FAQ - Relating to Safaris Packages & Private Tours
What to bring on your Safari
Dress code at lodges is generally casual. For the colder winter months it is advisable to bring along warmer clothes with a warm jacket especially for the morning and evening game drives. Don’t forget sun cream, swimwear and shorts for those hot summer days.
When is the best time to travel?
- Game viewing: All year round.
- Whale-watching: Mid-June to the end of October (Southern Right ) August to December (Humpback)
- Diving and surfing: Winter - April to September
- Beaches: Mid-summer is the best time. The beaches of northern KwaZulu-Natal are warm and sunny even in mid-winter. Remember the seasons are the opposite of Europe and North America
- Flowers: August and September
- River rafting: In the Cape at the end of winter.
- Hiking: The shoulder seasons, spring and autumn are best, as summer can be very hot. In the Cape, the winters can be wet, so hiking can be demanding
- Birding: The palaeoarctic migrants arrive in about November and the intra-African migrants usually by mid-October
Health Hazards:
Malaria regions include Northern Province and Mpumalanga and the north of KwaZulu Natal. Preventative medication is obtainable at all South African pharmacies. It's important to consult a pharmacist for advice on the best drug or drug combination you should take. In a malaria region, you should avoid wearing perfume or aftershave lotion, and it's advisable to wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. The bilharzia (shistosomiasis) parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams in some of the northern and eastern parts of the country, and vistors should therefore avoid contact with the water in these regions.
The Western & Eastern Cape is bilharzia free.
Immunisation:
People arriving in South Africa from a Yellow Fever Zone, must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and smallpox is not required.
Children on Safaris
Children under the age of 12 are normally not allowed on game drives; however, the lodge manager will use his/her discretion in certain instances. Most lodges accept children between 12 and 18 on scheduled safaris provided they are accompanied by an adult relative. However, private tailor-made safaris will be designed for families of all ages.
Do I need vaccinations or inoculations?
No, you don't. If, however, you will be travelling through a yellow fever-endemic area (like West Africa) you will need a vaccination to get into South Africa. Some medical practitioners advise their patients to have hepatitis A, anti-tetanus or cholera inoculations. This is not necessary but is a reasonable precaution for travelling in any part of the world.
Where can I see game in a malaria-free area?
The Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, the Northern Cape, parts of the Northwest Province and the Waterberg area of Limpopo province are free of malaria. Of these, the best national parks are Addo in the Eastern Cape, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape, Madikwe and Pilanesberg and in the Northwest, and Limpopo's Waterberg.
Are we safe from wild animals?
Professional rangers and trackers ensure that close encounters with wildlife are exciting, informative and safe. Rangers undergo extensive selection and training, and are engendered with a code of ethics and a reverence for all life. Most are armed with rifles on game viewing drives and bush walks, and trained guards patrol the camps at night. In the event of an emergency, medical rescue services are on standby to airlift anyone to the best medical facilities in South Africa.
What about snakes and bugs?
This aspect is very exaggerated. You will rarely see a snake and if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the romantic ambience... Bear in mind that malaria is a health hazard in most wildlife areas, and it is essential to consult your physician for advice before embarking on your safari.
Is the water safe to drink?
While out on safari drink only the purified water provided by your lodge, or bottled water
What kind of weather can I expect?
Botswana:
The best time to visit Southern Africa is between the months of May and October. This is the dry season and temperatures range from a low of 40 degrees to daytime highs in the mid-70's. In June and July, the evenings can be quite cold - sometimes in the low 30's.
South Africa:
South Africa is generally sunny and temperate throughout the year. Since the country lies south of the equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Winters (June/July) are usually cool and mild. June to October is the ideal time to visit the game reserves.
Namibia:
Namibia's climate is typical of a semi-desert area, with hot days and cool nights. Inland summer days (October to April) are warm to hot (sometimes in excess of 100F). Nights are sometimes extremely cold, so be prepared! The rainy season is in summertime, with most rainfall occurring in the north and northeast. Rainfall normally occurs as short, but sometimes violent thunderstorms.
What shall I pack?
Cotton slacks and shirts are ideal, with a sweater or other layers to shed as the day heats up. A hat with a brim is essential, and a cotton bandanna useful. Khaki and cotton travel well, and pale earth colours such as tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds. Camouflage clothes are illegal in many African countries. Long pants and hiking boots are preferably and afford better protection from insect bites.
Comfortable walking / hiking shoes, are recommended over sandals. Include a all-weather bush jacket and a swimsuit as most lodges have pools. Laundry service is available at most lodges and even tented camps.
Other items to bring along are:
- Sunscreen
- Cap or Hat
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Small Flashlight
- Film and extra camera batteries
What luggage should I bring?
Travel lightly. While you're on safari, additional baggage can be safely stored at your hotel or airport. Soft duffel-type bags measuring 80cm (32in) long and 35cm (14in) wide are recommended. Solid suitcases cannot fit into the 4 x 4 vechicle.
Can I take electrical appliances?
If you bring along video camera, electric iron, razor or hair dryer, make sure they are adaptable to 220 AC and 50 cycle current and that you have adapter plugs for English outlets. Game lodges use generators which shut down at bedtime.
Safari Etiquette:
Be quiet. Part of the beauty of the African bush is the silence and serenity. If you notice others aren't speaking, it's probably a sign they wish you weren't either. On game drives you risk scaring away the animals you want to see by making a noise or speaking loudly. Quietly point out to the driver the animals in question and be assured he'll respond appropriately.
Be considerate. Some in your group may want to move on while others want to linger to get that perfect shot, so be respectful of their different needs.
Don't assume that you are the only person who likes the front or rear seat. It's always best to ask. Refrain from smoking in vehicles and during meals.
