General Travel and Safety Tips

Due diligence is important when planning to travel and partake in tours or safaris. Below are some general as well as safety guidelines for travelers and adventurers.

• Buy sufficient health and travel insurance and check that all activities on your trip are covered. Ensure you travel insurance is valid for the duration of your trip and that you can easily extend it if you extend your trip.
• Check the visa and entry requirements of the country you are visiting. Do you need a visa and if so do you need to obtain it before you leave or can you obtain it at port of entry? Check whether you need to be in possession of a return ticket. Check if your partner needs a visa.
• Check if you need vaccinations, preventive malaria medication and insect repellent. Insect repellant should contain at least 20-30% DEET.
• Protect and lock all bags before handing them over at the airport check-in at the airport. Keep all allowable valuables in your hand luggage or money belt, including your passport and bank cards. Keep copies of these documents in your main luggage.
• Make photocopies of important documents such as visa, passport, ID, flight tickets, insurance papers and keep them separate. You should also to scan these documents and email a copy to yourself and somebody at home.
• Put your valuables in the safety deposit box of the hotel.
• Check with your tour operator what to pack for your trip.
• Check luggage limitations of your airline. This is especially important when using small charter flights.
• Avoid driving at night as it is harder to see the road conditions or other obstacles in the way.
• Always keep all car doors locked and keep your windows closed especially in areas notorious for car hijackings.
• Don’t offend or irritate police or traffic officers. Always show respect. Some law officials might try their luck getting a bribe. If so, don’t get aggressive, but also don’t give in and stand your ground. A light attitude and a joke might well get you off the hook.
• Don’t take photos of government or military buildings or other sensitive institutions.
• Disable the geotagging function on your cell phones/tablets before posting any animal sightings as this could help poachers find their next kill.
• Don’t keep all your money and cards in one wallet. Keep some cash and a spare card in a separate but safe place.
• Book your tour with a reliable agent who can advise you about many things and can be there too help you should things go wrong