Essential Resources

Travel with Intelligence.

Your essential guide to navigating entry requirements, health protocols, and cultural nuances across the African continent.

African Baobabs at Sunset
The African LOOM Manifesto

The Ten Commandments for Travelers

Before evaluating visas, packing lists, or logistics, we ask all our guests to affirm the foundational ethos of this journey.

I

Thou shalt goeth into strange lands with an open mind, and above all, with an adaptable spirit.

II

Thou shalt not expect to find things as thou hast at home, for thou hast left home to find peoples, places and things that are different.

III

Thou shalt not take anything too seriously, for good humor maketh a good traveler.

IV

Thou shalt take half as many clothes as thou thinkest, and twice the money.

V

Thou shalt covet thy passport at all times, for without thy passport thou art without a country.

VI

Thou shalt worry not over minor annoyances like cold showers and repeated delays; for worry reaps no pleasure and thou hast paid good money to enjoy thyself.

VII

Keepeth in mind that thou art a guest whilst in other lands; therefore shalt thou revere thy host at all times.

VIII

Thou shalt honor thy tour guide, for whilst in foreign lands thy guide is thy guardian angel; and may well be thy salvation on the morrow.

IX

Leave not thy trace among pristine foreign settings, for it is just such rare splendor thou hast traveled so far to see.

X

Knoweth that thy travels soweth lasting memories that may neither rust nor depreciate, and can never be taken from thee.

African Travel Documents

Visa Requirements

Check entry protocols for African destinations instantly.

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Visa-Free

Countries where U.S. Passports allow entry for tourism without prior authorization.

  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • Morocco
  • Namibia
  • Senegal
  • South Africa
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e-Visa / ETA

Digital authorization or Visa on Arrival required for U.S. Citizens.

  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Kenya
  • Madagascar
  • Mozambique
  • Rwanda
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
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Formal Visa

Embassy application required for U.S. Citizens prior to departure.

  • Algeria
  • Ghana

Expert Guides

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Flight & Boarding Logistics

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Airport Check-In

Counter opens 5 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before departure.

IMPORTANT: We highly recommend you arrive at the counter at least 3 hours before departure.

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Airplane Boarding

Boarding begins 1 hour prior to takeoff.

The aircraft door closes strictly 20 minutes before departure and will not be reopened for late passengers.

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Luggage Allowance

Checked Bag: 1 piece weighing max 50 lbs (dimension 62").

Hand Luggage: 1 piece weighing max 12 lbs.

Anything exceeding this will attract excess baggage charges.

Specific Country Logistics

Travel Requirements to Ghana

  • verified Official United States Passport (valid for at least 6 months before departure)
  • verified Travel Visa Application (for travel to Ghana)
  • verified 2 Passport Size Pictures
  • verified Visa Application Form & Fee ($60 for single entry, $100 for multiple entry)

Time Differences (from US)

Ghana +5 Hrs (Winter) / +4 Hrs (Summer)
South Africa +7 Hrs (Winter) / +6 Hrs (Summer)

Requirements for Zimbabwe & Zambia

An Entry Visa is required for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Airport Visa Cost $50
Botswana Border Cross Cost $30
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Health & Safety

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Active Travel Advisory: Serengeti Plains

Unseasonal heavy rains may affect unpaved game drive routes. Please monitor local updates and contact your expedition guide for schedule adjustments.

Vaccination Tracker

Stay updated on required immunizations for your specific destination itinerary.

Yellow Fever Verified
Typhoid Required
Malaria Pills (Contact Physician) Highly Recommended

Insurance Check

Travelers are advised to obtain comprehensive insurance cover themselves for medical, evacuation expenses, personal effects, personal accidents, and cancellation and curtailment. For questions, quotes or enrollment, options are to visit www.travelexinsurance.com, TravelGuard.com, AARP.org or call 1-800-228-9792. Or, select an insurance provider of your choice.

African Emergency Contacts

South Africa

10111 Police

location_on US Embassy: 877 Pretorius St, Pretoria

Kenya

999 All Services

location_on US Embassy: United Nations Ave, Nairobi

Morocco

190 Police

location_on US Embassy: Ave Mohamed VI, Rabat

Ghana

191 Police

location_on US Embassy: Fourth Circular Rd, Accra

Egypt

122 Police

location_on US Embassy: 5 Tawfik Diab St, Cairo

Tanzania

112 All Services

location_on US Embassy: 686 Old Bagamoyo Rd, Dar es Salaam

Botswana

999 Police

location_on US Embassy: Government Enclave, Gaborone

Senegal

17 Police

location_on US Embassy: Route des Almadies, Dakar

Zambia

991 Police

location_on US Embassy: Ibex Hill Road, Lusaka

Zimbabwe

995 Police

location_on US Embassy: 2 Lorraine Dr, Harare

Ethiopia

991 Police

location_on US Embassy: Entoto Street, Addis Ababa

Download our offline safety toolkit for remote regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common logistics and booking inquiries.

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