Pre-Travel Checklist:

  • Read up on Africa and its animals. (Seeing "The Lion King" is not an adequate primer. The Internet is a great and reliable reference. Try africa.com for starters; check out africam.com to actually see live video from there.)
  • Check visa requirements for the countries you are visiting.
  • Discuss medical precautions suggested by your personal physician.
  • Assemble a small kit of basic skin sprays, ointments and lotions designed to handle damage from extra-sun, over-eating or small flying insects.
  • Pack light and washable clothes in muted colours. Usually no dry cleaning, but laundry is always reliable. Days are usually warm, but nights can cool down dramatically.
  • Bring a packet of small bills in the local or any hard currency. Gratuities for non-standard or super-good services provided are gratefully accepted.
  • If not included in the package cost, check with the GM on arrival for appropriate departure gratuities. You might even want to ask the GM to distribute 10-15% of your total stay to the appropriate support Housekeeping and Kitchen staff.
  • It is standard to recognise your Ranger and Tracker separately.
  • You will probably meet other guests with whom you want to communicate. Bring business or personal contact cards.
  • Photo film is plentiful in Africa, certainly even at your game camp, but is also often more expensive than in your country of origin. Bring more film than you ordinarily do; you'll be glad you did.