1. Is there a luggage restriction on safari?
A. Yes, you are limited to one bag per person preferably a soft bag for easy packing.
2. Can a suitcase be left in storage at Johannesburg International Airport while we are on safari in the bush?
A. Yes. If you go to Lock-up-Luggage at Terminal 2 in the basement below International Arrivals at
Johannesburg Airport, they will store your suitcases there for approx. US$35 per item per week, or approx. US$5 per day.
3. Are children allowed and will they be a disturbance to my safari?
A. Children are most welcome on this safari from 3 years old. Parents with children, in most cases have their own private vehicle so as not to in any way disturb other adults on safari. We can also cater for elderly persons.
4. What is the typical number of people on a safari?
A. The camp in Sabi Sands is small and intimate,geared around personal service and comfort and are luxurious. These camps cater to between 16 and 24 guests. Kruger Park camp is much larger but your game drives will have a maximum of 9 people at any one time.
5. How large are safari bungalows?
A. Bungalows are large and spacious, with two three-quarter beds, floor rugs and adequate space to hang and pack clothing, with private facilities and verandah with fridge, table and chairs.
6. Is the washroom arrangement very far away?
A. All bungalows come with en-suite facilities, so it is a very civilised safari. Except on economy safari facilities are located a few metres away.
7. Are the guides qualified, friendly and what language do they speak?
A. Yes, they are certainly qualified , speak English and are very attentive at all times, especially as there are small groups.
8. What does a typical day consist of while on safari?
A. Early start to the day / tea & coffee / early morning game drive (+- 2-3 hours) / outdoor delicious breakfast / late morning game drive (+- 2 hours) / rest period at camp(+-4 hours) - time to shop, sleep, swim, suntan, catch up on favorite book and have lunch / afternoon game activity (+-3 hours)/night drive/ delicious dinner in evening.
9. What activities are there?
A. Game drives, guided walks, birdwatching, night drives, library etc
10. What is the likely type of vehicle? Is there good visibility?
A. On safaris, you will be travelling in on open Landrover or similar 4x4 vehicle, which offers excellent visibility and outstanding photo opportunities. On overland transfers, vehicles are either luxury VW microbus or Mercedes Vito SUV.
11. How many passengers are accommodated on the vehicles?
A. A maximum of 9.
12. Do the vehicles allow for periodic pit stops for the passengers?
A. As for the pit stops, the guests' requirements and comfort are paramount. There will be coffee and drinks breaks on your drives and everyone will make sure you have a great time, so yes pit stops are definitely allowed.
13. Is there any reason we might wish a private vehicle on any particular day?
A. If you have a special day or requirement this can be arranged with pleasure at a small extra cost. There is no need otherwise.
14. Do you supply bottled water or is there a need to bring some with us?
A. Bottled water is sold everywhere we go.
15. Is local currency available on landing in Johannesburg?
A. Yes, South African Rands can either be drawn out of your account using your PIN at a bank machine or there are exchange facilities.
16. Are Rands the easiest to use for tipping on the tour?
A. Yes, otherwise dollars or pounds will be very appreciated.
17. Is a safari an exhausting experience?
A. Not really though, a safari is not without it own set of trails and demands. Besides the heat, that is another reason for the few hours of "siesta" every afternoon. If you are planning an extensive South African safari, it is often a good idea to stop off for a day or two in Johannesburg to rest, revive, shop etc. Remember most activities are voluntary so you can rest more than others if you wish. It all gets too exciting to miss anything out though.
18. What clothing should I take on safari?
A. Clothing should be in neutral colours, eg, khaki, beige, bush green. NO bright colours - they scare away the animals! ONE pullover or cardigan. A hat is essential! A jacket is also required in our winter moths May June July & August. Otherwise cool comfortable clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Long sleeve shirts and pants are advisable in the evenings to keep insects off you.
19. Who washes my clothing?
A. The lodge will usually see to your laundry requirements or staff cleaning your bungalow.
20. Can I buy photographic equipment in the bush?
A. Yes, in Kruger National Park you can buy a whole range of goods from foods, to toiletries, to clothes to photographic equipment.
21. Can I get film developed in Southern Africa?
A. The cities have many One Hour Processing labs. You can also get digital photos developed in Kruger National Park.
22. What camera equipment is essential on safari?
A. Binoculars are vital, preferably wide angle. A good 35mm camera with a powerful zoom or telephoto lens will reward you with superb shots.
23. Can we phone our loved ones abroad?
A. Yes, easily with phone cards or your mobile phone at every camp in Kruger .There is extensive mobile phone coverage in South Africa. Make them envious and tell them how many elephants you've seen that day in the glorious sunshine.
24. Hospitals?
A. South Africa has many top private hospitals, excellent specialists and state of the art equipment and facilities, including emergency rescue and air ambulance.
25. Do we need medication and is there doctor on safari in case of emergency?
A. Please consult your GP before leaving on safari and he will advise you about medication required. We do, however, recommend malaria medication. Your guide is trained in first aid, airlift emergency helicopter is available and a local doctor is on call from the main safari camp. Your in good hands.
26. What about Insurance?
A. All travellers should be adequately insured against all eventualities and circumstances. This applies anywhere in the world.
27 .What about safety in Africa - the press makes it out to be a somewhat dangerous and violent place. What precautions must we take?
A. While on safari in the bush, the only dangerous creatures are wild animals. The people are gracious and hospitable. But as in many cities around the world, there is a need to be careful and vigilant. Never walk in deserted areas at night, try not to look too much like a rich tourist with six cameras hanging around your neck, pockets bulging with dollars and gold chains, rings and diamonds dripping from your person. Be sensible. As in most cities, there are areas which are safe and areas where gangsters and criminals lurk. So choose the safe spots. Ask at your hotel, or ask some locals.
28. Are there carjackings?
A. In most of Africa, it is not as bad as in Los Angeles. However, it does occur, especially in Johannesburg . Always drive with windows closed, doors locked and watch for suspicious looking people hanging around at traffic lights and intersections. Don't offer lifts to hitchhikers, unless it's your nephew backpacking through Africa!
29. We want to do a self-drive. What are the conditions of the roads?
A. South Africa has a superb network of tarred freeways, highways and roads, comparable to any first world country. There are large filling stations along the freeways, with restaurants, restrooms and rest areas under shade.
30. What are the roads in the wildlife reserves like?
A. Most reserves have a good network of gravel roads, well maintained and easy to drive with a standard vehicle, so you don't need a 4 wheel drive car. The majority of roads in Kruger National Park are tarred. Don't leave your windows open when baboons or monkeys jump onto your car - and don't feed them! There are no self-drive options in private reserves and lodges.
31. Can my mobile phone work in Africa?
A. Yes, there is extensive coverage throughout South Africa and in Kruger Park. However, in South Africa, networks cover all national roads, towns and cities. Before travelling, ask your cellphone service provider to open your phone to allow international roaming.
32 .Can I hire a cellphone (mobile) at an airport?
A. Yes. There are rental companies at the major international airports and some car hire companies also rent out cellphones. However, please note that you will not be able to use it on game drives.
33. Is there internet connection in Africa?
A. Certainly. Most city hotels will have either internet connection in your bedroom, or a business centre where you can spend time online. There are also some safari lodges and camps in South Africa which offer this facility. Kruger park in only a few camps have an internet cafe.
34. Is the water safe to bath in?
A. Yes. In South Africa, all piped water supplied by local authorities, is potable (drinkable). In the bush, lodges often have to pump water from underground, so ask the hotel staff whether it is potable. But is is always good enough for bathing.
35. But is the water safe to drink?
A. Unlike some countries in Europe, tap water in South Africa is potable (drinkable). It's best to drink bottled water - it's available everywhere. But NEVER drink water, and NEVER swim in, any pond or dam.
36. Are there lions in the streets?
A. No, absolutely not. You won't see a lion outside of a wildlife reserve, unless you go to a zoo. Except in the bush, your ranger and tracker will go just about anywhere to show you the lions!
37. Can I feed the wild animals?
A. No. Feeding wild animals is not a desirable way to conserve wildlife, nor is such a practice allowed in any game reserve. If you try to feed the wild animals, you place your own life and other people's lives at risk. Remember that wild animals are Wild Animals.
38. What animals will we see or are the safaris long hot and uneventful?
A. Bring plenty of film as you will be encapsulated in the thrill of seeing an outstanding array of wildlife. We take you to the premier safari destinations with sightings of wild lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, rhino, zebra, leopard, kudu, hippo, crocodiles, etc. You will never be bored! |
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