African Safari Preparation

If you are planning on going on an African safari, the last
thing you would want to do is spoil the trip right out of the
chute by forgetting some essential things. Make yourself a list
of things to do and check everything off as you go along. There
are some important things to consider before you head to Africa.

You will want to wear comfortable, but protective clothing on
your safari. Long sleeved shirts help protect your arms from the
sun, and long pants will help protect you from mosquitoes.
Wearing neutral colored clothing will help you blend in with the
surroundings while you are admiring the wildlife, and will help
to reflect the sun, keeping you cooler.

Remember, your transportation may not allow you to carry a lot
of luggage, so be conservative. You may have to travel by a
small plane or boat and not be able to carry more than a few
pounds worth (maybe 20 or 25). Be sure your gear and clothing is
packed in something waterproofed like a duffel bag. Most safari
guide services recommend only 2 or 3 days worth of clothing be
taken as there will be facilities to do laundry in most camps
and lodges. If you are planning on being in any of the larger
African cities with restaurants, they may require more \'dressy\'
attire, so take something appropriate.

Here are a few items you might want to take along on your
African safari:

Clothing - sweater and jacket, raincoat, jeans, dress pants or
skirts (if you plan on going into the city; you might even want
to take a tie and some dress shoes), t-shirts, underwear, sports
bra, sun protecting hats, socks, hiking shoes

Miscellaneous - large handkerchief or headband, oral hygiene
supplies, hair care supplies, shaving gear, sun glasses, wash
rag, plastic storage bags, sunscreen and insect repellent,
medications for allergies, colds and headaches, flashlight,
pocket knife, camera and film (this is important - don\'t count
on getting it there), batteries, small first aid kit, eye drops,
lip balm

You should plan on visiting your doctor several weeks before
your trip to make sure you have the vaccinations and medications
you may need. There are some things you may be susceptible to in
Africa that you want to guard against.

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card is required for entry into
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Malaria prophylactics are advisable
before entering into a malaria area (particularly Kruger).
Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so take other precautions, too.
Avoid Bilharzia (caused by tiny parasites) by not swimming in
stagnant rivers or streams.

If you are a non-resident of Africa, you will need a passport
that does not expire for at least six months after your return
home. Visas which are acquired before you travel are required in
Egypt, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Visas can be
obtained upon arrival in Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Also,
plan on getting at least the minimum amount of travel insurance.

Many places outside of the African cities accept American
currency as well as local currency. Also, take travellers
cheques in small denominations for incidental expenses. Many
establishments in the cities also accept international credit
cards. Some banks have ATM machines where you can use an
international credit card to obtain local currency. You will
need to ensure you have some American cash for visas, airport
departures, taxes, tipping, etc. Carry small denominations like
$10 - $20 USD and plenty of $1 USD for tipping.

So, getting ready for your African Safari is a job in itself,
but if you arrive prepared you will certainly have a much more
enjoyable and hassle free trip.