria Falls and you cross over to Zimbabwe at Kariba or Chirundu or vice versa the visa shall be valid)

It also covers those who visit Botswana for day trips through the Kazangula Borders – it will not be valid if staying in Botswana overnight, in this case you would need to purchase a new Visa.

The UNIVISA cannot be extended however you can buy a new UNIVISA (up to 3 per year). You do NOT have to buy a UNIVISA, and you can still purchase normal single and double entry visas if they suit you better (see details above)

Example 1: A passport holder only coming to Zimbabwe, not going across to Zambia, it is better to buy a single entry visa at US$30.

Example 2: A passport holder staying in Zimbabwe but going to Zambia for a day activity, normal visa price US$45 double entry visa to Zimbabwe plus a US$20 Zambia day tripper visa. The total will be US$65, therefore it is cheaper to buy UNIVISA at US$50 covers all entries.

Example 2: A passport holder only coming to Zambia should purchase a UNIVISA at US$50, whether they intend to cross to Zimbabwe or not as you may change your mind and you now have the freedom to cross the border for a day trip.


Passport Requirements:
Please note the above is based on Australian passport holders. However you will require the following:

  • A passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from your return date to your home country
  • Possession of a return/onward ticket at each destination
  • Please make sure that you have at least two empty pages in your passport before travelling to Southern Africa. If not you may be denied entry.

If you are a passport holder of another nationality other than Australian please contact the embassies or consulates for any visa requirements. Wild Africa Travel Company takes no responsibility for visa requirements of passport holders as the visa requirements do change regularly.

More information on visas and departure taxes can be found through The IATA Travel Centre (www.iatatravelcentre.com) or Smart Traveller (www.smarttraveller.gov.au).

Prescribed Medication:
Bring adequate supplies of all medications in their original containers, clearly labelled. Carry a signed, dated letter from your personal physician describing all medical conditions and listing all medications, including generic names. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to carry a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. Pack all medications in hand luggage. Carry a duplicate supply in the checked luggage. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair. If you have significant allergies or chronic medical problems, wear a medical alert bracelet. 

General Precautions:
Pack a personal Medical Kit. Take appropriate measures to prevent motion sickness and Jet lag. On long flights, be sure to walk around the cabin, contract your leg muscles periodically, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent blood clots in the legs. For those at high risk for blood clots, consider wearing compression stockings. 

Prior to Departure:
It is recommended that travellers to the southern Africa consult their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4 – 8 weeks before departure. Travellers should speak to their physician or travel health clinic about the following medications and vaccinations, which are recommended for southern Africa.

Medical facilities:
These are good in the major towns and there are well-equipped clinics in most outlying areas, although medical costs can be high. There may be drugs shortages in public hospitals. Health insurance is essential; adequate medical provision is often only provided privately, especially in urban areas. Private hospitals may require health insurance or a cash payment before admission.

Food and drink:
All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is safe and readily available.

Other risks:
Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. HIV/AIDS is a high risk throughout the country and precautions should be taken.


Medications and Vaccinations:
Vaccination certificates may be required, please check with your doctor if certificates are required for entry.

The South African Department of Health has, as of 31 January 2015, issued a statement that South Africa no longer requires a Yellow Fever vaccination for travel to Zambia. The decision by SA’s health department comes after the World Health Organisation confirmed that Zambia had low yellow fever potential exposure status, which means travellers should not be required to carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate. You will still need to consult your doctor for authorised advice on this vaccination.

Vaccinations:

  1. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.
  2. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.
  3. Yellow Fever – A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please consult with your doctor.
  4. Polio – Immunisation is recommended. Any Adult who received the childhood immunisation should receive a single dose booster and all children should be immunised.
  5. Hepatitis B – Vaccine is recommended for travellers who will have intimate contact with local residents or potentially need blood transfusions or injections while abroad, especially is visiting more than six months.
  6. Rabies – Recommended for those at high risk of being bitten by an animal, such as veterinarians and animal handlers.
  7. Malaria: Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended for all areas.

Travellers should also be up to date on routine immunisations including;

  • Tetanus-Diphtheria
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Medications:
Travellers’ Diarrhoea is the most common travel-related ailment. The cornerstone of prevention is food and water precautions. All travellers should bring along an antibiotic and an antidiarrheal drug (such as Imodium) to be started promptly if significant diarrhoea occurs. 

For more detailed information on health issues in east Africa please visit the website below:

http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/africa

The majority of visitors enjoy a safe and pleasant trip. However, you still need to be wary and take care of your person.

  • Do not walk alone on streets, particularly after dark
  • Walk only in well-lit areas and avoid obscure alleys
  • Do not invite attention by carrying cameras or wearing exposed jewellery or watches
  • Store valuables in a safe place, you should not leave valuables unattended in your hotel rooms or in public places
  • In the unlikely event you are in a threatening situation, do not try and be a hero, as your assailant may be armed. Give them what they want and try to remain calm.

Take copies of your passport and leave one with a family member or friend and carry one with you whilst travelling in case of loss or theft.

Currencies:
The currency in Botswana is the Pula
The currency in Kenya is the Kenya shilling (KES)
The currency in Mozambique is the Metical (Mtc)
The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar
The Currency in Rwanda is the Rwanda Franc (RWF)
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR)
The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania shilling (TZS)
The currency in Zambia is the Zambia Kwacha (ZMK)
The currency in Zimbabwe is the United States Dollar (USD)

ATMs:
They are prevalent throughout the major cities and are a quick and easy way of accessing your account providing your debit card can be used internationally (check with your bank).

Credit cards:
All major credit cards are widely accepted with the most common being Visa.

Travellers’ cheques:
These can be readily exchanged however banks do charge a fee. To avoid exchange fees, it is best to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.

How much money can I travel with?
Currency brought into or taken from South Africa is monitored by law. Should you have more than R25,000 in South African Rand (ZAR) or $10,000 or the equivalent thereof in foreign currency, this must be declared.

As a foreign visitor, you can bring in up to R5,000 in South African Rand (ZAR), plus an unlimited amount in foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques, provided you declare this on arrival.

On departure, you can also take out R5,000 in South African Rand (ZAR), and up to the amount in foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques that you declared when you arrived – provided you didn’t stay for more than 12 months.

Read more at: http://www.southafrica.info

Botswana straddles the Tropic of Capricorn and experiences extremes in both temperature and weather. In the winter (late May to August) days are normally clear, warm and sunny and nights are cool to cold. Wildlife seldom wanders from water sources making sightings more predictable than in the wetter summer season. In summer (October to April) the rainy season provides the highest humidity and stifling heat with daytime temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius common.

Kenya
with the exception of the months of April and May which are very wet, Kenya is a year-round destination. Most of Kenya is at higher elevations which alleviates the heat. Still take a sweater or jacket year-round for cooler treks and cooler nights.

Mozambique has a dry & wet season. The dry season runs from May till November and is characterised by sunshine, blue skies and temperatures between 24 & 27 degrees Celsius. The wet season which runs from January to April has high temperatures, high humidity & high rainfall.

Namibia’s climatic variations correspond roughly to its geographical subdivisions. In the arid Central Namib summer daytime temperatures may climb to over 40 degrees Celsius but can fall below freezing during the night. Rainfall is heaviest in the northeast, which enjoys a subtropical climate. The northern and interiors experience little rain between October and December with heavier rainfall from January to April.

Rwanda, despite its proximity to the equator, due to the high altitude of most of the country, Rwanda has a temperate climate with temperatures not often climbing above 25C. The long dry season is from June to September and there are two annual rainy seasons, the first from mid-March until the beginning of June and small rains from mid-September to December. The best time for gorilla and monkey tracking is the dry season – if only to spare you getting drenched (you can still see them in the rain, they just get a bit grumpy). The dry season is also good if you want to see game in Akagera National Park because thirst will draw the animals to the watering holes. You will also find at this time the roads are less dangerous and the risk of malaria is lower. The rainy season is the best time to see chimpanzees and is also the time when the place is at its most lush and green.

South Africa is a large country and has diverse climactic regions, but in general the weather is sunny and hot in the summer months (December to April), and mild during winter (May to November). Winters in the Cape are cold and wet, and snow falls on the mountain ranges here and in Natal. Gauteng and the northern areas experience thunderstorms regularly during evenings in the summer months, and winters are usually warm during the day and cold at night.

Tanzania does not have large seasonal variations since it is so close to the equator. The weather is best June thru September, although most animals have migrated to Kenya at that time. September thru March is also a good time to visit. Rainy season occurs April and May. Mount Kilimanjaro is very, very cold at its higher elevations. Take along a heavy sweater or jacket when visiting higher elevations or northern game reserves.

Zambia’s altitude creates a temperate climate. There are three distinct seasons: the dry season (mid April to August) when temperatures drop at night and the landscape is green and lush; the hot season (September to mid November) which is the best time to see wildlife as the flora is sparse; and the wet season (mid November to mid April) which is ideal for bird watching.

Zimbabwe stretches over a high plateau and enjoys a pleasantly temperate climate during the dry season. The cooler drier months (May to October) are similar to the Mediterranean summer with warm sunny days and cold nights. The warmer months from November to April is their designated wet season, although it does not receive as much runs as much of the rest of southern Africa.


Required clothing:
Light- to medium weights with warmer clothes for evenings and rainwear for the wet season. Bright coloured clothing and hats should always be avoided when on game drives, with khaki being the best colour to wear.

Your mobile phone provider will offer roaming agreements. Coverage is available in most areas. Check with your service provider for more details.

When calling:
Botswana dial + 267 + Telephone Number (there is no area code)
Kenya from the Australia dial 00 + 254 + Area Code (drop the 0) + Telephone Number
Mozambique dial + 258 + Area Code (drop the 0) + Telephone Number
Namibia dial + 264 + Area Code (drop the 0) + Telephone Number
Rwanda from the Australia dial 00 + 250 + Area Code (drop the 0) + Telephone Number
South Africa dial + 27 + Area Code (drop the 0) + Telephone Number
Tanzania from the Australia dial 00 + 255 + Area Code (drop the 0) + Telephone Number
Zambia dial + 260 + Area Code (drop the 0) + Telephone Number
Zimbabwe + 263 + Area Code (drop the 0) + Telephone Number

Tipping:
A 10 to 15% tip is usual 

In better restaurants a 10% service charge is often added which technically means tipping is not required. 

It is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers, tour guides, drivers, caddies and room service. Please make sure that you carry sufficient cash in local currency or $US in small denominations.

For drivers and guides on tours, it is customary to tip a minimum of US$1 to 2 per person per day. 

South Africa:
Normally 10% if service is not included. It is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers, caddies and room service.

Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe & Mozambique:
In better restaurants a 10% service charge is often added which technically means tipping is not required. It is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers, caddies and room service. 

Namibia:
Tipping is expected only in upmarket tourist establishments, but many places add a service charge. Tipping is officially prohibited in national parks and reserves.


Time, Measurements & Electricity: (all areas)

Time: 8 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time


Weights & Measurements:
Metric system


Electricity:
Electricity:                                       220/240V 50Hz

Plugs adaptors are recommended and universal adaptors are suggested as they fit all plugs. Most adaptors can be purchased from Luggage and Electrical Outlets or at the Airport.