sign in sign up
<<
Home , Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION , , , &

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends, and should have a minimum of thirteen (13) blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. Note: you will need two (2) consecutive blank visa pages for each entry into .

Botswana and South Africa Holders of U.S. and Canadian passports are not required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into either Botswana or South Africa for stays of to 90 days.

Namibia A tourist visa is required for U.S. and holders for entry into Namibia. Tourist visas are currently being offered free of charge on arrival at all points of entry (subject to change without notice).

Zambia and Zimbabwe A tourist visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into Zambia and Zimbabwe. A&K recommends obtaining a KAZA UNIVISA (valid for both countries) on arrival.

KAZA UNIVISA: Can be obtained on arrival at certain of entry in either Zambia or Zimbabwe. It is valid for 30 days and allows multiple entries into either country. The current fee is USD $50 (subject to change without notice). This amount must be paid in cash in U.S. .

The allowable ports of entry include: Zambia • KK • Harry Mwaanga International Airport Livingstone • Land with Zimbabwe • Kazangula Land Border with Botswana

Zimbabwe • International Airport • Victoria Falls International Airport • Victoria Falls Land Border with Zambia • Kazangula Land Border with Botswana

Availability of the KAZA UNIVISA can be sporadic. In the event the KAZA UNIVSA is unavailable, individual visas for Zambia and Zimbabwe can be obtained on arrival in each country as follows:

Zambia • Single-entry visa for Zambia: USD $50. Valid for 90 days. • A “day trip” visa for Zambia: USD $20. Valid for one day (no overnight lodging). This visa is a option for travellers staying in Zimbabwe who want to visit Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. • Note: Multiple-entry visas for Zambia are not offered on arrival.

Zimbabwe • Single-entry visa for Zimbabwe USD $30. Valid for 30 days. • Multiple-entry visa for Zimbabwe USD $60. Valid for 60 days.

All visa fees subject to change without notice. Payment must be made in cash in U.S. dollars.

Our partner VisaCentral offers easy, efficient U.S. passport and visa processing. Visit them online at visacentral.com/abercrombiekent or call 844 823 1224 and reference A&K’s account number 73001. Service fees apply.

Citizens of other countries should contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements pertaining to their journey.

Of Special Note: Adults Entering and/or Exiting Namibia and/or Botswana with Minor Children Namibia and Botswana have instituted requirements for adults travelling with children under the age of 18.

Parents travelling with children will be requested to provide an official birth certificate that includes the details of the full name of both the child's father and the of all travelling children. This applies even when both parents are travelling with their children and it also applies to foreigners and citizens of Namibia and Botswana alike. When children are travelling with guardians, these adults are required to produce affidavits from parents providing permission for the children to travel. All documents must be in English.

Both parents travelling with child: • When both parents are travelling with a child, such parents must produce an official birth certificate that includes the details of both the child's father and mother.

One parent travelling with child: • In the case of one parent travelling with a child, he or she must produce an official birth certificate that includes the details of both the child's father and the mother. In addition, the parent must produce one of the following:

• If the travelling parent has shared legal custody of the child: Consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent registered as a parent on the birth certificate of the child authorizing him or her to enter into or depart from Namibia and/or Botswana with the child he or she is travelling with.

• If the travelling parent has sole legal custody of the child: A court granting full parental responsibilities and rights, or legal guardianship, in respect of the child, if he or she is the parent or legal of the child; or where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered as a parent of the child on the birth certificate.

Child travelling with persons who are not their biological parents, for example adoptive parents, grandparents or persons given the parents’ approval to enter into or depart from Namibia and/or Botswana with child: • Where a person is travelling with a child who is not his or her biological child, he or she must produce a copy of the official birth certificate that includes the details of both the child's father and the mother.

• An affidavit from the parents or legal guardian of the child confirming that he or she has permission to travel with the child.

• Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child.

• The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child.

• Where applicable: copy of an adoption order, death certificate or a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights /legal guardianship in respect of the child.

REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO COVID-19 Visit the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov or the Government of at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for comprehensive and up-to-date country entry requirements as well as information for onward travel.

Entry Requirements The following are the current COVID-19 screening requirements for entry into Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe for U.S. and Canadian residents. Requirements are subject to change.

Botswana • All travellers entering Botswana must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departure for Botswana, immediately upon arrival. Any person failing to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result will not be allowed to enter the country.

• All travellers must take a COVID-19 rapid (antigen) test on arrival at all ports of entry in Botswana. The test takes approximately 20 minutes and results are provided within 15 minutes. There is no charge for this rapid test. In the event of a positive result, travellers will be subject to isolation and , and must remain in contact with the local health authority for a period of 14 days while self-monitoring. All related costs are the responsibility of the traveller. Namibia • All travellers entering Namibia via International Airport in must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 7 days before their arrival in Namibia. Children under 5 years of age are exempt from this requirement.

• All travellers must complete an online Health “Questionnaire for Travellers” which they will then need to print and submit, together with a copy of their full travel itinerary, to Health Ministry staff when they first arrive at the airport. To access this form please visit HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE FOR REVIVAL INITIATIVE TRAVELERS (namibiatourism.com.na)

• Travellers are subject to medical screening on arrival in Namibia, including a temperature check, questionnaire, and visual assessment, and will be required to sanitize their hands.

South Africa • All travellers entering South Africa must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departure for South Africa, immediately upon arrival. Any person failing to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result will not be allowed to enter the country.

• All travellers are required to complete a Health Questionnaire not more than two days prior to arrival in South Africa. Print the completed form as it will need to be and presented to personnel prior to boarding your flight to South Africa, and/or officials on arrival. To access this form visit ENTRY SCREENING THQ.pdf (airports.co.za).

• Travellers are subject to medical screening on arrival in South Africa, including a temperature check, questionnaire, and visual assessment. Those presenting symptoms be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test at the airport. Should the test prove positive, the traveller will be required to quarantine at a designated site for 10 days. All related costs are the responsibility of the traveller.

• All travellers entering South Africa for the purpose of tourism must provide a printed copy of their day-by-day itinerary and contact list showing confirmed hotel reservations and addresses in the event they need to quarantine at the time of arrival.

• Travellers may choose to download the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app to assist with contact tracing, however this is not mandatory. To download this app for Android phones visit COVID Alert South Africa - Apps on Play for iPhones visit COVID Alert South Africa on the App Store.

Zambia • All travellers entering Zambia must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID- 19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departure for Zambia, immediately upon arrival. Any person failing to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result will not be allowed to enter the country.

➢ Note: All travellers arriving into Zambia are subject to random COVID-19 testing at the discretion of the Zambian Ministry of Health. Those travellers selected will be required to transfer directly to their hotel/lodge/camp after the test and self-isolate in their room until a negative result is returned. The current cost is USD $120 (subject to change) and must be paid by cash in US dollars or local currency. Results are typically provided within 4 hours. Travellers who can present an official COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card indicating full vaccination at least 14 days prior to arrival are exempt.

• All travellers must complete a Health Questionnaire, which will be provided by their airline, and present it to airport officials on arrival.

• Travellers are subject to medical screening on arrival in Zambia, including a temperature check, questionnaire, and visual assessment. Those persons displaying symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested at the airport and will be required to enter isolation protocol at a Zambian government facility. Should results prove positive, the traveller will be required to quarantine at a designated site for 10 days. All related costs are the responsibility of the traveller.

Zimbabwe • All travellers entering Zimbabwe must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departure for Zimbabwe, immediately upon arrival. Any person failing to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result will not be allowed to enter the country.

• All travellers must complete a COVID-19 contact-tracing document on arrival.

• Travellers are subject to medical screening on arrival in Zimbabwe, including a temperature check, questionnaire, and visual assessment. Those persons displaying symptoms of COVID-19 may be required to take another PCR test. Should results of any COVID-19 test prove positive, the traveller will be required to quarantine at a designated site for 10 days. All related costs are the responsibility of the traveller.

Requirements for Returning Home or Onward Travel A&K will arrange COVID-19 testing during your time in each country as follows:

Botswana • The current cost for local testing at a safari lodge in Botswana is USD $250 (subject to change) and includes the cost of the testing and transportation of the medical practitioner to and from your lodge. Results are typically provided within 24 hours.

Namibia

• The current cost for local testing in Namibia ZAR 4000 (approximately USD $270 subject to change.) This fee includes the cost of the testing and transportation of the medical practitioner to and from your lodge. Results are typically provided within 48 hours.

Zambia • The current cost for local testing in Zambia ranges from USD $150-$265 (subject to change) with results typically provided within 24-48 hours.

Zimbabwe • The current cost for local testing in Zimbabwe is USD $70 (subject to change) with results typically provided within 3 hours.

South Africa • Town / City (Testing while in the city): The current cost for local testing is ZAR 862.50 (approximately USD $57 subject to change) and can be paid by credit card or cash in local currency. An additional fee for travel costs for the medical professional will also apply and will vary depending on location. Results are typically provided within 24– 36 hours.

• O.R. Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg: The National Health Laboratory Service (www.nhls.ac.za/) operates three mobile COVID-19 Test Units in clearly identifiable vans located opposite the InterContinental Hotel, on the lower level of the airport complex. The current cost for local testing is ZAR 600 (approximately USD $39 subject to change) and can be paid by credit card or cash in local currency. Results are available in four to six hours and the traveller is advised by SMS that the test result and certificate are ready for collection. After testing, travellers can wait for the SMS at the airport or nearby, collect the certificate, and proceed to fly, or the test may be done a day or two prior to departure if preferred, and the certificate collected on the day of departure.

• International Airport: The National Health Laboratory Service is operating a mobile COVID-19 test unit from a Mercedes in the pause in arrivals hall at Cape Town International Airport. The operating hours are from 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. daily, and appointments are not required. The current cost for local testing is ZAR 600 (approximately USD $39 subject to change) and can be paid by credit card or cash in local currency. The results are available in 45 minutes and an SMS is sent, after which the certificate can be collected.

• : The current cost for local testing in safari lodges is ZAR 2210 (approximately USD $150 subject to change) and can be paid on check-out at the lodge. This fee includes the cost of the testing and transportation of the medical practitioner to and from your lodge. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.

Guests returning to the All travellers, including U.S. passport holders, must provide printed or electronic proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three (3) days of boarding their flight to the United States or written documentation verifying they have recovered from COVID-19 within 90 days preceding travel. Additional details can be found at U.S. COVID-19 Entry Requirements | CDC. State COVID-19 entry requirements may vary and can be found at COVID-19 Travel Planner | CDC.

Guests returning to Canada All travellers, including Canadian passport holders, must provide printed or electronic proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight to Canada. Additional information can be found at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

Note all guests with flights connecting through and/or continuing to other countries should check the specific COVID-19 entry requirements.

VACCINATIONS AND MEDICATIONS A vaccination is only required to enter all five countries if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa. The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries. If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your ; you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting.

Restrictions on Taking Non-Prescription Medications into Zambia The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has in the past detained a number of travellers for possession of Benadryl and other over-the-counter medications which contain small quantities of diphenhydramine, an active ingredient that is on Zambia’s list of controlled substances. Although unaware of these restrictions, travellers have been charged with drug trafficking offenses, had their passports confiscated, and been jailed. As a result, you should consider leaving all non-prescription medications behind.

STAY HEALTHY ON THE In accordance with local regulations in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, face masks must be worn during any indoor or outdoor public activities and all persons are required to practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters). We encourage you to bring your own masks; a supply will be on where needed. Note all protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, local regulations and conditions.

CASH & CREDIT CARDS Botswana: The country has a cash-based economy. Cash transactions can be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. credit cards are accepted on a limited basis at shops, hotels, safari lodges and restaurants. Access to ATM machines is limited to locations in Maun and .

Namibia: Cash transactions can be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Major credit cards are widely accepted at shops, hotels, safari lodges and restaurants. Access to ATM machines is widespread in Windhoek and other larger cities but limited in rural areas.

South Africa: Cash transactions should be made in . Major credit cards are widely accepted at shops, hotels, safari lodges and restaurants. Access to ATM machines is widespread in large cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town but limited in rural areas.

Zambia: The country has a cash-based economy. Cash transactions can be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Major credit cards are accepted on a limited basis at shops, hotels, safari lodges and restaurants. Access to ATM machines is extremely limited.

Zimbabwe: The country has a cash-based economy. Cash transactions must be made in Zimbabwean dollars (though U.S. dollars are still accepted for the purchase of visas on arrival, provided that payment is made in recently issued bills in smaller denominations.) Major credit cards are accepted on a limited basis shops, hotels, safari lodges and restaurants. Access to ATM machines is extremely limited and any ATMs you do find are likely to be either out of order or out of money.

OF SPECIAL NOTE

Age Restrictions on Bush Walks in South Africa Due to South African government regulations, persons under the age of 16 are not allowed to participate in bush walks ( viewing on ) at National Parks and private game reserves in South Africa. Persons over the age of 60 are required to produce a note from their physician stating that they are fit enough for such an activity. Note: Enforcement of these regulations can vary at each safari property in South Africa. We recommend guests over the age of 60 carry the physician’s note as a precaution. These age restrictions do not currently apply to safari properties in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia or Zimbabwe.

Connecting through Johannesburg en route to Zambia If you are connecting through Johannesburg en route to Zambia, in order to reduce the risk of your luggage being lost or delayed, we highly recommend that you do NOT check your luggage all the way through to Zambia and instead check it only through to Johannesburg and then re- check it prior to boarding your flight to Zambia.

In addition to this, as a further precaution, we highly recommend that you pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on luggage as a precautionary measure in the event that your checked luggage is delayed.

Airport Taxes and Fees in Zambia and Zimbabwe All applicable airport taxes and fees are included on our Small Group Journeys for both domestic flights within Zambia and Zimbabwe and/or international flights departing from Zambia and Zimbabwe.

If you are traveling on a Signature or Tailor Made program, both domestic flights within Zambia and Zimbabwe and international flights departing Zambia and Zimbabwe are subject to Departure Taxes and Aviation and Infrastructure & Development fees.

The current applicable taxes and fees in Zambia range in cost between 5 and 56 Zambian (approximately USD $1-$10) per sector (subject to change without notice) and must be paid directly on site either in local currency or U.S. dollars.

The current applicable departure taxes in Zimbabwe are USD $15 per sector (subject to change without notice) and must be paid directly on site in U.S. dollars.

Plastic Bags in Botswana The has announced that it intends to implement a on plastic bags. The ban applies to “carrier and flat bags,” primarily targeting bags from shops and grocery stores, but also extending to Ziploc bags, duty-free bags and bubble wrap. If tourists have those types of bags visible while in the airport, they are likely to be confiscated. Bags designed for multiple use, such as zippered cosmetic bags, are not included in the ban. The specific implementation date for this ban has not been confirmed, however, it may be prudent to adjust your packing to meet the standards of the ban regardless.

Plastic Bags in Namibia The has implemented a similar ban on plastic bags in all game parks and reserves. If tourists have those types of bags visible upon entry into any national park or reserve, they will be confiscated.

PACKING LIST & BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS On flights within , each passenger is limited to 1 piece of checked luggage and 1 carry-on bag with a combined total weight of no more than 44 pounds (20 kilograms). This includes the weight of purses and camera equipment in addition to your other luggage. Luggage restrictions are adhered to very strictly and passengers should pack their bags accordingly. Soft- sided luggage or duffels are required for luggage storage on safari vehicles and also on light

aircraft used throughout Southern Africa. Dimensions of your checked bag should not exceed 23 inches (58 centimeters) long x 13 inches (33 centimeters) high x 10 inches (25 centimeters) wide. As a convenience, A&K provides each safari guest with a complimentary, custom-designed A&K Duffel. This bag is specifically crafted to meet airline standards*. Your carry-on bag should be small enough to fit in your lap or under your seat.

*Note: in addition to the size and weight restrictions noted above, O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa also imposes additional restrictions for checked baggage. The A&K Duffel meets these additional requirements as well. However, if you plan to check any bags other than the A&K Duffel during the of your journey, please be aware of the following regulations: •Only regular shaped bags will be allowed to be checked in. All bags must have at least one flat surface to be accepted. Round or irregular-shaped bags will not be allowed. •Bags with long straps will not be allowed. Long straps need to be detached and stored in the luggage (the strap on the A&K Duffel easily detaches and can be stored inside). Passengers whose bags do not conform to the above rules will be required to have their baggage wrapped with one flat side at an approved baggage wrapping station within the airport.

Please use the provided A&K luggage tags, even if your bags already have ID tags. This makes it easier for A&K staff to collect and manage your luggage for you.

Safe Travel Essentials Be sure to bring personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks, travel-sized hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, facial tissues and disinfecting wipes or spray.

Clothing Choose comfortable and casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics and versatile styles that can be layered as temperatures may vary considerably in the course of the day. For game viewing, wear neutral colors (though not , which is illegal in most national parks and reserves). Black, navy or other dark colors tend to attract insects. Smart casual attire is appropriate for evenings. Formal clothing is not necessary.

Note: If your itinerary includes a journey aboard the Rovos Rail train, the required dress code at dinner in the main dining car is a jacket and tie for gentlemen, and elegant for ladies, such as cocktail/evening dresses or suits. The Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe has relaxed its long- standing dress code for dining in the Livingstone Room. Long pants and collared shirts for men and corresponding attire for women are now considered the standard.

□ Casual slacks □ shorts

□ Polo shirts, casual short-sleeve shirts □ Long sleeve shirts or blouses or blouses

□ Comfortable walking shoes with traction □ If you are travelling during Africa's months of mid-May through early , □ A pair of rubber sandals to use as bring warm clothing —heavy sweater, hat, slippers. gloves, lined jacket —to protect against chilly early morning and evening temperatures

□ Brimmed hat for sun protection □ Swimwear/cover-up

□ Personal garments □ Sports bra for women for bumpy

□ Sleepwear □ Socks

Other Recommended Items □ Sunglasses / Sun block □ Insect repellent with high % of DEET to protect against mosquitos and tsetse flies* □ Prescriptions and medications (in their original bottles and/or packaging) □ Simple first-aid kit

□ Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses □ Smartphone

□ Charging cables for electronics □ Global travel adapter

Optional Items □ Small LED flashlight □ Foldable walking stick

□ Lightweight binoculars □ Small daypack or fanny pack

□ Inflatable pillow or stadium cushion can □ Low-suds detergent for washing small items make bumpy roads more comfortable of personal laundry

*Note: many properties provide insect repellent in rooms/tents. However you may wish to bring your own preferred brand.

Laundry Service is available at most hotels, lodges and camps. Because some laundries in Africa do not accept any underclothing, be prepared to your own smalls. Laundry techniques may not be suitable for delicate and/or synthetic fabrics. Check costs and return times before using these services.

TIPPING GUIDELINES While decisions regarding tipping rest entirely with you, we suggest the following gratuities (noted in U.S. dollars) depending on the type of journey.

All Small Group Journeys and Pre/Post Tour Group Tailor Made Journeys Extensions Resident Tour Director or $15 per person, per day Not applicable Group Extension Guide $20 per person, per day Local Safari Guides Included (full day) Game Trackers (spot $15 per person, per day game from front of vehicle Included (full day) to assist Safari Guide) Driver-Guides for City $20 per person, per day Included Sightseeing (full day) Airport Transfer Drivers Included $5 per person, per transfer

Hotel Porters Included $2 per bag $10 per person, per day – Bush Lodges and Gratuities are accepted at each Permanent Tented Included property and shared among the Camps staff. $10-$15 per person, per day – Staff aboard Trains or Gratuities are accepted on Cruise Vessels Included board and shared among the (if applicable) staff.

Housekeepers Included $2 per person, per night

Included Meals Included Included Restaurants or Room 10-15% unless already 10-15% unless already added Service on Own added

For extra nights or Tailor Made services added to a Small Group Journey, please follow the Tailor Made Journeys guidelines for these days only.