About Allan R. Hoffman, III, CTC, DS, CMP Expertise After 27 years as the active vacation experts, Hoffman and Hoffman International Travel is your source for active adventure vacationing. As an advnture travel enthusiast myself I know that remarkable things happen when you get moving. Putting your body in motion sets the wheels of your imagination spinning. Loosening your limbs frees your sense of fun. And shared discoveries turn travelers you`ve just met into new friends. Whether you want to ease into active travel or are looking for a workout, we have bicycling, walking and multisport vacations ideally suited to you. The expert indepth travel assistance I can provide you eases your travel concerns
Experience Since Hoffman and Hoffman International Travel began work in the adventure travel segment some 27 years ago,we have earned our leadership role in adventure travel. We constantly research and develop innovative itineraries and pioneer challenging expeditions as we strive to offer you the most fulfilling and exciting adventures available. In pursuing these goals, our primary concern is your well-being.
OUR INDEPENDENTLY-MINDED CLIENTS Most of our clients are independently-minded travelers who recognize the advantages of small group travel with the type of adventures we offer. Group members come from Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. They enjoy camaraderie without regimentation, and great experiences.
Many clients take advantage of our expertise to organize their own group. In this last year we organized school groups, walking clubs, photographic groups, Over-50 groups, fitness groups and family groups. If you would like to organize your own group we will be pleased to offer you a highly competitive quote.
CLIENT ENDORSEMENT Proof of our high level of client satisfaction is our enviable record of ?repeat' clients and personal referrals by those who have traveled with us.
EXPERT STAFF The expert staff in our offices will assist you or your travel agent to select the most suitable adventure. Our service continues into the field, with trained, professional leaders with years of experience.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN TOP Long before the term ?eco-tourism' was popularized, we were working to preserve the fragile environments and cultures in which we operate ? whether in the Himalayan or the Andes. We have continued to evolve a pragmatic policy, acknowledging that there is no easy solution, and avoiding claims that we cannot deliver.
INNOVATIVE ITINERARIES Travel with Worldwide Adventures means more than just traveling to an exotic destination. For us, adventure travel means taking the untrammeled trails, cycling the backroads and sailing to islands unmarked on the map. Simply put, our itineraries are the difference between us and the rest; between an ordinary experience and something finer, often a special experience with extraordinary memories.
SUPERIOR LEADERS Our leaders are highly experienced and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. They are conversant with all aspects of the trip, eager to share their insight with you and to provide you with a deeper understanding of where you are and what you see.
ADVENTUROUS PEOPLE TOP Your fellow companions, from all walks of life, enjoy active vacations, share a curiosity about our world and are not content to read about it or see it on television. Expect a lot of fun. Contrary to any preconception about ?group? travel, it is an excellent way to travel, especially in many less developed countries. In addition, our groups (usually no more than 15), ensure a worry free vacation.
Organizations Adventure Travel Society Institute of Certified Travel Agents
Education/Credentials CTC Institute of Certified Travel Agents.
Expert: Allan R. Hoffman, III, CTC, DS, CMP - 3/24/2001
Question I am going on a walking, treking safari around the delta in June this year. I would be grateful if you could advise me of an equipment list or perhaps where I could get hold of one. Any tips on bush life or existance would be most appreciated!
Answer
A full list of items that you need to bring will be issued on receipt and confirmation of your reservation.
We suggest that you travel as lightly as possible.
Warm clothes are advisable for the winter months of June to September.
Further items should include a torch, water bottle, spare film and camera batteries, suntan lotion, comfortable walking shoes and any prescribed medicines.
For visitors coming to Africa for the first time, there are many unanswered questions — what do we pack, what are the entry requirements and so on. To make your visit a truly relaxing and well-prepared one, here are the answers to all those questions. All the information contained herein is given in good faith and has been carefully compiled. It must be accepted that details will change from time to time! Please read this information thoroughly now, as there are certain things which must be checked and attended to in advance of departure. And of course, please feel free to email any questions you may still have.
Passports and Visas
You must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months after your return home. Please ensure your passport has sufficient blank pages for any visas required and for entry/departure stamps. You will also require a return air ticket, your own car, or sufficient traveler's checks or foreign currency to finance your travel in and exit from these African countries. It is essential that you check the applicable requirements with your travel agent, airline, the nearest tourist office, or diplomatic mission. A valid passport is the only documentation required by Americans for entry into Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, and South Africa. The following countries require a visa, which must be obtained from the consulate prior to travel: Egypt, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Visas for the following countries can be obtained upon arrival and are payable in US dollars: Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Please note that if you will depart and then re-enter Zimbabwe or Zambia during the course of your holiday, you must obtain a double entry visa.
Customs Concessions
Personal effects including cameras and film may be imported temporarily without a permit. A customs bond may be requested from visitors bringing in video equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments in order to ensure that these goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit. The duty free allowance for persons returning to the USA is $400 per person. You are entitled to bring back 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 1/2 pound of tobacco, and one quart of liquor.
Health Issues
You will need to make an appointment with your personal physician or travel clinic (British Airways offers one of the best!) at least one month prior to departure to review pertinent health precautions including necessary vaccinations and medications. Please discuss any other health-related questions with your health practitioner at this time.
Yellow Fever: No vaccinations or health certificates are required unless you are arriving within 6 days after leaving a Yellow Fever infected area. Note: A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card is required for entry into Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Malaria: A course of malaria prophylactics is advisable for all non-African visitors. Most brands need to be taken a few days/weeks before entering into a malaria area (depending on the brand), and for 4 weeks after you return home. Consult your doctor, nearest vaccination center or pharmacist for the most up-to-date requirements and brand recommended for the area to which you are traveling. Take your tablets regularly and ensure that you have a sufficient supply for the duration of your holiday and for the additional time once you return home. We recommend that you take your tablets in the evenings in order to avoid experiencing any potential side effects during the day. Mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn. The best prevention is avoidance so we strongly advise that you cover up by wearing long sleeves and long pants and use mosquito repellent.
Bilharzia: Bilharzia is a disease caused by tiny parasites (small snails) present in lakes, rivers and dams. There is no prophylactic available against Bilharzia, which is treated by drugs or an injection. The condition can be unpleasant so it's better not to swim in rivers or streams, particularly where the water is stagnant.
AIDS: The HIV virus and AIDS are serious health issues in many African countries. However, the risk to travelers is negligible assuming proper precautions are taken. Transmission of HIV is by bodily fluids only. Use the same precautions while in Africa as in your home country to protect against contracting this virus.
General recommendations: Always take precautions against the persistent overhead sun. Proximity to the equator makes the African sun particularly strong so ensure you use the proper level of protection. In the winter months, the big game areas can be dusty. Contact lens wearers may be advised to bring eye drops. Wrap-around sunglasses provide the best protection from dust and other eye irritants. Sun protective chapstick, sunscreens, moisturizing creams and insect repellents are recommended.
Personal Health History: Please make us aware of any specific health restrictions that may affect your choice of accommodation or style of travel.
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Currency
In most African countries there are stringent exchange control regulations and it is illegal to enter or leave the country with anything other than nominal amounts of local currency. We recommend taking sufficient travelers checks in small denominations to cover incidental expenses. Many establishments accept international credit cards and we recommend using credit cards as a method of payment wherever possible as the exchange rate is often favorable; however, do not rely on this method of payment outside of the cities. Please be advised that there may be a surcharge for credit card use. In addition, keep in mind that when using a credit card, the charge appearing on your monthly statement is not necessarily calculated at the exchange rate that was in effect on the day that you actually made the purchase. Only authorized dealers are allowed to exchange currency but most city hotels have foreign exchange desks or banks where money can be changed. Some banks have ATM machines where visitors can use their International Credit Cards to obtain local currency. There is normally no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that may be imported. Please retain about USD 150.00 (cash) per person for visas and airport departure taxes. US$10 and US$20 bills are recommended for this purpose. Changing bills of higher denominations may not be possible. Tips may be paid in US dollars or local currency (see Tipping section).
Packing For your Trip
The most important thing is to dress comfortably on your safari. Lightweight clothing in neutral colors is suitable for the bush (including a long-sleeved shirt for protection from the sun and long pants for protection from mosquitoes in the evenings). The occasional city restaurant may require smart-casual dress and even a tie. If you are joining an organized safari of any kind, the amount of luggage you are permitted to take with you is restricted, particularly in a small aircraft or canoe. Limit yourself to a soft, preferably waterproof, duffel bag of 12kg (26 pounds). Since laundry is done daily in almost every camp, lodge or hotel you will visit, it is not necessary to bring more than 3 sets of clothing. Please avoid clothing resembling army uniforms e.g., army jackets, caps, trousers.
Suggested Packing List
Clothing:
- Sweat suit
- Slacks, Jeans or Skirts
- Walking Shorts
- Pullover Sweater
- Tee Shirts
- Jacket
- Bathing Suit
- Light Raincoat (seasonal)
- Socks & Belt
- Underwear/Sport Bra
- Sun Hat
- Sun Hat
- Shoes & Sneakers
Other Essentials:
- Dust mask or large handkerchief
- Toothbrush and Paste
- Shampoo and Comb
- Sunglasses
- Wash Cloth
- Sunscreen/ Suntan Lotion
- Cold Tablets/ Aspirin
- Tissues or disposable moist tissues
- Eye Glasses (if worn) - Note: some people have trouble with contact lenses & dust
- Alarm Clock
- Insect Repellent
- Flashlight
- Penknife/ Pocket knife
- Zip lock/ Plastic bags
- Film and Camera Bag
- Batteries
- Lock for Baggage
- Razor/ Shaving Cream
- Sewing Kit
- Diary/ Books/ Pens
- Band Aids
Tipping
Our general recommendation is to tip moderately - in accordance with the level and quality of service provided. The following guidelines are generally accepted practice (per person): Safari guide(s) - US $5 -$10 per day; Camp staff - US $3 - $5 per day, as a pooled tip to be shared among the housekeepers, waiters, bartender, etc.; driver/guides - US $2- $5. For porters and waiters at hotels and for taxi drivers in cities, the customary tip is approximately 10%. (Tipping in US$1.00 bills for porters and waiters is greatly appreciated). The traditional gratuity to safari guides or camp staff is not included in the price of your tour but is completely discretionary. Beware of unscrupulous people who try to exhort extra payment from unwary passengers just for shuffling their bags around.
Photography
Film is sometimes available at safari camps and game lodges even in remote areas, but stocks are usually small and of a common type only. We suggest you buy plenty of film and bring spare batteries with you before leaving home. Film is expensive and, in addition, may not be very fresh; batteries are expensive and difficult to obtain. For game and bird photography, a telephoto lens of between 200 and 300 mm is strongly recommended. Larger lenses, which require a tripod, are generally impractical for photography from vehicles, as are double lens reflex cameras. Binoculars are invaluable for game and bird viewing, and each traveler should have their own pair. Out of respect for the local cultures, seek the advice of your driver before photographing people. Note that certain Government, military and police buildings may not be photographed. Video cameras can be recharged at many safari camps via the camp generator at the discretion of the camp management.
The following guidelines on quantities to bring may be helpful:
Minimum of 12 to 15 rolls of film
40% Fast (400 ASA), 60% Normal (200 ASA), 1 x 1000 ASA
2 Lenses (50 mm and zoom 200 mm minimum)
Lens tissue, dust cover, fresh batteries, filters
Spare batteries
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Insurance
Minimum travel insurance is mandatory. You should have received a blue Access America brochure detailing the program coverage. Access America Travel with Ease Travel Protection plan is designed to offer comprehensive coverage for worldwide vacations. Please refer to the brochure for general information and contact us for more details if you have not already been informed of this trip cancellation, medical and baggage insurance coverage.
Time Change and Altitude
Southern Africa is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (6 hours during Daylight Savings Time). East and Central Africa is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (5 hours during Daylight Savings Time). For the first few days on safari, your body will be adjusting not only to this time change, but also to the altitude. If you experience adverse health effects at higher than normal altitudes, please consult your doctor for further advice.
Electric Current
Electricity in Africa is generally at 220 watts AC, therefore, for most 110 appliances you will need both an adapter for the proper plug configuration and a converter for the correct current. Both round and rectangular three pronged plug sockets are in use. Most safari camps do not have individual electrical outlets in the tents.
Communications
Generally speaking, communications in Africa are not what you are accustomed to at home. Connections can be bad to nonexistent, in addition to being costly. However, from city centers, you can now call home to the USA direct through the AT&T Direct Service. To make an AT&T calling card or collect call to the USA, simply dial 73120 from Mauritius; 0-800-99-0123 from South Africa; 800-001 from Uganda; 00-899 from Zimbabwe and Zambia; 510-0200 from Cairo, Egypt; (access numbers are not yet available from Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles or Tanzania), and you will get straight through to a helpful AT&T operator back in the USA. Internet access is only available from limited internet-equipped locations in urban areas. Communications while on safari are by radio only via camp management.
Security
Safety and security is a matter of common sense. Therefore, take the same precautions while traveling, that you would in any major city at home. Do not carry large sums of cash with you, keep a close watch on handbags, purses, wallets etc. when walking in crowded areas, avoid walking alone at night, lock up valuables in hotel safe deposit boxes and never leave valuables in view in an unattended car or tour bus. In safari camps that do not have safes or locked doors, please keep tempting valuables out of sight. Word of advice: make copies of passports, credit cards and other pertinent identification and documents. Keep one copy with you, and leave one copy with your emergency contact at home.
Climate
East and Central Africa
The long rains are from early April through early June, and the short rains from late November through December. Dry seasons offer excellent visibility and more reliable road conditions, and game tends to congregate around the limited water sources, making the animals easier to find. July and August are generally extremely busy in East Africa, offering comfortable temperatures in addition to being a popular time for travel world-wide.
Southern Africa
The rainy season runs mainly from late November through mid-April in the safari regions; however if you are traveling to South Africa, the southern Cape is experiencing summer at this time and is a wonderful place to visit. The Cape area can be cold and rainy during the southern hemisphere winter months from June through August. Often high season rates for the safari regions go into effect in July so it is sometimes possible to save a bit of money by traveling prior to that - May and June can be delightful months for sight seeing and safaris.
Indian Ocean Islands
Generally the weather is similar to that of southern Africa, with the summer rains lasting from November through April, with occasional cyclones during that time. The dry season from May to October is ideal.
Weather Tips
Although these are general guidelines regarding seasonal patterns, please be advised that the weather can vary dramatically throughout your trip. A light warm jacket, hat, gloves, and raincoat/windbreaker are essential depending on when you travel and the nature of your trip. We strongly recommend dressing in layers as this is an effective method of compensating for the wide variations in temperatures. Click here for more information about Africa's weather.
Food
Food is generally Continental with a remaining British influence but with the added luxury of tropical fruits and excellent curries and cold buffets. Most hotels in the main centers offer bed and breakfast rates, while safari lodges, camps and country hotels generally offer full-board rates, with a full English breakfast, and three or four course lunch and dinner (it is quite unlikely that you will go hungry while on safari!). Tea and coffee between the main meals is included as well. Many meals will be served in a family or buffet style. Please make us aware of any specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
Water
Water is safe to drink from most taps in the major cities and in many safari areas, and bottled water is readily available. Your hosts will advise you of the specific water situation pertaining to your accommodation.
Happy Safari!
Allan Hoffman III CTC
Hoffman and Hoffman International Travel
We suggest you read the following available for order online at Amazon.com
Okavango - Jewel of the Kalahari by Dr Karen Ross
From Amazon.com:
Okavango : Jewel of the Kalahari
Okavango: Africa's Last Eden by Frans Lanting
From Amazon.com:
Okavango : Africa's Last Eden
Sea of Land, Land of Water by Robert T Teske
From Amazon.com:
Okavango: Sea of Land, Land of Water
Okavango: An African Paradise by Daryl & Sharna Balfour
From Amazon.com:
Okavango : an African paradise
Back to Africa by Randall J Moore
From Amazon.com:
Back to Africa
The Dive Sites of Mauritius by Alan Mountain
From Amazon.com
Happy Safari!
Allan Hoffman CTC
Hoffman and Hoffman International Travel
