Q: How safe is
travel in Africa?
A: 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 hidden,
don’t go out walking alone at night, be aware of
onlookers, leave valuables including passports air
tickets and excess funds in the hotel safe or safety
deposit boxes. Travellers with tour operators/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
purses on passenger seats.) While on safari in the bush,
the only dangerous creatures are wild animals. In Africa
people are gracious friendly and hospitable.
Q: A lot of accommodation is tented. How safe is this
and do they all have private facilities?
A: Tents used on our tours are very large and on
permanent sites and all have en-suite facilities. They
are perfectly safe and you are escorted to and from the
tent after dark by an experienced ranger.
Q: What is the right time of the year to go to Africa
or does it vary from country to country?
A: Southern Africa is a year-round destination. High
seasons vary from country to country but are related
more to Europeans escaping their winter than to the
weather in Africa. 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. Winter (from
February to October) is regarded as the ‘Safari Season'
but do note that African nights can be very cold so a
thick sweater and windcheater are required for early
morning and night game drives in the winter months.
However, in many countries, summer is the best time to
visit beautiful beaches and coastal resorts. Summer
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 and August are generally
extremely busy in East Africa, offering comfortable
temperatures in addition to being a popular time for
travel world-wide … so be sure to book well in advance.
Q: Do we just take casual clothes or is there the
occasional need to dress more formally than say smart
casual?
A: 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. That means you should carry only a few items 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 two sets of
socks, underwear, slacks/shorts, and shirts. One jumper
or cardigan. A hat is essential! In winter bring warm
clothing for the evenings. Flying safaris are more
restricted as the aircraft allow only around 8Kg of
luggage per person.
Q: How did "the big five" get their name?
A: "The Big Five" are leopard, lion, elephant, rhino
and buffalo. These animals are the must see wish list
for many people on safari. The term is a reference from
colonial trophy hunting. Hunters ranked African animals
as to how dangerous they were to hunt. This is why
hippo, cheetah and giraffe are not among this elite
group.
Q: Is health a major problem as my doctor has
recommended a huge list of medication that I should
take?
A: Doctors are understandably ultra-cautious and
their advice should be heeded. It is best to bring
prescription medication with you. However cities and
towns all have drugstores/ pharmacies equipped with
everything one requires. Bear in mind that South Africa
has a first world infrastructure, but the further north
one travels, the more difficult it may be to acquire a
specific medication.
Q: Are doctors available on Safari and are there
hospitals?
A: Yes, many. 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.
Q: What about malaria?
A: Malaria is a dangerous disease, but if you take
your anti-malarials, your chances of getting it are
extremely slim. Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes
carrying the disease and as the insects are more active
at night, it is recommended that all travellers wear
long-sleeved trousers and sleeves at night time and do
not wear perfume or aftershave lotion. Sleep under
mosquito netting where possible and use tropical
strength mosquito repellent.
Q: Can we drink the water anywhere in Africa or
should we buy bottled water?
A: Most water is perfectly safe but may not always
taste pleasant. Bottled or mineral water is provided
where a problem might rise.
Q: What types of food would we expect on Safari?
A: 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. Our
guides are trained to cater for all different types of
culinary tastes. As a rule, do not eat anything
purchased at the side of the road and wash fruit and
vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Q: Do we require Insurance whilst travelling in
Africa?
A: 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
or your travel agent to recommend the best one for you.
Q: Will my Mobile Phone work in Africa?
A: 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. This may prove
more economical than your normal phone carrier’s
international roaming rates.
Q: Is the Internet available in Africa?
A: Certainly. Most city hotels will have either
internet connection in your bedroom, or a business
centre where you can spend time online. There are also
some safari lodges and camps in South Africa which offer
this facility. In remote areas, however, there is no
internet connection.
Q: What activities are available during safaris?
A: There are many different types of activities
available while on safari from 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 etc.
Q: What currency should I take and in cash,
travellers cheques or both?
A: United States dollars, Euro or Pounds Sterling
are the currencies for Africa. Take the majority of your
funds in Travellers Cheques but keep small denomination
cash for tips and departure taxes. Do not take US$100.00
bills as they are in the main unacceptable and even
avoid US$50.00 notes. There are ATM machines as well as
money changes in most of the major cities and at
airports and casinos.
Q: Do you offer family safaris?
A: Africa provides outstanding value for families.
However, some destinations and establishments cater more
fully for the enjoyment of children than others. In
Kenya, children five years old and younger are generally
not allowed on game drives in the parks and reserves.
Travel to Tanzania is not recommended for children
younger than eight years old. In Botswana and Zambia
many lodges do not take children under 12 years. Most
lodges have swimming pools and baby-sitting services.
Please contact us for more specific information.
Q: Do you tailor make safaris for groups and or
individuals?
A: Yes we can tailor – make a safari for an
individual or for larger groups. Contact our consultants
or fill in our on line request form.
Q: Are there laundry facilities available during
safaris?
A: The lodges will usually see to your laundry
requirements. On our mobile camping safaris there are
laundry facilities as most camps we make use of.
Q: What are the photographic facilities and
opportunities like in Africa?
A: There are no any photographic facilities
available while in the bush so take enough film with
you. However, film is available in all types in the
cities and towns.
Q: What camera equipment is essential while on
safari?
A: A good 35mm camera with a powerful zoom or
telephoto lens will reward you with superb shots.
Q: I don't want to be living out of a suitcase. Can
you recommend a holiday that limits the eternal packing
and unpacking?
A: There are a variety of resorts where one can
remain stationary for reasonable periods of time such as
Makutsi Safari Farm in the Eastern Transvaal and Cape
Town. From both of these one can do a whole range of day
tours. However the best example of having a full safari
holiday without the unpacking is the Shongololo Safari
Train around South Africa or Namibia - 16 days or 25
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!
Q: Do all African countries require visas for
Australian passport holders?
A: Visas are an ever-changing scene. You will need
to check details elsewhere on this site for the latest
Visa requirements when you have decided upon your
itinerary. Or call our consultants.
Q: I was recommended to Bench by friends who have
travelled to Africa with you. What makes Bench the right
company to travel with?
A: There are a variety of reasons but the most
important reasons hinge around longevity in the
business. We have been operating tours to African for
over 38 years and it is a very complex product. 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.
We are
the most respected name in the Safari business in
both Australia and throughout Africa - so yes you
have made the right choice and you are in very professional
hands.
Back to top of page
|
|
