Pre-Tour Information

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has extensive knowledge and experience in most African Countries. Throughout the many years we have learnt about a few “Do’s and Dont’s” while travelling in and around Africa. We have therefore developed this list for you to read at your leisure. All tips are not always relevant to all the areas that you travel to – depending on your tour.

Due to a lack of transparent and credible regulation relating to ethically acceptable practices where captive wildlife is concerned, Jenman African Safaris has taken the decision not to support any activities that include physical contact with captive wildlife. We urge you to consider the ethical implications of taking part in any such activity that may be offered at your lodge.

Departure: Get some rest on the first day of your arrival – you may need some time to adjust to a different time zone. Rather arrive a day early to rest and start off your tour refreshed and ready for adventure!

Currency: When you need to exchange your currency, avoid any exchanges on the street or in other areas that may seem suspect. Always note that even when people approach you with an, e.g., 50% premium exchange rate offer, this exchange is considered part of the black market and is illegal! Hotels, Camps and Lodges can change money, but sometimes the rate is slightly lower. We recommend that you visit an accredited Bureau de Change.

Credit Cards: Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most areas as well as at bigger hotels and lodges.

Telephone: In most areas you can call internationally – however please note that some of the smaller areas may not have these facilities and international phone calls are costly. Also, built up areas and towns do have cell-phone reception!

Passports, Documents and Valuables: Please make sure that you keep your passport, documents and any other valuables with you at all times! We recommend that a copy of these documents should be made and kept in another safe place in case something happens to the originals. Never leave valuables alone and remember you are on safari, so expensive and valuable jewellery is not necessary.

Packing: Remember to always check the amount of luggage you are allowed to take on the plane as well as on the Safari Vehicle – they may differ. We recommend that a soft bag is used instead of a hard suitcase as it’s preferable on safari. Most air flights allow for 20kgs and our scheduled safaris are limited to 15kgs per person. Don’t forget to put luggage tags on your suitcases (for the airplane and the safari).

Luggage and Medication: Please be advised that you should put any medication that you need (e.g.: diabetes medication) into your hand luggage, even with the strict regulations, airlines will allow that as long as you have a letter from your doctor.

What to wear: You are on safari and out in the bush so make sure that you are comfortably dressed with comfortable shoes. Always have a mix of clothing including; summer clothes, light raincoat, warm top and a hat.

Anti-malaria medication: A lot of areas in Africa are affected by Malaria – we strongly recommend that you take your anti-malaria medication. Take your medication exactly as its prescribed and directed, don’t skip any medication! At the end of your safari, if at any time you develop influenza symptoms please consult your doctor immediately.

Power and Electricity: Most places (hotels, lodges) have electricity. But we always recommend that you should take a flash light with you on safari. Always remember if you plug something in (e.g.: One of your appliances) there may be a different voltage! The usual voltage is 220-240 AC. If you appliance does not match this voltage you need to bring a converter with as some lodges may not have a converter for you to use.

Gratuities: Tipping is not included in meals unless there is a service charge included in the bill – then you don’t need to tip. Normal tipping is 10% of the bill for drinks and food. Tipping for guides and drivers are always appreciated and range from US$5 and US$10 per d