ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?

At Hosted Holidays, we want every guest to have a safe, relaxed, and rewarding travel experience. To help ensure this, we kindly ask that you confirm at the time of booking that you are physically fit and able to take part in activities in the itinerary.

FITNESS LEVEL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

This journey through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe combines vibrant cities, remote wilderness regions, and multiple safari experiences. Travellers should expect a moderate level of physical activity, including walking on uneven or sandy surfaces, climbing steps, and standing for periods during guided tours. Early mornings are a regular feature of safari life, and several days involve long road journeys or internal flights. While no strenuous hiking is required, a reasonable degree of mobility is essential to board safari vehicles, navigate natural viewing areas, and comfortably manage the varied terrain encountered throughout the tour.

Our experienced tour leaders are trained to accommodate a range of abilities within the group. However, if they believe that a particular activity may present a safety risk to you or others—or may impact the overall enjoyment of the group—they are authorised, in line with our Booking Conditions, to advise you to skip that activity. These decisions are never made lightly, and your wellbeing is always our priority.

Please note that if you are asked to sit out part of the tour, refunds are not provided, and any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all Hosted Holidays. It’s important that you protect yourself in case of natural disasters, lost or delayed baggage and unforeseen medical expenses. We strongly recommend that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation and loss of luggage and personal effects. Make sure you keep any receipts for anything you may wish to claim for on your return – i.e. medical receipts etc. Please make sure you bring a copy of your policy with you on tour. We recommend that you take out travel insurance at the time of paying your deposit.

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUITTE

• Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in rural or traditional communities.
• Tipping is customary and appreciated for good service—this tour includes gratuities, but small personal tips for exceptional service are welcome for activities during free time.
• Dress modestly when visiting local villages, public markets, or cultural venues.
• Avoid discussing sensitive political topics in Zimbabwe and South Africa unless raised respectfully by locals.

PASSPORTS, VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Passports

All information provided is based on Australian Passport holders only – please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible if you are travelling on a different passport.

• Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity from the date of final departure from Africa and a minimum of 2–3 blank visa pages.
• South Africa: Visa-free for Australians for stays up to 90 days. An online customs declaration will be required to be filled in prior to arrival
• Namibia: Visa-free for stays up to 90 days.
• Botswana: Visa-free for stays up to 90 days.
• Zimbabwe: Visa required; Australians can obtain a Visa on Arrival – this will be organised at time by your tour guide.

FOOD & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Cuisine across these four countries is varied, flavourful, and deeply connected to local traditions. Travellers can expect a mix of international dishes, hotel dining, and traditional African staples such as grilled meats, stews, fresh seafood, and regional specialities. The tour also visits the world-renowned Cape Winelands, where exceptional wines accompany artisanal food. Most hotels and safari lodges cater well to dietary requirements including gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free meals, although vegan options may be more limited in remote areas. Those with severe allergies should bring necessary medication and notify the tour host to ensure meals are appropriately coordinated. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform your travel advisor well in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs throughout the trip

MEDICAL & HEALTH INFORMATION

There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers entering South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, or Zimbabwe unless arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country, in which case a Yellow Fever certificate is required. Routine vaccinations should be up to date, and travel doctors commonly recommend protection against Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Parts of the itinerary—including the Caprivi Strip, Chobe, Victoria Falls, and Kruger—are malaria regions, and travellers should discuss suitable antimalarial medication with a qualified travel health professional.

It is important to bring all personal prescriptions, a basic first-aid kit, insect repellent, sun protection, and any health items that may be difficult to access in remote locations.

Food and water precautions are equally important: drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid ice of uncertain origin, and choose freshly cooked meals to reduce the risk of stomach upsets.

 PACKING SUGGESTIONS

This itinerary covers coastal cities, desert regions, and warm safari areas, so packing versatile clothing is essential. Lightweight layers, neutral colours for game drives, and comfortable walking shoes will ensure travellers are prepared for early mornings, sunny days, and cooler evenings.

To ensure a comfortable and respectful journey, here's what we recommend bringing:

• Lightweight long-sleeve shirts & pants (ideal for sun & insect protection)
• Neutral-coloured clothing for game drives (avoid bright colours & dark navy/black which attract insects)
• A warm jacket or fleece for cool mornings & evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Wide-brim hat, sunglasses & high-SPF sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Small daypack for excursions
• Binoculars & camera
• Plug adaptor & power bank
• Personal medications & travel first-aid supplies
• Prescription medications (enough for the entire trip + extra in case of delays)
• Over-the-counter medications:
• Pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Anti-nausea tablets
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts
• Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)
• Motion sickness tablets (for ferry ride or coach travel)
• Bacterial hand wipes
  

CLIMATE & SEASONAL INFORMATION

May Tour (1–24 May 2027)

• Warmer daytime temps, cooler desert nights
• Extra warm layers for early-morning safaris
• Light rain jacket (occasionally needed in Cape Town)

September Tour (4–27 September 2027)

• Dry season—hot days, mild nights
• Lighter breathable clothing essential
• Strong sun protection & hydration supplies
• Slightly cooler evenings in the desert and Kruger—light layers recommended

Below are approximate average conditions for the key regions visited:

Cape Town, South Africa

• Min Temp (°C) 12°C
• Max Temp (°C) 20°C
• Rainfall May: ~70mm, Sept: ~40mm

Swakopmund, Namibia

• Min Temp (°C) 10°C
• Max Temp (°C) 18°C
• Rainfall Very low (~5mm)

Etosha NP, Namibia

• Min Temp (°C) 12°C
• Max Temp (°C) 32°C
• Rainfall Very low (~1–5mm)

Chobe NP, Botswana

• Min Temp (°C) 14°C
• Max Temp (°C) 34°C
• Rainfall Very low (~1–10mm)

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

• Min Temp (°C) 14°C
• Max Temp (°C) 32°C
• Rainfall Very low (~1–10mm)

Kruger NP, South Africa

• Min Temp (°C) 12°C
• Max Temp (°C) 30°C
• Rainfall Low (~5–20mm)

MONEY MATTERS

You should notify your bank that you will be travelling to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe so your cards remain active and are not flagged for unexpected overseas activity. Across the four countries visited on this journey, a mix of local and internationally recognised currencies is used. South Africa operates with the South African Rand (ZAR), which is widely accepted in all cities and safari regions. Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (NAD), although the South African Rand is also accepted interchangeably at the same value. In Botswana, the official currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), which is used for all purchases within the country. Zimbabwe primarily conducts everyday transactions in US Dollars (USD), particularly in tourist areas such as Victoria Falls, where prices for activities, dining, and souvenirs are predominantly listed in USD. Travellers will find that carrying a combination of local currency and US dollars provides the greatest flexibility across the entire itinerary.

ATMs & Credit Cards
ATMs and credit card facilities are widely available in major cities such as Cape Town, Swakopmund, Victoria Falls, and Johannesburg, but travellers should be aware that access becomes limited or non-existent in national parks and remote safari regions. Visa and Mastercard are the most accepted cards throughout Southern Africa, while American Express has more restricted acceptance. Carrying a mix of cash and cards offers the most flexibility, particularly for smaller purchases or places where card connectivity may be unreliable.

Spending Money on Your Trip
Travellers should budget for optional tours, alcoholic beverages, additional meals not included in the itinerary, laundry services, souvenirs, and personal expenses. While many activities and meals are included, destinations such as Victoria Falls and Swakopmund offer enticing optional experiences that may incur additional costs. Local markets and artisan stalls across the region provide excellent opportunities to buy handcrafted items, and these usually require cash—often in small denominations.

Gratuities
General gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and lodge staff are included in your tour package, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience. However, travellers may choose to offer additional personal tips for exceptional service or unique situations, such as private assistance at lodges or memorable interactions with staff or for non-included activities. Small amounts of US dollars are particularly useful for this purpose across Zimbabwe and safari destinations.

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION

Electricity in Southern Africa generally operates at 220–240V, with plug types varying between countries. South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana typically use Type M (three round pins) and occasionally Type C, while Zimbabwe has Type G and sometimes Type D outlets. A universal adaptor is highly recommended, as are portable chargers for long travel days and safari environments.

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and lodges, though speeds may be slow or limited in national parks. Local SIM cards can be purchased in major cities, and eSIM options are now common, offering good value for travellers who want mobile data. Coverage in safari regions may be patchy or unavailable, and travellers should expect intermittent connectivity during wilderness stays.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Your Singapore Airlines economy ticket includes 23kg of checked baggage per passenger, plus on piece of cabin baggage up to 7kg.

SAFETY

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, cash and other valuable items. Please leave other valuables, such as jewellery, at home. Most accommodations provide safety deposit boxes, an excellent way of storing your valuables. We also advise you to keep a photocopy of your passport, separate from your actual passport, when you travel.

A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your Host will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. You should use your own judgment when choosing activities or excursions, which do not form part of the trip you have booked with Hosted Holidays. We can offer assistance in choosing how to spend your free time, but neither Hosted Holidays, nor any of its representatives can provide any guarantee about the safety or suitability of any activities or excursions, nor about the operators who organise these.
As in all countries, taking photos of police stations, border crossings, immigration controls, army barracks, military personnel or checkpoints, airports or political demonstrations is never a good idea, often illegal, and very likely to land you in trouble with the authorities.

Swimming and other water-based activities are always undertaken at your own risk.

Please also note that your Host has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

FUN FACTS

• Victoria Falls is one of the world's largest waterfalls and is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders.”
• The Namib Desert is considered the oldest desert in the world, with dunes reaching over 300 metres in height.
• Chobe National Park is home to Africa’s largest population of elephants, with estimates often exceeding 100,000.
• South Africa’s Cape Winelands produce internationally acclaimed wines, including Chenin Blanc and the uniquely South African Pinotage.

HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

• Stay hydrated throughout the trip and use bottled water in remote or safari regions.
• Protect yourself from the strong African sun with sunscreen, hats, and lightweight long sleeves.
• Dress in layers to adjust comfortably to changing temperatures throughout the day.
• Keep valuables secure, particularly in busy urban areas and markets.
• Consider motion-sickness tablets for bumpy safari drives or long road journeys.
• Always follow your ranger’s instructions during wildlife encounters for safety.
• Carry small denominations of US dollars for markets, optional tipping, and incidental purchases.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

OPTIONAL TOURS

TBA

Note: All information provided is intended as a general guide only and is correct at the time of preparation. Conditions, timings, prices, and inclusions may change without notice due to factors such as weather, operational requirements, or local regulations. Hosted Holidays makes every effort to ensure accuracy but accepts no responsibility for variations beyond our control. We recommend checking closer to departure for the most up-to-date details, and please be aware that all optional activities are subject to availability and minimum participant numbers.