What to Know Before You Go

We’ve curated some information we think you should know before you travel so you can enjoy your unique and unforgettable experience in Africa.

Passport and VISA Requirements for UK and USA Passport Holders

Traveling to Africa is an incredible and unique experience. We want you to have an unforgettable time, so here are some key things to keep in mind before you set off on a holiday of a lifetime with us.

We’ve outlined the visa requirements for UK & USA passport holders travelling to Africa. Other nationalities should check the current entry requirements.

All travellers (regardless of nationality) must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date out of Africa (i.e. 6 months beyond the date you return home). Passports for all nationalities must have a minimum of 2 consecutive blank visa pages per country visited (endorsement/amendment pages do not count).

Please note that all nationalities must contact the relevant authorities to confirm the most up-to-date information before booking with VEALuxe. This is a guide only.

Botswana

Visa Requirements

No visa required.
*Travellers with children under 18 – If you are travelling into or transiting via Botswana with children under 18 years, you will be asked to show the child’s ORIGINAL unabridged (full) birth certificate in English, as well as the child’s passport. Please ensure you travel with these documents as you will be denied without them. Ask us if you are unsure what to take and there are extra requirements if travelling with only one parent.

Airline Information

Mack Air – All passengers travelling on Mack Air flights are entitled to one free piece of checked luggage and one small carry-on item. Weight allowance of 20kg (44lbs) per person including hand luggage ( maximum 5kg) and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag); Strictly soft-sided bags only, no wheels or frames or rigid sides. Maximum checked-in luggage dimensions 27.5 inches (70cm) x 12 inches (30cm) x 13 inches (33cm).
Wilderness Air – All passengers travelling on Wilderness Air are entitled to one free piece of checked luggage and one small carry-on item weight allowance of 20kg (44lbs) per person including hand luggage (maximum 5kg) and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag); note one flat/hard side is allowed but majority of the bag needs to be soft. Maximum checked-in luggage dimensions 27.5 inches (70cm) x 12 inches (30cm) x 13 inches (33cm).
Helicopter Horizons – All passengers travelling on Helicopter Horizons are entitled to one free piece of checked luggage and one small carry-on item weight allowance of 20kg (44lbs) per person including hand luggage (maximum 5kg) and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag); note one flat/hard side is allowed but majority of the bag needs to be soft. Maximum checked-in luggage dimensions 27.5 inches (70cm) x 12 inches (30cm) x 13 inches (33cm).

Kenya

Visa Requirements

All travellers to Kenya are required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), and this must be applied for in advance using the official website: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en. The ETA will cost travellers US$32.50 per person, and travellers of all ages will need their own ETA. The ETA can be completed 3 months prior to your arrival in Kenya but should be completed no later than 3 days before your trip. The process of the ETA will require a photograph of yourself, a photograph of your passport, your flight itinerary, along with information about yourself and your trip. We recommend applying 4-6 weeks prior to travel. We also provide an additional service whereby we can apply for this ETA on your behalf. If you would like details of this service, please let us know.

Airline Information

Safarilink – weight allowance of 15kg (33lbs) per person including hand luggage and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag). Maximum dimensions 27 inches (70cm) x 23 inches (60cm) x 13 inches (35cm).
Air Kenya – weight allowance of 15kg (33lbs) per person including hand luggage and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag). Maximum dimensions 24 inches (60cm) x 18 inches (45cm) x 13 inches (33cm).

Mauritius

Visa Requirements

No visa required.

Mozambique

Visa Requirements

Visa required and we recommend this is obtained in advance. You may consider using a visa service company. Current cost £40 (UK passport) or US$160 (USA passport) for a single entry. For further information visit www.mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk or https://usa.embamoc.gov.mz/index.php/en/visa/

Airline Information

Helicopter transfers – weight allowance of 15kg (33lbs) per person including hand luggage and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag). Maximum dimensions 25cm (10in) wide, 30cm (12in) high and 60cm (24in) long.

Namibia

Visa Requirements

No visa required until 31 March 2025. Starting 1 April 2025, nationals from 32 countries, including the UK, USA, and Canada, will require a visa on arrival to enter Namibia.
*Namibia with children under 18 – If you are travelling into or transiting via Namibia with children under 18 years, you will be asked to show the child’s ORIGINAL unabridged (full) birth certificate in English, as well as the child’s passport. Please ensure you travel with these documents as you will be denied without them. Ask us if you are unsure what to take and there are extra requirements if travelling with only one parent.

Airline Information

Wilderness Air – weight allowance of 20 kg (44 lbs) per person including hand luggage and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag). Only soft duffel/tog type bags will be accepted – NO frames or rigid structures may be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft. Maximum dimensions 30 cm (11.8 inches) wide x 35 cm (13.8 inches) high and 70 cm (27.5 inches) long.
Scenic Air – weight allowance of 20 kg (44 lbs) per person including hand luggage and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag). Maximum dimensions 24 inches (60cm) x 12 inches (30cm) x 10 inches (25cm).

Rwanda

Visa Requirements

Visa required and can be obtained on arrival. Currently US$30 pp. Only passport and USD cash needed on arrival.

Airline Information

Helicopter Transfers – 15kg pp including hand luggage. Soft bags only.

Seychelles

Visa Requirements

All travellers to Seychelles are required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and this must be applied for in advance using the official website: https://seychelles.govtas.com/en
The ETA will cost EUR10.90 per person, and travellers of all ages will need their own ETA. The ETA can be completed 3 months before your arrival in the Seychelles but should be completed no later than 10 days before your trip. The process of the ETA will require a photograph of yourself, a photograph of your passport, your flight itinerary, and information about yourself and your trip. You can apply from 4 weeks before travel.

Airline Information

Zil Air helicopters and fixed wing aircrafts function within very strict weight limitations, and passengers are requested to pay close attention to what these are. Their weight allocation per aircraft caters to both guests and luggage. The number of seats in each aircraft is not the only factor affecting the number of passengers and how much baggage they can take; destination, distance and weather is also taken into account. They do not charge to take on excess weight onto the aircraft as do airlines. If your specific flight surpasses the weight allocation, another helicopter will have to be chartered to transport additional luggage and/or passengers. All cost relating to these arrangements will not be borne by Zil Air.
Helicopter transfers: A maximum of 325 kgs including guests and luggage. The helicopter can seat a maximum of 4 passengers.
Light aircraft transfers on Vulcan Air P68C: A maximum of 340 kgs including guests and luggage on the 5 seater and a maximum of 260 kgs on the 4 seater.
Light aircraft transfers on Tecnam Traveller: A maximum of 900 kgs including guests and luggae on 9 seater.
Air Seychelles – Flights between Mahe and Praslin – Non-residents of Seychelles (point-to-point) will be allowed a total of 28 KG for travel on the domestic route, which includes 23 KG of checked baggage and 5KG of carry on hand baggage per person.

South Africa

Visa Requirements

No visa required.
*South Africa with children under 18 – If you are travelling into or transiting via South Africa with Children under 18 years, you will be asked to show the child’s ORIGINAL unabridged (full) birth certificate in English, as well as the child’s passport. Please ensure you travel with these documents as you will be denied without them. Ask us if you are unsure what to take and there are extra requirements if travelling with only one parent.

Airline Information

Federal Air – weight allowance of 20 kg-(44lbs – including photographic/filming equipment) per person plus 5kg (11lbs) per person additional hand luggage. All luggage must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag); note one flat/hard side is allowed but majority of the bag needs to be soft. Maximum dimensions 24 inches (60cm) x 12 inches (30cm) x 16 inches (40cm). Federal Air offer soft sided bags which can be purchased at their lounge at an additional cost.
Airlink – when flying between Nelspruit/Skukuza and Sabi Sands/Ngala/Phinda lodges – weight allowance of 20kg (44lbs) plus hand luggage of 7kg (15lbs) and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag). Maximum dimensions 35 inches (90cm) x 28 inches (72cm) x 17 inches (45cm).

Tanzania

Visa Requirements

Visa required and this can be obtained in advance or on arrival. The current visa cost is US$50 pp (UK passport) or US$100 pp (USA passport), payable in US dollars (cost subject to change). If your first point of entry in Tanzania is into Kilimanjaro Airport, Dar es Salaam Airport or Zanzibar Airport, we recommend you obtain your visa in advance (prior to travel) as there can be long delays at these two airports for anyone obtaining visas on arrival. Please see separate document on Tanzania visas which will have been sent to you by email from Yellow Zebra (ask for another copy if you have not seen this).

Airline Information

Light aircraft – weight allowance of 15kg (33lbs) per person including hand luggage and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag). Maximum dimensions 30 inches (76cm) x 19 inches (48cm) x 11 inches (29cm).
Helicopter transfers – Lake Manyara Tree Lodge & Ngorongoro Crater Lodge: Hand luggage only. Limited luggage allowed for 4 guests or less and on request basis. Additional luggage will need to be transferred by road using luggage transfers.
Klein’s Camp: Luggage is required to be packed in a soft bag weighing a maximum of 15kg (33 lbs.), including hand luggage.

Zambia

Visa Requirements

No visa required. However, if visiting Livingstone and the Victoria Falls region, there is the option to purchase a UniVisa for US$50 per person, allowing multiple entry into both Zimbabwe and Zambia. We would recommend this for the flexibility to visit both sides of the border. The UniVisa is subject to availability – check with authorities on arrival.

Zimbabwe

Visa Requirements

Visa required and can be obtained on arrival. Currently US$30 pp (USA) / US$55 pp (British). Only passport and USD cash needed on arrival. There is the option to purchase a UniVisa for US$50 pp, allowing entry into both Zimbabwe and Zambia (to view both sides of the falls). The UniVisa is subject to availability – check with authorities on arrival.

Airline Information

Wilderness Air – weight allowance of 20kg (44lbs) per person including hand luggage and must be in soft bags (i.e. duffel bag); note one flat/hard side is allowed but the majority of the bag needs to be soft. Maximum dimensions 27.5 inches (70cm) x 12 inches (30cm) x 13 inches (33cm).

General Information for Travelling to Africa

Safety in Africa

Each country has its own standards and regulations for safety, so it’s best to check the latest travel advice from your government’s foreign office. Remember to stay aware of local guidance and make sure you’re familiar with safety information at each lodge or hotel.

As with any trip, a few precautions go a long way. In cities, try to keep cameras and cash out of sight and leave valuables like passports in the hotel safe. On safari, make use of the room safe or consult the manager on where best to secure valuables.

Wildlife

Part of the safari magic is seeing wildlife up close. Being in the presence of majestic animals like lions, elephants, buffalo, and hippos in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. However, it’s important to remember that these are wild creatures and can be unpredictable. To ensure your safety, pay close attention to your guide during activities and heed the advice of the staff at your accommodation. Following their guidance will help you navigate the wonders of the wild safely.

If you need assistance moving around camp, feel free to ask for an escort, especially after dark. Wild encounters at camp are rare, but it’s always best to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Camps are often unfenced, so animals may wander nearby, especially at night. If you’d prefer to stay at a fenced camp, we’re happy to arrange that for you.

African Environments

While exploring, avoid touching unknown plants or insects, as they may be harmful.

Roads in wildlife areas are often unpaved and bumpy. Safari vehicles are built for these conditions, but if you’re prone to motion sickness or have a health condition, let us know ahead of time so we can tailor your journey to suit your needs.

Luggage Weight Limits when Travelling to Africa

Airlines can be very strict on baggage limits, so it’s important to double-check your limit before you travel.

When it comes to packing your bags for your safari, you need to consider the restrictions for any light aircraft flights before thinking about your international flights. The first step should be to check if you are taking any internal flights – and if you are, check what the luggage allowance is in our handy guide below.

Traveling with Children

Safari holidays can be a wonderful experience for families. However, since animals roam freely, children should always be under close supervision. For safety, we suggest kids under 16 share a room with an adult.

If you are travelling to Botswana, Namibia and/or South Africa with children under the age of 18 years of age, you will be asked to show the child’s ORIGINAL unabridged (full) birth certificate in English, as well as the child’s passport.

Please ensure you travel with these documents as you will be denied entry without them. Any documents not in English must have a sworn translation (certified/ authenticated).

Health

Speak to a medical professional about your travel plans as soon as possible. You’ll need plenty of time to get advice on how to prepare for your trip, and to arrange any necessary vaccinations.

Many of our destinations are in malaria-prone areas, so it’s wise to talk to your doctor about antimalarial options before you travel.
Participating in activities in Africa often means plenty of sun exposure. Some safari vehicles may not provide enough shade and bush walks and hikes are typically done in direct sunlight, it’s essential to come prepared. Be sure to bring a hat and a high-factor sunscreen, and remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you’re sensitive to the sun, lightweight long-sleeved clothing can provide extra protection and comfort.

Camps may offer first aid supplies; however we always recommend bringing a small kit with rehydration salts, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea tablets, and any prescribed medications in your hand luggage.

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that all our travellers have adequate travel insurance to cover the duration of their trip. We recommend including coverage for cancellation, curtailment, travel delays, and loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings. Most importantly, your policy should provide sufficient coverage for medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation in case of an accident or emergency.

Many of our holidays take place in remote areas, where a medevac (medical evacuation) may be necessary, potentially costing thousands of dollars. In the event of a serious injury, private hospital bills can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. In the most severe cases, you might even need an air ambulance to fly you home, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

To ensure your safety, please secure a travel insurance policy with high or unlimited medical coverage, as well as at least $500,000 for evacuation and repatriation costs

Reminder

These requirements are ultimately the responsibility of our clients. The information we give you here is merely a guide and applies to US and UK citizens only. All clients, including US and UK citizens, must contact the relevant authorities to confirm the most up-to-date information.

For more information for US citizens, please visit the US State Department website.
For more information for UK citizens, please visit the UK FCO website.

If You Have Any Issues While Travelling

If something isn’t quite right during your stay, feel free to reach out directly on WhatsApp or call us on +27 64 107 5507. We’ll try our best to help solve the problem, and as quickly as possible.

If the issue is an emergency situation, or likely to result in any kind of insurance claim, you should also inform your insurers as soon as you can.

We always suggest informing us of any issues as and when they happen so we can resolve the matter immediately.

Your Dream Holiday Awaits

What to Know Before You Go

Passport and VISA Requirements for UK and USA Passport Holders

Botswana

Kenya

Mauritius

Mozambique

Namibia

Rwanda

Seychelles

South Africa

Tanzania

Zambia

Zimbabwe

General Information for Travelling to Africa

Reminder

If You Have Any Issues While Travelling