AFRICA - Travel & Safari Information

7/28/2010 - Optimized for Firefox 3.6.8

COPYRIGHT 2009 thru 2010 - David R. Woodsmall

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Camouflage clothing, is in some cases, illegal to wear (Click & scroll). Some small flights limited to 15 kilograms of luggage, soft-sided / duffle bag types. Other safari operators REQUIRE soft, duffle type bags. Dinner (jacket and tie required) for Mt. Kenya Safari Club TAKE SMALL USD BILLS to ZIMBABWE - NO CHANGE WILL BE GIVEN Can not take more than KSH 100,000 OUT of KENYA <<<<< 5/2010 COLORS to WEAR and to AVOID and Other Precautions

COUNTRIES - Lots more information about these African Countries

The real Trip Details are listed in these Country Links (below).

Although not all details are in YET in these documents.

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR USA CITIZENS: BOTSWANA - NO Visa Required for short trips (< 3 months) KENYA - WE NEED: [1] TRANSIT VISA REQUIRED and a [2] regular VISA SOUTH AFRICA - NO VISA required ZAMBIA - VISA REQUIRED - we may want one to view more of Victoria Falls While we are NOT planning to go into Zambia, 1/3 of Victoria Falls is viewed from Zambia. ZIMBABWE - VISA REQUIRED - WE NEED A TWO, Possibly THREE ENTRY VISA A LETTER STATING WE WE NEED THESE MULTIPLE ENTRIES IS REQUIRED COMPANIES THAT WILL GET YOUR VISA(s) FOR YOU VISA REQUIREMENTS, ADDRESSES, PHONE NUMBERS FOR OUR AFRICAN SAFARIS

ACRONYMS / TERMINOLOGY - TRAVEL

al-fresco dining = In the fresh air; outdoors: B/B = Bed and Breakfast "Big Five" - lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo and rhino. B,L,D = (Breakfast, Lunch & Diner). Plus other variations (B,D),... INCLUDED MEALS B/O = Bed Only Bongo = antelope CBD - Central Business District (Johannesburg) AVOID IT Cherry, Stuk or Goose = All three mean girlfriend (South African slang) Ensuite = yours alone and connected to the room. F/B = Full board. it is providing three meals/day/person But you have to watch out: 1-it does (usually)not come with alcohol. 2- it is usually a set menu, so u can not change you meal. thats the big catch!! your travel agent should state clearly what kind of full board he is offering! Is alcohol included? is it a buffet style or a set menu? Full English Breakfast - Four courses of way too much food (my opinion) H/B = Half board, it is breakfast and lunch or dinner mozzies - mosquitoes PPS = Per person Sharing room - based on a minimum of two persons together. Private = yours alone but you have to leave your room to access it. robot - South African S L A N G U A G E ... Robot = Traffic light STS = Single Traveler Supplement - additional cost to One person in an accomodation for PPS. SRS = STS ? = Single Room Supplement Alpha Dictionary - free travel dictionary Travel Terminology Travel Dictionary Glossary of Travel Terms Abbreviations and Terms - Travel Links Dierctory Airline & Airport Terminology Glossary 102 Glossary of rail terminology - Wikipedia Germany: Train Travel Terminology - TripAdvisor Train travel in Kenya | Nairobi - Mombasa, Nairobi - Kisumu Train travel in South Africa...

AIRLINES

American Airlines British Airways Kenya Airways - VERY WELL THOUGHT OF KENYA AIRLINES PHONE NUMBERS (from the USA) 1 866-536-9224 Reservations 011 254 020 823 000 HEADQUARTERS 011 254 327 452 3524 internet help desk << WRONG NUMBER 011 254 020 327 4747 RESERVATIONS 011 254 073 410 4747 Reservations ??? ======================================== Also try these numbers. 011 254-20-327 4100 must be "020" not "20" ? or doesn't matter? 011 254-20-327 4747 must be "020" not "20" ? or doesn't matter? 011 254-734-104100 011 254-734-104747 011 254-711-024767 ======================================== 011 254-20-327 4523 INTERNET SUPPORT <<<< USE THIS ONE or 011 254-20-327 4524 INTERNET SUPPORT <<<< OR THIS ONE South African Airlines Reservations (in South Africa): 0861 359 722 US Reservations: 800-722-9675

BAGGAGE

LIBERTY TRAVEL - small flights limited to 15 kilograms of luggage, preferably soft-sided / duffle bag types. 15 kilograms = 33.0693393 pounds

CLOTHES & SAFARI GEAR

Safari Clothing List The Safari Store - UK The Safari Store 99-109 Lavender Hill, London Tel +44 (0) 207 585 2040 Email steve@thesafaristore.co.uk ORVIS - CABELIS - World's Formost Outfitter BASS PRO SHOP REI - Gear, Equipment and Clothing for an Outdoor Life Raleigh REI Store (3.4) miles 4291 The Circle at North Hills Raleigh, NC 27609 (919) 571-5031 GOOD STORES, BUT MOSTLY FOR CAMPING GEAR: Camping World - Colfax, NC (closest store) CampMor - 1-888-226-7667 - New Jersey SEARS Camping Gear Great Outdoor Provision Company Great Outdoor Provision Company Cameron Village 2017 Cameron St Raleigh, NC 27605 (919) 833-1741 Moosineer - Innovative outdoor gear & supplies Uncle Sam's Safari Outfitters - more like camping gear Vermont's Barre Army Navy Boy Scouts of America Official Catalog I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING HERE THAT WOULD HELP ME ON SAFARIS Occoneechee Scout Shop 3231 Atlantic Avenue Raleigh, NC 27604 (919) 850-0301 Camping Gear (from Rob Lucas) - Ultrarob dot com - See also Safari HATS

CONVERSIONS (NON-monetary)

METRIC CONVERSIONS ORG DISTANCE: Meters to Feet (convert). Feet to Meters conversion calculator Kilometers to Miles conversion calculator Miles to Kilometers conversion calculator WEIGHT: Kilograms to Pounds conversion calculator Pounds to Kilograms conversion calculator ELECTRICITY: ELECTRICAL UNIT CONVERSIONS

CURRENCY Converters

BOTSWANA uses the PULA (BWP Convert USD to BWP BWP to USD KENYA uses the Kenyan SHILLINGS (KES Convert USD to KES KES to USD SOUTH AFRICA uses the RAND (ZAR) Convert USD to ZAR ZAR to USD ZAMBIA uses the Zambian KWACHA (ZMK) Convert USD to ZMK ZMK to USD ZIMBABWE has NO currency of their own, uses: South African RAND, Botswana PULA, British POUND STERLING and the United States USD. TAKE SMALL USD BILLS to ZIMBABWE - NO CHANGE WILL BE GIVEN ENGLAND uses both EUROS (EUR) and BRITISH POUND STERLING (GBP) Convert USD to EUR Convert USD to GBP Convert EUR to USD Convert GBP to USD Convert KENYAN SHILLINGS to US Dollars Convert US Dollars to KENYAN SHILLINGS Convert KENYAN SHILLINGS to South African RAND (ZAR) Convert South African RAND (ZAR) to KENYAN SHILLINGS Convert South African RANDs (ZAR) to US Dollars (USD) Convert US Dollars (USD) to South African RAND (ZAR) British POUND Sterling (GBP) to US Dollars (USD) Convert US Dollars (USD) to British POUND Sterling (GBP) EUROs (EUR) to US Dollars (USD) Convert US Dollars (USD) to EUROs (EUR) DISCOVER CARD charges us TWO PERCENT (2%) foreign exchange rate on the TOTAL Discover does NOT have "Banks" in Africa. Is their protection as good as that of Master card? ALL OUR CITIBANK Master Card & Visa Accounts charge 3% foreign exchange rate on the TOTAL NO banks NOR ATMs in South Africa NOR in Kenya. HSBC Master Card charge 3% foreign exchange rate on the TOTAL. HSBC does have "Banks" in South Africa, but don't know about Kenya Outside the US, dial 702 243 1575 (US country code needed ???)

Electric Plugs, Sockets, Voltages and Frequencies

240 VAC, 50 Hz (our 60 Hz clocks won't work here) - uses square, 3-pin British style plugs and sockets OR 3 large, Flat British style plugs and sockets. NOTE that most of our US appliances are NOT dual voltage (120 VAC & 240 VAC), so your adapter must both: 1] Convert from 240 VAC to 120 VAC and 2] To the appropriate Kenyan electrical socket. Any US motors used will run more slowly (on 50 Hz than on 60 Hz) - for example, your electric razor. ELECTRICAL UNIT CONVERSIONS - Watts, Volt-Amps (VA),,,

HATS - Safari

What Safari Hats Must Do Well Tilley Hats - The LTM6 and T3 models are particularly Useful. the Tilley LTM6 hat the Tilley T3 hat Henschel Hats Henschel BreezerHats

HEALTH - Vaccinations

COLORS to WEAR and to AVOID and Other Precautions Possible Side-effects from Vaccines Health & safety - lonelyplanet International Help for BLUE CROSS - BLUE SHIELD Members KENYAN HEALTH TIPS & VACCINATION INFORMATION SOUTH AFRICA HEALTH TIPS & VACCINATION INFORMATION TRAVEL CLINIC LOCATOR - NC

PASSPORT HEALTH (passports & Vaccinations)

PASSPORT HEALTH Website

Cary

8450 Chapel Hill Road Suite 205 Cary, NC 27513 Phone: 919-781-0053 Fax: 919-481-0455 Website: http://www.passporthealthusa.com/triangle/

Raleigh

3100 Duraleigh Road - Vaccinations from 10 AM until 4 PM, Weekdays only Suite 107 (Ral. Medical Center) Raleigh, NC 27612 Phone: 919-781-0053 Fax: 919-481-0455 Website

Durham

100 Park Drive Suite 201 (TEER Building) Durham, NC 27709 Phone: 919-781-0053 Fax: 919-481-0455 Website: http://www.passporthealthusa.com/triangle/ WAKE COUNTY HEALTH - IMMUNIZATIONS FOREIGN TRAVEL IMMUNIZATIONS - Wake County Health (Vaccines and counseling as recommended for people traveling abroad) Public Health Center (Clinic E) 10 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh Call 919-250-3900 to make an appointment. Monday–Friday by appointment only from 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 1–4 p.m. For recorded travel information call the Travel Information Line: 919-250-3885 ADULT ROUTINE IMMUNIZATIONS TRY TO FIND A PLACE THAT IS IN YOUR INSURANCE NETWORK U.S. Adult Immunization Schedules - even for those who stay AT HOME Note that several US government sites recommend taking an injection of: subcutaneous gamma globulin, to boost one's immune system, before going to Africa. This is expensive, and you want the subcutaneous type. For two persons, total, combined body weight of about 315 pounds, our cost wast estimated to be about $300 USD. Some studies show recognizable benefits, and some do not (show recognizable benefits). CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR - I MAY BE MISTAKEN ABOUT THE LENGTH OF TIME: You should wait at least THREE MONTHS AFTER getting a vaccine that contains a live virus (for example, a Yellow Fever or MMR vaccine) BEFORE getting a shot of gamma globulin, otherwise, the gamma globulin may prevent the live vaccine from giving you immunity. You should take gamma globulin a week before you expect to "need" it. You should wait at least three months months?? after getting gamma globulin, before you get a vaccine containing a live virus. Gamma globulin injections Public Health Center (Clinic E) 10 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh Call 919-250-3900 to make appointments. Adults Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30–11 a.m. and 1–4 p.m., by appointment, with limited walk-ins accepted. ADVANCE CARE - Travel Immunizations AdvanceCare 6402 McCrimmon Parkway Suite 100 Morrisville, NC 27560 Phone: (919) 655-1000 Billing: (877) 239-3429 Available vaccines include: * Hepatitis A & B * Tetanus * Yellow fever = $125 * Typhoid = $ 75 * Meningococcal = $125 If you have questions about whether these vaccines are right for you, please consult the Center for Disease Control Website at http://www.cdc.gov, or ask your physician. We recommend that you make an appointment for travel consultation as soon as possible as some vaccines series require 2 or more vaccinations and can take up to 6 months to complete. We carry the above vaccines in stock but other travel vaccines may need to be ordered individually for specific patient needs. Travel Immunization is not normally covered by Insurance Plans. Please click here to review our charges. Concentra Medical Center Concentra Medical Center Concentra was in my Blue Cross-Bl;ue Shield Network - saved $500 a person 4909 Green RD Raleigh, NC 27616 Telephone: 919-790-0288 Maxim Healthcare Services 5510 Six Forks Rd. Suite 125 Raleigh, NC 27609 Telephone: 866-844-9257 Fax: (919)676-2332

MALARIA

It is my understanding, that mosquitoes in South Africa can carry a form of malaria that is resistant to the preferred anti-malaria drug (although there are alternative drugs). Check with some place like: PASSPORT HEALTH. MALARIA Information KENYA - MALARIA VACCINATION INFORMATION SOUTH AFRICA - MALARIA VACCINATION INFORMATION MOSQUITO Information, Repellents & Insecticides METOFLUTHRIN - Used in OFF's Clip-On Mosquito Repellent Health Information for Travelers to Kenya Currently, 5/11/2010, If you get all of the recommended inocculations for Keny, you are also covered for Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe (THIS MAY CHANGE AT ANY TIME) - EXCEPT FOP MALARIA - the Malaria in South Africa is resistant to more treatments than is that of Kenya. Discuss Malaria, and all of the countries to which you are going, with both your doctor and your travel doctor. Health Information for Travelers to Botswana Health Information for Travelers to South Africa Health Information for Travelers to Zambia Health Information for Travelers to Zimbabwe

MAPS - Relevant parts of AFRICA

South African National & Regional Parks - MAPS - places.co.za MAP of South Africa - Lonely Planet South Africa Map - c2a.co.za South Africa Maps - sa-venues.com Sandton, South Africa - MAP

PHONE CALLS - COST PER MINUTE using VONAGE World calling plan

Calls to Land Lines are FREE to these Countries PHONE CALL COST PER MINUTE - with VONAGE WORLD CALLING PLAN KENYA - FREE (calls to Cell phones do cost) SOUTH AFRICA - FREE (calls to Cell phones do cost) Zambia - FREE (calls to Cell phones do cost) ZIMBABWE - 11 cents/minute to landlines 36 cents / minute to cell phones

PHOTOGRAPHY on SAFARI

But which camera or camcorder is best for an African safari? - eyesonafrica.net African Safari Photography & Safari Photography Tips - eyesonafrica.net Camcorders vs cameras for safari memories - fodors Safari Photography Equipment & Binoculars - porini The Best Digital Video Camera For Safari Shooting - Jun 30, 2010 - brighthub YouTube - Battle at Kruger Planet's Best: Night Safari : Video : Animal Planet Safaritalk: The African Safari Forum. Wildlife - Environment ...

SUNGLASSES - Complete Sunglasses Information - Click HERE

SUNSCREEN - Complete Sunscreen Information, Ingredients, Products & Resources - Click HERE

TIME - What time is it currently, THERE

Botswana current local time KENYA current local time from WorldTimeServer.com SOUTH AFRICA current local time from WorldTimeServer.com Tanzania, United Republic of - current local time from WorldTimeServer.com United Kingdom - London - current local time Zambia - current local time from WorldTimeServer.com ZIMBABWE current local time from WorldTimeServer.com

TRAVEL INSURANCE

I don't know who owns travelinsurancereview.net

Articles, Reviews & Links to Help You Buy Travel Insurance - travelinsurancereview Comparison web sites - Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANIES

AAA of the Carolinas - RESELLS IMG Travel Insurance Access America CSA Travel Protection Elvia Travel Insurance Global Alert Global Underwriters HTH Worldwide IMG - International Medical Group Medex M.H.Ross Ins. Services Seven Corners Travel Guard Travel Insurance Services Travel Insured International Travelex Travelsafe

VISAS - Requirements and gettting them

VISAS - What countries require a Visa (for US citizens) COMPANIES THAT WILL GET YOUR VISA(s) FOR YOU KENYA VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR USA CITIZENS: BOTSWANA - NO Visa Required for short trips (< 3 months) KENYA - WE NEED: [1] TRANSIT VISA REQUIRED and a [2] regular VISA Thus we need TWO KENYA VISAS: A DOUBLE ENTRY VISA Embassy of Kenya in Washington, DC VISA APPLICATION WASHINGTON, DC Kenya ONLINE VISA APPLICATION ***** KENYA Visas are usually valid for six months from the issuance date Commerce/Tourism - commerce@kenyaembassy.com Embassy of the Republic of Kenya 2249 R Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 U.S.A. Telephone: (202) 387-6101 Office Hours Mon-Fri 9:oo am-5:00 pm Fax: (202) 462-3829 KENYA VISA REQUIREMENTS (as a courtesy ONLY) - CHECK THE OFFICIAL SITE FOR REQUIREMENTS - 6/13/2010 1. Valid Passport ( Not photocopy ) –– To Be Submitted Along With The Application Form. Passport will be mailed back once your Visa has been processed. 2. Completed (Filled in) Application Form duly signed. ONE VISA APPLICATION with TWO PICTURES 3. Copy of flight Itinerary/Letter from travel agent on company letterhead confirming booking. 4. Two Passport size photos (NB: Computer generated pictures are not acceptable). PHOTOGRAPHS MUST BE SIGNED ON THE BACK. 5. Visa Fees: (Money order/Cashier's Cheque Only Payable to Embassy of The Republic of Kenya) * US$25.00 For Single Entry (Tourist/Visitor/Business), * US$50.00 For Multiple Entries (Tourist/Visitor/Business), * US$10.00 For Single Transit, * Expedited Service available at an extra $20.00 PLEASE NOTE: ALL CLIENTS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT ONLY THE EXACT AMOUNT OF THE OFFICIAL FEE FOR THE SERVICE REQUIRED IN THE FORM OF MONEY ORDER OR CASHIERS CHEQUE. NO CASH OR PERSONAL CHEQUES ARE ACCEPTED. NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE TO APPLICATIONS MAILED TO THIS EMBASSY WITH AN AMOUNT WHICH IS OVER AND ABOVE THE INDICATED AMOUNT. VISA DESCRIPTIONS: (i)Single Entry................... Allows you to enter into Kenya once (ii)Transit....................... Allows a short stop over (up to 24 hours) in Kenya (iii)Multiple Entry............... Allows multiple times entry into Kenya (IV)No Visa required for direct Transit (not leaving the airport) SOUTH AFRICA - NO VISA required ZAMBIA - VISA REQUIRED - we may want a Visa to view more of Victoria Falls TWO VISA APPLICATIONS REQUIRED PER PERSON, w/PICTURES Embassy of Zambia, Washington D.C. ZAMBIA VISA REQUIREMENTS Visa Application Form (.DOC) VISA REQUIREMENTS - as a courtesy ONLY - CHECK THE OFFICIAL Zambia SITE - 6/13/2010 1] Passport 2] Payment 3] Photocopy of passport 4] TWO (2) Visa Applications with TWO (2) Photos stapled on upper right corner (total of TWO PICTURES) 5] Flight Itinerary or copy of ticket. 6] If available, a copy of the Tour Itinerary. The Embassy of the Republic of Zambia 2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington DC 20008 Telephone: (202) 265-9717 Fax: (202) 332- 0826 Email: embzambia@aol.com ZIMBABWE - VISA REQUIRED - WE NEED A DOUBLE ENTRY VISA Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Washington, DC Embassy of Zimbabwe 1608 New Hampshire Ave Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-332-7100 Fax: 202-483-9326 E-Mail: info33@zimbabwe-embassy.us ZIMBABWE EMBASSY 2010 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE - a .DOC download Visas are valid for 6 months and are effective from date of issue (6/19/2010) Zimbabwe Visa Requirments (download) Zimbabwe Visa Application Form - Download REQUIREMENTS FOR A VISA TO ENTER ZIMBABWE (as a courtesy, only) - 6/19/2010 1. Completed Zimbabwean visa application - TWO (2) FORMS – you You may photocopy visa application form (to get the 2nd one) (form is available online at: http://zimbabwe-embassy.us/consular.html ) 2. Passport photos (2) – staple one photo to each form 3. Valid passport 4. Cover letter on company letterhead (2) if traveling on business – staple one letter to each form 5. Fees: Single Entry Visa per person $60.00 Double Entry Visa per person $75.00 <<< Multiple Entry Visa per person $95.00 Exceptions – For citizens of the following countries, visa fees are as follows: Canada Single Entry Visa per person $65.00 Multiple Entry Visa per person $130.00 Ireland Single Entry Visa per person $75.00 Multiple Entry Visa per person $125.00 United Kingdom Double Entry Visa per person $95.00 Fees are payable in US$ by MONEY ORDER or BANK DRAFT to Embassy of Zimbabwe – personal checks are not accepted Note that money orders and bank drafts from international banks, even if issued in US$, need a minimum of 4 weeks to clear – allow ample time for clearance 6. For return of passport, select one: a) Self-addressed, stamped USPS Express Mail envelope b) Self-addressed air bill, prepaid or with account number for DHL, Federal Express or UPS - we do not accept credit card numbers (also for return of documents outside US) If using one return envelope for multiple applications, indicate names of all applicants on envelope OUTSIDE Do not use certified/registered mail – documents will be held until proper postage is received ??? 7. Processing time is 7-10 business days from receipt of application 8. Visas are valid for 6 months and are effective from date of issue 9. Incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed 10. Send all requirements to: Embassy of Zimbabwe 1608 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-332-7100 Fax: 202-483-9326 E-Mail: info33@zimbabwe-embassy.us COMPANIES THAT WILL GET YOUR VISA(s) FOR YOU VISA APPLICATIONS GENERALLY REQUIRE TWO "PASSPORT TYPE" PICTURES (Not computer generated pictures, so Kenya says Automobile Association of America, North Carolina AAA Charges $6 per a set of Two pictures for a "regular" (cheapest) AAA Members. WE NEED 3 SETS plus a SPARE SET = 4 SETS = 8 PICTURES (cost $24) NC AAA Office Locations AAA of the Carolinas - Raleigh 2301 Blue Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 27607 919-832-0543 1-800-933-2621 HOURS 8:30 - 6 PM M-F 10 to 4 PM on SATURDAYs

WARNINGS US Government Travel Warnings

BOTSWANA KENYA SOUTH AFRICA ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE

WEATHER - AFRICAN

AFRICA - CURRENT WEATHER (Farheinheit) for major cities

WHAT TO PACK / TAKE ON AN AFRICAN SAFARI

Kenya Safari Packing List - porini.com AfricaAway • What items to take on Safari? What to Take on Safari African Safari Gear Packing List - What To Take Along What to take on a Safari Holiday in Africa HowStuffWorks "How Safaris Work" Safari Packing List & Equipment Guide Getting Ready To Go! - Kenya.com

OTHER INFORMATION

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