1. What type of food is provided on a safari ?

Your meals are included on your safari tours and each meal is excellent by Western standards.

Lodges and/or camps offer continental cuisine, in addition to local specialties. Meats, vegetables and fruits are provided daily.

At times you might be on an all-day safari, either for an adventure game drive or to a remote area of the park. Lodges/camps provide a picnic “Box lunch” which allows you to maximize your time wildlife viewing rather than being forced to return to the lodge for a meal.

Guests at times may eat together (unless not desired) and people traveling alone usually find the atmosphere friendly and enjoy meeting other travelers at dinner.

2. Who escorts you into the Game Park?

A Safari guide takes you into a park. A good Safari guide not only has knowledge of the big wildlife, but also the smaller even unnoticed wildlife species. The best guides also have a wider understanding of ecosystems—how each species, contributes to the overall harmony, existence and flourishing of Africa’s ecosystems.

3. What advice is recommended in popular areas where visitor and vehicle concentration is high?

We strongly suggest early morning game drives. Please keep in mind that by departing at 6.00 am, you will have most areas all to yourself until about 10 am when the package tours roll in.

4. What type of clothing should I wear?

Safaris are extremely informal vacations and the main goal is to pack lightly and smartly. Your clothing should be comfortable and casual. Khaki, olive, brown and tan clothing increases your chances of seeing wildlife and offers the added benefit of concealing dirt. Most camps or lodges provide 24-hour turn-around laundry service at a small charge. You should avoid the urge to over-pack.

In addition, the sun is strong and therefore it is important that you wear a wide brimmed hat and apply sunscreen.

5. Are there aircraft luggage restrictions when on a Safari?

It’s the first thing you need to check if you are taking any light aircraft flights – and if the answer is YES, check what the luggage allowance is. Airlines can be very strict on baggage limits, so it’s important to double-check your limit before you travel. 

If your itinerary states that soft bags are needed, it is because storage space on light aircraft flights is limited and therefore luggage should be soft (e.g. a duffel bag) so they can be squashed into a small hold in the plane.

Your bag should have no spines, frames or a rigid structure, although one flat side is usually allowed. Also bags should have very small wheels or preferably, none at all.

6. How many visitors are in a Game Park vehicle?

Most vehicles will have no more than 6-8 passengers. In addition, the ride quality can be very bumpy, noisy at times, with areas of uneven terrain or long drives to remote areas.

7. Do you tip the guides and drivers?

Tipping can be a thorny issue that often raises questions. Tipping is at your discretion, but not compulsory, and more-so it is based upon service levels received and how completely you're satisfied. General guidelines per passenger traveling are as follows:

Safari Driver/guides: USD 5 to 10 per day – per guest, averaging 4-6 guests in a safari vehicle. If you are traveling privately, i.e. just two of you, please tip at your discretion.

Porters: This is an optional extra and they are normally hired for around USD 20 per porter for a trek and the tip will vary depending on the workload.

Lodges /camp staff: Generally USD 3-5 per guest per stay. Many of the smaller lodges have central tip boxes. At hotels and larger establishments, it is generally given at your discretion to individuals who have performed well.  

8. Do wild animals roam at the lodges/camps?

Yes, it is not uncommon to have them come into camp, especially at night. It is important to never assume that any of the animals encountered on your game drive are tame. Though attacks by wild animals are unusual, nothing in the African wilderness is predictable. Camp employees usually escort you around at night for safety and there is 24-hour watch.

9. What about snakes and insects?

Snakes are common throughout Africa, but they are SELDOM encountered on safaris. In bushy or wooded areas, wear boots closed-toe shoes or boots and long trousers to avoid insect bites and minimize risk.

Mosquitoes are generally not active during the day. Best protection is to take antimalarial drugs.

It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites from dusk till dawn. This is the most active time for mosquitoes thus you’re at higher risk for malaria. Other protections include using DEET (concentration of 20% or more) insect repellent and covering up before dusk and wearing long sleeved shirts, trousers, socks and shoes in the evenings.

10. Can I use USD while on a safari trip?

In general, most of the African countries accept US dollars, but always check with your tour operator. The general rule is NO bills printed before 2010 and bills that are torn or have writing on them are NOT accepted.

11. What are accommodations like at a safari camp/lodge?

Accommodations vary from location to location, from budget to luxury, but overall are very comfortable.

They are nicely furnished with all facilities. For example, tented lodges which are tents on a platform and with a roof also have en-suite facilities with showers, flush toilets and hot as well as cold running water!

13.  What is the difference between a tented camp and a lodge? 

A lodge has concrete structures, walls made of stone or wood. A tented camp consists of large safari tents. Don’t think of the small tents you pitch in your backyard or on a campsite. These safari tents are spacious sleeping - living tents with en-suite bathrooms. View here a typical 4-star tent.

14.  Any precautions for your camera equipement?

Make sure a quality dust-free bag always protects your camera. You will be driving on unpaved roads, dust easily gets into your jeep and may damage your camera.