PREPARE FOR YOUR SAFARI
Your guide to everything you need to know about planning your African adventure — from when to travel, to visa requirements, and what to pack in your suitcase.
Your guide to everything you need to know about planning your African adventure — from when to travel, to visa requirements, and what to pack in your suitcase.
East and Southern Africa’s climates feature wet and dry seasons, with a cold snap felt more at higher altitudes. East Africa’s dry seasons (June–September, January–February) are ideal for safaris and trekking, with mild temperatures around 30°C. Southern Africa’s dry season (May–September) suits wildlife viewing and hiking, though winters can be cold. Avoid peak rainy seasons (March–May, November–April) for accessibility. Shoulder seasons (April, October) offer fewer crowds, milder weather, and affordability for diverse experiences.
Be prepared for dusty roads, dramatic changes in temperatures in a single day and little luggage allowance when flying on bush planes. Leave your evening wear at home, dress casually in neutral colours for optimum camouflage. Don't forget those binoculars, hats, cameras and chargers. Have a look at our ultimate safari packing list to stay comfortable and safe on your African safari.
There are plenty of ways to traverse Africa. Whether by air, pre-organized transfer or private vehicle, here’s our guide to navigating the various transport systems available on your safari.
African immigration rules and regulations for tourists are straightforward and only require a minimum amount of preparation, some require a VISA before travel or can be aquired on site if needed. Please read through the additional immigration information thoroughly and make sure to read up on the additional websites mentioned as immigration rules are always subject to sudden changes.
The most useful currency to bring is US dollars. For more tips, when it comes to currency, on what to bring with on your visit to an African destination, you can find out more by clicking the link below.
Many of the health problems experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccinations and other measures need to be taken. These include food and water safety, accident prevention, care with sun exposure, avoiding insect bites and animal bites. Some countries do require vaccinations and please ask for further information on the country you are wanting to travel to.
Travel Insurance covers medical expenses, financial default of travel suppliers, and other losses incurred while traveling internationally, this is a pre-requisite to travel with Wild N' Beyond Safaris as many destinations will not allow travel unless insurance documents are provided. Temporary travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of the booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip. For peace of mind when traveling to Africa please read more.
Access to WiFi and the coverage of cell phone network are ever increasing on the African continent. Lodges more often than not will have WiFi and/or cellphone signal. Generally the more luxury lodges will have available either in the rooms or at least in designated areas. Bushcamps are less likely to have either or. Why not unplug and enjoy a technology detox while out on safari.
A safari is not only a chance to explore the flora and fauna of Africa, it is also a culinary experience of flavoursome dishes, both local and international. Made by skilled hands and served with Africa's warm hospitality. Chefs will go to the ends of the world to serve you refreshing beverages and great food.
Dry Season (May–October): Ideal for safaris in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as wildlife gathers near water sources. Temperatures range from 18–31°C (64–87°F), but can hit 40°C (104°F) in Botswana and Zambia (September–October). Rwanda’s high-altitude areas (e.g., Volcanoes National Park) and South Africa’s Drakensberg feel colder (6°C/42°F in June–July). Expect vibrant sunsets and peak-season crowds.
Rainy Season (November–April): Great for birdwatching and photography in lush landscapes, especially in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda’s short rains (October–December) or Zambia’s emerald season. Young animals and migratory birds abound, with fewer tourists. South Africa’s summer rains and Rwanda’s heavy rains (March–May) may limit access. Insect activity peaks early in the rains.
Tips: Choose dry season for wildlife and trekking; rainy season for birding and fewer crowds. Pack layers for altitude-driven cold snaps and repellent for early rains.
Clothing
Health & Safety
Pharmaceuticals & Toiletries
Gadgets
Zambia:
Passport valid for 6+ months from departure from Zambia, 3 blank pages. Visa categories:
Botswana:
Passport valid for 6+ months, 2 blank pages. Most Western nationalities (e.g., US, UK, EU) visa-exempt for 90 days. Others apply via embassies or botswanaevisa.com.
Kenya:
Passport valid for 6+ months, 1 blank page. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA, $30, 90 days) required for all at etakenya.go.ke.
Rwanda:
Passport valid for 6+ months, 1 blank page. Visa on arrival ($50, 30 days) for most; US, UK, EU visa-exempt for 90 days. Online applications at migration.gov.rw.
South Africa:
Passport valid for 30+ days after departure, 2 blank pages. Most Western nationalities (e.g., US, UK, EU) visa-exempt for 90 days. Others apply via embassies or VFS Global.
Tanzania:
Passport valid for 6+ months, 1 blank page. Visa on arrival ($50–$100, 90 days) or e-Visa at eservices.immigration.go.tz. US citizens need $100 multiple-entry visa.
Uganda:
Passport valid for 6+ months, 1 blank page. Visa on arrival ($50, 90 days) or e-Visa at visas.immigration.go.ug. East Africa Tourist Visa ($100, 90 days) covers Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda.
Zimbabwe:
Passport valid for 6+ months, 2 blank pages. Visa on arrival ($30 single-entry, $45 double-entry, 90 days) for most. KAZA Univisa ($50, 30 days) at Victoria Falls/Harare airports, select borders. Apply online at evisa.gov.zw.
Tips: Carry USD cash for visas on arrival. Check specific requirements before travel, as policies vary. Share your nationality or itinerary for tailored advice or updates from X/web if needed!
Zambia:
Botswana:
Kenya:
Rwanda:
South Africa:
Tanzania:
Uganda:
Zimbabwe:
Tips: Book air charters for remote camps, especially in rainy seasons. For self-driving, check seasonal road conditions and carry GPS. Camp staff typically handle airport-to-camp transfers.
Zambia:
Botswana:
Kenya:
Rwanda:
South Africa:
Tanzania:
Uganda:
Zimbabwe:
Tips: Carry new USD notes for all countries; exchange at official outlets. Visa/Mastercard best for cities; cash essential for remote areas. Check exchange rates before travel.
Zambia:
Botswana:
Kenya:
Rwanda:
South Africa:
Tanzania:
Uganda:
Zimbabwe:
Tips: Consult a doctor/CDC for vaccinations; carry sufficient medications and a reusable water bottle. Malaria risk is higher in wet seasons.
Zambia:
Botswana:
Kenya:
Rwanda:
South Africa:
Tanzania:
Uganda:
Zimbabwe:
Tips: Consult a doctor/CDC 6 weeks before travel for vaccinations.
Africa is fast becoming part of the digital age and connectivity is popping up in some the strangest places but many camps may or may not offer connectivity with WiFi as well as phone signal. If this is an important need as part of the trip then please let us know and we can either tailor accordingly or let you know if it will be possible on a certain route or not. Most luxury camps will have WiFi available and if it is not in your room then it will be in the main area.
You'll be pleasantly surprised, being out in the middle of Africa, by what can be produced in a small bush kitchen. The food is exceptional and often with a mixture of local and international flair. There is no need to bring that extra bag of snacks as you will be well and truly taken care of.
The wine at most of the camps is usually South African. They will mostly have reds and white and some will also have Rosé.
The beer in most of the destinations will have local beers produced locally and many are lager beers and some craft. They also have international beers from the US and Europe as well as South Africa and Namibia.
For any questions or concerns regarding dietary requirements whether for medical or health reasons, please don't hesitate to contact us. Annekim has Coeliac Disease, during her time managing several camps she has been able to train the chefs to prepare food for several different dietary requirements.
Please inform us of any allergies, medical conditions linked to diet and dietary options and we will try our best to get the camps to accommodate you.