FAQs

There are a variety of reasons but the most important ones hinge around longevity in the business. We have been operating tours to African for over 40 years. Things are always changing and there is a need to keep up to date. We do this by sending our staff on a regular basis to inspect infrastructure both old and new.

Visas are an ever-changing scene, and if required many can be purchased on arrival. You will need to check details for the latest Visa requirements when you have decided upon your itinerary by contacting us.

There are a variety of destinations where one can remain stationary for reasonable periods of time, such as Cape Town or Makutsi Safari Springs located near the Kruger National Park. From both places one can do a whole variety of activities. However the best example of having a full safari holiday without the unpacking is the Shongololo Safari Train around South Africa or through to Victoria Falls and vice versa for 16 days. The vehicles for the day tours travel on the back of the train which travels overnight. Each morning you wake up somewhere new with your vehicle waiting to take you on a selection of tours - no packing nor unpacking!

A good 35mm camera with a telephoto lens will reward you with superb shots, as well as a good supply of memory cards for the digital users.

The lodges will usually offer a daily laundry service, due to restrictions in luggage, often included in the tariff.

Yes we can tailor a safari for an individual or for larger groups. Contact one of our Africa experts for further information.

Africa provides outstanding value for families and more properties are now making it easy to travel with young children. However, some destinations and establishments cater better for children than others. In most regions children under the age of six years are generally not allowed on game drives in the parks and reserves, and some properties do not accept children under 12 years of age. Most lodges have swimming pools and baby-sitting services, and some have specialised children's programmes. We can advise on these so please contact us for more specific information.

United States Dollars, Euro or Pounds Sterling are the currencies for most of Africa, and Rand in South Africa or Namibia. Take small denomination notes for tips and other minor expenditure. Avoid the larger $100 bills as they are often unacceptable. ATM machines and money changes are readily located in most major cities and at airports and casinos and some credit cards are acceptable.

There are many different types of activities available while on safari, including open vehicle game drives, guided walks, bird watching, boating, canoeing, adventure - based activities like white water rafting, helicopter rides over Victoria Falls, balloon trips over the Serengeti, elephant back safaris and walking with lions. Cultural village and school or orphanage visits are also popular.

Most city hotels will have internet connection either in the room or in a business centre. Internet cafes are readily found in urban areas. Some safari lodges and camps also offer this facility.

Yes, there is extensive coverage throughout Southern and East Africa. In some countries, this may be primarily in and around major urban areas. However, in South Africa, networks cover all national roads, towns and cities. Before travelling, ask your mobile phone service provider to open your phone to allow international roaming. It is possible to get prepaid phone cards on arrival at major airports.

All travellers should be adequately insured against all eventualities and circumstances. This applies anywhere in the world. There are many companies offering travel insurance, so ask one of our consultants to recommend one for you.

It is possible to get vegetarian and most other food preferences in Southern and East Africa. If you have any special dietary requirements let us know in advance and we should be able to cater for you. As a rule, do not eat anything purchased at the side of the road and wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating.

Most water in major hotels and lodges in South Africa is safe to drink, but in other regions bottled or mineral water is recommended.

Malaria is a dangerous disease, but if you take your anti-malarial tablets, your chances of contracting it are extremely slim. Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes which are more active at night, so all travellers are advised to wear long pants and cover their arms and shoulders at night and avoid wearing perfume or aftershave lotion. Sleep under mosquito netting where possible and use tropical strength mosquito repellent.

Yes, but once again, the further north, the fewer there are. South Africa has many private hospitals, excellent specialists and state of the art equipment and facilities, including emergency rescue and air ambulance. However government hospitals are overcrowded.

Doctors are understandably ultra-cautious and their advice should be heeded. It is best to take prescription medication with you. However cities and towns all have drugstores/pharmacies equipped with everything one requires. South Africa has a first world infrastructure, but the further abroad one travels, the more difficult it may be to acquire a specific medication. On safari you will generally be quite remote from pharmacies. In some countries Yellow Fever is compulsory and inoculation certificates must be carried with you.

"The Big Five" consists of buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino and is a reference from colonial trophy hunting when hunters ranked African animals as to how dangerous they were to hunt. Some visitors like to look out for "The Big Five of Birds" or "The Little Five" which consists mostly of unusual insects.

Many tents used on our tours are much larger than the average residential bedroom and are mostly on permanent sites with ensuite facilities. They are perfectly secure. In camps which are unfenced or open to animal traffic visitors are escorted to and from the tent after dark by an experienced ranger.

Casual clothing is all that is required in most of Africa. However there are exceptions such as Rovos Rail and some deluxe hotels where you might feel more comfortable at dinner in a jacket and tie or cocktail dress. However, it is often important that you carry only a limited amount of light clothing, preferably cottons, for your stay in the bush. Clothing should be in neutral colours - khaki, beige, bush green. A good guideline is three sets of socks, underwear, slacks/shorts, and shirts. One jumper or cardigan. A hat is essential! In winter take warm clothing for the evenings - a fleece and long pants. Flying safaris are more restricted as the aircraft sometimes allow only around 12kg of luggage per person, but many lodges and camps in the remote areas offer a complimentary laundry service to assist. Check with one of our consultants before travelling.

Southern Africa is a year-round destination. Generally speaking winter is popular for game viewing, as it is dry and game tends to congregate around the limited water sources, making the animals easier to find. It is also cooler during the day and roads are in their best condition. From June to October is regarded as the 'Safari Season' but note that African nights can be very cold so warm clothing is a must for early morning and night game drives. In some countries, summer is the best time to visit beautiful beaches and coastal resorts, but it often coincides with the rainy season, resulting in lush, green countryside and lovely scenery. In East Africa the long rains are from early April through to early June, and the short rains from late November through December. July to September is generally extremely busy in East Africa due to the attraction of the "Migration" that occurs between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, but temperatures are comfortable apart from high humidity on the East African coast.

The countries in Southern and East Africa are quite safe to visit. The same travel safety principles apply for any large cities in the world, e.g. don't carry valuables in plain view, keep cameras out of sight when not in use, don't go walking alone at night, ask hotel managers about the safety of visiting specific areas which are unknown to you, be aware of your surroundings, leave valuables including passports, air tickets and excess funds in the hotel safe or safety deposit boxes. Travellers on escorted groups are the least at risk. Self-drive clients should plan travel routes in advance. If travelling by car, make sure the doors are locked at all times. Don't leave bags or personal items on view on seats. While on safari in the bush pay close attention to briefings from your guide or ranger. Both are highly experienced in the presence of wild animals.