You may consider registering with the U.S. Embassy in whatever countries you are traveling in. This will make sure the U.S. government knows where you are in case evacuation is necessary or to send you updates and travel advisories before you go. You can register online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui.
You do not need a visa if traveling from the United States (check requirements for other countries), but you do need a current passport. Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your visit. Travelers connecting through South Africa are advised to have two blank pages in their passports; one for the South African temporary residence permit sticker that is issued upon entry to the country, and an additional page to allow for entry and exit stamps for South Africa and other countries to be visited en route to South Africa or elsewhere in the region. Keep a copy of your passport in your luggage.
Tipping is not expected, but feel free to do so if you receive excellent service. Camps generally provide communal tip boxes in the main lodge. Tips in the box are split up among all the employees. However, you may choose to tip your guide at the end of your stay. Typically it's about $5/day.
CONTACTS
Travel Planner
Natural Migrations
Located in Bend, Ore., Natural Migrations prepares luxury and adventure trips to Africa according to your interests, needs and budget. It is dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and cultural heritage in Africa through eco-tourism. Founder and president of Natural Migrations, Paul Swart, is extremely knowledgeable and well connected in his field and is personally familiar with the finest places to visit at the best time of year.
More Information
Botswana Tourism Board, North America
Camps (the ones I visited)
Mashatu Game Reserve
Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris
Kalahari Plains Camp
African Horseback Safaris (Macatoo)
Vumbura Plains
I would like to thank the following people for making this trip a possibility:
Paul and Caroline Swart, Natural Migrations
Leslee Hall, Botswana Tourism Board, North America
Air Botswana
Map Ives and Wilderness Safaris
Jennifer Hellickson, Ariat
Karisa Dern, Troxel
Jamie DiGiulio, R.J. Classics
My colleagues at Practical Horseman and the AIM Equine Network
African Horse Safari Journal Entries
Part 1: Bush Magic | Part 2: Big Cats | Part 3: Delta Dreaming | Part 4: The Elephant in My Living Room | Part 5: Hidden in the Trees
