| A well-planned safari is often the vacation of a | | | | Different countries have different vaccine |
| lifetime. Africa's national parks and game reserves | | | | requirements. |
| boast some of the best wildlife viewing, if not the | | | | Yellow Fever--No vaccine is usually required unless |
| best in the world. Here are a few tips to make | | | | you're arriving within six days of leaving an |
| sure your african safari is as enjoyable and | | | | infected region. |
| hassle-free as possible. | | | | Malaria--A malarial prophylactic course is highly |
| Passports and Visas | | | | recommended for all non-Africans. As usual confer |
| Getting visa approval may take a while, so it's | | | | with your physician/and or the nearest vaccination |
| best to tackle this aspect of your safari in good | | | | center for the most up-to-date requirements. |
| time--say at least 2 months in advance. | | | | AIDS--For many African countries AIDS / HIV |
| Passport must be valid for at least six months | | | | are serious health issues. However for most |
| upon your return home. Also make sure you | | | | travellers this should not be a major concern. The |
| have extra passport photos (just in case). | | | | HIV virus is transmitted by the exchange of |
| Make sure your passport has enough blank pages | | | | bodily fluids, therefore, as long as you practice the |
| to accommadate any visa requirements (entry | | | | same sensible (cautionary) measures as you do |
| departure stamps) that may arise during the | | | | back home you should be okay. |
| course of your safari. | | | | Bilharzia--(schistomiasis). This disease is caused by |
| Ensure you have up-to-date information on the | | | | tiny waterborne parasites found in certain snail |
| specific documentation requirement for your | | | | species. Prophylaxis (preventitive measures) is not |
| trip--find out from your travel agent, relevant | | | | available and the only option is treatment by |
| diplomatic mission, airline or tourist board. | | | | drugs and injection. The condition is quite |
| Leave a copy of your passport and travel | | | | unpleasant so it is best not to swim or or wade in |
| itinerary with someone responsible at home. It is | | | | rivers or streams. |
| also advisable to carry an extra copy with you | | | | Currency |
| when you travel to Africa. | | | | It is inadvisable to enter or depart an African |
| Travel Insurance--minimum travel insurance is | | | | country with large sums of local currency. |
| essential. In general your insurance should | | | | Travel with a sufficient number of |
| cover:twenty-four hour medical | | | | small-denomination traveller checks to cover any |
| assistanceemergency cash transferaccident | | | | incidental expenses you may have. |
| coveragelost baggageaccidental death | | | | In cities and larger towns many establishments |
| Gorilla Tracking and Permits | | | | accept international credit cards. |
| Each safari park gets allotted a limited number of | | | | Usually there is no limit to the amount of foreign |
| gorilla permits each season. It is therefore | | | | currency you can import. |
| essential to obtain your gorilla permit when you | | | | Currency exchange is legal only through |
| initially book your safari. | | | | authorized dealers. Most city hotels are equipped |
| For the gorillas' protection (and visitors') nobody | | | | to exchange money and more often than not the |
| under the age of 15 yrs or persons with illness | | | | official exchange rate will usually be quite |
| may view the gorillas on safari treks. | | | | favorable. It is ill-advised to try to exchange your |
| Viewing the gorillas is limited to one hour at a | | | | money on the black market (for a better rate). |
| minimum distance of 5 metres. | | | | Doing so is an unnecessary security risk, and |
| You are not allowed to use a flash when taking | | | | there's a good chance you may get ripped off. |
| photos. | | | | ATMs are usually available in most cities and |
| Video cameras are (generally) allowed. | | | | towns but remember this is not America or |
| Every viewing group will be escorted with park | | | | Europe so plan accordingly |
| rangers, trackers and guides. Follow the guide's | | | | You may tip in local currency or U.S. dollars (more |
| instructions and please abide by the park's rules. | | | | likely than not most locals would prefer being |
| Avoid the temptation to break the minimal | | | | tipped in dollars). |
| distance for viewing the gorillas. Also absolutely | | | | You can change your travellers checks and dollars |
| avoid physical contact with the gorillas. Physical | | | | into local currency at airports and banks. Small |
| contact with gorillas exposes them to human | | | | denominations are preferrable. Always keep your |
| diseases (a major cause of death to wild gorillas). | | | | receipt so that you can exchange any excess |
| Remember there're few enough of these | | | | local currency back to dollars on your departure. |
| magnificent creatures without you abetting in their | | | | Keep at least $150 (usually in denominations no |
| extinction (albeit unintentionally). | | | | larger than $20) in cash, for visas and airport |
| Gorilla viewing may be denied at short notice at | | | | departure fees (per individual). |
| the discretion of the national park authorities. This | | | | Be aware that only high-denomination US bills |
| may occur because of: | | | | printed after year 2000 are generally accepted |
| Park or border closure due to security reasons; | | | | (something to do with counterfeit preventative |
| Gorillas out of range (usually close tabs are kept | | | | measures). |
| on the where abouts of the gorillas by rangers | | | | What To Pack On An African Safari |
| who track them on a daily basis). | | | | Find out the luggage restrictions (limitations) from |
| So please be aware that obtaining a gorilla permit | | | | your tour operator if your safari is through such |
| is not an absolute guarantee that you'll see the | | | | an organization. |
| gorillas. If for any reason you're unable to view | | | | Avoid clothing that resembles military |
| the gorillas (though you paid for a permit), refunds | | | | attire--African countries tend to be jittery of such |
| are at the discretion of the park or the | | | | (coup plot phobia). |
| respective wildlife authority of that particular | | | | It's preferable to travel with soft compact |
| country...not your tour company. | | | | baggage. |
| Customs Issues | | | | Laundry is performed on a daily basis in most |
| Don't forget to factor in airport taxes, which may | | | | camps and lodges (this may not extend to your |
| sometimes be extra and due before you depart. | | | | underwear), so it isn't necessary to cart along |
| Check duty-free allowances (alcohol and | | | | tons of luggage. |
| cigarettes) for the various countries you are | | | | Africa is sun rich so sunglasses are recommended |
| visiting if you intend to take stock with you. | | | | as well as head protective gear(safari hats). |
| Generally, personal effects such as cameras, | | | | Malaria is a fact of life in Africa--mosquitoes |
| video cameras, digital recorders (tape as well) | | | | usually hunt from dusk till dawn--so long-sleeved |
| may be imported without a permit (so long as | | | | shirts and trousers (pants) are advisable for the |
| you don't have unreasonable numbers). | | | | evening. |
| Occasionally a customs bond may be required--to | | | | Formal dress attire may come in handy if you |
| ensure that any such imported merchandise is | | | | intend to visit any clubs, casinos or restaurants |
| exported at departure. | | | | that implement such requirements. The following |
| Firearms require a special permit. | | | | items are strongly recommended: |
| Health Issues | | | | Insect repellent |
| Discuss pertinent health issues with your doctor | | | | Sun block |
| (in good time) prior to embarking on your african | | | | Comfortable trekking shoes |
| safari. | | | | Raincoat / Jacket |
| Make sure your childhood vaccinations are up to | | | | Best of luck and have a great African Safari! |
| date. | | | | |