Southern Africa Safari Splendour - Additional information

Entry into South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia
Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity from your return date left on your passport.

For Australian passport holders:

South Africa – no visa required
Botswana – no visa required
Zimbabwe – 30-day visa on arrival at an approximate cost of USD $50
Zambia – no visa required

Continue to monitor www.smartraveller.gov.au for the most up-to-date information.

 

Weather
Southern Africa is starting to warm up in September. The weather will be hot and dry in some places, with cool evenings in other places, so it can be quite varied.
 

 

What to Pack
With the varying weather in September, being prepared is the way to go and the best way to do this is by layering up. Bring a mix of clothes for warm and cooler weather, then mix and match your outfits so it’s easy to peel off layers and it’s just as easy to get them back on if needed.
Travel for comfort rather than for style.  Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Try to stick with neutral colours where possible for the game viewing days. Binoculars are a good idea.

 

Currency
Each of the countries on the itinerary will have a different currency:

South Africa – Rand (ZAR)
Botswana – Pula (BWP)
Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
 

The different currencies can generally not be used across borders.

For further information on exchanging cash, using ATMS etc, please refer to www.smartraveller.gov.au

 

Tipping
Local tipping is customary in South Africa. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all Group Tours involving tipping - This system involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour, who then distributes it daily to service providers on your behalf.  The estimated amount for your tour will be confirmed with your tour documentation.
 

 

Luggage
Please keep your luggage to a minimum. Do not take what you cannot handle yourself. Where available, the hotel staff will assist with taking your luggage to your room (for a tip), so please keep this in mind when packing.

The maximum checked-in allowance for domestic flights within Africa is 20kg, which is strictly enforced.

 

Health While Travelling
There is always a risk to your health when travelling and it is better to be prepared. It is recommended that you take some diarrhoea medication in case you come down with a stomach bug. It is also a good idea to bring along some hydrolyte for dehydration purposes. We also recommend Travelan to help protect your stomach from any nasties (available over the counter at any pharmacy).

For any other vaccination / health / medical concerns with regards to travelling, please consult your GP or visit a Travel Doctor.

 

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance; please ensure you have provided Sisterhood Womens Travel with a copy of your policy, including a 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.
 

 

WhatsApp Group
Please make sure you download WhatsApp onto your phone prior to departure. This App will be your communication tool whilst on tour and your tour hostess will contact you prior to departure to set you up in your tour WhatsApp group.  It’s also a lovely way to remain in touch with friends upon your return.

 

Changes to Itinerary
We do our best to give Sisters an enjoyable, trouble-free tour experience, but occasionally, even the best-laid plans can go awry.  We cannot rule out any changes to the itinerary and ask that you maintain a positive, upbeat and flexible attitude.

 

Updated: 13 June 2025