Lock in peace of mind before you lock in your adventure! Get travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and even those unexpected helicopter rides to the hospital (just in case!). Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance info (policy number and emergency number) – it’s your safety net for a worry-free safari.

Like at home, using common sense makes your African safari smooth sailing. Here are some tips:

Pack light on cash: Large amounts can be a target. We’ll cover money options (cash, cards, ATMs) in a bit.

Discreet dough: Carry a money pouch hidden under your clothes. Keep it out of sight! Alternatively, stash some cash in your camera bag (which you should keep close by anyway).

Eyes on your prize: Be mindful of your bags in crowded areas like airports, markets, and restaurants.

Night owls beware: Exploring at night is best done with a guide or group.

Safely stashed: Leave valuables like passports, tickets, and extra cash in the hotel safe.

Out of sight, out of mind: Expensive jewelry is best left at home. Consider locking up cameras, phones, and wallets in your room safe when not in use.

Packing the right cash is key for a stress-free safari. While US Dollars are widely accepted in most African countries, for a trip to South Africa, you’ll want to pack some South African Rand as well. Traveler’s checks are a thing of the past, so ditch those and opt for plastic instead. It’s always a good idea to bring some extra cash (around $150-$250 per person, per week) to cover visa fees and any unexpected situations that might arise. Remember, newer US bills are better. Some countries won’t accept bills dated before 2006. Be street smart and avoid sketchy money changers. Always count your cash carefully before handing it over. Strict exchange control regulations might be in place, so don’t convert too much local currency at once.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards are your plastic friend on safari. Use them whenever possible for convenience and security. Carrying more than one brand of credit card is a good idea, just in case some places don’t accept yours. However, be aware that credit card companies might charge foreign transaction fees. Additionally, some shops add surcharges for using credit cards. Before you travel, let your bank know you’ll be overseas to avoid having your card suspended due to unusual purchases. Security is paramount, so never let your card out of sight when paying.

ATMs:

ATMs dispense local currency only, so check your PIN and international usage with your bank before you go. VISA has the widest network in Africa, so if you’re relying on ATMs, a VISA card is your best bet. For safety and easier card retrieval if needed, stick to using ATMs located at banks. Remember, ATMs aren’t foolproof, so always carry some backup cash for emergencies.

Heads up, North American travelers! Africa uses a different electrical system (220-240V/50Hz AC) than North America. You’ll need an adapter for the plug type and possibly a converter for your electronics.

Forget about your home plugs! Here’s the lowdown on outlet types in Africa: Most of Africa uses different plug types: They won’t work with your North American chargers.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Type C: Round plug with two prongs (like in some European countries)

Type D: Small, round plug with three prongs (similar to older British plugs)

Type G: Rectangular plug with three prongs (like the UK)

Type M: Large, round plug with three prongs (mainly in South Africa)

Most of Africa uses different plugs than you’re used to at home. Here’s the breakdown:

Dominant Types: South Africa uses Type M (large, round, 3 prongs) and Namibia uses Type D (small, round, 3 prongs). Some countries also use the UK standard Type G (rectangular, 3 prongs).

Other Options: You might find Type C (round, 2 prongs) and Type F (round, 2 prongs with grounding) in some places.

Hotels: Many hotels offer international wall sockets that accept various plugs.

You’ll likely need an adapter to charge your devices. North America uses Type A & B plugs, Japan uses A & B, and Australia uses Type I. None of these will fit directly into African outlets.

Country/Plug Type:

Botswana  – D & G

Rwanda  – C

Kenya  – G

South Africa  – D & M

Malawi  – G

Swaziland  – M

Mozambique  – C, F, & M

Tanzania  – D & G

Namibia  – D & M

Zambia  – C, D, & G

Uganda  – G

Zimbabwe  – D & G

Even if your tent or room doesn’t have an outlet, every safari camp has a place to recharge your camera, phone, and other essentials. Think of it as a central charging area or a special charging station in your room/tent.

Some camps, especially remote ones, only run generators during certain hours to save fuel and be quieter. Just ask the manager when you arrive so you can plan your charging needs.

Lucky you if you’re on a mobile safari! Many vehicles have inverters that turn the car’s battery power into regular power, letting you charge your camera batteries on the go between animal sightings.

Staying connected on your African safari might be a little different from what you’re used to at home, but don’t worry! Here’s a breakdown to help you stay in touch:

The good news is that cell phone coverage, including Wi-Fi, is becoming increasingly widespread across Africa. However, it’s important to remember that some remote safari destinations (thankfully!) have limited connectivity. This allows you to disconnect and immerse yourself in the wilderness experience truly.

Travel Tip: Before you travel, it’s important to check with your phone carrier to make sure your phone is ready for your African adventure:

International Roaming: Verify if your plan allows calls and data usage abroad.

Network Compatibility: Most African networks use GSM digital networks at a frequency of 900 MHz. Some offer 3G as well. Check with your carrier to ensure your phone is compatible.

Dual or Tri-Band Phones: These phones work best in Africa, allowing you to connect more easily.

There are more options for staying connected now than ever before. Many safari camps and lodges now offer Wi-Fi, either by connecting to local networks or using satellite connections. This can be a great way to stay in touch with loved ones back home or share photos of your safari adventure.

Travel Tip: Before you leave home, ask your African travel specialist which camps or lodges offer Wi-Fi. Using Wi-Fi is typically much cheaper than using international roaming charges on your phone.

Be aware that very remote camps, especially mobile camps that move from location to location, might have limited communication options. In these cases, you might only have access to a special radio (HF radio) for basic communication.

With a little planning and knowledge about your phone and Wi-Fi options, you can stay connected (when you want to) on your African adventure! Remember, sometimes disconnecting allows you to truly connect with the incredible wildlife and landscapes around.

Staying hydrated is essential for a fun and healthy safari experience. Here are some tips to ensure you have plenty of water throughout your trip:

Always opt for bottled water while on safari. Camps and lodges will have plenty available for purchase. Carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times, even during transfers between locations. If you’re unsure about the tap water quality at your lodge, simply ask a staff member. Avoid ice in drinks and brush your teeth with tap water if it’s not treated or bottled.

While bottled water is readily available at most camps, it’s wise to pack water purification tablets for emergencies. This way, you’ll have a backup plan if bottled water becomes scarce.

The safari industry is actively reducing plastic use, and you can help! Many safari operators offer refillable, sterilized water bottles, often made from stainless steel. Fill these bottles with purified water provided at the camps and lodges. This simple switch has a significant environmental impact. It reduces the fuel needed to transport bottled water to remote locations and helps prevent pollution caused by discarded plastic bottles.

Dehydration can be a real danger, especially under the hot African sun. Drink water at regular intervals throughout the day. Always keep your reusable water bottle handy so you can take sips whenever you feel thirsty.

Winter in Africa (June to October) can be quite dusty, especially in game reserves. Contact lens wearers, take note! Pack plenty of eye drops and consider bringing your eyeglasses along to avoid eye irritation.

Camera Care: Dust can also be a problem for your camera and video equipment. Clean your lenses regularly throughout the day and always store your gear in a camera bag for added protection. This will ensure you capture crystal-clear photos and videos of your amazing safari adventure!

Tipping on vacation can be confusing, especially in a new country. Here’s the scoop on tipping on your African safari:

Tipping is Appreciated, Not Expected:

Unlike some places, tipping in Africa isn’t mandatory, but it’s a common way to show appreciation for good service. The staff works hard to make your safari amazing, and a tip can make a big difference for them.

How Much to Tip:

There’s no hard and fast rule, but these are general guidelines:

Driver/Guide: $10 or more per day, depending on the service level.

Private Safari Guide: $25 or more per day, depending on the service level.

Camp Staff: $10-$20 per day, left in a tip box at reception. This gets divided among the housekeepers, waiters, bartenders, and others who work behind the scenes.

The Key is Your Satisfaction:

Ultimately, the amount you tip is up to you. Consider the quality of service you received and how much you enjoyed your experience. If a guide went above and beyond, you can always tip more to show your appreciation.

Tipping Options:

You can tip in either US dollars or the local currency. Most places will be happy to accept either.

A Small Gesture, Big Impact:

Remember, even a small tip can make a big difference for the staff. It’s a great way to show your thanks for their hard work and ensure you have a truly memorable African safari experience.

Many visitors to Africa feel a strong desire to help those less fortunate whom they encounter on safari or while visiting a local village or school. It’s best to look for appropriate opportunities to contribute during your trip rather than bringing gifts from home. Many safari camps and lodges actively work with their local communities to support schools, clinics, and other projects. Inquire about these initiatives during your stay and, if possible, visit the schools, clinics, or projects. Donating something you have witnessed firsthand will be more satisfying and will directly benefit those in need. Aim to contribute in a way that empowers individuals or communities to help themselves and improve their quality of life.

Resist the temptation to give ‘handouts’ to children on the side of the road. This only encourages dependency and teaches them that begging is rewarded. Begging undermines their dignity and creates harassment that won’t be appreciated by future tourists.

Instead, consider gifting a soccer ball, as many African children love soccer but may not have a ball to play with. For more ideas, visit the Pack For A Purpose website.