Helpful Hints

You are responsible for ensuring that your passport and visa documents are up to date and in order. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date. Please ensure your passport has sufficient blank pages (at least two double pages) for any visas required and for entry/departure stamps. You will also require a return air ticket. Visas can be purchased at the respective African airports. However, long lines could occur if visas are purchased at these airports. (Visa cost subject to change)
• Ethiopian Visa costs $25.00
• Kenya Visa costs $50.00
• Uganda Visa costs $50.00
• Zimbabwe Visa costs $50.00
• Zambia Visa costs $50.00
• Tanzania Visa costs $100.00
Note: South Africa, Namibia, Rwanda and Botswana do not require Visas for USA passport holders
Note: Group IST Operations department will advise if we will offer the service of procuring visas on behalf of our clients.

Safety and security is a matter of common sense. Therefore, take the same precautions while traveling, that you would in any major city at home. Do not carry large sums of cash with you, keep a close watch on handbags, purses, wallets etc. when walking in crowded areas, avoid walking alone at night, lock up valuables in hotel safe deposit boxes and never leave valuables in view in an unattended car or tour bus. In safari camps that do not have safes or locked doors, please keep tempting valuables out of sight. Word of advice: make copies of passports, credit cards, airline tickets and other pertinent identification and documents. Keep one copy with you, and leave one copy with your contact at home.

East Africa is 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (7 hours during Daylight Savings Time). ). For the first few days on safari, your body will be adjusting not only to this time change, but also to the altitude. If you experience adverse health effects at higher than normal altitudes, please consult your doctor for further advice. Southern Africa is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (6 hours during Daylight Savings Time)

You will need to make an appointment with your personal physician or travel clinic at least one month prior to departure to review pertinent health precautions including necessary vaccinations and medications. Please discuss any other health-related questions with your health practitioner at this time. A Yellow Fever certificate is required for entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia. Anti-Malaria pills is recommended to all African destinations.

Always take precautions against the persistent overhead sun. Proximity to the equator makes the African sun particularly strong so ensure you use the proper level of protection. In the winter months, the big game areas can be dusty. Contact lens wearers may be advised to bring eye drops. Wrap-around sunglasses provide the best protection from dust and other eye irritants. Sun protective chapstick, sunscreens, moisturizing creams and insect repellents are recommended.

Personal effects including cameras and film may be imported temporarily without a permit. A customs bond may be requested from visitors bringing in computers, video equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments in order to ensure that these goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit. The duty free allowance for persons returning to the USA is $400 per person. You are entitled to bring back 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 1/2 pound of tobacco, and one quart of liquor.

The most important consideration is to remember to dress comfortably while on safari. We strongly recommend that luggage be kept to a minimum; and on some safari tours, luggage is restricted to a flexible lightweight bag and one carry on per person. Lightweight clothing in neutral colors is suitable for the bush (including a long-sleeved shirt for protection from the sun and long pants for protection from mosquitoes in the evenings). Please avoid clothing resembling army uniforms, e.g., army jackets, caps, pants. The occasional city restaurant may require smart-casual dress and even a tie and jacket. Please note that your bags are likely to get dusty and dirty en route so we advise against taking your best, smart new suitcase. Laundering in hotels, lodges, and camps is usually fast and inexpensive so try to avoid the urge to over pack.

Sweat suit
Slacks, Jeans or Skirts
Walking Shorts
Shoes & Sneakers
Tee Shirts & Long-Sleeved Shirt
Warm Sweater, Fleece or Jacket
Bathing Suit
Light Raincoat (seasonal)
Socks / Belt / Sun Hat
Underwear / Sport Bra

Film and Camera Bag
Flashlight & Batteries
Sunglasses
Zip lock / Plastic bags
Wet Ones / Tissues
Electrical converter & plug adapter
Lock for Baggage
Sewing Kit
Diary/ Books/ Pens
Binoculars are invaluable; Each traveler should have their own pair.
Eye Glasses: some people have trouble with contact lenses & dust.

Shampoo and Brush/Comb
Toothbrush / Toothpaste
Sunscreen / Suntan Lotion
Insect Repellent
Cold Tablets/ Aspirin
Razor / Shaving Cream
Band Aids

Baggage allowances vary depending on the airline carrier, class of service, and routing. As follows is a list of the most common air carriers to Africa and their weight restrictions. If in doubt regarding your specific baggage situation, we suggest you contact your international carrier directly. Most city hotels and airports have facilities for storing luggage not required on safari. Please note that if you exceed these luggage limits, you may be required to pay excess baggage fees. We suggest you limit yourself to a soft, preferably waterproof, duffel bag and a carryon bag. In your carryon bag you will want to pack any and all valuables, medication, and the items you will need during your flight.

It is advisable to re-confirm pick up times for the following day with our local staff. The local staff and ground operators will have the most current and accurate information on when and where your transfer will take place.

Generally speaking, communications in Africa are not what you are accustomed to at home. Connections can be difficult to nonexistent, in addition to being costly. The safari camps and lodges you may be visiting are likely to be located in remote parts of Africa and often do not have telephones or cell phone reception. Therefore, telephone, e mail and Internet services are not generally available on safari. Communication is by radio link only. However, telecommunications in urban areas are easily accessible, including e mail and Internet access, either provided at your hotel or through an Internet café.

In most African countries there are stringent exchange control regulations regarding local currency, making it illegal to enter or leave the country with anything other than nominal amounts of local currency. We recommend taking sufficient cash or travelers' checks in small denominations to cover incidental expenses. Many establishments accept international credit cards and we recommend using credit cards as a method of payment wherever possible; however, do not rely on this method of payment outside of the major cities. Please be advised that there may be a surcharge for credit card use. In addition, keep in mind that when using a credit card, the charge appearing on your monthly statement is not necessarily calculated at the exchange rate that was in effect on the day that you actually made the purchase. Only authorized dealers are allowed to exchange currency but most city hotels have foreign exchange desks or banks where money can be changed. Some banks have ATM machines where visitors can use their international credit cards to obtain local currency. Please retain approximately USD 150.00 (cash) per person for visas. US$10 and US$20 bills are recommended for this purpose. Changing bills of higher denominations may not be possible. Tips may be paid in US dollars or local currency (see Tipping section).

The traditional gratuity to safari guides or camp staff is not included in the price of your tour but is completely discretionary. Our general recommendation is to tip moderately – in accordance with the level and quality of service provided. The following guidelines are generally accepted practice:

If the guide has done a good job, we recommend US$5-$10 per guest per day.

We recommend about US$3-$5 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff at a later stage.

Please allow between US$1-$2 per guest per day for hotel staff, i.e. housekeeping, etc.

We recommend about US$1 per bag.

Driver/Guide Transfers - US$2 per person; Half day tours - US$5 per person; Full day tours - US$10 per person

10% is customary on meal accounts but only if you are satisfied with the service.

• The wild animals you will encounter on safari are not like those found in theme parks – they aren't tame.

• Most of the safari camps are unfenced and dangerous animals can (and do!) wander through the camps. Many of the animals and reptiles you will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare. However, there are no guarantees that such incidents will not occur. Neither ET African Journeys nor the safari operators can be held liable for any injuries caused during an incident involving the behavior of wild animals.

• Please listen to the camp staff and guides. The safety precautions need to be taken seriously, and strictly adhered to.

• Don't go wandering off on your own without a guide. After retiring to your rooms at night, it is not recommended to leave.

• Observe animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.

• Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.

• Please respect your driver-guide's judgment about proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. Don't insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.

• Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.

• Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.

• Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill animals.

BOTSWANA WEATHER
The winters in Botswana are pleasant and the nights are cool. The temperatures during the days are in the 20's but during the hot, dry summers temperatures can reach highs in the 30's. Desert temperatures are always hotter than anywhere else and there is the occasional drizzle in the Kalahari.
Seasons in Botswana: Spring: September - October / Summer: November - March / Autumn: April - May / Winter: June – August

ETHIOPIA WEATHER
Ethiopia has an ‘all year round’ temperature with Addis Ababa averaging 20°C. Although most mountain regions get the bulk of their rain between March and September, most days are still sunny. Northern highland area and eastern Ethiopia receive even more sun with major rains only falling in July and August.
Seasons in Ethiopia: Wet Season: May – September / Dry Season: October – April

KENYA WEATHER
Kenya has a definite rainy season that occurs from March to May. It is known as the long rains and it is common that travelers will see sunny morning weather and downpours later in the day. The rains are short and not problematic.
Seasons in Kenya: Spring: September - November / Summer: December - March / Autumn: April - June / Winter: July - August

NAMIBIA WEATHER
Namibia is hot and sunny all year round but the temperatures and rainfall vary. The rainfall is not high in Namibia but there are areas of extreme heat (Etosha Park) which many travellers avoid during the summer period.
Seasons in Namibia: Spring: September - October / Summer: November - March / Autumn: April - May / Winter: June – August

RWANDA WEATHER
Rwanda boasts consistent temperatures throughout the year with a day time average of 24°C except in the mountains where the average is 13°. In the northeast and rainforest areas, the rain is more frequent and heavier.
Seasons in Rwanda: Long Dry: June – October / Short Rains: November – December / Short Dry: January – February

SOUTH AFRICA WEATHER
Summers in South Africa are hot with the northern regions being summer rainfall area's and have cold, dry winters. The southern areas have a winter rainfall season and the summers are hot and dry. Hills and mountains are often covered in snow during the winter season.
Seasons in South Africa: Spring: September - October / Summer: November - March / Autumn: April - May / Winter: June – August

TANZANIA WEATHER
Tanzania has an interesting geography which contributes to its differing climatic conditions. The islands off of Tanzania have a hot, humid climate. Tanzania can be cool at night because of a high plateau. The north east enjoys temperate climates.
Seasons in Tanzania: Spring: June - November / Summer: December - February / Autumn: March - April / Winter: April – May

UGANDA WEATHER
Uganda has tropical weather conditions which are moderated by the high altitudes. The hottest months are from December to February but it is still cooler at night. The wet seasons in the south of Uganda are from March till May and in northern Uganda from April to October.
Seasons in Uganda: Spring: November - December / Summer: December - February / Autumn: March - April / Winter: May – October

ZAMBIA WEATHER
Zambia is one of the few African countries that has 3 distinct seasons. December to April is warm, wet and humid. May to August is cool and dry and September to November is hot and dry. The climate is moderated by the altitude.
Seasons in Zambia: Spring: September - November / Summer: December - April / Autumn: April - May / Winter: May - August

ZIMBABWE WEATHER
The summers in Zimbabwe are hot with heavy rain falls in the mountain regions and forest areas. Zimbabwean winters are renowned for being dry and cool. There is little rainfall in the southern regions of Zimbabwe.
Seasons in Zimbabwe: Spring: September - October / Summer: November - April / Autumn: April - June / Winter: July – August

Food is generally Continental with a remaining British influence but with the added luxury of tropical fruits and excellent local specialties. Please make us aware of any specific dietary preferences or restrictions. All breakfast are included and each tour itinerary will identify meals as (B, L, D) the majority of the meals included are served in a family or buffet style.

Tap water is safe to drink in the major cities and in many safari areas, but bottled water is also readily available. Your hosts will advise you of the specific water situation pertaining to your accommodation.

Electricity in Africa is generally at 220 volts AC, therefore, for most 110 appliances you will need both an adapter for the proper plug configuration and a converter for the correct current. Both round and rectangular three pronged plug sockets are in use. Most safari camps do not have individual electrical outlets in the tents.

Africa is a unique travel destination for the adventurous at heart. Please bear in mind that we have done everything possible to ensure that your trip runs smoothly and is a resounding success. However, occasionally problems do occur and changes may be required that are completely out of our control. We ask that you contact our local representative, as designated in your documents, to assist in solving any hurdles you encounter along the way. They will endeavor to do so as economically and efficiently as they possibly can. Therefore, we also recommend you pack some extra patience in your bag as it is certain to come in handy!