FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I choose a country/area to visit?

Each country has something different to offer and the diversity of countries and wildlife in Africa means you are spoilt for choice. We will ask you questions to find out which country is best suited for your safari based on your likes and dislikes, budget and interests. The time of year you are travelling will play an important role in where we recommend to you.

How do I choose the type of accommodation?

The type of accommodation you choose will be based on your budget, how adventurous you are and if you have any specific interests.

Why are guides so important?

A good guide is essential to the enjoyment of your safari. The guides we use are extremely knowledgeable and eager to share their passion and knowledge of the areas and wildlife. With a good guide you might only see animal tracks yet still have a wonderful game viewing experience.

What is a typical day on safari like?

A typical day will include a morning and afternoon activity, sometimes a night drive too. Your days start quite early as this is when the animals are most active. You return to camp for lunch, when it is hottest and the animals are not moving around much. Depending on the area you are visiting, a range of other activities can also be enjoyed such as walking, village visits, canoeing, boat trips and even hot air ballooning.

What can I expect to see on my safari?

Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations of seeing wildlife up close encouraged by documentaries on television with fantastic close up shots of wildlife. Do bear in mind that the animals are wild, their movements can’t be controlled and they are unpredictable. This is what makes a safari exciting - no day is the same and you never know what you might see.

What do I need to bring with me?

We will send you a suggested packing list before you travel.

Is there a luggage limit on light aircraft?

Yes, luggage restrictions can be strict as the weight light planes can safely carry is limited. It is therefore vital that you adhere to the luggage restriction. These generally range between 10kgs (20 lbs) and 20 kg (40lbs) per person maximum. We need to know well in advance if you are over 1.82 metres (6’2”) tall or weigh over 100kg (220lbs).

How do I tip guides and camp staff?

You will be a given a tipping guideline prior to travel however tipping is purely at your discretion. The guides are usually given their tips at the end of your stay in camp. There is usually a tip box for camp staff which is divided between all members of staff. If a camp has a different policy, you will be advised of this on arrival.

What type of bathrooms can we expect?

Most camps / lodges will have en-suite showers and loos - although it is important to note that not all are flushing. Whilst camping you may have short or long drop loos – this is a hole in the ground that uses ash or sand instead of water, so does not flush. Not all camps have running water, and in this case, water is heated over a fire and taken to your tent for you to shower at a time specified by you. This is called a bucket shower – a wonderfully fun way to wash in the bush!

Will I need a passport?

Yes, your passport will need to be valid for six months after travel and you will need to have three blank pages in your passport for stamps/visas.

How do my friends/family stay in touch whilst I am travelling?

There is mobile phone reception almost everywhere so your relatives can contact you directly. We will also give you a contact list of local ground handlers and our own phone numbers as a backup prior to travel. At some camps Wifi and computers are available so that you can catch up on e-mails.

Is it safe? What about the wild animals?

When you are in camp you will be briefed on safety. Most camps are not fenced and in the evening and morning you will need to be escorted to and from your tents. You will also be provided with flashlights in camp and either a whistle or radio for emergencies (not room service!). There are staff who keep an eye on camp in the evening and track animals that pass through or near camp. In East Africa we call them askaris. When on game viewing activities you will be given a safety briefing. The most important thing to remember is to listen to your guides - they are professionals and are trained to deal with any potentially dangerous situation.

Will I be safe in the city? eg Nairobi/ Dar es Salaam

African cities are like most cities in the world and there are certain areas that should be avoided. Common sense should prevail when walking around; don’t flash your cash, wear flashy jewellery etc.

Is self drive safe?

In South Africa, the roads are good and the traffic volumes will generally be less than you are used to. In other African countries, we do not recommend self drive.

Will I need a visa?

In certain counties yes, and they can usually be obtained upon arrival for a fee, depending on the passport you hold. If you get your visa in advance, it will only be valid for 3 months from date of issue (not from date of entry).

Will I need a yellow fever certificate?

Yellow fever is required for entry into certain countries (such as South Africa) if travelling from a yellow fever infected country (certain East African countries). You may also need a certificate to get back into your own country.

Will I need any vaccinations?

Often vaccinations are recommended, and you need to discuss this with your doctor or travel clinic for up to date information.

Will I need to take malaria medication?

We highly recommend this if you are travelling to a malarial area, which applies to most of the countries we operate in. Your doctor or travel clinic will give you the most up to date advice.

How do I protect against mosquitoes?

Prevention is better than cure and we recommend that you adequately protect yourself. In the evening wear long sleeve shirts and trousers to cover your skin, wear thick socks for extra protection and liberally use anti–mosquito spray, especially on ankles, hands and other exposed skin. We also recommend spraying your tent/room if your camp does not do this and keeping your tents closed (they will be mosquito proof).

How do I protect against tsetse flies?

Tsetse flies can be relentless, however wearing a fleece is a deterrent as they cannot bite through fleece. You can also dilute one part Dettol (antiseptic) to four parts water in a spray bottle and spray this on your skin as protection against flies. Dettol can be bought on arrival in East Africa or in Boots at London Heathrow and mixed on arrival.

Are there power points for charging camera batteries?

Yes, although camps without electricity will not have power points in the tents. In this case you can ask your camp manager to charge your batteries for you. You may need an adaptor, depending on which country you are travelling to, and we recommend you bring along back-up batteries.

Can I drink the water?

Bottled water is provided at most hotels and lodges and you should use this rather than drinking out of the taps as a precaution. However it is safe to clean your teeth with tap water everywhere.

What type of insurance do I need?

You should have insurance covering you for any kind of medical eventuality. You should also have medical evacuation cover although we generally provide this for you in East Africa. In addition, you should have cancellation cover. Cover for theft and baggage loss is also available though it is up to you whether or not take this.

Where and how do I change money?

You will generally get the best rates at Forex bureaus which are available in most cities/towns. However, the most easily accessible places to change money are airports.

ACCOMMODATION TYPES

We offer a number of different types of safari accommodation in Africa and we are well equipped to help you to choose an option that is best suited to you.

FLY CAMP

This is the most simple of the camps we offer and is generally an overnight experience whilst staying at a more permanent camp or lodge. Accommodation is usually in small two man dome tents or simply mosquito nets under the stars with mattresses and adjacent, shared bathroom facilities. Lighting is by kerosene lamps and water is heated over a camp fire for bucket showers. These camps are placed in areas that are generally far from the madding crowds and are for the visitor looking for a short, back to nature experience. The tents are placed quite close together, the food is home cooked and you will be asked to pre order your drinks. You will generally though not always, have the guide, the camp and the vehicle to yourselves with the camp being erected for your use and dismantled when you leave. These type of camps are found mainly in Kenya and Tanzania and occasionally in Botswana; some examples are Sabuk camel fly camping in Kenya and Olivers fly camping in Tanzania.

MOBILE CAMP

This is the most affordable of the camps we offer. Accommodation is usually in two man dome tents with mattresses rather than beds and shared adjacent bathroom facilities. Lighting is by kerosene lamps and water is heated over a camp fire for bucket showers. These camps are placed in wilderness areas, far from the madding crowds and are for the visitor looking for a private, genuine camp in the bush. The tents are adequate in size, generally quite close together and the food is home cooked. You will have the guide, the camp and the vehicle to yourselves with the camp being erected for your use and dismantled when you leave. The camp will not move during your stay. These camp are mainly found in Tanzania; Wayo Africa Camps and Authentic Tanzania in Tanzania being two companies offering camps of this nature.

SEMI-MOBILE CAMP

These camps move about three or four times a year and are to be found in Tanzania in the Serengeti, with location of each camp being dictated by the movement of the migrating herds. Accommodation is in large Meru style tents, placed quite a distance apart from each other with proper beds, en suite bucket showers, short drop loos and a dressing area in each tent. Lighting is by kerosene/paraffin lights and water for the bucket showers is heated over a camp fire. The camp is shared with other guests (between 12 and 16) and food and wine is generally of a high quality. Guests generally have the choice between staying at these camps and sharing a guide and vehicle or having a private guide/vehicle. Some examples to be found on our website are NSG Serengeti Safari Camp /Nomad Traditional Tented Camp and Suyan.

MOBILE SAFARIS

We offer these mainly in Botswana and Tanzania. The camp is erected for your use (usually not private) and dismantled and re erected on the moving days which are generally every third day on safari. The crew move the camp and your luggage whilst you spend the day game viewing. Standards of accommodation vary from the luxury style Meru walk in tents with ensuite bucket showers and toilet facilities with a large central mess tent to the smaller less intricate camp without the bell and whistles. These types of safari are for the visitor looking for a mobile experience in bush camps instead of a safari that moves one between fixed camps and lodges. Riding safaris in Kenya take the form of mobile safaris . Nomad Safaris in Tanzania offer these type of safaris.

SEASONAL CAMPS

These camps are found in Zambia and are put up for the short dry season (June to October). They are always small (up to eight guests) ,some are tented, some made of reed and thatch, all offering en suite facilities (flush toilets and bucket showers) , good home made food and a reasonable selection of drinks. Lighting is paraffin lights and water for the bucket showers is heated by donkey boilers. Activities are shared with other guests with the focus being on walking in the bush rather than driving.

PERMANENT CAMPS

These are tented camps that do not move, are open year round and are to be found in most countries in which we operate. Accommodation is generally in large, en suite tents that accommodate two and sometimes three people (the latter being good for families). The camps are generator powered so there is electricity whilst water is heated by solar power or donkey boiler. Meals and activities are taken with other guests. It is possible to arrange a private guide and vehicle if required. Examples are: Offbeat Meru and Ol Pejeta Bush Camp in Kenya, Selous Impala Camp in Tanzania and Tena Tena in Zambia.

LUXURY PERMANENT CAMPS

These are luxury tented camps that do not move and are usually open year round. Accommodation is generally in fabulous, large, luxurious and en suite rooms, all with views and good levels of privacy. The camps are generator powered so there is electricity whilst water is heated by solar power or donkey boiler. Many camps have swimming pools and meals and activities are taken with other guests although it is possible to arrange a private guide and vehicle if required. Some examples in Tanzania are Sayari and Grumeti River Camp; Chiefs Camp in Botswana, Wolwedans in Nambia and Cottars Camp in Kenya. These type of camps are to be found in most African countries in which we operate.

LODGES

These are generally luxurious, permanent structures with all the amenities expected of a five star property. They are often situated in unusual and interesting areas, with their appeal being that they accommodate relatively few guests (usually no more than two dozen) whilst offering a very personalised experience. Guests generally share meals and activities with other guests in camp. Some examples Elsa’s Kopje and Sasaab in Kenya, Beho Beho , Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge in Namibia, Semliki Safari Lodge in Uganda, Londolozi in South AFrica and Sand Rivers Selous in Tanzania .

HOTELS

These are permanent structures, open year round with hot and cold running water, electricity and all the amenities expected of a modern hotel. Generally speaking they are 3 to 4* - on our website, see Serengeti and Mara Serena in Kenya, Ngorongoro Sopa in Tanzania, Mokuti Lodge in Namibia and Chobe Marina in Botswana , Bakubung in South Africa although there are exceptions such as the very luxurious Bilila Kempinsky in the Serengeti .