Passports: Each team member is responsible for obtaining their own passport. The expiration date should be at least 4-6 months past the return date to the US.  Always carry a copy of your passport with you and leave one copy at home for emergency purposes. Click here for more information on obtaining your passport. Be sure to keep your immunization record (the "Yellow Shot Card") with your passport.

Visas: Visas for Zambia can be obtained at the Zambian border upon entering the country.  A multiple entry visa for Zambia may be obtained by over-night service (FedEx or UPS) your passport to the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC. For those traveling through Zimbabwe, entry visas can be obtained upon arrival in Zimbabwe. Double entry visas are advisable (necessary if your are entering thru Zambia and plan to visit Zimbabwe). A Zambian visa is $25 per person in Livingstone.

Airline Routes: Teams usually leave Atlanta, Ga in the morning and land at Johannesburg, South Africa the next morning.  From ohannesburg you will board a flight to Livingston, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe that morning. The flight from Atlanta is via South African Airlines  and passengers can receive Delta frequent flyer miles. This is a very long flight, approximately 18-20 hours. The flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone is on Nationwide Airlines. The total cost of round-trip air fare varies, but is generally between $1,400 and $1,700.

Some teams fly British Air from the U.S. to London. They sight-see in London for 8-10 hours during the day and then overnight to Johannesburg, South Africa. They then take a flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The team crosses the border to Livingston, Zambia by car.

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Costs: Primetime has tried to keep the total cost approximately $2500 per person.  This includes air fare, food in Zambia, lodging, visas, game drives, Victoria Falls viewing, and travel. It does not include passports, immunizations, gifts, and food in the airports. The desires of the members are too varied for this to be calculated ahead of time. Many people choose to carry $300-$500 USD with them for gifts and airport snacks. The London day trips can be discussed with the team leaders. The currency in Zambia is called "Kwacha".  You can find currency converters on the Internet: for example click here for a Dollar to Kwacha converter. You will only need Zambian currency for the purchase of souvenirs and gifts, and you can barter (trade things like pens, candy, scarfs and the like) and you can also purchase souvenirs and gifts with US Dollars. Just be sure you know the exchange rate so you pay a fair price for your gifts. 

PAYMENT, DONATIONS OR SPONSORSHIPS  should be made payable to "PRIMETIME WORLD OUTREACH" and sent to Jim Ritchie, Treasurer, 715 Roland Manor Dr, Ducula, Ga 30019.  Checks are acceptable.

Food:  There are limited snacks in Africa. You may want to bring gum, candy,  granola bars etc. Bringing a water bottle for use when you are away from the guest house or lodging is a good idea (be very careful about drinking water that does not come from our water supply).

We are requested to bring some food: Cake & muffin mixes, scalloped potatoes, instant potatoes, hamburger helper, trail dried food & anything else to complete our diet.


Clothes: The cool months are May-August. A sweat shirt and a light jacket are necessary at night during these months. Blue jeans or zip-off pants are good for the cool months. The hottest months are Oct-Feb, although it does rain during these months to cool the days. Most outdoor work can be done in shorts.  Women can wear the same clothes. (no short shorts!)  Men need a knit collared shirt for the church services and/or the pastors conferences. Women need a casual dress or skirt for church. Tennis shoes are fine for all occasions. Walking shoes or sandals are advisable. Have 2 pairs of shoes so if you get your feet wet, you can change. There will be washing of clothes available almost daily except Sundays. Remember: Zambia is in the Southern Hemisphere.... seasons are reversed!
 

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Procedures, Passports and Baggage Claim in Johannesburg: This is always so confusing! Here are the steps for getting thru the Johannesburg airport:

1. You will go from the airplane to the terminal area on a bus.
2. Follow the signs for DOMESTIC transfer.  Even though our departure is to Livingstone (i.e., an International flight out of SA) you should not follow the signs for International transfer. 
3. Stand in line and have your passport stamped.
4. Collect your bags.
5. After you collect your bags, go to the baggage elevators and go up to the airline ticket counters.
6. Go to your carrier, check your bags thru to Livingstone and get your boarding pass.

Lost Baggage: Unfortunately, having bags not show-up at the Johannesburg baggage claim area is all too common. In many cases, however, your bag will be returned to you at a later time! In the baggage claim area of the Johannesburg airport, there is a counter along the back wall to report lost baggage. Fill-out the paperwork. If you are spending the night in Johannesburg, check back in the morning. When you arrive at the airport in Livingstone, report your lost baggage by filling-out paperwork at an office near the exit to the parking lot. Then, ask your host to call the airport the day following your arrival. Often times, your bags will arrive and you can pick them up at the airport then!

Packing your Bags: Because bags are sometimes misplaced in transit or delayed for a day or two, you need to plan how you pack.  Pack related items or equipment in the same bag (cables and computers together). It is also a good idea to place distinctive markings on your bag so you can spot them quickly in Johannesburg.  There will be hundreds of black suit cases in Johannesburg, so putting something on your bag to make it stand-out really helps.  Simply tying brightly colored ribbon around the handle of the bag accomplishes this.

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Regarding Baggage Weight: There has been some confusion regarding baggage weight limits.  We frequently use Nationwide Airlines on the leg from Johannesburg to Livingstone.  Nationwide has an in-continent baggage weight limit of 44 pounds.  However, our travel originates in the U.S. so the baggage weight limits are governed by the International Carrier - South African Airlines.  SA allows 70 pounds per bag.  Nationwide will accept bags up-to 70 pounds for travel originating in North or South America or Europe.  Click here to review the Nationwide policy which states these rules. Please note: the paragraph numbering in the linked document is really goofy (it goes from 1.x to 2.x to 3.x back to 2.x, then to another 3.x etc.). The first paragraph 3.0 states the weight limit is 20kg (44 pounds) for in-Continent travel. Carefully note the second paragraph 3.0 - this states that baggage from North America is governed by the per "Piece" weight guidelines; and paragraph 3.2.3 states that the weight is 32kg (70 pounds).  You may want to print the contents of this link, read the contents, and be prepared to point out the specifics of the 70 pound rule for U.S. baggage. Sometimes the Nationwide counter employees will insist that the 44 pound rule applies. They are simply misinformed... don't panic, just be prepared. Point out the rule from this link, and that should be sufficient! We have been there and had this "problem"; politely point out the rule and you're on-our-way!

Each person can take: 1 (one) 13 lb. carry on and another "purse" or backpack
                                 2 (two) 70 lb. bags as checked luggage
We usually ask each person to have their personal items in one bag. Items for the mission are usually packed in the second bag. This is how we transport needed supplies.  Always pack an extra set or two of clothing in your carry on luggage in case your suitcase is lost or late arriving. It is advisable to bring all daily medications in your personal carry on luggage. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and bug spray (you may want to consider 100% Deet... which you can purchase at Wal-Mart) are recommended.
 

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Gifts and Contributions to Hospital or Zambian Staff Members: Over the years, our mission teams have been such a blessing for the hospital.

Miscellaneous Items and Primetime World Outreach Planning: You may enjoy using a GPS or other cool 'toys', these are totally optional, but certainly OK. Everyone will want a camera, but each team should have a designated camera person and one video camera. Others can take a video camera if they desire. If you wish to post your pictures on this site when you return, a digital camera will be most convenient. Do not be concerned about the high pixel images (large files) that new digital cameras create; our picture import process takes care of this. 

Nearby attractions: Victoria Falls
                                 Safari Game Drives in Zambia or Botswana
                                 Dinner cruises on the Zambezi River   
                                 Chobe Safari Lodge
                                 Livingstone Museum

Immunizations: Immunizations are required and are listed here. Click here to review CDC recommendations.

Please Note (added on 6/26/2005): CDC has recently removed the Yellow Fever immunization from the "required" list for Zambia.  However, for other countries in Central Africa, CDC still does recommend a Yellow Fever shot. If you plan on visiting any country other than Zambia, proof of the Yellow Fever immunization may be required upon entry. Click here to review the CDC recommendation. Be sure to keep your immunization record with your passport.

You may choose to take Malaria tablets (Doxycycline or Malarone ).  Please discuss this option with your personal physician.

Some immunizations may be obtained at your County Public Health Office.

Yellow Fever injection may also be obtained at:

Newton County Health Dept Travel Clinic.
8203 Hazelbrand Rd
Covington, GA 30014
770-786-9086  (Call the International Travel Nurse for appointment)

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INSURANCE:

• COVERAGE OPTION #1--$.40/Day Per Person
  
  $5000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit
  
  $5000Accident Medical Benefit--excess of any other valid and collectible coverage the insured might have subject to a $50 deductible if this coverage becomes primary. $500 limit on dental coverage and Chiropractic/Physiotherapy.
   
• COVERAGE OPTION #2--$.70/Day Per Person
  
  $10000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit
  
  $10000Accident Medical Benefit--excess of any other valid and collectible coverage the insured might have subject to a $50 deductible if this coverage becomes primary. $500 limit on dental coverage and Chiropractic/Physiotherapy.
  
  $3000 Medical Evacuation Expense (Outside you home country).
  
  $3000 Repatriation Benefit (Outside your home country).
  
  If you are interested in Short Term Trip Insurance, please contact us to select a plan and make check to:
  The Wesleyan Church Corporation. Send name & check to Daniel E. Finch.

TOOLS:  We will have more information later concerning the exact types of tools we need to bring.

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