What to know before you travel

We do not think you have to know everything before you arrive. Part of the pleasure and gratification of travel is discovering and exploring the unknown without any preconceived ideas or expectations. It is good to be prepared but leave some revelations and encounters for the actual journey. This section provides you with all possible general information that we feel you should know and be aware of before you embark on your journey.

WHAT DOCUMENT & VISA DO I NEED?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you travel and have 3 blank pages.

Most EU Countries, US, UK and Canada can get their VISA on arrival for Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana.
VISA policy of Zambia here.
VISA policy of Namibia here.
VISA policy of Botswana here.

Visa fees do apply for Zimbabwe and Zambia. They can be paid in US Dollars on arrival. Most nationalities will be able to purchase a UNIVISA at the cost of USD 50 .00 per person when travelling to Zimbabwe and Zambia, allowing travellers to visit both countries with one visa.

Travellers can purchase the KAZA UNIVISA at the dedicated counters at both the Victoria Falls and Livingstone Airports.

The visa is valid for 30 days when travelling within Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Visas are the responsibility of the traveller.

TRAVELLING WITH MINORS

Minors younger than 18 years traveling to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe must have an unabridged birth certificate. In addition, when traveling:
With an adult who is not their biological parent: an affidavit from their parents giving consent for the minor to travel with the adult is required.
With an adult other than a parent/legal guardian: copies of their legal guardians/parents’ passports or documents of identity are required. Contact details of the parents/legal guardians should also be provided.
With a parent: an affidavit from the other parent giving consent for the minor to travel is required. A death certificate should be provided if one parent is deceased.
Unaccompanied: an affidavit from their parents/legal guardians consenting their travel, a letter containing the contact details and residential information of the person who will receive the minor passenger, a copy of the identity document, valid passport or permanent residence permit of the person who will receive the minor passenger, and the contact details of the minor’s parents/legal guardians are required.
**download here borders policy for minors

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is a requirement of booking with Monkey Trails Safaris that you have travel insurance prior to departure. All members of your party, in particular, must be appropriately insured in the event of a medical emergency, including the potentially prohibitively high expense of an air evacuation back to your home country. Travel insurance normally includes coverage for cancellation, curtailment, and loss or theft of your possessions, among other things. Make sure your insurance also covers cancellations due to Covid-19 positivity.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

You will find a variety of accommodation options available, from world-class hotels and safari lodges to guesthouses, self-catering apartments, and backpacker lodges. The accommodation you choose will be entirely based on your budget, purpose of travel, and itinerary within South Africa. If travelling during the peak season of November – January, it is important to book your accommodation in advance to get first pick and the best rates.

For your appliances and gadgets, try and familiarise with the power plugs and sockets type for your destination. Generally, Botswana operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz using the two associated plug types, types D and G. Namibia uses 220V AC-50Hz outlets (the round 3 pin type), Zambia has three associated plug types, types C, D and G operating on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz and Zimbabwe uses associated plug types D and G. Plug type operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.

PACKING LIST

Do not overpack. This common mistake should be avoided.

Be sure to leave some room space in the luggage for souvenirs and other stuff you will come across. Bring a mix of stylish and old clothes. You will have use for both depending on your activity or occasion. Most hotels and game lodges offer an extremely quick laundry turnaround, often a same-day service, at additional services. It is not necessary to bring a separate change of clothing for each day and evening. I would recommend that you keep luggage to a minimum for your own comfort and ease of transport, especially if you are using light aircraft transfers.

GENERALLY, MONKEY TRAILS ADVISE THAT:

        Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

        Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round.

        For game viewing, a couple of lightweight, khaki or neutral-toned items will be useful. A scarf and hat for the dust and heat is recommended.

        Binoculars

        Camera and accessories

        Personal toiletries, lip balm and insect repellent