Frequently asked questions

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Is there access to professional medical care at each camp? What happens in case of a medical emergency?

The camps/lodges will have a first aid kit, however in the case of a medical emergency, you will be transported out of the bush to the nearest medical centre or hospital.

Due to the high cost of this transportation, medical evacuation insurance is compulsory. 

We recommend that you take out travel protection that offers to protect against cancellation, lost luggage, trip interruption and offers Emergency Assistance. Emergency Medical Evacuation (minimum coverage of $50,000 per person) is a requirement of all safari camps in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Should you decide to obtain travel protection on your own, you can get retail quotes e.g. www.insuremytrip.com.

All passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

The passports of all travellers must contain at least three blank (unstamped) VISA pages for each country. This requirement is over and above pages that may be required for visas issued on arrival in other countries. If needed, a new passport should be obtained well in advance of your trip.

Visa requirements vary depending on nationality and country visited and may change at any time.

The cost of the visa can range between $30-$100 per person. Visas that may be obtained on arrival are paid in US Dollars cash using new bills dated year 2013 or later (large President’s head) and in good condition (no marks or tears). No change will be given; therefore, exact amount must be paid per person.

Two visa service companies that can help with applying for a visa are:

GoGo Travel Visas (email: info@gogo-travel-visas.com) and VisaCentral (website: http://visacentral.com/)

Please contact your physician to discuss your trip and what vaccinations you may require.

Depending on the country you are visiting, how long you are staying, where you are staying and the risk of diseases found in that country, vaccinations that might be required/recommended are Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis and Rabies.

Malaria is a disease spread through mosquito bites and is found in most African countries and precautions should be taken. Anti-malaria medication is a tablet, not a vaccination.

Most of your hotels, lodges and camps and even seasonal mobile camps have mosquito netting. They also supply a can of spray and coil in the rooms.

Yes. Once you have cleared Customs and collected your luggage, a representative will be waiting with a sign with your name on it. Details will be on your Final itinerary.

This will depend on your itinerary. On safari your camps/lodges are Full Board, which includes meals, game activities and park fees, and in some cases drinks and laundry. Hotels are generally bed and breakfast only.

Not included during your safari would be tipping, visas, departure taxes, curios, extra meals at hotels/restaurants, drinks and laundry.

Major international credit cards are accepted by most top hotels, restaurants, lodges, permanent safari camps and shops. Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted. American Express and Diner’s Club are also accepted by most first-class hotels and many businesses. However, American Express and Diner’s Club are not often taken in more remote areas and camps.

Cash is recommended in the camps/lodges whilst out on safari.

ATMs are fairly available in many African countries. Visa is the most reliable card to use at ATMs. MasterCard might not be accepted as well as other international ATM/credit cards. Only local currency can be withdrawn at an ATM and in limited amounts.

Tipping is always a difficult question to answer and our suggestions are a guideline only. You can of course tip whatever you feel comfortable with, but as a start you can budget on $25.00 per person per day.

This could increase if you’ve booked a private guide or tours, go to a restaurant, etc. For lodge and camp staff, leave whatever you feel appropriate for the service you experience.

We do recommend putting your tips into envelopes before you leave (don’t seal them, as you can re-apportion as you go along!) as this helps to ensure you don’t run out of tipping cash before the end of your trip.

Your final documents will have a more detailed tipping recommendation for your trip.

We recommend that you keep your money/passports/tickets with you at all times. We supply a handy green document pouch.

  • On game drives in vehicles, any color clothing is OK.
  • However if doing some walking in the bush natural colors or khaki clothing is the preferred color.
  • Dark clothing (black and blue) will attract tsetse flies during day, but they are not out at night.
  • Much of Africa gets cooler in the evenings and early morning (especially the months of June/July/August/September). The best advice is to dress in layers with a sweater and light windbreaker.
  • Early morning/night temperature can be around (40-60F). During the day it can rise to around (70-86F). Gloves and scarves are a good idea.

An international travel adapter kit for the countries you are visiting is recommended (available for purchase in most airports or say a Best Buy/Target).

Most hotels/lodges/camps have charging facilities either in your room or in the lounge area.

Most modern gadgets have dual voltage built in. If not, you will need to bring your own adapters, and converters. You may want to bring a cigarette lighter adapter/charger as this can be plugged into the vehicle and you may be able to charge your battery while on long drives. Bring a minimum of two batteries. (We suggest three batteries.) If you need to have your video battery recharged you can do so while you are out on an activity – the spare for use while the other is being charged and a third as a back-up.

Most hotels/lodges/camps have charging facilities either in your room or in the lounge area.

Most modern gadgets have dual voltage built in. If not, you will need to bring your own adapters, and converters. You may want to bring a cigarette lighter adapter/charger as this can be plugged into the vehicle and you may be able to charge your battery while on long drives. Bring a minimum of two batteries. (We suggest three batteries.) If you need to have your video battery recharged you can do so while you are out on an activity – the spare for use while the other is being charged and a third as a back-up.

Your cell phone provider will be able to assist you with the possibility of using your own phone while in Africa; however obtaining international roaming service can be expensive. You will need to have your phone unlocked by your cell phone company in order to use it abroad. In most major cities you will be able to purchase a SIM card and air time which may be exchanged for your normal SIM card if your phone has one. Remember though that reception in the bush may not be possible.

Use your cell phone only in private areas of camp for your privacy and in consideration of others.

Most activities last 2 to 5 hours and are conducted when the wildlife is most active: early in the morning (often before breakfast), just after breakfast, in the afternoon and at night (where allowed by park authorities).

Midday activities might include spending time in a “hide” observing wildlife coming to a waterhole or river, visiting a local village or school, bird watching or viewing game as it passes by your tent or lodge, writing about your experiences in your journal, lazing around the swimming pool or taking a siesta (nap).

If booking a private vehicle and guide for one day or more of your safari, you have more flexibility to going out longer on your activity.

Dining on safari is a wonderful experience. You should know that the foods on safari, even fresh salads, are completely safe to eat. The fresh air will give you a healthy appetite for meals that on a typical day include:

Breakfast: Fruit and cereal: eggs and bacon: toast and preserves: tea and coffee.

Lunch: Assorted cold meats: meat or vegetable pies: salads: cheeses and bread: desserts.

Dinner: Usually 3 courses: an appetizer or soup: main entree (meat or fish) with vegetables: a dessert.

Bottled water is available for purchase and potable drinking water is provided everywhere. You will pay about double what you pay here in the US. On most game drives light refreshments (water and sodas) are provided in a cooler. We advise that you ask first “am I paying for drinks on the drives”, as there are exceptions to a) no charge of soft drinks on game activities b) water may or may not have to be purchased.

Again – it is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. It is recommended that you drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration – this excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages.

Each person should consider bringing their own binoculars in order to get the most out of every safari. Sharing binoculars, even with children, means that there will be times when a person/child will not be able to see clearly.

Binoculars are something that is often overlooked but we feel that every traveler should have a great pair when going on safari. Binoculars range in price from $180.00 and up, a small price to pay for seeing the Africa “up close and personal”.

Each binocular has two numbers; the first number is the magnification and the second number is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. For example; 10 x 40 = 10 x magnification with a 40mm objective lens.

If you choose a higher magnification then you will sacrifice a little brightness in the image and the viewing area will slightly narrower. This is less discernible in the higher end binoculars. If you choose a larger objective lens you will notice a brighter and sometimes clearer image. Therefore, it becomes a personal and subjective decision on which is the correct combination for you.

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