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Basic needs will start with checking that your passport isn't about to expire. For Portuguese visitors, you will are advise to apply for an EVENT VISA and to organise travel and medical insurance. Check your flight details and don't forget to confirm them – including onward connections and returns. Don't forget to order special meals on flights, or children's meals, if necessary.
What to pack
Pack a while ahead. Most of the time you'll be most comfortable in light, summer-weight clothes but do pack a warm jacket, socks, good shoes and a rain jacket. Pack sunscreen – lots of it – and a hat and sunglasses. Make sure you have at least one cool shirt with a collar for sun protection. Stock up on insect repellent and, if you'll be in a malaria area, ensure you have a cool, long-sleeved shirt and cool long pants for evenings. Bring good walking shoes.
Always pack a bandanna or cotton scarf and a sarong, kanga, pareo, kikoi – whatever you want to call it. These two garments are probably the most useful and versatile items in the world. If you're spending time watching game, you should try to wear reasonably neutral colours but, really, you don't have to look like an extra on the set of Out of Africa. You don't need formal clothes, but you will need something pretty smart for exclusive hotels and the Blue Train.
Drugs/medication
If you are dependent on any drugs – or medication, as we say – bring a supply and a spare prescription. (We call our drugstores "pharmacies".)
Important documents
Make two copies of all your important documents, like passports. Take one with you, in a different bag to the original, and leave one at home with a responsible, easily reachable person. Try to memorise all your important numbers - passport numbers, credit card numbers, etc. If you lose your bag, this could be an enormous help.
Can I use my electrical equipment?
Electricity is generally 220/230 volts (same as Portugal) although you will need to buy a ROUND PIN ADAPTOR. Don't worry too much about buying these in Portugal as they will be readily available at airports when you get to your destination.
Spectacles, contact lenses
Bring spare spectacles, and/or a copy of your prescription. If you wear contact lenses, consider using disposables for a short holiday, especially if you're planning to river raft, dive or such. Also bring spectacles, as the dry dusty environment of some game farms may irritate your eyes.
If you've forgotten anything – don't panic...you will soon discover that South Africa is not the back of beyond and you can buy whatever you need – probably at a very good price.
Most importantly, pack a camera – you'll want to save your wonderful memories. You will be able to buy film anywhere, together with any kind of camera batteries in any of the cities you will visit.