Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Paulette — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:17:34 GMT

:) thomas cook do have a south african rand card aswell but i just used the dollar card for everything. silk sleeping bag liner can't remember where i got it but it was probably mountain warehouse! good luck with the jabs! yellow fever aches bad! think has to be at least 10days before you go so gd ur doing it soon! if you want good camera then yes get SLR type one i just took normal digital camera which was ok but ppl with proper cameras got really nice up close pictures. jungle formula may not be enough, def look into getting some DEET! the mozzies and ants in Africa are some of the worst i've experienced and i've done a lot of travelling! lol. malarone def good idea cos doxy was rubbish!

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Kerry Brennand DipAVN (Surgical) RVN A1 MBVNA — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:02:57 GMT

Great thanks again Paulette.....I went shopping yesterday and I have got a backpack, sleeping bag, floor mat, pillow, travel pillow, mosquito repellent trousers, shorts, 2 t shirts, jungle formula, factor 30 suncream, hand held fan, 2 packs baby wipes, mosquito wrist bands (try anything to not get them biting me!!!!!).....looked into a camera....advice on a bridge camera approx £260!!!! Need to source a silk liner for sleeping bag. Spoke to Thomas Cook about card that defo sounds a good idea as well as having some south african currency. Getting jabs done tomorrow ouch.....malarai tablets will have to get the most expensive ones as I am fair so cant afford to get anymore sun sensitive!!!! Its only 2 weeks away now

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Paulette — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:56:17 GMT

hello

spoke to friend, she thinks her insurance was with insure and go but not sure!

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Paulette — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:51:24 GMT

No problems! I'm so excited for you I wish I was going again! I think one day I will do-Africa is one of those places that just keeps pulling at your heart strings to come back!!!

Re travel insurance-I got it with STA (Company I booked trip with). I got the blue premier cover excl USA and Winter Sports (Under 25)

if you go on their website they have the list of all the different levels of insurance and prices. Two friends I went with got their insurance from internet as they went for whole year travelling-seeing one of them today will ask her which one it was. Main advice I can give you is check it covers camping, safari, camping on non-campsite ground (if your trip includes this), any activities you want to do-especially if Vic Falls if you are planning on this-eg bungee jumping, lion walk, elephant safari, horseriding etc, getting you to hospital (might be miles away!), exotic places eg snake bite risk etc and then usual stuff flights, baggage,transfers, medical flying you home usual blah that hopefully you will never have to use! (Don't get scared about the snakes etc cos they don't bother coming near people!)

Have you got malaria tablets sorted? Speaking to people Malarone is expensive but (I think) only weekly and side effects wise def the best one. we took doxycyline which was ok but obv long term ABs and makes your skin REALLY sensitive to sunlight, I'm half Indian so don't normally burn but I burnt bad in some parts of Africa! Seems to be different sun in different places! (Take loads of aftersun!!!)

Re visas: You can get them all on the borders. I did Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa and I only got visas for Kenya and Tanzania before I went. Got all the rest on the borders. Pay in US Dollars (hence why take loads with you!) also can pay for extra excursions with US Dollars to your tour leader (or in local currency if you prefer) but I would say Dollars is easiest. Most visas were about $50-$60 if I remember correctly-this is approximate! can't remember too well! I only got Kenyan and Tanzanian visas before I went bcos got bit panicky and thought would be better but really didn't need too!-However I would say we went travelling for a lot longer and so getting all the visas before we went for every country wasn't an option as would expire before we got there! But I was glad I got the Kenya one first so didn't have to queue up for AGES! at airport on arrival, was nice to just go straight through so I would advise get one before you go if you have time for at least first country you go to. my prediction is for the rest of the countries if you are travelling through other countries on your tour is that everyone else on the tour will get theirs on the border so you will have to wait anyway! (I now know my passport number by memory I've written it so many times!). For the visas I got I just went onto the country's embassy website and downloaded and printed form for tourist visa and then did it by post-make sure you have enough time before you go if you do this. had to send it special delivery (silver envelope from post office) and enclose one or two passport photographs and an addressed special delivery envelope for them to send passport back in-quite good cos you can track it online. I have always found them to take much less time than they state but don't rely on this!!! Good luck let me know how it goes and I wanna see a picture when you come back please! Anything else just ask :) x

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Kerry Brennand DipAVN (Surgical) RVN A1 MBVNA — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:17:03 GMT

OMG amazing hun thank you soooooooooo much for all that great informative info really appreciate it!!!! I better start writing a list so I can get shopping this weekend for the essentials. Any advice on travel insurance? I have been quoted £40 but was hoping to get it cheaper. Also need a visa wheres best to get this? I will be happier when I have got most of the items I need to take with me then it will feel like I am going on a safari!!!! LOL!!!!!

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Paulette — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:38:42 GMT

Just realised you put a link to your trip! So hopefully you can pack fairly light because won't use as much stuff as you think in 9days-I went for a month so had to pack a bit heavier to start with! Chobe and Kruger are AMAZING! def do the sunset cruise along the Chobe river it's just beautiful and loads of wildlife! Be careful in Jo'burg, hotel/hostel can book reliable transfer to airport/further travel for you if you need it. Have fun! xxx

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Paulette — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:21:59 GMT

Ooh I almost forgot-Get some insect repellent aerosol spray to spray in tent 10mins before you get in tent at night to get rid of anything that has got in since pitching it but make sure you keep tent zipped up when not in it so bugs/snakes/lizards/spiders/frogs can't get in! and leave sleeping bag rolled up until last minute (even if tent done up) and shake it out and check under bags/pillows etc before going to sleep! Also get some squirty spray to spray along edges/zip of tent to stop the bloody ants getting in!!! (and to spray directly onto the army of ants that have already got in!!!) (baby wipes come in handy for mopping these up too!) If you see a dead cockroach near your tent-pick it up and throw it as far away as possible before hundreds of ants try and bring it into your tent-it will happen! GOOD LUCK!

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Paulette — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:17:47 GMT

Hey :)

DEET is chemical in mosquito repellent. They sell it in tescos (not sure if seasonal but they do sell it). Just check on the labels if has it in, there's different %s. Think selling 100% is illegal in UK! I think highest you can get is 50% DEET which is fine for night and 30% during day. It is carcinogenic though I think so do a bit of research on it first and see if you want to use it but is very effective (but make sure you rub it in everywhere bcos mossies will find a spot that you miss!)

Other essentials for camping in Africa:

Microfibre towels

Sleeping bag liner (silk)

http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/travel/accessories/travel-towels/?gclid=CLaXwamS3a0CFasMtAodFW6Qng

sleeping roll matt

(If you are on overland truck tour which sounds like you are) a small bag/rucksack to take your night stuff to the tent

Binoculars

Headtorch with red light option (white light in tent at night is mega bright!!!)

Spare batteries

Cushion for long truck journeys!/doubles as pillow-(I just stole pillows from the airplanes!) I had a blow up travel pillow that my boyfriend sweetly got me from the pound shop it lasted a while but not the whole time!

Spare camera battery (charged for when you use it nearly 24/7!)

Adapters (campsites will have plug points for charging stuff)

Although it is heavy to start with good shampoo/conditioner is difficult to get in Africa and can be expensive-same with suncream and aftersun

Take a laundry scrubbing brush and pouch of washing powder/laundry soap bar-can get washing done at most campsites but often don't stay long enough to wait for it and cheaper to do it yourself-underwear etc i just did in the shower and hang up in the tent

Wind up torch with loop so can hang up in tent (saves holding it/wearing out headtorch!)

HAND HELD FAN!!!

Shouldn't need mosquito net in tent as have netting over the windows but if you do want to take one make sure it's big enough to hang from top of tent and touch floor with you underneath it-mine was too small so was pointless!

Safari animal identity book-especially for the birds and antelope if you are particularly interested in the wildlife

Cheap watch

Don't forget to load up the iPod!

Take enough US Dollars in cash to cover border fees/local payment if you have to provide this/exchanging to local currency/activities-OVERLAND TOURS HAVE A LOT OF ACTIVITIES NOT INCLUDED IN WHAT YOU ORIGINALLY PAID FOR! There are lots of extras (nearly everyday eg village walk = $10 and that's the cheapest!) If you want to do lots of activities (instead of sitting at campsite!) be prepared for this. Dollars are good to have. Can't remember if I mentioned before about the Thomas Cook Cash Passport? They are really good and I used the USD$ card for all my travelling. Basically top up money using your bank card and you can use it in Mastercard ATM machines-charges you $2.50 per transaction no other charges. Free to top up. Easy way to get local currency-although African ATMs are very temporamental! USD$ card is best one exchange rate wise for Africa and £sterling one you have to pay percentage of what you top up. If you just go into a Thomas Cook branch they can set it up for you on the day-need to take photo ID with you. I got two cards linked to the same account, kept one with me and one in the safe on the truck. Have a plastic wallet with a copy of all your important travel documents etc so can keep a copy of everything in the safe and another one in your handbag/back pack and so is waterproof!

Don't take stuff that you don't need!!!!! Space and weight are essential!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't use it much at home you won't need it camping in Africa!

Only take one pair of socks-I took loads and never wore them!

I didn't use any trainers-could have saved the space but depends if you want to do big treks/hiking up mountains-depends where you are going, if you don't need them don't bother taking them

Sarong for beach (lie on it then use it for a towel!), also good for when you want to sleep on the truck and for keeping the sun off-can get really nice ones most places especially Zanzibar

As I said before-LOADS of baby wipes! can get these in Africa too

Take lots of gadget type things/old clothes/shoes etc you want to giveaway/swap-Africans LOVE to swap stuff with you! Can often haggle/swap your stuff when buying souveniers etc eg I swapped my penguin wind up torch for 3 handmade bracelets!

Tip-The ATM with the massive long big queue is the one that is working!!!!!!!!!! Even if you take Thomas Cook Cash Passport take at least one bank card with you aswell because I think one of them it would only take my Visa card

AFRICAN KIDS LOVE PENS!!! Take old pens/free ones from work to give to the kids

If you have any notepads/school exercise books/kids reading books etc there are lots of schools etc that need them

Sturdy flip flops-wore mine everyday and they broke!

Lightweight raincoat/mac-one that folds into itself is good

Sit next to a window on the truck that doesn't let the rain in and opens when it's hot!

Try exotic fanta and passionfruit fanta-they're yummy!

Springbokkie shots are yummy too!

TAKE A JOURNAL AND WRITE IN IT EVERY DAY!!! My bf got me one with a pocket at the back so have kept keepsakes/tickets/beer labels etc which is just lovely. Reading it back is great you will regret it if you don't keep it up-there is loads of time on the truck to write it! Even though it is very bumpy and you are on the lookout for giraffes at side of the road! Oh I want to go again!!!!! So jealous! Back of my journal I wrote travel tips to remember (hence all the above!), local currencies, local beers-which were nice, which one's weren't, fave moments/memories/food/places/charities to donate to/local languages/random stuff eg flights etc good to have somewhere to jot stuff down and also you will make loads of friends so can write you msgs and leave their contact details :)

Sure you have thought of lots of these things so sorry if it is repetitive but hope you get the most out of your trip!!! HAVE A FAB TIME YOU LUCKY LADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Kerry Brennand DipAVN (Surgical) RVN A1 MBVNA — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:24:19 GMT

Paulette thats brill appreciate your advice....staying in basic hotel on 1st night then depart next day at 8am on our safari trip which will then be staying in tents, my friend has been and says its proper big tents that are already made up with all the basics which sounds good. I am going shopping this weekend for the essentials Whats DEET? Never heard of this? I am fair and burn easily so need to make sure I have plenty of sun cream!!! I cant believe I am going only 3 weeks to go

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Paulette — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:49:16 GMT

hat and sandals look great but def take flip flops too!!! and lots of browns and greens etc no bright clothing! and espec if you're camping take one jumper because night/mornings it is cold and take lots of baby wipes-you can never have too many baby wipes!!!

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Paulette — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:47:06 GMT

Hey glad you've got what you need! def get some DEET! I did Nairobi to Joburg this time last year. Although it's rainy season it is still bloody hot! LOADS of suncream and DEET! I would take 30% for the day and 50% for the night. I know it's not good for you and really you shouldn't use it everyday (and beware it melts everything and removes all writing off labels etc!) but nothing else worked for me so if you get bitten badly aswell def get DEET!Livingstone is great lots of interesting history etc Is it a camping trip? that's what I did with TopDeck/Africa Travel Company (ATC). It was amazing-so jealous! I wanna go again! HAVE FUN!!!

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Kerry Brennand DipAVN (Surgical) RVN A1 MBVNA — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:52:07 GMT

Thanks guys been to the doctors today to complete a traveller form, the nurse is going to phone me tomorrow to discuss what i need before I go.....I really hope I dont need any jabs I hate jabs

I am starting in Livingstone then travelling down to Johannsburg on a guided tour when I hope to see lots of animals!!!! Will be going to buy a decent camera this coming weekend!!!!! Dont wanna miss anything!!!! I still cant believe I am actually going got sooooooo much to do before I go. Friend lent me a head torch which is great prefer to borrow stuff if possible so can save money!!!! It is rainy season over there so really hoping the mozzies are not too bad!!! I suffered them when I was in Greece getting Carpos home ended up with horrid lumpy legs!!!!! LOL!!!!

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

supamog — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:04:58 GMT

Oh you lucky lucky person! I lived there for 15 years and it's my lifes ambition to go back there to visit! which part are you going to? Must say though the mozzies are a megga problem and i caught malaria big time. However at this time of year it should not be too bad so hope you have the trip of a life time!

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Rachel Jayne — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:08:51 GMT

Seems like you have the suggestions of where to buy from covered, so I just wanted to say congrats!

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

bongo — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:13:24 GMT

I suggest go outdoors if u have one nearby. get one of their discount cards and u get loads of money off. Its decent stuff to like north face berghaus etc

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Kerry Brennand DipAVN (Surgical) RVN A1 MBVNA — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:49:13 GMT

Looking on mountain warehouse website in the sale Are these items suitable??

http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/womens/footwear/sandals/-escape-wms-sandal-p5711.aspx

http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/outdoor-clothing/accessories/hats-beanies/-explorer-wat-hat-stch57-p5524.aspx#Desc

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Kerry Brennand DipAVN (Surgical) RVN A1 MBVNA — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:16:25 GMT

Thats great thanks for the advise I think I will be going shopping next weekend!!! Exciting times ahead!!! Have you been on a safari??

Re: Safari Trip Booked!!!!

Paulette — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:12:27 GMT

hello :) congrats on the trip-i got loads of stuff from mountain warehouse, ebay is good place to look for cheaper backpacks, I got a North Face one from an outlet place in the sale. millets will be good for headtorch but def check out mountain warehouse website I got my lightweight sleeping bag from there too as I did a camping trip. Good luck :)