Teenagers' long hair a problem? SA, Nam, Zam
 

We are leaving for Namibia and Zambia, via South Africa, on Saturday. I just picked up our older two boys from boarding school, and found them sporting '60s hairstyles: the younger has a 4 inch long ponytail and the elder's hair is probably longer, but curly - so looks about the same length. I wondered if we would have problems with customs because of their appearance. It was agreed that, depending on your response, they would either get haircuts before we leave on vacation or after vacation/before summer jobs start.

I would predict that they would have no problems, whatsoever, with customs. I have seen some rough & tumble characters from Angola, Congo and elsewhere (mercenaries?) get through customs without a problem, so a couple teenagers with long hair should not be a problem.

Out of curiosity, what properties are you visiting?

The monkies and baboons are going to snatch them up the moment you get off the plane, be careful and keep the close.

Jokes aside, you are going to Africa, where freedom of expression is a human right consequently you do not have to be a mercenary to have long hair, not that you see those characters any more.

Go as you are and enjoy.

Hi bellhouse,
I found that some of the tribespeople loved touching and playing with my long curly blondish hair. I personally kind of liked this interaction. I wonder however, how a young man will feel about this attention.

No one btw, touched my DH cropped hair that was so much easier to care for while in the bush.
Good luck!
Sherry

Thanks! I guess I'll reschedule haircuts for after the trip/before summer jobs. The boys are quite pleased, and, as an early '70s Deadhead, I must say I like the look.

Those are some lucky long-haired boys!

The only time I saw something related to this was entering Malawi (beautiful place!) A fellow male traveller had hair you describe he tucked it under a hat which they made hime take off when they saw the long hair they told him he could not enter!! Another fellow traveller got the scissors out and cut! They let him in. You are not going to Malawi and at the time I think we knew this could be an issue before we got there (hence the hat)It sticks in my memory as one of those Africa moments that I love!
Happy travels
J

How funny! Thanks - we're excited!