Lion World Travel Know Before You Go

WHO WE ARE

1. HOW LONG HAS LION WORLD TRAVEL BEEN IN BUSINESS?

Lion World Travel has served clients for over 55 years, specializing in affordable luxury safaris.

2. ARE YOU BONDED?

Lion World Travel shares the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program with other affiliates of The Travel Corporation USA who are required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse the advance payments of Lion World Travel customers in the unlikely event of Lion World Travel cessation of business.

FLYING

1. HOW MUCH BAGGAGE CAN I TAKE?

Baggage restrictions depend on the airline with which you are flying. This is usually one checked bag per person not weighing more than 50 pounds. Carry-on luggage is limited to one piece per person.

If you are flying on small charter aircraft within Africa, further restrictions will apply. Please check with your Africa Specialist for more information. Baggage guidelines will also be sent to you with your final documents. 

2. CAN I EARN FREQUENT FLYER MILES?

You may be able to earn frequent flyer points on some of our flights. Once you have your air tickets booked, please advise your Africa Specialist of your frequent flyer program and he/she will advise you if points are available and will assist in providing the information to the airline. Remember to keep all boarding passes and copies of your tickets in case of any issues, as these are proof that you have flown. 

3. MAY I USE MY POINTS TO UPGRADE TO BUSINESS CLASS?

If air is included with your package the fares used are usually at specially contracted rates which do not allow upgrading with frequent flyer miles. If you are interested in purchasing an upgrade to business class we can offer great business class rates.

ON SAFARI

1. WILL I BE SAFE IN AN OPEN SAFARI VEHICLE?

The safari vehicles are very safe as long as you take heed of your guide’s instructions – no standing in the vehicle and no loud talking or shouting.

2. DO I NEED TO WEAR SAFARI COLORS?

You do not need to restrict your clothing to safari colors or earth tones, but it is suggested that you avoid very bright colors. So either the earth tones or other subdued colors would be recommended.

3. SHOULD I BRING BINOCULARS?

Many lodges and guides will have binoculars in the vehicles, but it is a good idea to bring your own if you can afford the weight in your luggage.

4. SHOULD I BRING INSECT REPELLENT?

Many small private lodges will provide insect repellent in the rooms but some of the larger lodges in East Africa and South Africa do not. In any case it’s a good idea to bring your own especially if you have sensitive or allergic skin and know which product you can safely use.

5. CAN I BRING CHILDREN ON SAFARI?

Children under the age of 6 are rarely accepted at lodges and it is not recommended to bring young children on safari. If they are accepted, they will not be allowed to go on game drives and will have to be left at the lodge under the care of a babysitter or guardian. Some lodges will allow children 6 and over to go on game drives and other lodges only allow children over the age of 12. It is best to check with your Africa Specialist as to which lodge is the best for you to consider. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

1. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO AFRICA?

If you follow these guidelines you will feel totally safe.  Some areas you visit will be quite poor by our standards and it is thoughtless to flash money or jewelry. Leave jewelry at home and carry only small amounts of cash. Leave valuables and passports in the hotel safes or with camp managers.

Our Africa based associate tour companies and hotels provide us with a strong presence in Africa and with our local offices in Africa providing 24-hour emergency assistance and having personnel on hand to deal with any issues that may arise, our clients can feel safe and secure in travelling with us.

You will find the people very friendly, helpful and eager to please. The beauty and tranquility of the land, the magnificent wildlife, and the hospitality of the people will all contribute to a lifetime of memories!

2. WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT GOVERNMENT TRAVEL WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES?

We keep updated on all travel advisories and should a new travel warning come into effect prior to your travel date, we will notify you. However we suggest that you check on the following website for further information.

United States Department of State 

3. IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?

In many parts of Africa the water is perfectly safe but because this depends on location, we do suggest that you drink filtered water.

4. DO I NEED INOCULATIONS?

This will depend on where you will be visiting. We suggest that you check with your Africa Specialist or on the following website for the most up to date information:

CDC

5. DO I NEED MALARIA MEDICATION?

Most areas in Africa are malarial areas. Your Africa Specialist will let you know if you are visiting a non-malaria area. Otherwise, we strongly advise you to consult with your physician prior to the commencement of your holiday, for information on precautions against malaria.

6. WILL SOMEONE BE AT THE AIRPORT TO MEET US ON ARRIVAL?

Yes, you can feel secure in knowing that we arrange for a “meet and greet” for all our clients. With our local offices in Africa providing 24-hour emergency assistance and having personnel on hand to deal with any issues that may arise, our clients can feel safe and secure in traveling with us.

7. SHOULD I GET TRAVEL INSURANCE AND WHAT IS THE COST?

Trip Cancellation, Interruption and/or Medical Insurance – please note that insurance for our safaris is a mandatory requirement from suppliers in Africa – proof of insurance must be provided before bookings are confirmed. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage. Your Africa Specialist will be able to direct you to more information.

FOOD

1. WHAT KIND OF FOOD CAN I EXPECT TO EAT?

Throughout Africa the food is generally excellent. In South Africa and Mozambique, expect excellent seafood. South Africa has great chefs with world class restaurants, and meals are similar to what you would expect in North America. Produce is fresh and locally grown. In East Africa at lodges meals are often served buffet style providing lots of options for all dietary preferences.

If you are interested in trying local delicacies, African restaurants and menu choices are abundant.

2. I HAVE ALLERGIES AND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS. WILL I BE ABLE TO FIND MEALS THAT TAKE THAT INTO ACCOUNT?

As long as you provide your Africa Specialist with your dietary restrictions, we will ensure that the lodges or restaurants we arrange for you will be notified in advance. When on your own for meals, you should have no problems getting food that accommodates your needs as long as you are specific in your request to your servers.

3. HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I ALLOW FOR MY MEALS?

At safari lodges and camps all meals are included in the price of your safari. City stays in South Africa usually only include breakfast. Meals are very reasonable when compared to prices in North America. 

In South Africa, a really outstanding dinner may cost you ZAR500 per person. That’s roughly US$50 and we would easily pay more than that in North America! For simple lunches allow ZAR 200 per person (about US$20).

Beer is about ZAR15 (US$1.50) per bottle and wines start at about ZAR100 (US$10) per bottle in a restaurant.

MONEY MATTERS

1. WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO EXCHANGE MONEY?

We suggest you get local currency on arrival at your first destination at the bank / exchange bureau or ATM in the airport.

2. WHAT CURRENCY WILL I NEED?

South Africa – South African Rands
Botswana – US Dollars
Namibia – South African Rands
Zimbabwe – Zimbabwean Dollars at local shops (US Dollars generally accepted at Lodges)
Zambia – Zambian Kwacha
East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) – US Dollars

3. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY DRIVER OR GUIDE?

The following is only a guideline and tipping is always at your discretion.

Camp and Game Lodge Guides / Rangers
ZAR 120.00 OR USD US $8.00 - $10.00 per guest per day

Camp and Game Lodge Trackers
ZAR 80.00 OR USD US $5.00 per guest per day.

Porterage
ZAR 15.00 USD US $2.00 per bag.

Transfer and Touring Driver / Guides
Transfer: ZAR 20.00 or US $2.00 per person
Half day tour: ZAR 50.00 or US $5.00 per person
Full day tour: ZAR 100.00 or US $10.00 per person

Restaurants
10% to 15% on meal accounts

4. WHAT IS THE SHOPPING LIKE IN AFRICA?

Shopping varies according to destination. Generally African handicrafts such as leather goods, wooden carvings, sculptures, paintings, bead work and woven articles are popular purchases. Jewelry is an excellent purchase in South Africa.

5. CAN I PURCHASE WINE?

South Africa produces some of the world’s finest wines so if you are a wine lover we suggest you have a box shipped to you. The USA has restrictions on how much can be brought in duty free, and anything over that amount will be charged import duties.

One American liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages may be included in your returning resident personal exemption if: 
• You are at least 21 years old. 
• It is intended exclusively for your personal use and not for sale. 
• It does not violate the laws of the state in which you arrive.

6. CAN I USE A CREDIT CARD?

In most cases Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted. For travel to Zambia and Zimbabwe, you may need to pay in cash for purchases at local shopping outlets. 

7. CAN I GET THE VAT I PAID FOR MY PURCHASES REIMBURSED?

Yes in South Africa, provided the value of each invoice purchased exceeds ZAR 50.00 and the total value of all items exceeds ZAR 250.00 You must have a valid passport, valid tax invoices and must produce the goods if requested. The invoice must stipulate that it is a VAT invoice and show the amount charged. Follow this link for more information: http://www.taxrefunds.co.za/