Safari Cheat Sheet: Be Trip-Ready

This Safari Cheat Sheet ‘quick guide’ is designed to help you prepare for your journey. Use it to tick off everything you need to organise before you go.

Your Safari Guru representative would have shared a TrevelKey itinerary with you, that offers and online itinerary, as well as a phone app with all of your reference numbers and contact details for your entire journey, including private tours booked through Safari Guru.

If you have not downloaded the phone app, this is a good time to do it, and check all your travel details. Remember to refresh your app from time to time to ensure it includes the most up-to-date information for your journey.

FLIGHTS

Reconfirm flights: Check your flight times 72 hours before departure for any schedule changes.
Online check-in: Most airlines open check-in 24–48 hours before departure – this can save you time at the airport.
Seat selection: Pre-select your preferred seat early to avoid being assigned one at random.
Frequent traveller programs: Join the airline’s loyalty program before you fly to start earning points.
Baggage allowance: Double-check your baggage limits (especially for domestic vs international legs). If you have adhered to baggage size and weight requirements for your safari flights, you will have no issues with domestic or international legs.
Airport transfers: Confirm pick-up/drop-off arrangements and allow plenty of time for traffic or delays.

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION

Connect with your Safari Guru: If you haven’t already, now’s a good time to create a WhatsApp chat with your Safari Guru representative. Check they respond, and all is in order before leaving home. We promise not to bug you, but we’ll be there when you need us.
eSIM/global SIM card: Consider installing a global eSIM before you go for easy international data access. Airalo is a great option and if you use the code DEON5726 you get a USD$3 credit to start – https://www.airalo.com/
Phone roaming plans: Check with your mobile provider to avoid costly data roaming charges.
Free Wi-Fi: Research where you can access reliable public Wi-Fi (hotels, cafes, airports). Many safari camps and lodges have Wi-Fi nowadays, but it can be intermittent.
Download apps: Load up essential apps like Google Maps (offline), language translators, and local transport apps, if required.

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Reconfirm bookings: Check the timing of any private tours and flights to ensure everything will run smoothly, and you understand the meeting points.
Weather check: Look up the local forecast and pack appropriately – especially for multi-destination trips.
Travel documents: Bring printed and digital copies of tour vouchers, tickets, and itinerary, and it’s always a good idea to have copies of your families passports as a backup.
Activity dress codes: Some attractions require modest dress or specific gear – check in advance.
Emergency contacts: Keep a copy of the local operator’s contact details handy.

TRAVEL INSURANCE & MEDICAL

Travel insurance is essential. Ask Safari Guru for recommendations if you’re stuck.
Policy coverage: Make sure your travel insurance covers your destination and any planned activities (e.g. hot air balloon, scuba diving).
Medical coverage: Confirm whether your policy includes medical evacuation and hospitalisation abroad.
Proof of insurance: Carry a copy of your policy and emergency hotline numbers.
Pre-existing conditions: Declare any health issues in advance to ensure full coverage.
Medication: Ensure any prescription medication is labelled, or at least carry a copy of the prescription. Large qualities of unlabelled or packaged medication is not advised.
Vaccinations & Health: Check if any vaccines or health certificates are required for entry to your destination – requirements are destination specific, and links to specific countries are listed below.

GENERAL TRAVEL PREP

Currency: Know the local currency and current exchange rate, and prepare out-of-pocket miscellaneous expenses and tipping kitty in advance.
Travel money card: Load funds on a travel card for secure spending and better rates than airport exchanges.
Notify your bank: Let them know you’ll be overseas to avoid card blocks.
DFAT registration: Australians should register with Smart Traveller if travelling to higher-risk areas, and citizens of other countries should register with similar government agencies for their safety and wellbeing.
Power adapters: Check what plug type is used at your destination and bring a universal adapter – https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Local customs & etiquette: Do some light research on local manners, tipping expectations for non-safari-based accommodations and destinations, and dress codes. Safari tipping guidelines are included in the handy links below.
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
Visas: Confirm visa requirements for all countries you are visiting or transiting through. Sherpa is a third-party visa specialist, and while you often pay more, the results can sometimes be favorable. Take me to Sherpa…
Luggage tags: Use clear tags with your contact details (avoid displaying your home address).
Copies of documents: Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, itinerary, travel insurance, and visas.

SAFARI CHEAT SHEET – HANDY LINKS

Travel safe and enjoy your safari adventure! If you have any last-minute questions, your Safari Guru Travel Specialist is just a phone call away.

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been on multiple safaris in the past but was recommended by a lodge we were planning to go to have our trip arranged through Safari Guru, and Deon and his team did an excellent job arranging our two separate safari trips this year across multiple lodges in Kenya, Botswana and South Africa.

Deon is very professional and knowledgeable about all the destinations and camps with first-hand experience. He is also well connected with many of the camps (we stayed across camps operated by Great Plains, andBeyond and Singita) and was able to help us secure specific rooms that we preferred in advance or arrange complex logistics, e.g. I proposed to my then-girlfriend (now wife) during one of the trips, and Deon and his team coordinated perfectly with the lodge we were staying at to ensure the experience was flawless and truly special.

Deon and his team are also extremely responsive and helpful, both before and during our trips, ensuring the trips were seamless even with complex itineraries.

Overall, we are extremely happy with Safari Guru and would 100% recommend them for anyone looking to book a safari trip.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Lap Yim 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From our very first conversation, Deon was exceptional. From planning the itinerary, managing bookings and transfers to ensuring everything ran seamlessly once we arrived. Every lodge, every transfer, and every experience exceeded our expectations.

The safari lodges were excellent and incredibly welcoming, and the wildlife experiences were unforgettable. It was a fantastic holiday from start to finish, voted by our family as probably the best ever.

We can't wait to return to Africa and will definitely be booking through Safari Guru again. We'll be trusting Deon to tell us where we should explore next!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Jill Irvin 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was our second safari, but our first using Safari-Guru (based on a word-of-mouth recommendation on our last safari). Allan and Deon were excellent from day one of the planning until we returned from our perfectly organized trip, staying in touch before, during and after our trip by email and WhatsApp to make sure that everything was progressing without a hitch.

Our trip was a combination of camps that we had selected and lodges that Allan recommended and every recommendation was a delight (recommendations for places we wouldn’t have thought to stay and rest breaks that we wouldn’t have thought to take, but which made the overall trip much better). The complex logistics of getting between camps and lodges, through airports and across borders was organized impeccably – which on a multi-day, multi-country safari is critical.

Would we recommend Safari-Guru…. Absolutely. Will we use them again, definitely! We wouldn’t think about going to anyone else.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   David Fleming 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just returned from a 9 day safari in Botswana with Safari Guru. Everything was top notch.
We were spoiled beyond belief and appreciated all of the quality services provided. Well done Safari Guru.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Sherry Roark 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I, and several friends, just returned from an incredible Botswana safari planned by Deon and Safari Guru, and the entire experience was outstanding from start to finish.  This was our second trip with them, and what really sets them apart is how thoughtfully everything is put together. The camps were fantastic, each with its own personality, and the order of the itinerary clearly mattered — the experience built in a way that made the whole trip feel even more special.

One thing we especially appreciated was the meet-and-assist service in the airports. After long international flights, having someone there to guide us, help with luggage, and keep things moving smoothly made a huge difference.

All the logistics between camps were seamless — including a helicopter transfer that was both efficient and memorable. You can tell Safari Guru has real relationships with the places they recommend, which adds an extra layer of confidence and comfort.

Our stay in the Xigera Safari Lodge's remarkable Baobab Treehouse (photo courtesy of Xigera Lodge) was something we will always truly remember. If you’re thinking about an African safari, I wouldn’t trust it to just anyone. Deon and Safari Guru know what they’re doing, and they deliver.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Steve Surprenant 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Deon at Safari Guru did an amazing job organising my holiday to Uganda and Tanzania- Gorilla & Chimpanzee trek in Uganda and Safari in Tanzania.  I provided Deon with my wish list and he listened. My itinerary was perfect.  I especially loved the travel app that Safari Guru shared.  It provided me with all my itinerary and accommodation details. I could also share these details with my relatives/friends so they could follow my trip.
During the planning stage Deon was in regular contact with ideas and details and while away checked in to ensure everything was going smoothly and also advise of unexpected changes. As I was travelling solo this was very reassuring.
Thank you Safari Guru for a very memorable holiday.  I will definitely be in touch for my next African holiday 😊
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Margaret Rigby 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Arranged Lalibela in Western Cape and exceeded all expectations.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Jem Bolt 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dear Safari Guru:

I cannot thank you enough for organizing an absolutely phenomenal trip to Nairobi and Zanzibar! The customer service was beyond exceptional, at every location. Every single detail was near perfection. The tent and villa accommodations were incredibly comfortable, offering spectacular views that took our breaths away. The chefs’ farm-to-table meals at each location were not only healthy but also absolutely delicious. The continuous flowing COCKTAILS and SPARKLING Wine was pure opulence!! The outdoor breakfasts, sundowner refreshments and beach front lobster dinners, were such delightful surprises!

All the activities were exhilarating! The game drives, camelback ride, Beach Front GOLF, and the Sunset Dhow boat cruise, were simply magnificent. Everything was just perfect.

All our African intercontinental Safarilink and ground transfers were seamless.

At NBO Airport Departure, our guide through immigration, customs, boarding pass acquisition, and the 8 security checks, was EXCEPTIONAL. (I did not catch her name, but she was EXCELLENT) Please make sure she is recognized for her A+ service. We gave her a large tip for her assistance in getting us through a VERY hectic airport process to our gate.

All in all our trip was EXTRAORDINARY. WE look forward to our next adventure together!

Wren & Tim
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Wren Lester 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had been recommended Ashley and Deon by friends  of ours and the 3 week holiday of a lifetime ( not a term we use lightly ) was amazing.
From our initial conversations with both of them where they really listened to what we wanted out of the holiday, to the many questions we had during the planning process and the information provided about luggage, packing and tipping- all was expertly handled and nothing was too much trouble. Our holiday which was my husband, myself and our 22 year old son consisted of 2 safari bases in Botswana( the Delta and Chobe river), Victoria falls and an idyllic beach resort ( very remote) in Mozambique with a
hotel in Johannesburg airport as the stay between each part.
Everything was professionally curated with no glitches at all and the safaris were exceptional and hotels all great.
We would highly recommend using Safari Guru and definitely intend using them again in the future.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   sarah Brady 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jambo Sana, Deon⁩ and Suse!

I would give 10 stars if I could!!

Now that we are all home safely 🙏🏽 we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, Deon and Suse for arranging our EPIC adventure to 3 countries in Africa, our motherland!  From the breathtaking landscapes to the incredible wildlife, the fabulous cuisine and the ever-accomodating staff and guides, the memories you have helped us to create are simply unforgettable:

Our beautiful accommodations (Elewana) perched atop the Loisaba Conservancy in Kenya (even with the trek up the hill 😂 and where we first captured the Big 5 (and Damien’s Big 10 —I’ll explain later!☺️ and were introduced to the sundowner!) And danced with the Samburu tribe. Situated above the pridelands where we had a bird’s eye view of Mufasa’s kingdom. 😊

Our second stop (Mara Expedition Camp), nestled in the bush in the Mara 😳 with zip in and out tents where in reality we were closer to the wildlife than any of us ever imagined! Hence the Masai guards who moved like ninjas in the night to guide us safely! And let us not forget the final night’s exquisite dinner in the Mara…dancing with the chefs!

Our third stop…the lush, tropical paradise of Xanadu in Tanzania, which was so relaxing and amazing! Capped off with an amazing ride down the Indian Ocean in a dhow with Simon and Catherine! The Xanadu experience was made even more special with our butlers and personal attention! And for the fellas, there was unforgettable golfing with a view of the Indian Ocean (Sea Cliff). And for the ladies: we had a fabulous Indian Ocean photo shoot 🥰!

And finally our last leg to Cape Town. Yet another amazing adventure, from the rooftop of the ‘fancy’ Dorp Hotel in Bo-Kaap, 3 amazing wineries in Stellenbosch and Franshhoek (one black-owned: Klein Goederust and another silent disco winery: Black Elephant Vintners), and our one-of-a-kind guide—Rory, the kilt-wearing, Scottish, South African [insert his contagious laugh here 😂]

I’m so thankful to both of you for creating such a wonderful journey for us! It is one we will never forget!

Tell any of your potential clients to call me!! 😊

Asante Sana!

Warmly,
Tiffany & Damien
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Tiffany Perkins-Munn

We have been on multiple safaris in the past but was recommended by a lodge we were planning to go to have our trip arranged through Safari Guru, and Deon and his team did an excellent job arranging our two separate safari trips this year across multiple lodges in Kenya, Botswana and South Africa. Deon is very professional and knowledgeable about all the destinations and camps with first-hand experience. He is also well connected with many of the camps (we stayed across camps operated by Great Plains, andBeyond and Singita) and was able to help us secure specific rooms that we preferred in advance or arrange complex logistics, e.g. I proposed to my then-girlfriend (now wife) during one of the trips, and Deon and his team coordinated perfectly with the lodge we were staying at to ensure the experience was flawless and truly special. Deon and his team are also extremely responsive and helpful, both before and during our trips, ensuring the trips were seamless even with complex itineraries. Overall, we are extremely happy with Safari Guru and would 100% recommend them for anyone looking to book a safari trip.

Lap Yim

From our very first conversation, Deon was exceptional. From planning the itinerary, managing bookings and transfers to ensuring everything ran seamlessly once we arrived. Every lodge, every transfer, and every experience exceeded our expectations. The safari lodges were excellent and incredibly welcoming, and the wildlife experiences were unforgettable. It was a fantastic holiday from start to finish, voted by our family as probably the best ever. We can't wait to return to Africa and will definitely be booking through Safari Guru again. We'll be trusting Deon to tell us where we should explore next!

Jill Irvin

This was our second safari, but our first using Safari-Guru (based on a word-of-mouth recommendation on our last safari). Allan and Deon were excellent from day one of the planning until we returned from our perfectly organized trip, staying in touch before, during and after our trip by email and WhatsApp to make sure that everything was progressing without a hitch. Our trip was a combination of camps that we had selected and lodges that Allan recommended and every recommendation was a delight (recommendations for places we wouldn’t have thought to stay and rest breaks that we wouldn’t have thought to take, but which made the overall trip much better). The complex logistics of getting between camps and lodges, through airports and across borders was organized impeccably – which on a multi-day, multi-country safari is critical. Would we recommend Safari-Guru…. Absolutely. Will we use them again, definitely! We wouldn’t think about going to anyone else.

David Fleming

Just returned from a 9 day safari in Botswana with Safari Guru. Everything was top notch. We were spoiled beyond belief and appreciated all of the quality services provided. Well done Safari Guru.

Sherry Roark

My wife and I, and several friends, just returned from an incredible Botswana safari planned by Deon and Safari Guru, and the entire experience was outstanding from start to finish. This was our second trip with them, and what really sets them apart is how thoughtfully everything is put together. The camps were fantastic, each with its own personality, and the order of the itinerary clearly mattered — the experience built in a way that made the whole trip feel even more special. One thing we especially appreciated was the meet-and-assist service in the airports. After long international flights, having someone there to guide us, help with luggage, and keep things moving smoothly made a huge difference. All the logistics between camps were seamless — including a helicopter transfer that was both efficient and memorable. You can tell Safari Guru has real relationships with the places they recommend, which adds an extra layer of confidence and comfort. Our stay in the Xigera Safari Lodge's remarkable Baobab Treehouse (photo courtesy of Xigera Lodge) was something we will always truly remember. If you’re thinking about an African safari, I wouldn’t trust it to just anyone. Deon and Safari Guru know what they’re doing, and they deliver.

Steve Surprenant

Deon at Safari Guru did an amazing job organising my holiday to Uganda and Tanzania- Gorilla & Chimpanzee trek in Uganda and Safari in Tanzania. I provided Deon with my wish list and he listened. My itinerary was perfect. I especially loved the travel app that Safari Guru shared. It provided me with all my itinerary and accommodation details. I could also share these details with my relatives/friends so they could follow my trip. During the planning stage Deon was in regular contact with ideas and details and while away checked in to ensure everything was going smoothly and also advise of unexpected changes. As I was travelling solo this was very reassuring. Thank you Safari Guru for a very memorable holiday. I will definitely be in touch for my next African holiday 😊

Margaret Rigby

Arranged Lalibela in Western Cape and exceeded all expectations.

Jem Bolt

Dear Safari Guru: I cannot thank you enough for organizing an absolutely phenomenal trip to Nairobi and Zanzibar! The customer service was beyond exceptional, at every location. Every single detail was near perfection. The tent and villa accommodations were incredibly comfortable, offering spectacular views that took our breaths away. The chefs’ farm-to-table meals at each location were not only healthy but also absolutely delicious. The continuous flowing COCKTAILS and SPARKLING Wine was pure opulence!! The outdoor breakfasts, sundowner refreshments and beach front lobster dinners, were such delightful surprises! All the activities were exhilarating! The game drives, camelback ride, Beach Front GOLF, and the Sunset Dhow boat cruise, were simply magnificent. Everything was just perfect. All our African intercontinental Safarilink and ground transfers were seamless. At NBO Airport Departure, our guide through immigration, customs, boarding pass acquisition, and the 8 security checks, was EXCEPTIONAL. (I did not catch her name, but she was EXCELLENT) Please make sure she is recognized for her A+ service. We gave her a large tip for her assistance in getting us through a VERY hectic airport process to our gate. All in all our trip was EXTRAORDINARY. WE look forward to our next adventure together! Wren & Tim

Wren Lester

We had been recommended Ashley and Deon by friends of ours and the 3 week holiday of a lifetime ( not a term we use lightly ) was amazing. From our initial conversations with both of them where they really listened to what we wanted out of the holiday, to the many questions we had during the planning process and the information provided about luggage, packing and tipping- all was expertly handled and nothing was too much trouble. Our holiday which was my husband, myself and our 22 year old son consisted of 2 safari bases in Botswana( the Delta and Chobe river), Victoria falls and an idyllic beach resort ( very remote) in Mozambique with a hotel in Johannesburg airport as the stay between each part. Everything was professionally curated with no glitches at all and the safaris were exceptional and hotels all great. We would highly recommend using Safari Guru and definitely intend using them again in the future.

sarah Brady

Jambo Sana, Deon⁩ and Suse! I would give 10 stars if I could!! Now that we are all home safely 🙏🏽 we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, Deon and Suse for arranging our EPIC adventure to 3 countries in Africa, our motherland! From the breathtaking landscapes to the incredible wildlife, the fabulous cuisine and the ever-accomodating staff and guides, the memories you have helped us to create are simply unforgettable: Our beautiful accommodations (Elewana) perched atop the Loisaba Conservancy in Kenya (even with the trek up the hill 😂 and where we first captured the Big 5 (and Damien’s Big 10 —I’ll explain later!☺️ and were introduced to the sundowner!) And danced with the Samburu tribe. Situated above the pridelands where we had a bird’s eye view of Mufasa’s kingdom. 😊 Our second stop (Mara Expedition Camp), nestled in the bush in the Mara 😳 with zip in and out tents where in reality we were closer to the wildlife than any of us ever imagined! Hence the Masai guards who moved like ninjas in the night to guide us safely! And let us not forget the final night’s exquisite dinner in the Mara…dancing with the chefs! Our third stop…the lush, tropical paradise of Xanadu in Tanzania, which was so relaxing and amazing! Capped off with an amazing ride down the Indian Ocean in a dhow with Simon and Catherine! The Xanadu experience was made even more special with our butlers and personal attention! And for the fellas, there was unforgettable golfing with a view of the Indian Ocean (Sea Cliff). And for the ladies: we had a fabulous Indian Ocean photo shoot 🥰! And finally our last leg to Cape Town. Yet another amazing adventure, from the rooftop of the ‘fancy’ Dorp Hotel in Bo-Kaap, 3 amazing wineries in Stellenbosch and Franshhoek (one black-owned: Klein Goederust and another silent disco winery: Black Elephant Vintners), and our one-of-a-kind guide—Rory, the kilt-wearing, Scottish, South African [insert his contagious laugh here 😂] I’m so thankful to both of you for creating such a wonderful journey for us! It is one we will never forget! Tell any of your potential clients to call me!! 😊 Asante Sana! Warmly, Tiffany & Damien

Tiffany Perkins-Munn

Southern Africa

East Africa

Primate Experiences

Islands of Africa

Private Journeys

Safari Cheat Sheet

Travel Information

FLIGHTS

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

TRAVEL INSURANCE & MEDICAL

GENERAL TRAVEL PREP

SAFARI CHEAT SHEET – HANDY LINKS

Family Safari Specialists

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