8 tips when going on safari
Gin & Tonic - obligatory on safari!
1. Travel and Medical Insurance
All travellers are required to take out their own comprehensive medical and travel insurance - before confirming their booking and paying their deposit.
2. Visa and Entry Requirements
All travellers are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay, with sufficient blank pages (usually 3) for entry stamps, have a valid onward air ticket, and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. We will provide you with visa information but you must contact your local Embassy or Consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information as this information changes often - and without notice. Check whether you need single or multiple visas. We suggest you carry a copy of your passport page with you in case of loss, and that you bring along another form of identification that has a picture, and two spare, passport-sized photos.
3. Currency
Accommodation and travel is paid for in advance so you will not need to carry much cash. However bring some, should you wish to tip, or for shopping and other items and services of a personal nature. Change is seldom available, and coins are not used in some countries, so bring small denominations. We recommend that you bring US Dollars, as this is the most widely accepted currency. Be aware that it may be difficult to get to an ATM, and credit cards may not be accepted in some shops/restaurants. Caution: do not change money on the black market but only in a bank or bureau de change.
4. Tipping
Tipping in camps is not obligatory. However, should you wish to tip for good service received from staff and guides, your Camp Manager will advise you on how to do this and provide guidelines for recommended amounts. The recipients will always be grateful. Service charges are not included in restuarant prices and 10% is considered a reasonable tip for good service.
5. Water
Water is a scarce resource in Southern Africa and should be conserved whenever possible. Reuse towels and do not leave taps running. Safe drinking water will always be available.
6. Electricity
Pack an adaptor that is suitable for the countries you are travelling to, as well as a transformer suitable for 220V.
Due to the remoteness of most camps they have to generate their own electricity. This is sometimes done with a generator (in the periods when guests are out of camp on activities) and stored in inverters. Many camps use solar power - usually 220V. Bring an adaptor and power convertor. Hair driers can be used in some camps - but not all.
7. Weather
There are two main seasons in Southern Africa - Summer and Winter. Mid summer is December and mid winter is July. Temperatures can vary widely from season to season and between night and day. Rain generally falls in Summer - as short thundershowers. South Africa is the exception - it rains in Winter in the Southern Cape.
8. Languages
English is widely spoken in Southern, Central and East Africa so, if you speak English, you will not have difficulty communicating in camps, hotels, restaurants and airports. German is useful in Namibia, and Portuguese in Mozambique.