Southern Africa FAQ
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More details on luggage
What do I need to know about luggage restrictions on the light aircraft transfers?
- Luggage, including camera equipment and hand baggage, is restricted to 44 pounds (20 kg) per person.
- Only soft bags like duffels and backpacks can be used – no hard suitcases or bags with wheels.
- The maximum dimensions of the soft bags which can be accommodated are as follows: 25cm (10 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high and 62cm (24 inches) long.
- Passengers weighing 220 pounds (100kg) or more must advise us in advance as an extra seat must be purchased for everyone’s safety.
These luggage restrictions may appear somewhat restrictive however bear in mind that:
- Most safari camps / lodges and hotels provide basic toilet amenities.
- Laundry can be done on a daily basis (many camps provide this service free of charge but some camps and hotels do charge a nominal fee).
- Casual clothing is the norm except for the most expensive luxury camps, where you might consider bringing more refined dress for evening meals, but it’s not required.
What about excess baggage?
If you need to bring luggage in excess of your allowance, you may have the option of paying extra. The additional cost of this varies depending on your flight schedule so please contact us for further details.
For Botswana, on arrival in either Maun or Kasane, you also have the option of sending your excess luggage ahead at an additional cost. If the safari begins in Maun, the excess luggage will be forwarded to Kasane and stored. If starting in Kasane, the excess luggage will be forwarded to Maun for storage. You can then collect this excess baggage at the end of your Botswana trip. We need to know in advance if this service is needed so that arrangements can be made and the transfer can be handled smoothly. Please note that the same dimensions as above apply to this unaccompanied baggage.
Should you be starting and ending your safari in Maun, and do not require the excess luggage to accompany you on your trip, we can store this for you at our office in Maun at no extra charge.
Note that we and all of our operating partners will not accept responsibility for luggage kept in any of the offices on behalf of our guests. We do not anticipate any problems with stored luggage being damaged or stolen, but guests must ensure that they are in possession of full travel insurance including luggage coverage.
More FAQ
What if I want to extend my trip to other countries in Southern Africa?
We can definitely help; there is a huge range of activities to enjoy and habitats to explore in the region, and even if we don’t actively promote them, we can still book these alternative destinations and experiences. Some of our favorite extensions outside of Botswana and South Africa include:
– Namibia – whether visiting the sand dunes of Sossusvlei or the Skeleton Coast, Namibia is an outstanding choice for extending in the region for any nature enthusiast
– The Mana Canoe Trail in Zimbabwe, a 4 day excursion canoeing down the Zambezi
– Tented camps, in Zimbabwe, along the Zambezi River and Mana Pools, Matusadona National Park, or Hwange, each with excellent big game viewing opportunities and unique activities on offer
– Zambia, whether to the Luangwa Valley or elsewhere, Zambia is the very definition of “off the beaten path” and a birders paradise
Can I do laundry on safari?
Laundry is available at all safari camps; some charge a nominal fee, whereas others include laundry in the rate.
What can you tell me about the vehicles?
Safari vehicles in southern Africa are usually open 4X4 vehicles and are designed for guests to have all round visibility. There are some exceptions to this in order to accommodate certain environmental conditions such as excessive dust and/or heat, where they may use closed vehicles with viewing hatches.
What are the driving conditions like?
While visiting remote areas or national parks and reserves, the roads could be rough and bumpy and occasionally we will travel “off road”.
What are the communication capabilities at most camps and lodges?
Even the most remote lodges and tented camps have channels to relay emergency messages, incoming or outgoing. Cell service and Wifi is available at many lodges and camps.
Walking in the Reserves
We will enjoy guided walks where possible but this is often determined by the local area and country or concession regulations.