BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Prepare for Your South African Adventure
Everything you need to know before travelling to Wildlife Adventure Africa – from flights and airport transfers to insurance, packing, health and arrival arrangements.
FLY TO HDS
Eastgate Airport, Hoedspruit
AIRPORT TRANSFERS INCLUDED
Scheduled program transfers to and from HDS
INSURANCE REQUIRED
Comprehensive travel and medical cover is mandatory
WHATSAPP BEFORE ARRIVAL
Your participant group is created around one month before your program
GETTING HERE
Fly to Eastgate Airport (HDS), Hoedspruit
Eastgate Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit is the designated airport for the program. Return transfers between HDS and the lodge are included on your official arrival and departure dates.
ARRIVAL — DAY 1
Please book the latest suitable flight into Hoedspruit (HDS) on Day 1 where possible. We wait for all participants to arrive before the group departs for the lodge, so arriving earlier may mean some waiting time at the airport.
MEETING YOUR GUIDE
Eastgate Airport is a small regional airport and easy to navigate. Your guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals area holding a Wildlife Adventure Africa logo sign with participants’ names on it, so you’ll easily be able to identify them.
DEPARTURE — FINAL DAY
Where possible, please book the latest suitable flight departing from Hoedspruit (HDS) on the final day. Departure transfers are coordinated around the group.
AFTER YOU BOOK
We’ll Help You Prepare
Once your place is confirmed, you’ll receive your booking confirmation and the information you need to prepare for your trip.
Around one month before arrival, you’ll be added to your participant WhatsApp group. This is where our team will share final pre-arrival information, request your flight details, confirm airport transfer arrangements and keep everyone updated before the program begins.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Passport & Entry Requirements
Make sure your passport is valid for travel to South Africa and check whether you require a visa based on your nationality and travel route. Entry requirements can differ between countries, so participants are responsible for confirming the requirements that apply to them before travelling.
- Passport
- Visa, if required
- Return/onward travel information
- Any required entry documentation
MANDATORY
Travel & Medical Insurance
Every participant must have comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering the full duration of their trip.
Your policy should include appropriate medical and emergency cover, including treatment or hospitalisation, emergency evacuation or repatriation, trip interruption or cancellation, and loss or damage to personal belongings.
Please arrange your insurance independently before travelling and keep your policy details accessible during your trip.
HEALTH & TRAVEL MEDICINE
Speak to Your Travel Clinic Before Departure
Health recommendations depend on your country of origin, travel route, medical history and the time of year you travel. We recommend speaking to your doctor or travel clinic approximately 4–6 weeks before departure.
Bring enough of any prescription medication for your entire trip and carry important medication in your hand luggage.
PACKING GUIDE
What to Bring to South Africa
You don’t need to overpack. Laundry is available during your stay, so practical clothing that can be layered works best.
FIELD & EVERYDAY CLOTHING
- Comfortable lightweight clothing
- Long trousers for field days
- Long- and short-sleeved shirts
- Closed walking shoes or hiking boots
- Fleece or lightweight jacket
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
SUN & BUSH ESSENTIALS
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Cosmetics and toiletries
USEFUL EXTRAS
- Camera or smartphone
- Power bank
- Universal travel adaptor
- Small torch/headlamp
- Swimwear
- Binoculars if you have them
For veterinary and outreach programs, bring practical clothes and closed shoes that you are comfortable wearing during hands-on field activities.
DURING YOUR STAY
Useful Things to Know
MONEY
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Cards are widely accepted, but having a small amount of cash for personal purchases can be useful.
WI-FI & COMMUNICATION
Wi-Fi is available at the lodge. Your participant WhatsApp group is also used for important program communication.
POWER & CHARGING
Bring a suitable South African or universal travel adaptor. Charging facilities are available at the lodge.
FOOD & DIETARY NEEDS
Meals are provided during the program. Please tell us about dietary requirements or allergies before arrival so the team can prepare accordingly.
BEFORE YOU FLY
Your Final Travel Checklist
✓ Flights to Hoedspruit (HDS) booked
✓ Passport and visa requirements checked
✓ Travel & medical insurance arranged
✓ Travel-clinic advice completed
✓ Flight details sent when requested in your WhatsApp group
✓ Bags packed and ready for Africa
YOU’RE ALMOST READY
Your African Adventure Starts Soon
Still have a question before you travel? Our team is happy to help.