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 tour is moderately active, with a blend of adventure, wildlife, and city exploration. Expect early mornings, full days out, and some long travel segments as you move between destinations. Getting in and out of safari vehicles, boarding small boats, and walking on uneven terrain such as bush paths or viewpoints are regular parts of the experience. While many lodges provide porter service, there will be occasions—particularly in remote settings—when you may be expected to carry your own luggage. If you have limited mobility, stairs to rooms or restaurants and uneven lodge layouts may present challenges. Strong walking shoes, good flexibility, and a comfort with adapting to varied terrain and climate conditions will enhance your enjoyment of this safari and cultural journey.

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

• South Africans, Zimbabweans, and Batswana are generally warm and welcoming. Greet people with a handshake and smile.
• In more rural or traditional areas, modest dress is respectful.
  Always ask permission before photographing people.
• Tipping is customary (see Money Matters section), using small local currency or USD as appropriate; handing a tip in an envelope is often appreciated.
• When shopping or visiting local markets, expect some bargaining culture, but do so respectfully.

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.

• All passengers must have a valid passport for travel. Australian passport holders must have a minimum of 6 months validity on their passport from the date they return home. Please also ensure you have at least seven blank pages for exit and entry stamps.
• Zimbabwe entry E-visas will be obtained for you by Hosted Holidays at the border crossing. Passports must be handed to your Tour Leader on arrival in Zimbabwe to process.

Travellers can complete the South African Traveller Declaration:

Australian passport holders do not require a visa for South Africa for stays up to 90 days. Travellers entering or leaving South Africa by air, land or sea will need to complete a traveller declaration. The online traveller declaration process will collect and process your travel information and provide an electronic response via email confirming declaration. Travellers arriving in South Africa will receive customs instructions that will guide and inform them about customs requirements on arrival. Travellers leaving the country are required to follow the instructions received in their declaration with confirmation once they are at the port of entry.

We also recommend carrying a photocopy or digital backup of your passport in case of loss or theft while travelling.

 FOOD & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

African food is diverse and full of flavour and with thousands of different ethnic groups across Africa. Ground maize or corn is used as the basis for many meals. Maize flour is cooked with water to form a stiff porridge (called ugari or nsima in certain countries). Sometimes it's made into a dough. This starchy staple is served with sauces or stews.

Because you may cross borders or travel into rural areas, avoid packing fresh fruit or other restricted produce items.

Water and Ice: The tap water throughout Africa is generally not suitable for drinking. The safest option is to stick to purified bottled water. Make sure you are purchasing sealed bottles and watch the seal being broken on the bottle.
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

Malaria is a risk in regions such as Victoria Falls, Chobe, and parts of the Kruger area; consult your doctor for appropriate antimalarial medication. Ensure routine immunisations are up to date (Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid). Bring a personal medical kit including first aid, any prescription medicines, and treatment for common travel ailments (e.g., upset stomachs).

None of the countries on this itinerary are considered yellow fever risk countries (at the time of compiling these notes. However, if you travel to a yellow fever risk country immediately prior to joining this tour, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.

General:

It is advised to carry any medication you're taking in its original container and have a clear label. Prescription and controlled medication must be accompanied by a prescription from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery and include the medication's generic name.

We suggest that you confer with your own physician to be sure your routine immunizations, such as tetanus, are up to date before travelling. Older travellers may wish to consider preventive measures against influenza and pneumonia.
If you have medical conditions, alert your guides and carry written information, including medications.

 PACKING SUGGESTIONS

For this time of year, layering is key: mornings and evenings can be cool, while daytime temperatures are warm to hot. Bring sun protection, comfortable footwear for both safari and casual touring, and gear for wildlife spotting and photography. A rain jacket is important for Cape Town in May, but lighter outerwear is enough in August/September. Focus on versatility, comfort, and protection from the sun and insects, and you’ll be well-prepared for both city and safari experiences.

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

• Lightweight short- and long-sleeve shirts (breathable, quick-dry)
• Long pants for game drives and evenings
• Shorts for daytime / casual wear
• Fleece, jumper, or light sweater for early mornings/evenings
• Light rain jacket or windbreaker (especially for Cape Town in May)
• Warm sleepwear for cooler nights
• Underwear and socks (include extra for safaris)
• Comfortable walking shoes / sneakers
• Sturdy closed shoes or lightweight hiking boots (for safari / uneven terrain)
• Sandals or flip-flops for downtime
• Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
• Scarf, buff, or bandana (for sun/dust protection)
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Camera, extra batteries, memory cards
• Daypack / small backpack for excursions
• Reusable water bottle
• Dry bags or waterproof pouches for electronics and documents
• Travel umbrella (optional, mainly for Cape Town in May)
• First-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic, personal medications
• Malaria prophylaxis (if recommended by your GP for safari areas)
• Motion sickness tablets (if prone)
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Passport and visa information
• Travel insurance documentation
• Credit/debit cards and some local currency
• Plug adapters (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana use Type D, M, or G plugs)
• Chargers/power banks for electronics
• Copies of important documents (stored separately)

CLIMATE & SEASONAL INFORMATION

Cape Town, South Africa

The average day time temperature in May is between 19-20°C, with a night time average of 9°C. There is a moderate amount of rainfall as well. This is the start of the wet season, cooler with possible rain showers. In Aug/Sep, the average day time temperature is 18-20°C, with a night average temp of 9-10°C. The rainfall is low-moderate here, as this is the end of winter and the start of spring. There are sunny intervals and occasional showers.

Kruger / Greater Kruger, South Africa

The average day time temperature in May is between 28°C, with a night time average of 10-12°C. There is a very low amount of rainfall as well. Entering dry season, this is excellent for wildlife viewing and the vegetation will begin to thin out. In Aug/Sep, the average day time temperature is 28-30°C, with a night average temp of 12-40°C. The rainfall is very low here, as this is late dry season. There are hot days, cool nights and you'll find the wildlife concentrated near waterholes.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia

The average day time temperature in May is between 27-29°C, with a night time average of 14°C. There is a very low amount of rainfall as well. This is the start of the dry season, the water over the falls will still be powerful with sunny days and cool nights. In Aug/Sep, the average day time temperature is 30-32°C, with a night average temp of 16°C. The rainfall is minimal here, as this is this is peak dry season. The days will be very hot and the water levels will be lower than May, however the falls will still be spectacular!

Chobe / Zambezi, Botswana

The average day time temperature in May is between 29-30°C, with a night time average of 14-15°C. There is a minimal amount of rainfall. Early in the dry season, this is a great opportunity for game viewing as the animals will be concentrated near rivers. In Aug/Sep, the average day time temperature is 31-32°C, with a night average temp of 15-16°C. The rainfall is, again, minimal here, as this is the late stage of dry season. The days will be hot and sunny which make for ideal wildlife sightings and river cruises.

MONEY MATTERS

Before travelling, inform your bank(s) of your itinerary (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana) to avoid having your credit or debit cards blocked due to unexpected foreign transactions.

Currencies & What to Carry
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Botswana uses the Botswana Pula (BWP). In Zimbabwe, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in tourism areas, and some local Zimbabwean currency may also circulate.

Credit Cards & Cash
Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted in hotels, lodges, shops, and restaurants in cities and tourist hubs. American Express acceptance is more limited. In remote lodges, local markets, or smaller vendors, cash is often the only accepted form of payment. Always carry small denominations, especially in local currency or USD.

ATMs
ATMs are available in main cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, and Kasane, but may not be accessible in remote safari lodges. It’s wise to withdraw or change cash before travelling into remote areas.

Spending Money During Your Trip
Plan a budget for incidentals such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, optional tours, laundry, and tipping. Because smaller vendors may not accept cards, having cash in the appropriate currency or USD is prudent.

Gratuities
Gratuities for included group services are usually covered, but tipping for personal services and guides during free time is customary. A guideline is 10–15% for food or beverage service, and USD or local equivalent for guides or drivers on optional tours.

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION

Most established hotels and lodges offer Wi-Fi, though in more remote safari camps the signal may be weak or limited to common areas. Power supply in some camps may rely on solar energy or generators, and electricity can be intermittent charging overnight is your safest bet.

Because South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe use plug types C, D, G, M, and N (depending on location), a universal travel adapter is highly recommended. Frequent travellers report that South African power is stable and typically compatible with Australian electrical gear, making voltage converters unnecessary for most dual-voltage devices.

If you’d like consistent access to data and local calls, you can easily purchase a local SIM card or eSIM on arrival at the airport or from major telecom providers. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel. Keep in mind that while you’ll be able to stay connected, some parts of the itinerary may involve limited reception—perfect for switching off and enjoying the scenery.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Your economy ticket includes 23kg of checked baggage per passenger, plus on piece of cabin baggage up to 7kg. Flights within Africa may have lower luggage weight limits, please check with your travel advisor for updated luggage allowance information.

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

• Table Mountain in Cape Town is home to more than 1,500 plant species—more than in all of the UK—making it one of the most botanically diverse spots on Earth.
• The “Flight of the Angels” helicopter ride over Victoria Falls is named after a quote by explorer David Livingstone, who described the falls as a scene “gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
• Chobe National Park in Botswana is home to the world’s largest population of elephants, with an estimated 120,000 roaming the park and riverbanks.
• The Kruger National Park is larger than some countries, including Israel and Slovenia, and is home to the Big Five, 147 species of mammals, and over 500 bird species.

  HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

• Cash is Essential in Rural Areas
  Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and large hotels, but small shops and markets in villages operate on cash only.
• Stay Safely Hydrated
  Drink only bottled or filtered water. Bring a refillable water bottle to help reduce the use of plastic.
• Negotiate with a Smile
  Bargaining is acceptable in markets but always done politely and with a friendly attitude.

OPTIONAL TOURS

Robben Island
Robben Island trips from Cape Town typically involve a ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront to the island, followed by a guided bus and prison tour, often led by a former political prisoner. The tour usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours in total. Please check with your travel advisor for the most up-to-date tour cost.

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.