Venture into the wild with confidence

Any type of trip can present certain challenges, but when on safari, the likelihood of encountering something unexpected can be heightened.

Going on safari often involves travelling to remote locations where conditions can be unpredictable, and in many cases, you’ll need to pay for your flights, accommodation, transport and tours well in advance. If you need to cancel your trip, encounter travel delays or were to become sick or injured during your trip, without adequate travel insurance, you may not be able to cover or recoup your expenses

Taking out travel insurance before going on safari is the easiest way to make sure you won’t be left on your own to foot the bill if things don’t quite go to plan.

When you choose PassportCard, we’ll automatically include safari cover with your travel insurance policy as standard.

It is however important to note that if you will be participating in any animal conservation and handling activities as part of your trip, you will need to include additional Adventure Activities Cover when you purchase your policy to ensure you’ll be covered for the entir

Before you set off on safari, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re well prepared and set yourself up for a great experience:

• If travelling overseas, check your passport is valid with at least 6 months of validity left before the date you plan to return to Australia
• Ensure you meet the visitor entry requirements for the countries you will be visiting and check how long your visa/s will allow you to stay there
• Research each destination you will visit and find out if there are any cultural sensitivities you need to be aware of, as some things that might be acceptable in Australia, could be frowned upon in other countries
• Arrange a travel currency card or other method of payment to cover expenses while you’re away
• Notify your financial institution of your plans to travel
• Contact your phone provider to ensure your phone plan will cover you while you’re away or purchase a pre-paid international sim card
• Research the various accommodation options available in each destination you plan to visit, as most will offer you the choice between lodge, tented camp, private villa and hotel accommodation
• If you’ll be joining a safari tour group, carefully research the tour operator and package inclusion to ensure the safari experience on offer is what you’re looking for and to confirm exactly what is and isn’t included
• Try to pack lightly, particularly if you will be travelling on light aircraft or on an overnight safari tour where there may be restrictions in terms of luggage weight or volume
• Keep in mind that when going on safari there’s no guarantee that you’ll encounter all the wildlife you’re hoping to see. To ensure the trip is as enjoyable as possible and to avoid disappointment, it can be a good idea to also include some other activities and excursions on your itinerary
• Always follow the advice of your tour guide – after all, they understand the local terrain and wildlife better than anyone
• Provide details of your travel plans to a family member or close friend not travelling with you so you can be contacted in case of an emergency
• Save the details of how to access emergency consular assistance in case you need it
• Organise your travel insurance with PassportCard.