ABOUT SOUTHERN AFRICA TRAVEL: What we do Southern Africa Travel is an award-winning, fully bonded specialist tour operator that offers the ultimate in quality travel to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles and Mauritius. With 34 years of experience we can confidently say that we are experts in delivering and designing dream holidays. Our team of professional consultants have true passion for Africa and regularly visit the countries in our portfolio, you can definitely rely on their first hand knowledge. The majority of properties in this website charge us in South Africa Rand, as the currency tends to fluctuate we adjust our costs to reflect current exchange rates. The rates are adjusted each day to ensure that our clients enjoy quality holidays at a fair price. Ultimately, no website can do justice to the extra-ordinary range of tourism services available in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, so should you require a hotel, lodge or region not featured within these pages, simply ask our reservations team, we will always go beyond the site to suit your needs. We know this website will inspire you to discover Africa with us. We look forward to introducing you to our world. The services that Southern Africa Travel incorporates for all their clients include: * Ground handling of all activities * Itinerary preparation after request received * Quotations and planning according to clients budget * Booking and confirmation of all arrangements for clients * Invoicing and administration * Issuing and administration * Issuing of vouchers for clients through inbound operator * Meet and assist services for clients on arrival at destination, including handing over of all documentation, maps, brochures and vouchers. IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION Air tickets You will normally be traveling on 'inclusive tour' (IT) air tickets. Under certain circumstances it may be possible to change the return date of travel, but this can only be done with both the agreement of this office and the local airline office, and usually, at an additional cost to you, which can only be advised at the time of the change. In case of extreme emergency (e.g. illness) new tickets may have to be obtained and the cost thus involved claimed in insurance. If you are traveling on PEX or APEX tickets no alterations can be made once the reservations have been made without incurring substantial cancellation fees. Seats on aircraft Although with certain airlines we are pleased to make requests for seats in specific positions, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE WE ABLE TO GUARANTEE SUCH SEATS since airlines can change their configuration and also programmed aircraft at the last moment for operational reasons. Air travel in the UK Add-on fares are available from many regional airports - prices available on request. Airport taxes In certain countries an airport tax is payable on departure. Currently these are Kenya $40, Malawi $20 Zambia $20. Baggage Free baggage allowance is generally as follows for international flights: Economy Class - 20kgs (44lbs), Business Class - 30kgs (66lbs) and First Class - 40kgs (88lbs). Any excess will normally be charged for at the rate of 1% of the applicable first class fare. On certain domestic flights and flights operated by light aircraft the baggage allowance is limited to 9kgs - 15kgs of soft sided luggage. You will be advised if this is applicable to your itinerary. Passports and Visas A standard 10 year British Passport is required for all travel and must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. British Passport holders require visas for entry into Tanzania (including Zanzibar). Other nationals may have to obtain visas for other countries. If you do not hold a British Passport please contact us for further information. However, we must emphasise that you are responsible for ensuring that all your travel documents are in order. All children who are not already included on a valid British Passport will need to hold their own passport. Children who were included on a passport before 05 October 1998 may continue to travel with the passport holder until the age of 16, the passport expires or needs amending. Health No compulsory health requirements are in force if travelling to the countries mentioned in this brochure, apart from Tanzania & Zanzibar which requires passengers to hold valid Yellow Fever certificates. However, the department of Health recommends that protection against tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and typhoid be taken. The Department of Health produces a useful booklet entitled 'Health Advice for Travellers' (T5) and this is available free from your doctor, ABTA Travel agent or from our offices. We must emphasise that because requirements may change at short notice, you are responsible for ensuring that you take advice from your GP or appropriate medical authority. Car hire and driving Please note that most hire companies require a deposit at the commencement of any hire to cover the refilling of your petrol tank at the end of the hire. One way rental fees are applicable from locations in South Africa and details are available on request. If driving from South Africa into/through Swaziland , Botswana , Namibia or Lesotho then a letter of authority must be obtained from the car hire company. It is possible to take a car from South Africa into Zimbabwe but special conditions apply - details on request. In most other countries hire vehicles cannot be taken across the border into another country and certain restrictions may apply as to where the car can be taken. An International driving Permit should be obtained from the AA or RAC head office. Seat belts are compulsory. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and traffic laws are strictly enforced. In South Africa it is compulsory for drivers to carry their drivers license with them at all times. Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Credit cards American Express, Visa and Access (Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and car hire companies but NOT at petrol stations.