Passport / Travel Documents:

Passports should be valid for no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended stay.
Ensure that there are at least two unused pages in your passport as you may be denied entry if your passport if full.
A written authority from an absent parent is not a requirement if you have entered the country on a visitor’s permit.
For more information, please contact your local South African embassy or consulate. We recommend this anyway since the regulations change regularly and we thus cannot be held liable for the accuracy this information.

Travel Insurance:

Before travelling, you should check what your insurance policy/health policy will be covering overseas.
If the health insurance policy provides coverage outside your country of origin, travellers should be advised to carry both the insurance policy identity card (as proof of insurance) and a claim form.
Although some health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for medical evacuation back to the country of origin. Medical evacuation can easily cost $10,000-00 or more, depending on the location and medical condition.
Travel/health insurance is compulsory on all our safaris due to the health care system at state facilities in South Africa – it is in your own interest.

For more information, please have a look at the “Useful Links” page on our website for a link to a comprehensive travel medical plan that has been designed specifically for overseas visitors travelling into Southern Africa.

Money:

Credit cards are accepted at most places.  Cash can be drawn with most cards from the cash machines in South Africa (as long as part of Maestro/Cirrus network, etc; best to confirm with your bank before leaving if concerned).
These are the two best ways of paying/getting cash while here, and the exchange rates are usually quite good, with minimal bank charges (please also confirm these with your bank before departing).
Traveller’s cheques are often a bit of a nightmare, especially in the far out places! However, exchanging them at major tourist centres and airports is not a problem.
Some forex (SA Rands in cash) may be useful, but we do not recommend carrying vast amounts of cash around, rather draw while here, as needed. A safe bet is always to draw money at the airport upon arrival.

Remember, if heading straight for the bush, there are no banks/cash machines in most of these spots since the elephants take offence!

Gratuities:

Whilst tipping is certainly not obligatory, the amount of the gratuity should express the degree of satisfaction that you have obtained and is normally 10 - 15% of the service fee (e.g. restaurant bills, taxi fares etc.). The above are merely guidelines and you should be comfortable with the gratuity you give.
On safari it is customary to tip your guide and tracker, and this is variable based on the length of your stay, group size, experience, service, etc. Ask your Brothers Safaris guide or lodge management for guidelines if necessary.

Clothing/Climate:

If you go on safari, there is no need to extravagantly indulge in stylish safari clothing - basic neutral-coloured (dull colours/greens/browns) clothing, which you can wear again at a later stage, will be just fine. Although we do always enjoy watching our first time guests arrive at the airports with freshly ironed and pressed safari outfits- from the hunter's waistcoats to the pith helmets!
Remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, mosquito/bug repellent, warm clothes for the evening and winter (Africa can get very cold, contrary to what most people think), cool cotton clothes for the hotter times of the day (even in winter), a lightweight waterproof jacket, some dull/neutral coloured clothes you don't mind getting grubby if you are participating in an African Vet Safari, or bush walks, good comfortable walking shoes, bathing suite, binoculars, camera (preferably with zoom lens) with plenty of film (extra supplies readily available here) or memory, video camera, personal items such as toiletries and medication – you may not be near shops or pharmacies for long periods of time.
Please follow the policy of packing practically and pack no more than you are willing to carry!

For more information, please have a look at the “Useful Links” page on our website for a link to the South African weather service. 

Drivers Licence:

Should you be self-driving during your stay, we recommend that you contact your local Automobile Association to check on the validity of your licence before departing.

Health issues:

While we do make a few comments for you to consider, we strongly advise that you consult your regular doctor/pharmacist on all of these, and accept no responsibility for health issues/advice taken.
Regarding vaccinations most doctors recommend more than is generally necessary, ensure that you are being advised on southern Africa/South Africa, and not Africa as a whole.
Regarding malaria, firstly confirm that you will be entering a malaria area on your safari with us. Even though the incidence of malaria has decreased markedly in many areas, we still strongly recommend prophylaxis.
Many foreign doctors recommend a drug called “Larium” which has no resistance, but has been known to cause marked side effects. These include insomnia, hallucinations, mood swings, and personality changes, and can ruin a safari for you. We have seen these personally, so know they do occur. Some countries have now brought out strict measures regarding the use of this drug, notably the US where it is produced.
There are several new prophylactic drugs available in different countries without resistance and minimal side effects, and we recommend using one of these.
Remember no prophylaxis is 100% and common sense measures to avoid being bitten are most important (insect repellents, long sleeves, etc)

For more information, please have a look at the “Useful Links” page on our website for a link to a comprehensive malaria website.

Once again, the above are comments for you to consider and discuss with your doctor. Brothers Safaris accepts no liability in this regard whatsoever.

If you have any other questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us!

HAPPY PACKING!!!