Before heading into remote areas or new countries your guide will inform you where and when to get sufficient currency to last you through the areas that do not have banks.

South Africa only accepts its national currency, the Rand as payment; however it is easy to change money at the many banks or bureau de changes. Credit and debit cards are widely used and ATMs are available in all towns.

In Namibia it is commonplace to pay with South African Rand. Its national currency, the Namibian dollar, has an exactly equal value, R1 = N$1.

Botswana only accepts its national currency the Botswana Pula; however some tourism related businesses will also accept the USD. This should not be relied on.

Zambia’s national currency is the Zambian Kwacha; however they will also generally accept Botswana Pula, South African Rand and USD.

The Local Payment is a USD or ZAR cash portion of the tour payment that needs to be paid directly to your guide in Africa. This payment covers fluctuating expenses such as National Park fees, toll and border crossing fees and also ensures that we have a reliable amount of hard currency on each tour.  Local Payments are quoted in either USD or South African Rand depending on which currency is more suitable for your tour. Unless you have paid an all inclusive amount to your Travel Agent the Local Payment must be paid in Cash to your tour leader on morning of departure. Please be aware that this amount can change and we will advise you or your agent prior to departure in the unlikely event that this happens. Please note Local Payments are subject to change without prior notice.

It is very important that you don’t bring USD notes that are printed before 2004, because they will not be accepted from anyone.

South Africa

The Western Cape of South Africa has a Mediterranean climate with cold wet winters and warm dry summers; the rest of the country has a sub-tropical climate with cold (relative) dry winters and hot wet summers.

Seasons in South Africa

Spring: September – October
Summer: November – March
Autumn: April – May
Winter: June – August

Namibia

Namibia is mostly covered by desert. This means that it can be very hot during the day and cold, sometimes down to freezing in the nights. As you near the coast it does generally get cooler and there is often a morning fog which lowers the temperature considerably. The rains in Namibia, when they do come, are from December to March.

Seasons in Namibia

Spring: September – October
Summer: November – March
Autumn: April – May
Winter: June – August

Botswana

Botswana is generally a warm country however due to its aridity the nights can be cold, during winter. Rains normally start in October or November and persist through to March or April. Within that period there may be long dry spells. In April, temperatures begin to fall and May is generally regarded as the first month of the dry, cool winter, characterised by clear sunny days and cold nights.

Seasons in Botswana

Spring: September – October
Summer: November – March
Autumn: April – May
Winter: June – August

Mozambique

Mozambique has a hot tropical climate and is generally humid. The rains are from December to April and these consist of intense tropical downpours, due to the heat. It is not recommended to travel here during this period.

Seasons in Mozambique

Spring: October – November
Summer: December – March
Autumn: April – May
Winter: May – September

Weather Table with average monthly min/max temperatures in °C

Passports

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from Southern Africa. Please ensure that you have enough clean pages in your passport to complete your adventure with us. South Africa insists that you have a free double page in your passport for every time you plan to enter South Africa. You should have two clean pages for each African country that you plan to visit.  It is not advisable to travel on duel passports, this can cause complications and delays at borders so please aim to use only one passport if this applies to you. It is also imperative that you double check when your passport is stamped, that the correct stamp has been given, it is very difficult to amend wrong stamps after we have left a border post.

Visas – General Advice

Make sure you know what visas you need and how to get them before you travel. Visa requirements vary with nationality and change frequently, often with little or no notice. You should enquire well in advance of your departure date with the appropriate embassy, consulate or visa authority about your destination’s visa requirements. At least one month prior to travelling seek confirmation from embassies or a visa specialist that these requirements are still current.

For UK citizens, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers free up-to-date travel info: http://www.fco.gov.uk/ (hyperlink). For other nationalities there is travel advice on your government websites.

Different nationalities have different visa requirements. Please ensure that before you leave home you have all of your visas in order.

Please note that visas are the SOLE responsibility of the traveller and People Like Us Safaris cannot be heldresponsible for any repercussions resulting from incorrect visas. Visa requirements can change suddenly and without notice, please check this before your departure.

Visa Requirements Table

All People Like Us Safaris tours require travellers to have travel insurance and we do ask for a copy of your travel insurance policy/ voucher to be shown to your tour leader prior to departure. Travel, medical expenses, baggage, money and cancellation insurance are compulsory; the client accepts that it is their responsibility to arrange this. It is important that travellers are in good general health as we are often far from medical assistance in the remote areas that we visit.

Medical insurance is important because in the case of an emergency in a remote area you will have to be airlifted. Without proof of medical insurance you will not be helped unless you have enough cash on you to pay for the flight and your rescue may be delayed at a time when every second counts. Many insurance policies do not cover adrenaline sports: i.e.: bungee jumping – please check this before you book the activity.

Please don’t forget to bring your documents with you as your tour leader will need to see them.

Vaccinations

We strongly advise that you contact your local travel clinic or doctor well in advance of travelling to Southern Africa as you may well need vaccinations prior to travel.

Some countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Failure to provide one may result in denied entry or the requirement to get the vaccination at the border.

Zambia and South Africa have recently (Aug 2011) updated their requirements.

Malaria

Malaria is the most common serious ailment affecting both residents and visitors to many parts of Africa. Please seek professional medical advice as to if you need them and which anti-malarial tablets are most suitable for you. The tablets will probably offer good protection but you must also remember to use a mosquito repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Vaccination Guide:

Please note this chart is only a guide and consultation with your doctor or international travel clinic is recommended

*If you are entering from a yellow fever area you must have a valid Yellow Fever certificate

R = Reccomended

We look forward to seeing you in Southern Africa!