1. What airport do I fly into?

You’ll fly into Mfuwe International Airport. We also operate a private airstrip near our Bushcamps that is available for charter flights. Most international guests arrive via Lusaka, Zambia. It is also possible to fly via Lilongwe, Malawi.

You’ll want to arrive on a morning flight to Lusaka.  We would be happy to make all of your international travel arrangements for you. Allowing us to book your flights and any other transportation needs ensures the most streamlined travel experience while also guaranteeing reasonable pricing and optimal comfort for everyone in your group. We do not, however, have the capability of accepting frequent flier miles as payment for your travel. To use your frequent flier rewards, you would need to go directly through either your credit card company or the airline.

 

2.What do I do about bringing cash?

There are ATM/Cash Points at both Lusaka and Mfuwe airports; they all dispense Zambian kwacha. US dollars and Kwacha are generally both accepted in Zambia.

 

3.What facilities are at the Lusaka airport?

 

Lusaka has two cafes in the main area, as well as a small caf� in the international departure lounge. There are also a few small sundries shops. There is free WiFi at the Lusaka airport.

 

4. Is there WiFi?

 

There is limited WiFi at Mfuwe Lodge; there is a computer available for guest usage for a small hourly fee. There is cell coverage at the Lodge, so guests may access the internet via their phone lines. There is no internet available at any of the Bushcamps, and VERY minimal cell coverage at any of the Bushcamps.

 

5. How long does it take to get to Mfuwe Lodge from the Mfuwe Airport?

 

It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the Lodge from the airport.

 

6. Can you accommodate specific dietary requirements?

 

All of the properties are able to accommodate specific dietary requirements. We do ask that you let us know as far in advance as possible, so that we can ensure that we have appropriate items on hand, as it is often difficult to source certain products.

 

7. What donations can I bring?

 

Donations for the schools we support are always greatly appreciated. We collect them over the course of a semester and use them for end-of-term prize-giving.  Colored pencils, pencil cases, erasers, calculators, stickers – really anything is great.  One thing – lots of times, guests want to take the donation to the school themselves.  While we understand that, it really just doesn’t work, because there are thousands of students, and there’s no way someone will have enough pencils for everyone. 

 

8.Is there a doctor there?

 

There is a doctor available for emergency medical care for guests. There is a fee for the doctor’s services.

 

9. Should I take anti-malarial medication?

We recommend that you contact a medical practitioner that specializes in travel medicine regarding this issue.

 

10. What vaccinations/inoculations should I get?

We recommend that you contact a medical practitioner that specializes in travel medicine regarding this issue.

 

11. What amenities are provided in the rooms?

 

• Hairdryer at Mfuwe Lodge – not possible at Bushcamps

• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion

 

12. Is the water at the Lodge and Bushcamps drinkable?

Most of the properties are served by very deep boreholes, and the water from the tap tastes great and is perfectly safe to drink. We have drinking water available in the rooms at all of the properties.

 

13.Do I need a passport?

A valid passport and a tourist visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Zambia.

All passports must be valid for at least six months AFTER your expected return date to the U.S.  Please check your passport expiration date, and, if your passport will expire within six months of your return date you must have your passport renewed, no exceptions.

 

In addition, when traveling to East Africa, all passports must have at least two consecutive blank pages for each country you plan to visit (not including endorsement pages).  Pages must lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. a left and a right hand page).  We highly recommend that you also have two extra consecutive blank pages in case regulations change or your itinerary is rerouted for any reason.

 

14. Do I need a visa?

 

Single entry tourist visas are $50USD (amount subject to change at any time without notice).  Visas must be paid for in CASH (U.S. dollars only) so please make sure that you have enough money on hand upon arrival to cover this expense.  

 

15. What’s included on my Zambian yoga safari?

 

Click on the included and not included sections for a full list.

 

16. Do I need travel insurance?

The forecast for everyday of your safari looks wonderful, but as with any day in life, things can change in an instant. There’s no need to feel the risk of having to spend thousands of dollars on any unseen event that may occur. Obtaining travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers.Travel Guard is a great insurance company, which can take care of your travel insurance needs, including setting you up with comprehensive Emergency Evacuation Insurance (for Flying Doctor Services). The company also offers services dealing with lost travel documents, legal, medical or dental emergencies, emergency cash wiring and much more. You can reach Travel Guard day and night any day of the week! As you step into an unknown land, you’ll feel at ease to know your tail will be covered no matter what. Please note that we will require proof of your insurance before you depart and you must carry the proof with you to Zambia.

 

17. Will my domestic medical insurance work in Africa?

Once you leave your country you will start shifting gears to interact with a different social environment. This means exploring another set of cultural customs and systems. It also means that your domestic health care insurance only extends so far. Most health care companies offer members some fraction of coverage abroad, but to know the extent of your coverage you’ll need to contact your provider. Insurance designed for traveling through Africa will detail specific options of health care coverage, which are unlikely to appear on your domestic coverage.

Furthermore, you may find yourself having to pay on the spot for medical care under your domestic coverage. This would entail filing claims and including itemized receipts when you return home in order to be reimbursed by your healthcare provider. A simple process could turn into weeks or months of working through your healthcare system, not to mention the difficulty of finding a good doctor in Africa. You’ll find every excellent and convenient option for all your travel health care needs when you purchase travel insurance for your adventure.

 

18. What is the average daytime and evening temp?

 

Mid-50s for the low and mid-70s for the high – it’s a LOVELY time of year.  Can be cool first thing in the morning and in the evenings, but warms up during the middle of the day.

 

19.What do I need to bring?

 

The essentials you’ll need are:

 

• Lightweight clothes that are hand-washable

• Long-sleeved, lightweight shirt(s) to protect you from potential insects (despite the heat)

• A light fleece or jacket for cool nights

• Travel size toiletries

• Hiking boots (lightweight, waterproof, and durable!)

• Pair of flip flops

• Waterproof bag

• Sun hat with a tie for around the chin (so it doesn’t blow off)

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Insect repellent

 

Other luxury items you’ll want to consider are a good camera, reading device/book, shawl, an inverter plug if you need to charge batteries (check if your camp has access to charging facilities). A good camera, binoculars and sturdy walking shoes are a must.  The Soul of Africa Travel team is always here to answer any questions!