Passports and Visas
Please note that travellers or their travel agents are responsible for ensuring that their passports and visas are valid for the countries visited.
Health
Clients are advised to check with their doctor regarding the most appropriate medication required prior to departure, in particular with regards to anti-malaria prophylaxis. We recommend that clients bring insect repellent, although it is readily available at all our camps.
Flying Doctor Insurance
Orient-Express Safaris shall not be liable for any claims arising from any expenses incurred in connection with cardiac and/or cardio vascular and/or vascular and/or cerebro vascular illness nor for sequelae thereof or complications that in the opinion of a medical practitioner appointed by us can reasonably be related thereto for a) persons 75 years and older, and b) persons who have received treatment (including prescription medication) for hypertension in the six months prior to the commencement of the Period of Cover. This insurance is mandatory and will be included in your package. Treatment is not included. Gametrackers strongly recommend that clients take out their own comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.
Baggage
As you can imagine, there is a limit on size and amount: maximum allowance is 44 lb (20kg) including photographic equipment within reason. Gear should be packed in one soft luggage bag of your choice. Orient-Express Safaris will not be responsible for the carriage of baggage exceeding the allowance nor for storage in the event of off-loading. Storage and baggage forwarding facilities are available in Maun and Kasane by prior arrangement with Orient-Express Safaris or your travel agent. As there is a charge for storing and transferring excess baggage, a quotation for this can be requested subject to the number and size/weight of the pieces of luggage.
Change of Schedule
As we operate in a land of unpredictable conditions, it may occasionally be necessary to change our itinerary with little or no notice. The company reserves the right to make these changes without reference, recourse, etc. We will do everything in our power to maintain the scheduled itinerary and to keep our guests fully informed. The schedule will always be designed to enhance the client's safari with due consideration to game movements and climatic conditions.
Credit Cards
Your bar and curio shop bills must be settled prior to departure from each camp. All major credit cards are acceptable.
Foreign Exchange
As the camps are not permitted to trade in foreign currency, any change from purchases made in a foreign currency will be given in Botswana Pula at the exchange rate of the day. NO foreign exchange service for Botswana Pula is available due to the limited amount of cash held at each camp.
Clothing and Accessories
Clothes should be casual and lightweight. Regardless of gender, you will probably need three changes of trousers and tops. Shorts and a hat are highly recommended. You will need comfortable shoes plus a jersey and an anorak for chilly evenings, a swimsuit, underwear, sleeping attire and a tracksuit. Washing and ironing facilities are available on all tours. Insect repellent and sunscreen will also come in handy. Sunglasses are crucial and a good pair of binoculars will add pleasure to your game viewing. During June, July and August (winter in the southern hemisphere) nights and early mornings can be extremely cold. Please pack sufficient warm clothing. A limited laundry service is available at each camp.
Photography
Professional photographers advise that when photographing birds and wild animals, you need at least a 200 mm telephoto lens. To capture the incredible sights you will be witnessing, a zoom lens is almost mandatory. If you are considering a lens over 400 mm, you will need a tripod to steady the camera. The best shots are taken with hand-held equipment. Check the speed of your films: high-speed film is very useful.
Curio Shops
In most of our camps we have a limited range of safari accessories, wildlife books, locally manufactured artefacts and handicrafts.
