Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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.

    

2. 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.

    

3. 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.

    

4. 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.
   

    

5. 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.

    

6. 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.

    

7. What is the weather like?
   Botswana: Summer: Nov-April. Winter: May-Oct.

    

8. 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.

    

9. 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 Botswana 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.

    

10. 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.
    

     

11. 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).

     

12. 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

     

13. 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).

     

14. 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.

     

15. 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.

     

16. 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.

     

17. 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.

     

18. 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. 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).

     

19. 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).

     

20. 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.