Page 160 - Africa Collection Online Brochure for Travel Agents and Travellers

GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE
Health Risks and Immunisation
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risk vary across the region. Malaria is encountered in many areas of the region. It is recommended to take anti- malaria tablets before entering any malarial regions (consult your GP or pharmacist for details). Also, ensure that you are well covered with mosquito repellent. When coming from a yellow fever zone, a yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required in all areas. This applies to any person over one year of age. The following vaccines are recommended for some areas: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Meningitis. Please consult your GP or health professional. For the latest advice we recommend you go to www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. In some areas (South Africa, for example) private medical facilities are good. In other areas, these facilities are often limited. When visiting a doctor/hospital, immediate cash payment is often required (credit cards are generally accepted). Please ensure that you have adequate insurance to cover these costs.
Health, Safety and Security
Although most visitors enjoy their travels to the region without incident visitors are advised to take note of the following points:
• Avoid walking alone at night in deserted / quiet areas - ask hotel/lodge staff for advice.
• Do not openly display expensive cameras, jewellery etc.
• Do not carry large sums of cash - credit cards are widely accepted.
• Ensure that credit cards, credit card numbers and personal identification numbers are protected.
• While staying at hotels / guesthouses, make use of safety deposit boxes
and lock the door securely at night.
• Drink bottled water (not necessary in South Africa).
• Hitch-hiking is not recommended.
Visas and Passports
You will need a full 10 year passport to travel to the countries we feature
in this brochure. Some destinations also require visas – Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Madagascar, Rwanda and Uganda. It is also advisable to ensure that you have a minimum of 2 blank facing pages (per country visited), and to ensure that your passport has a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your intended stay (30 days for South Africa).
However, before departing check with the nearest Consulate or Embassy
of the countries you are visiting for any possible changes regarding the visa and entry requirements. For the latest advice we recommend you go to www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This information is accurate at the time
of going to press (February 2019).
Disabled Travellers
There are limited facilities in South Africa for people with disabilities.
It’s best to check with the individual properties exactly what is available.
The Association for the Physically Disabled can provide information about facilities and outdoor activities for those with disabilities, Tel: +27 (0) 11 646 8331. Passenger aid units are available at all major airports. Many hotels offer facilities for the disabled as do most rest camps in the Kruger National Park. Africa Collection can provide vehicles with hand controls through our partners at Avis. Africa Collection will do its very best to accommodate
your requirements, but please be aware that Africa does not have
stringent regulations about provisions for people with disabilities. Frustrating, but a fact.
01403 256655 africacollection.com
On Safari
All large game at the wildlife reserves/parks/conservancies is to be considered dangerous and therefore the reserves rules should be strictly adhered to. To avoid snakebites while on a walking safari, wear boots, socks and long trousers. Neutral coloured clothing is recommended and in the cooler months warm clothing is recommended for game drives. Do not swim in the rivers in wildlife areas. Most private game reserves will ask you to sign a certificate of indemnity at the start of your stay.
Driving (South Africa and Namibia only)
Driving is on the left-hand side. Requirements for driving in South Africa and Namibia are a valid national licence provided that it carries a recent photograph & signature, or an International Driving Licence. In general, road conditions are good, although in both countries (especially Namibia) you will have to drive on sand/gravel roads at times. During the rainy season in Namibia (December-April) it is important to have a 4x4 vehicle. Along the main highways, petrol is available 24 hours a day in South Africa. In Namibia you are advised to fill up regularly as filling stations can be infrequent in certain areas. Driving in South Africa and Namibia can be an adventurous affair, so travellers are advised to drive defensively. Always wear seatbelts. It is a law in both countries that back-seat passengers should wear their seatbelts as well. Cellular telephones are not allowed to be used in a car without a hands-free kit.
Weather
Weather patterns around the world are becoming less reliable and any reference to climate and seasons in this brochure are intended as a broad guideline, to try and assist you in your choice of timing of your holiday.
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