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When should I purchase my airline ticket?

It is very important to wait until your tour is officially confirmed before purchasing your airline tickets.

A tour is only confirmed once you receive your Booking Confirmation email
Before that, there is still a chance (however small) that the tour may not run as we need a minimum number of guests for the tour to go ahead

After you have received the tour confirmation

You can go ahead and book your international flights
Make sure to follow the arrival and departure times provided in your tour information

If you need to book early and are considering booking flights before confirmation it is best to:

choose flexible or refundable tickets, or
speak with the Rockjumper office first

Practical tips

Aim to arrive a day early, especially for long-haul destinations. Flight delays or even cancelled flights are a potential issue
Double-check:
- baggage allowances
- visa requirements
- airport transfer details

Simple summary

“Wait for your tour confirmation before booking flights, then book with confidence.”

Should I take out travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is required for all Rockjumper tours, and it’s something we strongly recommend taking seriously.

Why it’s mandatory

Travel insurance protects you against unexpected situations such as:

medical emergencies
trip cancellation or interruption
lost baggage
evacuation or repatriation

Rockjumper does not provide insurance, so it is important to have your own policy in place

What your policy should cover

At a minimum, your insurance should include:

medical cover
emergency evacuation / repatriation (strongly recommended)
trip cancellation & interruption
cover for your destination and activities

Important to check

Make sure your policy covers:
- the countries you’re visiting
- any specific risks (e.g. remote travel, altitude, cruises if applicable)
Always read the fine print carefully

Health advice

It’s also a good idea to:

consult your doctor regarding any vaccinations or medications
discuss travel plans if you have existing health conditions

Simple summary

“Yes, insurance is compulsory, and it’s essential for protecting you against unexpected events.”

What vaccinations are needed?

Vaccination requirements vary depending on where you’re travelling, but here is a clear and practical guide.

General rule

There is no single set of vaccinations for all tours. Each destination has its own recommendations and sometimes requirements.

Commonly recommended vaccinations

For many birding destinations, travellers are often advised to consider:

Tetanus
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Routine vaccines (e.g. measles, flu)

Sometimes required (destination-specific)

Yellow Fever

Mandatory for entry into some countries
Often required if you’re arriving from a yellow fever risk country

Malaria (not a vaccine, but important)

Present in some regions
Prophylaxis (medication) is usually recommended
Insect protection (repellent, long sleeve shirts, long pants, closed shoes, etc.)

Always discuss this with your doctor before travelling

Important advice

Requirements can change frequently
You should always check:
- official government or embassy websites
- trusted sources like CDC or TravelHealthPro
And most importantly, consult your travel doctor or clinic well in advance

Reassurance

We provide destination-specific pre-departure information for every tour, which highlights:

relevant health considerations
known risks (e.g. malaria, altitude, insects)

Simple summary

“Vaccinations depend on your destination so please check official guidance and consult your doctor before you travel.”

Do I need any special clothing?

Typically, you won’t need anything overly specialized, but the right clothing does make a big difference to your comfort and enjoyment.

For most Rockjumper tours, we recommend:

Lightweight, breathable clothing (especially in warm climates)
Neutral or dull colours (greens, browns, greys) as this avoids disturbing birds and other wildlife
Long-sleeved shirts & long trousers which will help to protect you from the sun, insects, and vegetation

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots are essential
Good grip is important for uneven trails

Essential extras

Hat or cap (sun protection)
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Lip balm
Light rain jacket, poncho or small collapsable umbrella
A warm layer (early mornings can be cool, even in the tropics)

Destination-specific additions

Depending on where you’re going, you may also need:

Insect protection (e.g. repellent, long clothing)
Leech socks (some tropical forest tours)
Warmer layers (high altitude or temperate regions)
Proper rain gear (rainforest)
Waterproof clothing (adventure cruises such as Antarctica)

What to avoid

Bright colours
Noisy fabrics (like crackly nylon)
Heavy or bulky clothing

Reassurance

You don’t need to buy lots of new gear, most people already have suitable clothing. We’ll also provide detailed, destination-specific packing advice before your tour.

Simple summary

“Comfortable, neutral, practical outdoor clothing adapted to the climate of your destination.”