Travel Checklist for Safari

A brief overview:

1. International Flights – if you haven’t yet. Now’s the time to book your international and any necessary connecting flights.
2. Travel Insurance - make sure you are covered should something come up
3. Passport – make sure it’s valid for entry
4. Visas – apply for your visas if required
5. Vaccinations & Immunisations – ensure any required are done
6. Get packing – make sure you meet any luggage requirements
7. Documentation – make sure all necessary paperwork is in order. Especially if travelling with minors.

1. International Flights

The availability of direct or connecting flights depends on your departure country. Prices can vary, so it's wise to plan ahead to dodge any price hikes. Remember, your international flight options might also be influenced by your plans within the country, so it's a good idea to consult your travel expert before locking in your flights.

Not sure what flights are possible or where to begin, check out our guide on Air Travel to Namibia.

2. Travel Insurance

Though not mandatory, having travel insurance is strongly advised. Life's twists and turns can disrupt even the best-laid plans, and having coverage ensures you're protected in case you're unable to travel as intended or encounter unforeseen circumstances while abroad. Considering that a safari to Africa isn't your typical weekend getaway (thankfully!), having travel insurance offers peace of mind against any unexpected events or travel disruptions that may occur along the journey.

3. Passport

Passport applications can be a lengthy process and it’s a good idea to make sure your passport is valid as far in advance as possible.

Check the expiration date and validity of your passport and ensure you have enough blank pages available when entering the country. For travel to Namibia the following applies:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure.
• Your passport must have three completely blank pages for entry

If you are travelling with minors, be aware that other documentation is required.

4. Visas

It’s important to know whether you require a visa in advance or whether you will receive a visa on arrival. In some cases it’s as simple as getting a stamp in your passport on arrival at the airport but in others, it can be a process to pre-apply for a visa if necessary. Knowing the requirements in advance is vital as without the required visas you will not be allowed entry into the country.

Take a look here for more information: Visas

If you require a copy of your itinerary and letter of invitation from us in order to obtain your visa, we are happy to provide this. Just speak to your travel expert.

5. Vaccinations & Immunisations

While Namibia does not have any specific requirements in this regard, if you are travelling via other countries you may need to provide a vaccination certificate.

If travelling to a malaria risk area it is recommended to take malaria prophylaxis. This can be prescribed by your general practitioner who will also be able to advise on any other vaccinations and immunisations as necessary.

For more information you can visit the CDC website or speak to your travel expert for advice.

5. Packing & Luggage Specifications

Internal flights, if you have any in your itinerary, often have strict luggage requirements that must be adhered to as these smaller aircrafts have limited luggage hold space and also set weight limits. This means you’ll need “soft” luggage, such as a soft-sided duffel bag. Hard suitcases in most cases simply cannot fit and thus aren’t allowed. The weight restrictions are often determined by the size of the aircraft, the total number of passengers and passenger weights. Your travel expert will advise the particulars but as a general rule of thumb you can work on the following guidelines:

Scheduled Seat Rate Flights:

• STRICTLY not more than 20kg in small soft bags only.
• Inclusive of hand luggage per person.
• Provided that the pax all have an average weight of 80kg each.

Private Charter Flights:

• 2 Pax: STRICTLY not more than 25kg in small soft bags only.
• 3 Pax: STRICTLY not more than 15kg in small soft bags only.
• 4 Pax: STRICTLY not more than 10kg in small soft bags only.
• Inclusive of hand luggage per person.
• Provided that the pax all have an average weight of 80kg each.
• Ideal 'soft' bag - Dimensions: 700mm x 300mm x 360mm

Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need and what you should pack: [A guideline to packing for your safari].

6. Documentation

Make sure if you are traveling with minors that you have the necessary and required documentation for entry. Over the years this has become a strict requirement at many ports of entry and the same applies for international airports.

Speak to your travel expert or visit this guide for more information: Travelling with Minors

In Summary

With your plans set and bags packed, it's finally time for your holiday adventure. If you've followed the steps outlined above and everything's in order, you can board your flight with confidence, knowing that everything is set for the journey ahead. Now, all that's left is for you to embrace the excitement and enjoy every moment of your safari in Africa. These tips are designed to ensure that every aspect of your trip is well-prepared and that your experience from start to finish is a resounding success. Should you have any lingering questions or need additional guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to your travel expert for personalised assistance and further advice.