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When
is the best time to go on a safari?
It really depends on the type of animal you wish 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. Generally
the African winter (June - August) is the best time to go
on a safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making
game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are
on the move looking for food and water.
Temperatures in winter are generally mild but can become
considerably cooler in the evening, so 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.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, English is spoken throughout Southern Africa,
especially by those involved in the tourist trade.
Is there any health precaution?
There are a few basic health matters that require care
and attention. We can only offer recommended guidelines on
those matters. Please consult your doctor and also check with
your health department prior to departure for any changes
in health regulations.
a) Malaria
Malaria within South Africa's borders is only prevalent in
a few areas. It is only encountered in northern and eastern
Mpumalanga, northern kwa-Zalu natal, and the border areas
of the Northern and North West Provinces. Please remember that the best
insurance is the preventive kind: avoid being bitten by using
Mosquito repellent liberally. Wear long-sleeved shirts and
trousers/slacks in the evenings. Malaria is not a serious
problem if you take basic precautions. There have been very
few cases of our guests contracting malaria during our years
of operation.
b) Water
It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially
during the warmer months. It is generally recommended that
guests drink at least 2 or 3 litres (4 to 6 pints) of water
per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes
tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics
and can actually contribute to dehydration.
Generally, water throughout Southern Africa is safe to drink
directly from the tap. However, bottled water is readily available,
so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated.
Is Africa a good family destination?
Africa offers great value for families. However, some
destinations and establishments cater more fully for enjoyment
of children than others.
What is the weather like?
South Africa enjoys a high number of clear, sunny days. Summer
in South Africa lasts from October until March. Despite regional
differences, South Africa's climate is generally mild throughout
the year. Snowfalls are limited to highest peak mountains
and it is a relatively dry country with an average annual
rainfall of less than 20 inches.
Is it safe to travel on a safari?
It's sensible to take the same precautions in major cities
as you would in any of the world's metropolitan areas. Never
leave luggage unattended in front of the hotel or in the lobby.
Deposit your valuables in the hotel's safety deposit box.
As a general precaution, strolling city streets away from
tourist areas after dark or carrying a large amount of cash
with you at ant time is not recommended.
When viewing wildlife there is a degree of danger as the wild
animals are not tamed. While on safari you will be accompanied
by well trained and licensed guides. Many southern African
guides carry firearms for your safety. Camps & lodges
are typically not fenced and it is common for wildlife to
wander through. An attack on a sleeping traveler is not usual
unless an animal has been frightened or provoked. Never venture
outside your accommodations at night without your guide. Always
consult with your guides when in doubt.
How is game viewing?
Game viewing in Africa is tremendous if you travel to the
right destination at the right time. Each country has a safari
season and during these months you will be able to travel
comfortably and see tremendous amounts of wildlife.
What photography suggestions can you give?
For good photographs of birds and animals, a good SLR camera
and telephoto lens is necessary. A zoom lens can be extremely
useful on safari and the minimum recommended size is 200
mm. The new high-resolution digital cameras are outstanding
and give great quality images, especially if you are using
a digital camera body which takes normal camera lenses. The
guides have found that they are getting the best results using
Fuji film. Fuji has brought out a good high-speed film that
gives good color with very little grain (less so than any
other competitors). This is especially useful when using a
big lens in low light situations.
Important note: NOT ALL African cultures are familiar with
cameras. Rural folk will often shy away from having their
pictures taken. Some locals may ask a fee for having their
picture taken. It is recommended that you avoid photographing
anything relating to government and military installations,
including personnel (soldiers and police) and buildings (post
offices, banks, airports, border posts, railway stations and
bridges).
Can
I have my clothes washed while on a safari?
Most safari lodges and camps offer a complimentary laundry
service (some have a small fee) weather permitting, however
please note that undergarments are often excluded. You may
wish to bring a small supply of liquid laundry soap (a small
plastic travel bottle filled with Woolite works well for hand
washing).Around South Africa a laundry is available at the
hotel/lodges and is charged per hotel rates.
How can I pay my bills in Africa?
You may pay your bills in US cash, by travelers check, or
by credit card (accepted at most lodges, camps, hotels). Credit
cards may be used in large towns at restaurants and shops
with MasterCard and Visa being accepted. Use may be restricted
in small towns and country areas and non-existent in small
retail shops. Automatic teller machines (ATM's) are situated
outside most banks in towns and cities in southern Africa,
and international credit card can often be used to withdraw
currency. In South Africa, most banks are open Monday to Friday
9:00am to 3:30pm and Saturday from 8:30am to 11:00am. The
following banks offer foreign exchange services: First National,
Nedbank, Standard Bank, and ABSA. It is also possible to change
money at the hotel reception.
What
can I buy there?
In most cities there are upmarket jewelers and art galleries
where you can easily spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars
on African art. In South Africa a variety of shopping centers,
local handicrafts markets and roadside stalls are found. Leather
goods, wooden carvings, sculptures, paintings and local handicrafts
including pottery, beadwork and woven articles are also available
for purchase.
Shopping while on safari is limited. Often lodges and camps
have small curio shops where you can buy postcards, local
goods such as carvings or books, clothing (hats, shirts),
and film. At airports and in larger towns you will find African
curio markets where you can by all sorts of carvings, masks,
drums, jewelry etc...In general souvenirs and curios are inexpensive
(in US dollar terms) - still, fun spirited bartering is the
norm.
What is V.A.T.?
When visiting South Africa, foreign tourists can have sales
tax (known as Value Added Tax - VAT) refunded at a port of
exit provided the value of each invoice for goods purchased
exceeds R50.00 and the total value of all items purchased
exceeds ZAR250.00. To qualify for a refund, visitors must
be in possession of a valid passport, valid tax invoices and
must produce the goods purchased. Please note that a receipt
stating "for information only" is not accepted by
the VAT refunders. It has to say VAT invoice and show the
amount. The VAT rate is 14 percent and is levied on most products.
Goods are also not to be utilized/consumed whilst in South
Africa and must be in original packaging.
Do I have to tip?
How much should I tip? Since gratuity is a personal expression
of appreciation for services rendered, it is not included
in the cost of the tour. The amount of the tip should reflect
the quality of the services provided. We have enclosed a brief
guideline to assist you:
a) Camp, Game Lodge and Specialist Guides
If the guide has done a good job, we recommend R50
per guest per day for visitors to South Africa.
b) The General Safari Camp/Lodge Staff
We recommend about R30 per guest per day
for safari camps in South Africa. This should
be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally
amongst all the staff at a later stage.
c) Hotel Staff
Please allow between R5 and R10 per guest per day for hotel
staff i.e. housekeeping etc.
d) Porterage
Here we recommend about US$1 per person per movement.
e) Mokoro Paddlers and Trackers
We recommend that
camp/lodge trackers in South Africa receive R35
per guest, per day.
f) Transfer and Touring Driver/guides
Transfer R10 per person
Half day tour R25 per person
Full day tour R50 per person
g) Restaurants/Hotels
10% is customary on meal accounts but only if you are satisfied
with the service.
Who will collect the tips?
Gratuities are handled on an individual basis. At times your
guide may offer to help by collecting the tips from the participants.
This collection is in no way compulsory and is only for your
convenience.
What is the electrical requirement in Africa?
All electrical appliances run on 220 volts. Outlets are round
3 pin, 15 amp plugs. Special adapters for video cameras, chargers
and hairdryers are needed and can sometimes be supplied by
hotel receptions. Various safari camps and lodges may not
have 220 volts and may operate on Solar powered 12-volt electricity
Remember to bring spare batteries to have charged at the lodge
while out on safari. |
