Africa
provokes thoughts of liquid gold sunsets, thousands of wildebeest
roaming the vast open plains, spectacular scenery and friendly
people. The reality is that it is very different from most developed
countries and that normally brings up a few questions. We have
compiled information on Africa travel and listed below some of
the questions frequently asked by our clients while planning their
safari to Africa.
If you have any other questions or seek information on Africa,
please do not hesitate to contact us where one of our travel consultants
will be able to assist you. We would gladly assist in planning
your ideal safari holiday to Africa. Our safari
planner will be of great help to get you started.
Herewith
a some of the questions regularly asked regarding travels to Africa:
Is
it safe to travel in Africa?
Southern Africa is in general a safe destination for international
travellers. However, it is wise to take certain standard security
precautions while travelling. These precautions should be applied
while travelling anywhere in the world. Following basic advice
can avoid most potential problems.
Most safaris take place in remote wildlife areas and game reserves,
away from villages, towns and cities. This means that you will
most probably not find other people around, except those who look
after your every need while on safari! The transfers (by road,
air or water) between airports, hotels and lodges are operated
by reputable companies or by the properties themselves. This means
that you will not be unattended at any time during your safari.
A few tips to consider are the following: make photocopies of
your passport, airline tickets, drivers license and other important
documentation. Also keep a record of the numbers of your travellers
cheques. These should be kept in a safe place. Rather leave expensive
jewellery at home.
When in towns and cities, do not carry large amounts of cash in
your pocket. Keep enough for the expenses of the day and place
the rest in a safety deposit box at the hotel/lodge or money pouch
under your shirt. Also be discreet with an expensive camera or
jewellery. Take note of onlookers and keep your possessions in
sight at all times to avoid opportunistic theft. Make use of your
hotel safety deposit box for expensive items. 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 (self drive safari), it is important
to lock all the car doors and keep the windows as far up as possible.
Plan ahead and know which route you intend to take using clear
maps. When leaving your car, do not leave your purse or bag lying
on the passenger seat in clear view - rather keep them in the
car boot. Never pick up hitchhikers. South Africa and Namibia
and ideal self-drive destinations.
What's the easiest way to get to
Africa?
Southern and east Africa can be reached by regular international
flights to the major centres or by ocean cruise liner.
Once
I'm there, how do I get around?
Public transport in the different countries includes rail, bus,
minibus and ferry. Private transport available includes hired
car, 4x4 vehicle or light aircraft. Self-drive is a convenient
option for South Africa and Namibia.
Please note: The Safari Company discourages
clients from using public transport.
What travel documents do I need?
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 - 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.
We assist our clients with information regarding the visa requirements
for each destination visited.
What are the roads like?
The best self-drive destinations in Africa are South Africa and
Namibia for the simple reason that these two countries have well
maintained and extensive road networks. Although Namibia has many
gravel roads (untarred dirt roads), it is still easy to travel
around. The Safari Company has excellent self-drive
safaris for the independent traveller. Our in-depth knowledge
of each destination ensures that you experience the real Africa
on safari, even if you drive yourself. Most of the other destinations
in southern and east Africa are better explored by an organised
safari or fly-in safari.
Botswana: About 24% of highways are
tarred. Rough, sandy and badly signposted tracks in reserves -
4x4 essential. The best way to visit these areas is by pre-booked
mobile or fly-in safari to the many lodges and camps scattered
sparsely across the national parks and private reserves. The Safari
Company offers many different options to choose from.
Kenya: All major roads are tarred. Surface
of lesser roads vary. Many roads only navigable by 4x4 in rainy
season. Mostly fly-in safaris. Contact us for more information
on safaris in Kenya.
Moçambique: About 19% of highways are
tarred. The main road along the coast (EN1) is tarred and roads
are constantly being upgraded. The main attraction is Bazaruto,
easily reached by air.
Namibia: About 12% of highways are paved.
Extremely good infrastructure of roads - two-wheel drive vehicle
adequate for self-drive holiday.
South Africa: Roads well-maintained.
A comprehensive road network across most of the country. Number
of toll roads present. Good self-drive destination.
Tanzania: About 4% of highways are tarred.
All key roads are in good condition. Road conditions in reserves
and parks were rough but are constantly upgraded and maintained.
Guided 4x4, minibus and fly-in safaris are conducted in Tanzania.
Zambia: About 18% of highways are paved.
After rains, most gravel roads only passable by 4x4. Mostly fly-in
safaris.
Zimbabwe: About 47% of highways are
paved. Outside parks and reserves, where 4x4 is advisable, road
conditions good and well signposted. Self-drive is an option.
When is the best time
to go?
We carefully assess each travellers need and answer accordingly,
as every traveller has different requirements. Interests range
from Africa's spectacular wildlife to the wide variety of birds
that occur in Africa at different times of the year. Other interest
are botany, culture and natural phenomena (such as the sardine
run on the east coast of South Afrcia or the migration of wildebeest
in Serengeti and Kenya). Many travellers use their favourite activity
as the foundation and build their holiday around these activities
such as fly-fishing, diving, kayaking, photography or horse riding.
Botswana: All year round. Best birding:
Nov-March. Best botanical months: Dec-May. Peak season: July-October.
Middle season: May-June.
Kenya: All year round. Great migration:
June-September.
Moçambique:
Best time: winter (April-Sept). Best fishing months: summer (Oct-March)
Namibia: All year round.
Best birding: summer (Nov-April). Best botanical months: Dec-May.
Peak season: July-October. Middle season: May-June.
South Africa: All year
round. Best game viewing (in north): winter (May-August). Southern
regions: summer destination (Sept-April).
Tanzania: All year round.
Best climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Aug-Oct and Jan-March. Great
migration: April-June and Oct-Dec.
Zambia: Many lodges are
closed Nov-May. Victoria Falls spectacular after rains: April-May.
Zimbabwe: All year round. Best white
water rafting: Aug-Dec. Best botanical months: Dec-May. Peak season:
July-Oct. Middle season: May-June.
Is there a "best time"
to go on safari?
It really depends on the type of animal you wish to see or the
activity you would like to partake in. 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 generally felt that the African winter
is the best time to go on 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. In Kenya and Tanzania,
you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration
of over two million animals.
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.
It goes without saying that 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 makes a destination special
and what are the highlights?
Botswana: Central Kalahari Game Reserve,
Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve & Okavango Region,
Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve.
Kenya: Aberdare National Park, Amboseli
National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Meru National Park,
Tsavo National Park, Mombasa, Malindi, south and north coast.
Moçambique: Bazaruto Archipelago. Beautiful
beaches and water sports: Bazaruto and Benguerra. Maputo (capital)
and Beira.
Namibia: Namib Desert (highest dunes
in the world), Namib-Naukluft Park, Skeleton Coast, Etosha National
Park, Kaokoveld (the Himba), Fish River Canyon, Damaraland and
Caprivi Strip.
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), Limpopo Province (Waterberg region)
and Sun City.
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, Zanzibar, Pemba.
Zambia: Livingstone Town, Victoria Falls,
Lake Kariba, Liuwa Plains, Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue
National Park, South Luangwa National Park.
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba,
Zambezi Valley & Mana Pools, Gonarezhou National Park, Save
Conservancy, Chimanimani, Hwange National Park, Eastern Highlands,
Great Zimbabwe and Matobo Hills National Park.
What is the landscape
like?
Botswana: Flat, landlocked country,
almost entirely covered by the Kalahari Desert. There is a lush
delta, arid sandveld, scrub savannah and several saltpans.
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.
Moçambique: 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.
Namibia: Large, mostly arid country.
Its four geographical regions are the Namib Desert, the Central
Plateau, the Kalahari sands and wooded bushveld.
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.
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.
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.
Are the cultures very different?
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: 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.
Moçambique: 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.
What is the weather like?
Botswana: Summer: Nov-April. Winter:
May-Oct.
Kenya: Summer: Oct-April. Winter: May-Sept.
Moçambique: Summer: Oct-March. Winter:
April-Sept.
Namibia: Summer: Nov-April. Winter:
May-Oct.
South Africa: Summer: Sept-April. Winter:
May-Aug.
Tanzania: Summer: Oct-March. Winter:
April-Sept.
Zambia: Summer: Nov-March. Winter: April-Aug.
Zimbabwe: Summer: Oct-April. Winter:
May-Sept.
Is Africa a good family
destination?
Southern Africa offers outstanding value for families.
Some destinations and establishments cater more fully for the
enjoyment of children than others. The Safari
Company offers ideal safaris for families, enjoyed
by young and old alike.
We offer specialised safaris in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia
specifically for families. Check out our family
safaris on the safari styles page.
Are
there activities for children?
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. Some lodges offer children-specific
activities such as foraging trips where kids collect seed pods,
feathers, bugs and leaves under the watchful eye of their own
ranger. Animal identification and baking 'Big Five' cookies are
also on the program.
What
about malaria when travelling with children?
A children's version of the antimalarial drug Malarone is available.
The most important precaution against being bitten by mosquitoes
is to cover up and to apply repellent. Your kids should have the
right gear for their safari. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers
are essential for early morning and evening. A child-friendly
high -concentration DEET repellent is available on the market.
Don't let malaria keep you from enjoying a safari with your family.
There are several malaria-free reserves in South Africa to choose
from. Addo Elephant, Kwandwe, Shamwari and Madikwe are to name
but a few. Please contact
us for detailed information on the lodges
in these reserves and national parks.
What types of accommodation
are available?
The accommodation type in Southern Africa varies from hotels and
inns to luxury lodges, B&Bs
and tented camps.
Botswana: Advanced bookings 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.
Kenya: Advanced bookings 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.
Moçambique: 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. Range of campsites along coast.
Namibia: Advanced bookings 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.
South Africa:
Advanced bookings recommended. Lodges and safari camps often set
on private ranches - high standards. Luxurious "tented camps"
pitched on concrete bases popular. Hotel chains in most cities
and major towns. Guesthouses, B&Bs and campsites with excellent
facilities.
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 major towns. In national
parks, there is camping, self-catering huts or chalets and top
end lodges with luxury chalets or permanent tents.
Zimbabwe: Advanced bookings recommended.
Private game reserves offer both standard and luxury accommodation.
National parks have cottages, chalets or lodges, which are all
fully equipped. Government campsites well-maintained.
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).
How do I phone the country?
You can dial an international country direct. First dial the your
country's international code (+) for dialling out of the country
(for example, 00 in England). Then dial the specific international
code required for the country you are calling (see below), the
area code of the region you need and then the specific number.
Up to 20 seconds may pass before you hear ringing. In certain
countries, ringing resembles an engaged tone. In these cases,
an engaged tone will be a short signal repeated rapidly.
The international dialling codes for each country are
listed below.
Botswana: +267
Kenya: +254
Moçambique: +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 Moçambique: 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 (Moçambique), German (Namibia) and Arabic
(Tanzania).
Is vegetarian/halaal/kosher
food available?
Yes. Special dietary requirements are catered for throughout Southern
Africa. Please give advanced notice 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! With the exception of a
few upmarket lodges, halaal and kosher food is not available at
most camps/lodges.
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 mains water in major towns
is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, it is safer to stick
to sealed bottled water, available from most hotels and lodges.
Moçambique: 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.
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.
Can I 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.
Diners Card is not accepted by some lodges in Kenya nor is it
generally accepted by other properties.
Moçambique: 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.
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.
Are there any medical
precautions?
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) - The
Safari Company will advise you of these. Most lodges have qualified
emergency first-aid staff members.
Malaria is present in many parts of Africa - we will advise you
if you will be visiting a malaria area. Anti-malarial precautions
are essential when travelling to Africa with exception to some
parts of South Africa. Please see Malaria
in Africa for more information.
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).
What
wildlife photography advice can you give?
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.
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 2x teleconverter is useful for doubling
the focal length of your lens.
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.
Important
Note: 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).
