Question 1

What is a day on safari like?

Accepted Answer

To add a Every camp, safari location and season will differ in terms of schedules and activities, but most safaris follow a general pattern that is consistent. Most safaris take you on two game activities (3-4 hours in the morning and 3-4 hours in the afternoon) each day. Game drives can take place in an open-air photographic or enclosed safari vehicle, and during your game drive you will explore the wilderness in search of wildlife. In some locations there may also be the option for a water-based safaris, either on a pontoon, motor boat, canoe or makoro. Morning activities begin with a light morning snack before sunrise. Mornings are often considered the best time for wildlife interactions, as the weather is still cool, the tracks are still fresh and many of the nocturnal animals are still active. The middle of the day is a time to enjoy lunch, make the most of a spa treatment if it is available, take a short pre-arranged game walk with your guide or simply relax. Afternoon activities begin with tea, consisting of pastries, cakes and drinks. Afternoons are warmer and it is a great time to catch the wildlife enjoying their own siesta before another big night of activity. Guests return to camp after sunrise, when they can have a chance to freshen up before dinner, followed by drinks and conversation around a campfire.

Question 2

What are safari guides? Why do they matter?

Accepted Answer

A safari guide is your host while you are on safari. They are experts and have spent years studying their field. Whether it is wildlife, plants, safety, culture, hospitality or scenery, the guides are always available and ready to share, to make sure that you have the best possible overall experience.

Question 3

Should you tip your guides?

Accepted Answer

During your time on safari, you will come to know your guide, driver, housekeeper, chef, waiter or staff member like you have known them for years. These interactions often make take your safari experience from good to extraordinary.
Gratuities are not expected, but they are always appreciated. The standard suggested about for tipping is $10-15 per guest, per day given directly to your driver/guide at the end of your stay, and $5 per guest per day placed inside the camp/lodge tip box for the overall camp staff at the end of your stay.

Question 4

What is the best time to travel?

Accepted Answer

Peak Season (May to September – winter in the Southern Hemisphere)
The dry winter weather is when the animals are in their most abundant numbers. Drier conditions make the wildlife easier to find as they do not need to travel far for water, and the thinner vegetation makes them easier to spot. Visitor numbers are high during this period, making lodge availability sparse, wildlife sightings busier and rates more expensive.
Green Season (October to April – summer in the Southern Hemisphere)
This is the time of the year when rains bring colorful vibrancy; the migratory birds return and babies are born. Visitor numbers are lower during this season, which might mean you may be the only safari vehicle at a game sighting. 
Shoulder Season
This is the short transitional period between Peak and Green seasons. It might be sunny; it might be rainy. It might still feel like summer; it might feel like winter. The animals might linger in one area longer, or they may have already decided to migrate.

Question 5

Do I need a visa?

Accepted Answer

All travelers will require a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. For US passport holders, visas are not required for travel to Botswana, South Africa or Namibia. For US passport holders, visas are required for Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is advisable to check with the US Embassy for the country to plan to travel, as requirements can change without notice.

Question 6

What sort of food can I expect?

Accepted Answer

From the moment you arrive on safari, your meals are included and they are exquisite. The quality of cuisine in lodges and camps is excellent – with meats, fruits and vegetables arriving daily; sometimes even grown in the surrounding areas rich farmlands. Each country, lodge and camp boast a variety of mouth-watering cultural and regional specialties, as well as more standard options for the discerning palate.

Question 7

What Immunizations will I need?

Accepted Answer

Before travel to Africa, it is suggested that you book an appointment with your doctor or with a specialized travel clinic to make sure you have the necessary medication, that meets your own unique health history.  Common immunizations to ask about include Covid, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitus and malaria.

Question 8

What type of clothing should I wear?

Accepted Answer

While on safari, the most important clothes to wear are comfortable and practical. You will be spending long days in the outdoors, with lots of sunshine, heat, dust and potentially rain. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Colors – natural colors (beige, brown, green) are best as they help to repel heat and bugs. Try to stay away from bright colors, vibrant patterns and camouflage.
Layers – mornings and evenings are often cold and afternoons are hot. Being able to take layers on and off throughout the day is vital for comfort.
Footwear – while on safari you will be walking through nature where there are rocks, bushes, dust, thorns, bugs and sometimes uneasy footing. Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots or shoes will protect your feet.

Question 9

Are laundry facilities available while on safari?

Accepted Answer

At most lodges and camps, laundry can be done on a daily basis, whether it is included free of charge, or for a nominal fee. Some lodges or camps may also provide dry detergent in your bathroom so that you might wash our own delicates.

Question 10

What luggage should I use?

Accepted Answer

The best choice for luggage on a safari is a soft-sided duffel bag. No hard suitcases or bags with wheels can be transported, as they cannot physically fit, in the small aircrafts that will fly you to your camp. Luggage is also restricted by a maximum weight of 33lbs.

Question 11

What if I need medical attention?

Accepted Answer

Each lodge and camp have medical kits on property as well as a specialized medical safety plan to treat minor injuries. If you are in need of greater medical care, the Flying Doctors service (a group of well-qualified physicians) travel between the camps to provide treatment and transportation to many of the world-class medical facilities and hospitals, in Nairobi or Cape Town. Certain Travel Insurance companies do provide additional evacuation and medical services.

Question 12

Is an African safari safe?

Accepted Answer

Travelers should take the same precautions as they would normally take in any other destination. Keep any eye out for your belongings, avoid walking in the cities at night, and choose a travel partner who is reputable and knowledgeable.
While staying at a safari lodge or camp, you are often removed from major cities and potential crime. However, we do still advise you to lock any valuables away in your room safe, or kept it under the supervision of the manager.
When on a game drive, you are dealing with wild animals and remote locations. Everything is untamed and unexpected – however, that does not mean that it isn’t safe.
From the moment you arrive on safari, you will be given the rules and guidelines that you will need to follow at all times. Listen to the advice of your safari guide, they are the ones who have trained and specialized in animal behavior and know the how’s, when’s and why’s. So long as you listen and pay close attention to their guidance, you will have a safe and wonderful experience.

Question 13

Do I need Travel Insurance?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that all travelers have a policy that covers their trip, both financially and medically.

Question 14

Is there internet access at the hotels and camps?

Accepted Answer

The answer to this question varies based on the region and country you travel. For example, most South African camps and lodges will have Wi-Fi available as they are generally more accessible and less remote than similar camps in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, or Kenya’s Masai Mara. However, it is always important to know that speed and reliability of coverage in the bush can be hit-or-miss.

Question 15

Can I use my cell phone on safari?

Accepted Answer

Most smart phones can be used internationally, but travelers should be aware of data roaming fees that can accumulate while traveling. It is important before you travel that you contact your cell phone provider and arrange a mobile plan that will work overseas.

Question 16

How many people in my safari vehicle?

Accepted Answer

No matter where you travel on safari, your vehicle will be of key importance to providing the best overall viewing experience. The majority of safari vehicles are either Land Rover Defenders or Toyota Landcruiser’s which have been custom modified for the bush. These vehicles will either have 3-4 rows of seats and a maximum of 6 or 9 total passengers.
If you would like a private vehicle for just your traveling party, most lodges are able to accommodate for an additional cost daily.

Question 17

Can kids go on a safari?

Accepted Answer

In short – yes. Family safaris are a wonderful way to experience the natural environment and learn so much together. However, age and maturity factors are important during the planning stages.
While there are a few camps that cater specifically to the needs of families and children, with kids’ clubs, guiding schools, and family experiences – the majority of safari lodges and camps only allowed children over the age of 7 years old. No matter what, children need to be ale to follow directions, sit in a vehicle for long hours, sleep in tent at night, and remain calm/quiet when required.

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