General Safari FAQs
Is it safe going on safari in Southern Africa?
Going on safari in Southern Africa is considered safe, however, as with most places around the world there are always going to be areas that should be avoided. Knowing these hotspots is vital for any travel destination and this is usually avoided by booking your holiday through a trusted tour operator or agent.
What is the difference between a budget, mid-range and luxury safari?
Your safari experience will differ in cost according to the standard of accommodation, safari location and exclusivity of the lodge you are visiting. Some locations are more costly due to popular safari highlights such as Tanzania’s Migration; the Leopards of the Sabi Sands; Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; and Victoria Falls. It is helpful to let our consultants know your budget so they can provide you with a personalized itinerary and acceptable quote. Please note lodges charge a single supplement rate for solo travelers, which is more expensive than the sharing rate.
What can I expect on safari?
Most lodges in South Africa offer twice daily game drives that depart in the early morning and late afternoon. This is the best time to catch predators in action and witness the bush coming alive! Safaris are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles and can accommodate a maximum number of ten guests. Your wildlife ranger will brief you on the “Do’s and Don’ts” before embarking on your game drive. Game drives last approximately three hours long and there is usually a sunrise or sunset stop along the way to stretch your legs, enjoy a drink, and use the ‘bush’ toilet! Safaris in Botswana and Tanzania may differ in terms of activities and duration of game drives, and these are specified in your itineraries.
When is the best time to go on safari?
The best time to go on safari is a seasonal decision. Each season in the African bush offers a unique spin to the safari experience; and each region brings its own seasonal nuances. Because of this, most popular destinations are booked all-year round so it is important to plan your trip well in advance
Can children go on safari?
Yes! There are many family-friendly lodges, with certain lodges offering “Wild Child” Programs to inspire children to embrace the outdoors (and give parents some time out while on safari!). A general rule of thumb is that children under the age of 5 years are not allowed on game drives, however babysitting services are usually available on site. That said, private safari vehicles are available for hire at an extra cost to accommodate younger children and this is done at the discretion of your wildlife ranger.
What vaccinations do I need when visiting Southern Africa?
There are no mandatory vaccinations when visiting the following destinations we offer: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia or Zimbabwe. For travellers who have visited, or transited through, a country where Yellow Fever is endemic you will be required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination and produce a certificate upon arrival. Uganda however does require a mandatory Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon entry. It is recommended that you are up to date with all routine vaccines and treatment against malaria is recommended if you are visiting malaria areas. Prior to traveling, please visit your doctor or travel health specialist well-ahead of your departure date to advise you on the relevant vaccinations and necessary precautions to take for your upcoming trip. Please alert our team if you have any medical conditions (require a wheelchair etc) or food intolerances (celiac etc) so that we can accommodate your needs throughout your trip.
What visa do I need when visiting Africa?
Visa requirements vary by country, and it is important you ensure you have the necessary travel documents for your trip. As a precaution, we do recommend making a copy of the front page of your passport in the event it is misplaced during your visit.
What do I wear on safari?
Wearing colours that blend into nature is recommended for a safari; an example of these neutral tones would be khaki, shades of green, or beiges and browns. Regardless of season, it is always worth-while to pack sunhats, sunscreen and a good pair of closed walking shoes; a light rain jacket and jumper are also advised. Many lodges/ hotels will have a swimming pool so remember to pack swimwear for the summer seasons. Dinner time at most lodges is a casual occasion - dresses, trousers, or jeans, paired with cool cotton shirts work well on those summer evenings. Keeping yourself covered may provide extra protection against mosquitos if you are visiting a malaria region. If you are travelling during winter, then be sure pack a warm fleece/jacket and hats and scarves as those early morning and late afternoon game drives can get chilly!
Safaris For Africa Booking FAQs
How do I decide which safari is best for me?
With so many incredible destinations and experiences to choose from it can be challenging knowing which safari to select, and that is where our knowledgeable team comes in. Once you have connected with us, we will have a better understanding of your interests, preferred accommodation style and budget, and we will use this information to guide you towards your ideal safari.
Can I customise my trip?
Absolutely! We want you to embark on the African safari of your dreams, and we are here to facilitate that. From the number of days you have available, to the locations you wish to visit, the vision is yours to create. We will design the itinerary and take care of the logistics, at no extra cost to you. Our flexibility and adaptability have enabled us to produce countless, successful trips for travelers.
How long has Safaris for Africa been operational?
Safaris for Africa opened its doors in 2008 and has since been providing memorable African safari experiences to travelers from all over the world, many of whom return year after year.
What are the benefits of booking my trip with Safaris for Africa?
We care for your specific needs with our one-on-one service being at the core of who we are. We are here to ensure you have a safe, hassle-free experience in Africa and this means you will have access to our team for the duration of your travels should you require assistance of any kind. This is at no extra cost to you. We value quality over quantity and have made it our responsibility to make sure every guest who travels with us leaves Africa with the desire to return.
Why don’t I just book directly with the lodge?
Whether you book directly with the lodge or us, the rate will not differ. Lodges require tour operators and destination management companies to sell their products at the same rate reflected on their websites, of which we receive a commission for bringing them business. The difference is, our service goes beyond just an accommodation booking, with the opportunity to book flights and transfers, build a longer itinerary, and have access to personal communication with our team while traveling in Africa.
What is the payment policy with Safaris for Africa?
On confirmation of booking, we require a 30% deposit with the balance of the payment due three months prior to your travel date. Please note, in some instances this may differ if lodges require a 50% deposit upfront. We accept credit card payments (VISA or Mastercard) through PAYGATE, our secure online payment service. EFT and wire transfers are also accepted directly into our bank account.
What is the cancellation/ refund policy?
Once your booking has been made it is up to us to book local flights, pay accommodation deposits and in some cases allocate guides and vehicles. For this reason, we have parameters in place to absorb expenses if you choose to cancel your trip:
Less than 3 months prior to arrival: 30% of total booking value
Less than 2 months prior to arrival: 50% of total booking value
Cancellation 1 month prior to travel or during travel or stay: 100% of total booking value
Is my trip insured?
We advise all of our guests to take out comprehensive travel insurance such as: cancellation due to illness, accident or injury, personal accident and personal liability, and loss of or damage to baggage and valuable items. This will ensure that there is no monetary loss on your side.