FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT YOUR AFRICAN SAFARI

Why should I use your services?

We are a company, owned by a South African & based in South Africa. Dean created this company in 1996, after having travelled for over 20 years, on various holidays from Cape Town to Kilimanjaro. First he became a Tour Guide, to gain more personal experience in the destinations and after 5 years of Guiding, became the office manager. Every year, Dean takes 10 to 14 days off, to visit a certain region, to update himself on the changes, improvements and latest information in a region, by visiting a dozen lodges and tourist attractions. We are a small company, thus our overheads are low, our service is personal, friendly & efficient.

What are your office hours?

Our office is open weekdays from 08h00 until 16h30 weekdays – South African time – which is GMT + 2 hours or New York + 6 hours. Occasionally on a weekend, Dean is in the office.

How do we communicate with your office?

We prefer via e-mail. This is fast & efficient and your enquiry can be answered then, accurately and efficiently. Due to time zones between you, and us we might not be in the office if you phone at your convenient time. We do not phone international, we only e-mail our clients. If you phone after our office hours, then I am ‘off duty' and thus out of the office, so do not have facts and figure with me – and might be eating dinner, watching TV, entertaining friends or worse still, sleeping – so, always best to send an e-mail.

Where is your office situated?

Our office is in South Africa. As we deal directly with the lodges and hotels in all the various countries and also the wheels-operators, there is no need to have the added expense of offices in various countries. We communicate via e-mail, fax and telephone directly with the establishments.

How do I make an enquiry or a booking?

Surf through our website/s, decide what you want to do or what to know more about, then complete our enquiry form. There is NO commitment when you send an enquiry and we do NOT sell your details to any other company – WE want your business, not somebody else to have it! We should reply before sunset tomorrow, though sometimes, within a few hours – all depends on the time zones, meaning, the arrival time of your e-mail in our office, and how busy we are at the moment your enquiry arrives. All your e-mails are replied to within 3 days, at the latest, unless something exceptional has happened – then please resend your e-mail. Sometimes people supply an incorrect e-mail address and no alternative e-mail, fax or mobile SMS number – so we have no means to contact them! The more information you give us, the more efficient our service – please do not be secretive, mental telepathy does not work!

Once we reply, if you have not supplied enough information to supply you with a quote, we shall reply with some questions – and normally after a few e-mails, your itinerary will have been completed. Our safaris are customised (apart from the scheduled budget or package tours) – so these take some communications between you and us, to finalise. Once the itinerary is finalised and you are happy, then we quote – if you accept the quote, then a deposit is required to confirm the booking and the balance payable 45 days prior to your arrival.

Do we need travel insurance?

Yes. Most of our clients book their trips 3 to 8 months in advance – once a deposit is made, the cancellation policies of the various service providers are enforced. You might fall ill or be retrenched, before your holiday and you have to cancel – the travel insurance will cover this. You might become seriously ill or injured whilst on holiday – the modern and best medical facilities are in the major cities and might require an emergency flight evacuation – travel insurance must cover this.

Who do we get the Travel insurance from?

There are numerous companies world wide that offer this. We recommend Europassist, as they have offices worldwide. Some credit cards offer this insurance as well. It is best to purchase this insurance from a company in your home country, that has a 24 hour contact number.

Can I compare your prices and service with other companies?

You can try! We have a number of clients who have enquired with half a dozen other website companies, many of whom have VERY little experience in travel and employ young staff who have been to a school and done a 6 week course in tourism and now feel qualified to compile itineraries and recommend lodges. As mentioned before, we offer a personal service, from personal experience. It is VERY frustrating when giving a lot of time and dedication to an enquiry and this person has sent the same enquiry, or worse still, our carefully compiled itinerary, to other companies to compare – and then you might not hear from them again, or we get a lame excuse. Lots of our business now is referral – past clients telling friends about our excellent service. We never say we are the cheapest, however we do profess to offer an excellent service!

How do we pay for our safari or accommodation?

Payment can be via Bank Transfer or Credit card. We accept ONLY Visa and MasterCard and we shall e-mail you a form, which needs to be completed and faxed back to us for prepayment. If paying via Bank transfer, we shall give you our banking details that you need to supply to your bank.

Do you have any references?

Yes, if you are not convinced that we are a genuine, legal, legitimate and professional company and you are not satisfied with our guestbook comments, then I can supply you with a list of some past clients that are happy to be contacted as references.

How safe will I be?

Although Southern Africa is a safe destination for international travellers, it is always wise to take certain standard security precautions since no country can claim to be 100% safe. Most potential problems can be avoided. You should carry a record of the numbers of your passport, airline tickets, travellers cheques and other important documents. These should be kept in a safe place.

Do not flash lots of money, an expensive camera or jewellery. Take note of onlookers and keep your possessions in sight at all times to avoid opportunistic theft. If you have expensive items use the hotel safety deposit box. Never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports. It is best not to wander around the streets after dark.

If you are travelling in a car, it is important to lock all the car doors and keep the windows as far up as possible. Make sure you know the route before going out – use clear maps. Do not leave your purse or bag lying on the passenger seat in clear view - rather keep them in the car boot. Do not consider picking up hitchhikers.

What is the best time of year to plan a trip?
South Africa : All year round. Best game viewing (in north): winter (May-August). Southern regions: summer destination (Sept-April).

Botswana: All year round. The best birding time is Nov-March and the best botanical months are Dec-May.
Peak season is during July-October and middle season during May-June.

Namibia : All year round. The best birding time is during summer (Nov-April and the best botanical months are Dec-May. Peak season is during July-October and middle season during May-June.

Zimbabwe : All year round. The best time for white water rafting is during Aug-Dec. Best botanical months: Dec-May. Peak season: July-Oct. Middle season: May-June.

Kenya : All year round. Great migration occurs during June-September.

Mozambique : The best time is during winter (April-Sept) and the best fishing months are during summer (Oct-March).

Tanzania : All year round. The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during Aug-Oct and Jan-March. Great migration: April-June and Oct-Dec.

Zambia : Many lodges are closed Nov-May. Victoria Falls is spectacular during April-May since it is just after the rains.

When is it best to go on a wildlife safari?

This depends on the which animals you would like to see. Certain reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year. It is said that the African winter is the best time to go on safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse which makes game viewing easier. During this time animals are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over two million animals. Temperatures in winter are generally mild becoming considerably cooler in the evening, so it is a good idea to pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. The standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally a more risky time to travel. So, before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.

What are the favourite places to visit?

South Africa : Mpumalanga region (Kruger National Park, Pilgrim's Rest, Blyde River Canyon), KwaZulu-Natal (Drakensberg Mountains, Durban), Western Cape (Cape Town, Peninsula, Winelands, Garden Route) and Sun City.

Botswana : Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve & Okavango Region, Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve.

Namibia: Namib-Naukluft Park, Skeleton Coast, Etosha National Park, Kaokoveld, Fish River Damaraland and Caprivi Strip.

Zimbabwe : Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi Valley & Mana Pools, Hwange National Park, Eastern Highlands, Great Zimbabwe and Matobo Hills National Park.

Kenya: Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Meru National Park, Tsavo National Park, Mombasa, Malindi, south and north coast.

Mozambique : Bazaruto Archipelago. Beautiful beaches and water sports: Bazaruto and Benguerra. Maputo (capital) and Beira.

Tanzania : Great migration, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Selous Game Reserve.

Zambia : Livingstone Town, Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Liuwa Plains, Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park, South Luangwa National Park.

What type of weather should I expect?

South Africa : Summer: Sept-April. Winter: May-Aug

Botswana : Summer: Nov-April. Winter: May-Oct.

Namibia : Summer: Nov-April. Winter: May-Oct.

Zimbabwe : Summer: Oct-April. Winter: May-Sept.

Kenya : Summer: Oct-April. Winter: May-Sept.

Mozambique : Summer: Oct-March. Winter: April-Sept.

Tanzania : Summer: Oct-March. Winter: April-Sept.

Zambia : Summer: Nov-March. Winter: April-Aug.

Is Africa a child friendly destination?

Southern Africa offers outstanding value for families. However, destinations and establishments are different in that some cater more fully for the enjoyment of children than others. Please note that travel to Tanzania is not recommended for children younger than eight years old. Likewise in Botswana and Zambia, where many lodges do not take children under 12 years.

Are children also able to enjoy Africa?

Southern Africa offers a multitude of unique delights for the younger traveller. There are natural attractions such as climbing giant orange sand dunes and building sandcastles on sunny beaches. Children five years and younger are generally not allowed on game drives in the parks and reserves. Man-made attractions include going on rides in thrilling theme parks, splashing around in water parks or choosing colourful beads and animals toys at craft markets.

What are the environments like?

South Africa : Washed by Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Three major geographical regions: the coastal belt, high plateau and mountain ranges. There are also veld plains and rivers.

Botswana : Flat, landlocked country, almost entirely covered by the Kalahari Desert. There is a lush delta, arid sandveld, scrub savannah and several saltpans.

Namibia : Large, mostly arid country. Its four geographical regions are the Namib Desert, the Central Plateau, the Kalahari sands and wooded bushveld.

Zimbabwe : Landlocked; lies entirely between the tropics. Largely plateau with bushveld, giving rise to many rivers like Zambezi. Mountainous highlands and Victoria Falls, Africa's biggest waterfall.

Kenya : Lies on Indian Ocean and on the equator. Four geographical regions: arid desert, savannah grassland, fertile lowlands (coast) and the highlands. There are extinct volcanoes, lakes and rivers.

Mozambique : Coastline on the Indian Ocean with lagoons, coral reefs and spectacular strings of islands. There is vast wooded savannah, mountainous regions, patched with forests and about 25 rivers.

Tanzania : Lies on Indian Ocean. Includes Zanzibar. Mainland has lush coast, savannah, and semi-desert. Extinct volcanoes, lakes and mountain ranges including Mount Kilimanjaro.

Zambia : Landlocked country, bordering eight countries. Vast plateau with deciduous savannah, small trees, grassy plains and marshland. Rain forest around Victoria Falls. Major rivers include the Zambezi.

How do I get there?

Southern Africa can be reached by regular international flights to the major centres or by ocean cruise liner. Self-drive is a convenient option for South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. It is best to book the international flight yourself – either with your favourite airline or with your local travel agent.

What type of transport is available to me?

Public transport available includes rail, bus, minibus and ferry. However, this is not the most comfortable nor recommended mode of transport. A better idea would be private transport, which includes hired car, 4x4 vehicle or light aircraft.

Describe the roads?

South Africa : Roads well-maintained. Number of toll roads present. Good self-drive destination. Vast majority of the roads are paved- only rural areas and generally in a good condition.

Botswana: About 25% of highways are tarred. Rough, dusty and badly signposted in reserves - 4x4 essential.

Namibia : About 15% of highways are paved. Extremely good infrastructure of roads - two-wheel drive vehicle adequate for self-drive holiday.

Zimbabwe : About 50% of highways are paved. Outside parks and reserves, where 4x4 is advisable, road conditions good and well-signposted. Self-drive is an option.

Kenya: All major roads are tarred. Surface of lesser roads vary. Many roads only navigable by 4x4 in rainy season.

Mozambique : About 20% of highways are tarred. Roads are being improved. Beware of livestock on all roads.

Tanzania : About 5% of highways are tarred. Only key roads in good condition. Road conditions in reserves and parks are rough.

Zambia : About 20% of highways are paved. After rains, most gravel roads only passable by 4x4.

NOTE: No off-road driving in the game reserves is allowed, except by official Rangers in their vehicles.

What do I need for entry into the countries?

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas but this depends on the country you are visiting. It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements before your intended trip. NOTE: your passport must not expire within 6 months of you leave the country – and your passport should have at least the last two pages blank before arrival.

What are the different accommodations available?

The accommodation type in Southern Africa varies from hotels and inns to luxury lodges, B&Bs and tented camps.

South Africa : Advanced bookings during peak season are highly recommended. Lodges and safari camps often set on private ranches - high standards and essential for advance bookings. Luxurious "tented camps" pitched on concrete bases popular. Hotel chains in most cities and major towns. Guesthouses, B&Bs and campsites with excellent facilities.

Botswana : Advanced bookings are highly recommended. Lodges and safari camps range from tented sites to permanently tented camps, to reed or brick chalets. Campsites at national parks are very basic.

Namibia : Advanced bookings are strongly recommended outside of major centres. Lodges and safari camps tend to be on private ranches and offer luxurious standards. Campsites in national parks are of a high standard with excellent facilities.

Zimbabwe : Advanced bookings recommended. Private game reserves offer both standard and luxury accommodation and advanced bookings and transfers ESSENTIAL. National parks have cottages, chalets or lodges, which are all fully equipped. Government campsites are well-maintained.

Kenya : Advanced bookings are strongly recommended. Most safari lodges have rondavel or banda type accommodations, with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Tented accommodations vary from super deluxe to standard tents.

Mozambique : Best hotels, including major international hotels, found in cities and along coasts, particularly on the islands. Private lodges of high standards in tourist areas. Cheap hotels, pensãos, or slightly better pousados in cities and bigger towns. There are also a range of campsites along the coast.

Tanzania : Advanced bookings recommended. Tends to be of rondavel or banda type with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Luxurious "tented camps" pitched on concrete bases popular. National parks also offer ordinary campsites. All major towns have luxury hotels and at least one good guesthouse.

Zambia : Advanced bookings recommended. International hotels available in cities and in major towns. In national parks, there is camping, self-catering huts or chalets and top end lodges with luxury chalets or permanent tents.

NOTE : As we do NOT mark up the public prices of the various lodges or hotels, all bookings should best be done through us – and so please do NOT contact the lodges/hotels direct. This complicates the bookings.

When are the public holidays?

Countries in Southern Africa have on average twelve public holidays a year. These holidays vary from country to country, except for Christmas (25 December) and New Year's Day (1 January).

What are the international dialling codes?

Botswana : +267
Kenya : +254
Mozambique : +258
Namibia : +264
South Africa : +27
Tanzania : +255
Zambia : +260
Zimbabwe : +263

What is the time difference?

Botswana : GMT +2 hours
Kenya: GMT +3 hours
Mozambique : GMT +2 hours
Namibia: GMT +1 hour/GMT +2 hours
South Africa : GMT +2 hours
Tanzania : GMT +3 hours
Zambia : GMT +2 hours
Zimbabwe: GMT +2 hours

Is English spoken widely?

Yes. English is spoken throughout Southern Africa, especially by those involved in the tourist trade. European and Middle Eastern languages spoken in Southern Africa include: Portuguese (Mozambique), German (Namibia) and Arabic (Tanzania).

Are dietary requirements catered for?

Yes. Special dietary requirements are catered for throughout Southern Africa. Advanced notice can be given to places where you intend staying if meals are included in your package. Most restaurants offer selections for vegetarians, depending on their forte. Local specialities can be surprisingly good!

Is it safe to drink the water?

Botswana : Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places. Remember water is a scarce resource, especially in this drought-stricken country, so please be respectful and help to conserve water.

Kenya : While water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, it is safer to drink sealed bottled water, which are available from most hotels and lodges.

Mozambique : Tap water is usually safe to drink, but bottled water is available should you prefer this.

Namibia: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places. Remember water is as precious as diamonds in this drought-stricken land.

South Africa : The tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. If you prefer, bottled water is available.

Tanzania : It is advisable to drink boiled or bottled water, bottled or canned drinks. If camping - bring drinking water and all other camping provisions.

Zambia : Tap water is usually safe to drink, but bottled water can be purchased if preferred.

Zimbabwe: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places.

Are there many different cultures?

Botswana : Main ethnic groups are the Batswana (descendants of iron age immigrants from Central West Africa), the Basarwa (San, indigenous hunter gatherers, pre-iron age), and the Herero (pastoralists). 80% of the population of Botswana are rural inhabitants.

Kenya : There are over 70 tribal groups. Differences between many of them are blurred - Western cultural values are becoming more deep-seated and traditional values are disintegrating. Other tribes include Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba.

Mozambique : Indigenous tribal groups make up about 99% of the population. There are 16 major ethnic groups - the largest is the Makua in the north. Other groups include the Makonde, Sena and Shangaan. Europeans like native Portuguese and Asian residents make up less than 1%.

Namibia: Ovambo tribe make up 50% of the population. Other tribes include Kavangos, Herero, Himba sub-group, Damara (or Nama), San (Bushmen) and remaining German colonials.

South Africa : 75% black, 13% white (60% Afrikaner descent, rest mostly British descent), 8% Coloured race, 3% Asian descent. The two major cultural groups are Nguni (Ndebele, Swazi, Xhosa and Zulu tribes) and Sotho (Tswana, Pedi and Basotho).

Tanzania : Tanzania's culture is a result of African, Arab, European and Indian influences. There are 120 African tribal groups. The largest group are of Bantu origin including Dukuma, Nyamwezi, Makonde, Haya and Chagga. The Maasai are of Nilotic origin, as are the Arusha and the Samburu.

Zambia : About 99% of the population are made up of over 70 indigenous tribal groups. The major groups are Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tongo.

Zimbabwe : The Shona people make up about 71% of the population and are the ruling class of Zimbabwe. The Ndebele make up about 16% and occupy the area around Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. There is slight animosity between these two tribes.

When are the banks open?

Banks in Southern Africa are generally open on weekdays during office hours or mornings only. Some countries have banks that open until about 11:00am on Saturdays.

Will I be able to use my credit card?

Botswana : All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. Certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.

Kenya: Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa and American Express) are widely accepted.

Mozambique : Credit cards are usually accepted only at the more upmarket hotels.

Namibia: International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia. Holders of other credit cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.

South Africa : Visa, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted by most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental firms and other points of sale and service. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances and it is therefore useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times. There are lots of ATM's to withdraw cash, using your credit card.

Tanzania : Visa and MasterCard are accepted by most top hotels and lodges around the country. In addition to credit cards, clients should bring US dollars cash and traveller's cheques.

Zambia: All major credit cards are accepted at the bigger hotels and shops. Note that certain lodges do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.

Zimbabwe : All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. However, please note that certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.

What are the medical precautions I need to know?

As vaccination requirements change from time to time, we suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for prophylactics and the latest health precautions. Some countries require advance inoculations (and certificates thereof). Very little is needed for South Africa – often doctors think South Africa is in central Africa!!

Malaria is present in many parts of Africa – you will be advised if you are visiting a malaria area and precautions should be taken. I do not recommend Larium – too many disturbing side effects!

If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).

Prevention is better than cure and this includes taking a prescription anti-malaria drug, spraying yourself and your clothing with insect repellent containing 30 percent DEET, and wearing long light-colored pants and shirts with long sleeves in the evenings. It is also important to wear shoes and socks, and keep a fan going in your room at night.

What do I need for good wildlife photography?

A good camera will make the difference between having photos of spectacular wildlife and having vague, little dots of animals to show family and friends.
The more common "point-and-shoot" cameras are too small. On safari, you won't always be able to get up close to wildlife so therefore a good camera is needed. A SLR (single lens reflex) camera with a 200-300mm lens is recommended. More serious photographers may choose telephoto lenses of 400 or 500mm. Larger lenses often require a tripod, which cannot be used on a moving vehicle. A zoom lens, such as a 70 to 210mm lens, is probably the best option for shooting a moving subject. The harsh African sun provides excellent lighting, but using larger lenses will require faster film, especially in early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer. In this case, 200-400 ASA film is recommended. Film and batteries are usually available along major tourist routes and from lodges, but rather bring your own. A lens hood and ultra violet filter are advisable. A good bag for your equipment including a dust cover (plastic bag) is essential. When you require to recharge your batteries, this is normally done in the remote lodges, when you are on a wildlife safari, so ensure you have at least two sets of batteries.

Not all African cultures are familiar with cameras. Rural folk will often shy away from having their picture taken. Please be sensitive. Some locals may ask a fee for having their photograph taken. It is recommended you avoid photographing anything relating to government and military, including personnel (soldiers and police) and buildings (post offices, banks, airports, border posts, railway stations and bridges).

What is the "big five"?

The "big five" are leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo. These animals constitute a wish-list for many people on safari. The term is a reference from colonial trophy hunting. These hunters ranked African animals as to how dangerous they were to hunt. This is why hippo and giraffe - despite their stature - are not among this elite, sought-after group. There are MANY other beautiful animals to view, so avoid concentrating about the hype of ‘seeing the Big 5'.

What is a "Peace Park"?

The name "Peace Parks" comes from the belief that joint management of border areas promotes peace and understanding between neighbours. A peace park is a place where wild animals roam free across international boundaries, where fences come down, where fragmented conservation areas are consolidated into vast open spaces and ancient migration routes are restored. The first transfrontier Peace Park is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, linking South Africa and Botswana. The 2 nd is between Kruger Park, with Zimbabwe and Mocambique, in the north east corner of South Africa.

Can I ask more questions?

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