Travel Info

NAMIBIA

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN TO NAMIBIA:

As of 1 December 2018, certain categories of child travellers will be exempt from presenting supporting documents at ports of entry into South Africa.

Requirements for foreign children coming to South Africa have been changed in the following ways:

• Children from countries where visas are required will no longer have to carry supporting documents. This is because they would have been required to provide these and a copy of a birth certificate during the visa application process.
• Those from countries where visas are not required may be asked to produce supporting documents upon entry. DoT has said that copies of original documents are sufficient and do not need to be certified. Consent and authorisation can be in the form of a letter. It does not need to be notarised or be an affidavit.
• Passports – or other identification documents – that contain the details of parents are sufficient.
• If surnames are different, carrying proof of parental relationship is advised.
• If children are travelling alone, additional documents are needed.
• If children are travelling with an adult other than their parents, they would need to carry supporting documents.

It is best to check the requirements before travel with the relevant government agency.

PASSPORT VALIDITY AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

Please ensure that you have 2 blank pages and 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the last date of travel.

Please contact the relevant High Commission or Embassy below for the most up to date information on passport and visa requirements before you depart.

Namibia High Commission
There is no High Commission in Australia, there is a High Commission based in South Africa

• Phone: +27 12 481 9100
• Email: secretary@namibia.org.za
• Website: www.namibia.org.za

CLIMATE AND WEATHER:

Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world’s driest deserts, Namibia’s climate is generally very dry and pleasant to visit year-round. Namibia only receives a fraction of the rain experienced by countries further east. Between about December to March, some days will be humid, and rain may follow, often in localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.

April and especially May are lovely months in Namibia. Increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, and much greenery in the landscape; the air is clear and largely free from dust.

From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more and nights become cold, dropping below freezing in some desert areas. As the landscape dries the game animals in the north of the country gravitate to waterholes and are more easily seen by visitors.

In September and October, it warms up again. Game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although there’s often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.

November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain. If you are lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, you’ll never forget the drama.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS:

Namibians have a relaxed attitude to dress codes. A jacket and tie is unusual and long trousers and a shirt with buttons are normally quite adequate for a formal occasion or work wear. Namibia has mild winters and the summer days can be scorching hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. Layering is key in winter so you can add or remove layers with warm days and cool evenings.

A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. It is advisable to wear light loose-fitting full-length clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy to wash and will guard against the sun and mosquitos. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. Blue and black also can attract biting tsetse flies in certain areas and white is not recommended for walking safaris as it is too bright and will stand out against the natural environment.

On safari keep clothes to neutral colours; khakis, tans, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are a must.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NAMIBIA:

Transfer drivers, tour drivers and guides:

• Transfer ZAR 10.00 per guest, per transfer.
• Half day ZAR 40.00 per guest, per day.
• Full day ZAR 70.00 per guest, per day.
• Should your guide be travelling with you for several days, we recommend tipping at the end of the journey.
• Restaurants and Hotels: 10% is customary on meals providing you are satisfied with the service.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS ON SAFARI IN NAMIBIA:

You may also like to tip the staff at private safari lodges, but this is entirely your choice. The typical arrangement is that you tip your ranger and your tracker separately and give a third general tip for the camp staff.

Lodges can supply envelopes to make it easier.

• Ranger/guide ZAR 200.00 per guest per day.
• Tracker ZAR 80,00- ZAR 100.00 per guest per day.
• General camp staff ZAR 200.00 per guest per day for all staff.

SOUTH AFRICA

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN SOUTH AFRICA:

As of 10 November 2019, certain categories of child travellers will be exempt from presenting supporting documents at ports of entry.

Requirements for foreign children coming to South Africa have been changed in the following ways:

The Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on Friday signed a waiver which allows foreign children to enter the country without carrying additional supporting documents such as birth certificates and consent letters.

The Department has communicated the changes to immigration officials at our ports of entry and to the airline and maritime industries.
South African children are still required to provide supporting documents, in line with the requirements of the Children’s Act. The same applies to unaccompanied foreign children.

Foreign children who require a visa for South Africa do not need to carry the supporting documents for inspection at a port of entry since these would be processed together with their visa applications.

It is best to check the requirements before travel with the relevant government agency.

PASSPORT VALIDITY AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

Please ensure that you have 2 blank pages and 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the last date of travel.

Please contact the relevant High Commission or Embassy below for the most up to date information on passport and visa requirements before you depart.

South Africa High Commission

• Phone: +61 2 62727300
• Email: immigration.canberra@foreign.gov.za
• Website: www.sahc.org.au/contact.htm

CLIMATE AND WEATHER:

South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at highs of 28°C and lows of 8°C in the summer months while winter temperatures range from around 18°C in the day to 1°C at night. The average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500 mm a year.

Much of the rain falls in the Western Cape in the winter, differing from the rest of the country, which experiences summer rainfall. On the plus side, the South African climate boasts more than its fair share of sunshine, recording an average of 8.5 hours a day.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS:

Summer

Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can range from 30°C to 40°C in some areas. Bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but also don’t forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

Winter

The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg Mountains, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town’s rain falls during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.

Year Round

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there’s no need to go overboard. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. Layering is key in winter so you can add or remove layers with warm days and cool evenings. Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOUTH AFRICA:

Transfer drivers, tour drivers and guides:

• Transfer ZAR 10.00 per guest per transfer.
• Half day ZAR 40.00 per guest per day.
• Full day ZAR 70.00 per guest per day.

Should your guide be travelling with you for several days, we recommend tipping at the end of the journey.
Restaurants and Hotels: 10% is customary on meals providing you are satisfied with the service.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA:

You may also like to tip the staff at private safari lodges, but this is entirely your choice. The typical arrangement is that you tip your ranger and your tracker separately and give a third general tip for the camp staff.

Lodges can supply envelopes to make it easier.

• Ranger/guide ZAR 200.00 per guest, per day.
• Tracker ZAR 80,00-ZAR 100.00 per guest, per day.
• General camp staff ZAR 200.00 per guest, per day for all staff.

ZAMBIA

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN TO ZAMBIA:

As of 1 December 2018, certain categories of child travellers will be exempt from presenting supporting documents at ports of entry in South Africa.

Requirements for foreign children coming to South Africa have been changed in the following ways:

• Children from countries where visas are required will no longer have to carry supporting documents. This is because they would have been required to provide these and a copy of a birth certificate during the visa application process.
• Those from countries where visas are not required may be asked to produce supporting documents upon entry. DoT has said that copies of original documents are sufficient and do not need to be certified. Consent and authorisation can be in the form of a letter. It does not need to be notarised or be an affidavit.
• Passports – or other identification documents – that contain the details of parents are sufficient.
• If surnames are different, carrying proof of parental relationship is advised.
• If children are travelling alone, additional documents are needed.
• If children are travelling with an adult other than their parents, they would need to carry supporting documents.

It is best to check the requirements before travel with the relevant government agency.

PASSPORT VALIDITY AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

Please ensure that you have 2 blank pages and 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the last date of travel.

Please contact the relevant High Commission or Embassy below for the most up to date information on passport and visa requirements before you depart.

Zambia High Commission

• Phone: +61 261994900
• Website: www.zambia.org.au

KAZA UNIVISA:

The KAZA UNIVISA is a joint tourist visa between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This visa must be asked for on arrival and is subject to availability at the time of entry. This visa is offered at selected entry points and for certain nationalities. The standard fee is USD$50 per person (paid in cash) and the visa is valid for 30 days. Please see the attached document for additional information.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER:

The rains in Zambia are mostly between December and March, however, the further north you are, the earlier the rains arrive and the later they leave. Eastern areas and high lying areas generally receive more rain than western and lowland areas.

By April and May, most of the rain has faded away, leaving a landscape that’s still green, but starting to dry out. Night-time temperatures start to drop, especially in higher and more southerly locations.

In June, July and August the nights become much cooler, but the days are clear and warm. Make sure you bring warm clothes to wrap up if you’re out at night, as some nights get very cold! Most of Zambia’s small ‘walking bush-camps’ open at the start of June, when the roads have dried out sufficiently to allow access. This is the start of the peak season for these countries – with often cloudless days and continually increasing game sightings.

In September and October, the temperatures climb and the lower-lying rift valleys of the Lower Zambezi and Luangwa Valley can get very hot in October. However, you’ll have superb game viewing as the animals concentrate around the limited water sources.

November is variable; it can be hot and dry like October, or it can see the season’s first downpours. Often, it’s a very interesting month as you can see both patterns on successive days.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS:

Zambia has mild winters and the summer days can be scorching hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. Layering is key in winter so you can add or remove layers with warm days and cool evenings.

A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. It is advisable to wear light loose-fitting full-length clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy to wash and will guard against the sun and mosquitos. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. Blue and black also can attract biting tsetse flies in certain areas and white is not recommended for walking safaris as it is too bright and will stand out against the natural environment.

On safari keep clothes to neutral colours; tans, khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are essential.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ZAMBIA:

Tipping is customary in Africa, however, all tipping is solely at your discretion. A tip of 10% is normal in hotels, restaurants and for taxis, depending on the service received.
Typically, you will be asked to give any gratuities to your host (or the lodge manager) upon departure for each safari lodge/camp, and these monies will then be distributed amount all staff members.

Guides should be tipped separately, and you’re often encouraged to hand over their tip personally.

• Game lodge guide or mobile safari guide: US$ 10.00 per guest per day.
• General Lodge Staff: US$ 5.00 per guest per day for all staff.
• Transfer Driver: US$ 3.00 per guest.

ZIMBABWE

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN TO ZIMBABWE:

As of 1 December 2018, certain categories of child travellers will be exempt from presenting supporting documents at ports of entry in South Africa.

Requirements for foreign children coming to South Africa have been changed in the following ways:

• Children from countries where visas are required will no longer have to carry supporting documents. This is because they would have been required to provide these and a copy of a birth certificate during the visa application process.
• Those from countries where visas are not required may be asked to produce supporting documents upon entry. DoT has said that copies of original documents are sufficient and do not need to be certified. Consent and authorisation can be in the form of a letter. It does not need to be notarised or be an affidavit.
• Passports – or other identification documents – that contain the details of parents are sufficient.
• If surnames are different, carrying proof of parental relationship is advised.
• If children are travelling alone, additional documents are needed.
• If children are travelling with an adult other than their parents, they would need to carry supporting documents.

It is best to check the requirements before travel with the relevant government agency.

PASSPORT VALIDITY AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

Please ensure that you have 2 blank pages and 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the last date of travel.

Please contact the relevant High Commission or Embassy below for the most up to date information on passport and visa requirements before you depart

Zimbabwe Embassy

• Phone: +61 2 62862281
• Email: consular@zimembassycanberra.org.au
• Website: www.zimembassycanberra.org.au

KAZA UNIVISA:

The KAZA UNIVISA is a joint tourist visa between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This visa must be asked for on arrival and is subject to availability at the time of entry. This visa is offered at selected entry points and for certain nationalities. The standard fee is USD$50 per person (paid in cash) and the visa is valid for 30 days. Please see the attached document for additional information.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER:

In Zimbabwe, the rains come principally between December and March. The further north you are, the earlier the precipitation arrives and the later it leaves. Zimbabwe’s higher eastern areas usually receive more rainfall than the lower-lying western ones.

By April and May, most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which is starting to dry out. Especially in more southerly and higher locations, the night-time temperatures start to drop.

The nights in June, July and August become much cooler, so don’t forget to bring some warmer clothes, for evenings spent outside. The days are still clear and warm. This is the start of the peak season with generally cloudless days and increasing game sightings.

In September and October, the temperatures rise once again and Zimbabwe’s lower Zambezi rift valley and Mana Pools can get very hot in October. You’ll have fantastic game viewing, as Zimbabwe’s wildlife concentrates around limited water sources.

November is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry, but it can also see the season’s first rainfalls. It’s a very interesting month, as, on successive days, you can see both weather patterns.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS:

Zimbabwe has mild winters and the summer days can be scorching hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. Layering is key in winter so you can add or remove layers with warm days and cool evenings.

A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. It is advisable to wear light loose-fitting full-length clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy to wash and will guard against the sun. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. Blue and black also can attract biting tsetse flies in certain areas and white is not recommended for walking safaris as it is too bright and will stand out against the natural environment.

On safari keep clothes to neutral colours; tans, khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are essential.

Do not wear camouflaged clothing in Zimbabwe as it is reserved only for those in the army.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ZIMBABWE:

Tipping is customary in Africa, however, all tipping is solely at your discretion. A tip of 10% is normal in hotels, restaurants and for taxis, depending on the service received.
Typically, you will be asked to give any gratuities to your host (or the lodge manager) upon departure for each safari lodge/camp, and these monies will then be distributed amount all staff members.

Guides should be tipped separately, and you’re often encouraged to hand over their tip personally.

• Game lodge guide or mobile safari guide: US$ 10.00 per guest per day.
• General Lodge Staff: US$ 5.00 per guest per day for all staff.
• Transfer Driver: US$ 3.00 per guest.

Please ensure you have adequate cash with you when travelling to Zimbabwe including to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side as the ATM’s do not always have cash available.

WHAT TO PACK ON SAFARI

CLOTHING:

• A wind-breaker or bush jacket.
• Neutral colours are best when out in the bush. We recommend lightweight slacks or jeans and shorts and a mixture of short and long-sleeved tops.
• A pair of comfortable walking shoes, tennis shoes or lightweight hiking boots.
• On walking safaris, a small day pack with a water bottle is recommended.
• A warm sweater for evenings and early mornings.
• Underclothing and socks. A sports bra can be helpful for ladies as you will likely be travelling on bumpy roads.
• A swimsuit.
• A pair of flip-flops/thongs.
• A lightweight rain jacket if travelling between November and April.
• A warm and windproof jacket, gloves, hat (May-August)
• A wide brim hat and polarised sunglasses for sun protection.

TOILETRIES:

• Aspirin or other painkillers.
• A high-SPF sunscreen.
• Glasses or contact lenses (if required).
• Antihistamine if you suffer from allergies or hay fever as the grass and dust levels can be high.
• All items of a personal nature: hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, moisturiser, shampoo and conditioner.
• Insect repellent.

OTHER:

• Camera ideally with spare battery and spare memory card.
• Binoculars.
• Cash for gratuities, visas and discretionary spending, credit cards.
• Passport, relevant visas, yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required).
• Soft-sided bags for charter flights and safari vehicles.
• Travel adapter.
• Spare batteries.
• A good torch or headlight.
• Prescription medications if required.

Please consult your general practitioner or travel doctor for the latest information on malaria and immunisations.