I have booked 3 optional excursions and will decide on the others when we are there. I have quite a few Rand to spend so may as well pay for some of the optional excursions whilst there. I have booked the Mount Nelson afternoon tea, Livingstone Express and the Chobe Game Drive. Hopefully Livingstone Island, Elephant Safari and helicopter flight will be on offer in Zambia as I want to do them all. I will also do all the extra game drives and bush walk in South Africa. If elephant encounter is offered in South Africa I will do that also if there is time. I also want to have close encounter with Cheetahs if that is a possibility in Zambia. I wonder if I am going to have any spare time to have a rest at all!

I am okay for the typhoid Jab as had it last year, but I am not planning on taking anti malaria tablets. Mosquitos usually stay away from me, but I will bring the Deet insect repellent just in case.

See you in September - am counting the days.

Regards

Jaya

Thanks for the info. I spoke to the health nurse yesterday and she confirmed I needed anti-malaria tablets (malarone) and a typhoid shot. Glad I don't need the yellow fever shot if it is not recommended for those over 60. See you in September.

Peter

The rules changed a while ago and yellow fever certificate is no longer required when travelling back to South Africa from Zambia as Zambia is no longer considered at risk country by WHO. I checked this again recently and this still applies. I am pleased about this as I for one can't have any 'live' vaccines plus it is not recommended for anyone over the age of 60, which I now am! If the vaccine was required, then I would have got an exemption letter from my GP.

Kind regards

Jaya

I did this trip a few years ago. The issue with Yellow Fever is that Zambia is considered at risk, albeit low, and you travel back in to South Africa after being in Zambia in order to travel home. That being said, I don't recall our certificates being examined on our way back into South Africa and those over a certain age are exempt anyway. Your best bet is to speak to your GP or travel clinic and go with whatever they advise. You are guaranteed an amazing trip - this was one of my favourites, particularly the time in Zambia.

Sally

Not long to go now. In the brochure I see that for for travelling from South Africa to Zambia  vaccination against yellow fever is required but from other posts in the forum and from other web sites this is only required when arriving from countries at risk.England,South Africa,Botswana and Zambia are not on the list of countries at risk.Please clarify.

Secondary I understand the Zambia  double entry visa is purchased at the Zambian border without completing any prior application form. However on a travel to Zambia web site it mentioned applying  online in advance and actually paying the fee at the border. Can either method be used?

No visa is required for Botswana.

Peter

Hi Peter,

Guidelines for yellow fever's vaccination changes quite frequently.

We now direct all our customers to the below website:

http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country-information/ 

Regarding the Zambia visa, customer can still pay on arrival. The last time we tried the online method, the site didn’t work properly. Both methods would be acceptable, however we still advise to pay on arrival.

It’s a simple straightforward process.

Hope you find this useful Peter, do not hesitate to ask any more questions you may have.

Kind regards,

Elisa

Secondary I understand the Zambia double entry visa is purchased at the Zambian border without completing any prior application form. However on a travel to Zambia web site it mentioned applying online in advance and actually paying the fee at the border. Can either method be used?

No visa is required for Botswana.

Peter

I have just booked on 5 of the 6 optional excursions offered on the email I have just received. The afternoon tea clashes with one of the others. I understand that the others excursions such as additional game drives and a helicopter trip are only bookable out there in 'resort' . Has anyone booked on the excursions yet?

Julia/Elisa. What are the latest numbers booked on the standard trip and also with the Zambia add on? And the M/F  split.

Hi Peter

I have just booked the Chobe Game Drive and the Royal Livingstone Express, will probably book the rest once we are in South Africa.  Really want to go over to Robin Island when we are in Cape Town so might look into doing that when we have some free time.  Getting excited now and looking forward to meeting everyone.

Lisa

I have not yet booked any optional excursions as have not had time to read the email. I will read it on Monday when I am back at work after the Borneo trip. I usually do all the optional excursions so will book them all either here or in South Africa.

Jaya

I bought £1000 worth Rand whilst on the Namibia trip as thought it was a good idea. The rate was not bad but a few weeks ago it was between 20-22 Rand to a Pound! I have a lot of Rand left over so I think I will have to pay for the optional excursions whilst there as want to use them all. I have not yet read the email re optional excursions so will try and work out the cost in Rand or ask Just You to do so. I am very excited about this trip. Must make time to go and get the new camera!!

Jaya

I hope you all have a fantastic time and have the best of luck in spotting a huge variety of game on safari.

Cheers,

Bob