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.

Currency
We suggest that you take your spending money in the form of UK Sterling or US Dollar Travellers Cheques. It is advisable to have some small denomination US Dollar banknotes available for paying the airport taxes when departing from an airport where a departure tax is applicable.

Hotels Lodges and Rooms
Accommodation is based on standard twin/double bedded rooms unless otherwise stated. Higher category rooms can be secured at many of the hotels and the applicable supplement will be advised at the time of booking. Please note that at most hotels and lodges check-in is not until 14h00 hours and you will be expected to vacate your room normally between 10h00 and 12h00 hours - irrespective of the time that you intend to depart. If the hotel is not full then it is usually possible for early check-in or late check-out arrangements to be made and a charge is usually applicable.

Meals
With few exceptions breakfast is a full English breakfast. Lunches and dinners included in this programme are table d'hote, but if your preference is for a la carte then such a meal would have to be paid for in full and we regret that there will be no allowance on the table d'hote meal not taken. If you have any special dietary needs -i.e. vegetarian, kosher - then please inform us at the time of booking. Certain safaris and game lodges combine breakfast and lunch in one meal (brunch) served late morning.

Extras
Any incidental costs that you may incur during your stay - such as drinks, wine, laundry, telephone calls etc. - must be paid directly to the hotel or lodge on your departure.

Special requests
Any special request that you may have - such as ground floor bedroom, assistance at the airport - must be advised at the time of booking. If you require such requests to be a condition of your acceptance of this holiday and in variation to this contract, this will only be accepted if you receive written confirmation from us that such requests have been confirmed by the carrier, hotel/lodge or principal.
Electricity
Where we show details of the electrical current for each country, please note that this refers to main towns and hotels and whilst on safari or in more remote areas electricity is produced by a generator and is only provided for a certain number of hours per day.

Hotel information and Tourist literature
Unfortunately we cannot illustrate every hotel and lodge that we are featuring, but we do have individual leaflets/brochures on many that we would be pleased to send on request. Please note however, we cannot take responsibility for the accuracy of descriptions contained within such publications.

Clothing
Generally, lightweight casual clothing is the most suitable during the day and for touring. In case of cool evenings a light jacket or sweater is advisable. At game lodges and on safari a thick sweater or jacket is advisable as early morning and evening game viewing drives can be chilly on open vehicles. For the evenings in certain deluxe hotels and top restaurants, particularly in the cities, a tie and jacket is preferred for gentlemen and dresses for ladies.

Game reserves and other outdoor pursuits
Whilst every precaution is taken by game lodges and organisers to ensure the safety of their guests, it must be accepted that there can be a small risk of danger as one will be travelling through areas where animals wander freely. Due to the nature of some of the activities - such as mokoro (canoe) trips in Botswana and walking trails throughout the region - it is not uncommon for guests to be asked to sign an indemnity form on arrival at the safari lodge.

Political and safety situation
Although there continues to be media coverage, the political situation throughout southern and east Africa continues to develop in a positive manner and people mix freely. In major cities it is sensible to take the same precautions that you would in any of the world's urban and metropolitan areas as crimes exists at some level worldwide. Never leave unattended luggage in front of a hotel or in the lobby - deposit your valuables in the hotel's safe deposit box or in your room safe - don't stroll around the streets after dark - don't wear expensive jewellery when out walking - always lock your car doors and keep the windows closed. If you intend to travel off the beaten track then do seek local advice. The Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit may have issued information about your destination. You are advised to check this information on BBC2 (Ceefax) page 470 onwards or on the internet under http://www.fco.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can contact the ABTA Information Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p/minute).

Photography
We are grateful to all individuals, airlines, hoteliers, ground handlers, safari operators and tourist offices for their photographic contribution. Please note that wildlife photography is used to create the best possible effect and does not imply that such species occur in those areas. Please contact us for any specific interest you may have. We cannot guarantee sightings of any specific wildlife species.

A final word
Whilst every endeavour is made to ensure that your travel plans run smoothly there can be times, thankfully infrequent, when arrangements can go askew due to local circumstances of which we are unaware and have no control over. Every effort will be made by the company and its local agents to minimise any inconvenience and resolve the situation quickly.