things to know before you go!

  • You will need six months of validity on your passport for entrance to Zambia. If you are unsure about your travel documents, contact your travel agent or safari guide for clarification. Also, make certain you have at least 4 blank visa pages in your passport. It's easy enough to add pages to your passport so don't get caught not having enough.
  • Advise your doctor that you are travelling to Zambia and South Africa in order to up to date advice tailored to your particular health needs in addition to those required.
  • Get a Yellow Fever vaccination - You must keep your Yellow Fever vaccination card as you will need it as proof of vaccination. (It is valid for 10 years.)
  • It is not required, but VERY STRONGLY advised that you acquire Malaria prophylaxis. Take the pills according to their instructions. (Note* - Some say that your dreams will be more vivid while taking these pills.) The incubation period for the malarial parasite is 12-14 days so the time to watch for symptoms is often after you return home. It is important that you get treatment quickly if you've contracted malaria, so if you develop ful-like symptoms after returning, see your doctor ASAP!
  • Obtain a basic antibiotic (Cipro) - Just in case
  • Do NOT bring Benadryl! Diphenhydramne HCI is a controlled substance
  • Have printed, signed prescriptions for all drugs you are carrying. You may not get asked for it, but it is a good idea to have it on hand in case you need it.
  • Although you do not need it, it is still a good idea to be up to date on your Diptheria/Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations.
  • The water in the camps are is completely potable but it is always smart to carry some Imodium whenever you travel.
  • Medical insurance and preferably insurance that includes air evacuation are essential. The best deal on med-evac insurance is a one year membership in Diver's Alert Network (DAN) which provides $100,000 of med-evac coverage with the basic membership fee of $35 for an individual and $55 for a family. You DO NOT have to be a diver!
  • If you are bringing any electrical appliances, you will need a voltage converter and plug adaptors. Zambia and South Africa is 220V.
  • Use soft side luggage only. Eagle Creek (available at Sports Chalet or Sports Authority) sells a very sturdy brand you may want to take a look at.) You will be limited to 15kg or 33lbs. of total luggage weight per person, including carry-ons.
  • There is no internet or Wi-Fi. Camps have radio connections to headquarters and medical assistance as well as satellite hookups for email.

What to pack

  • A good wide brim hat with a chin strap. You will be (for the most part) on the back of a land cruiser safari jeep and the wind will be blowing. You won't want to have to hold onto your hat for the entire safari.
  • Sunglasses/Reading glasses
  • Walking shoes, light hiking boots
  • Fleece jacket/wind jacket or sweater for layering
  • At least 3 long sleeved shirts
  • At least 3 long pants and a pair of jeans
  • Shorts
  • Underwear (for each day of the safari)
  • Socks (5 pair)
  • UV protection for your skin and lips
  • Eye drops (it's dusty out there)
  • Ear plugs (if you have trouble sleeping with hippos outside your door)
  • Insect repellent
  • Prescription medication
  • Meds - Aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen, Antihistimines/and or cold medicine, hydrocortisone creams (in case of mosquito bites)
  • Imodium AD or Pepto Bismol, antacids
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
  • Razor or shaver
  • Kleenex
  • Qtips
  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Binoculars (if you want)
  • Camera - Zoom Lens if you have it, extra memory cards, camera battery charger, spare batteries
  • Small LED flashlight
  • Large Ziplock bags
  • Reading material, diary, pens/pencils
  • Plastic trash bags (for your camera in case you need to protect it from dust or moisture)

clothing

All the camps have daily laundering service, so don't over-pack. Try to bring neutral colored clothing and please stay away from bright red and white. Long sleeved shirts and pants will help to provide a mosquito barrier for you when eating out in the bush. Loose clothing will be more comfortable for you. Some camp employees will not launder your undies. Therefore, bring enough underwear or be prepared to wash by hand in your room.

Photography

If you are bring a DSLR, a good zoom lens with 30mm or greater focal length is suggested. Because of dust, it is not recommended that you switch out your lenses. A small point and shoot will work as a pocket ready camera or simply your cell phone.

Bring plenty of memory cards and a few extra batteries. All of the camps provide battery charging during the day but it is always good to be prepared.

If you purchase a new camera or lens, practice with it BEFORE you leave. You don't want to miss a shot because you are unfamiliar with your equipment!