Africa is not as difficult to travel to or through. Common sense and logic can make it a memorable experience combined with the warm hospitality of the locals. Below are some general pointers on how to travel in a comfortable fashion and make the most of your time in nature.
When to Travel: practically all year around is good to travel. It also depends on which side of the Equator you are traveling in. However, because of the temperate climate one can still enjoy themselves no matter how bad the sand storms in Mali or the monsoons in East Africa. We recommend you avoid certain places during certain times of the year simply because the lodges and camps are often closed for the season undergoing maintenance.
Health: all the lodges and camps follow a strict hygiene practices. Water is bottled or purified and vegetables are throughly washed. However, its always good to err on the side of caution and be aware of what you are eating and drinking. Preventive vaccinations (cholera, yellow fever, typhoid) and malaria medication is highly recommended however consult with your personal physician beforehand.
While most camps and lodges have a doctor on call, supplementary travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended. Suggested carrier: Travel Guard, MedJet, AMREF Flying Doctor Service or contact our travel Partners or your travel agent for more information.
Packing: pack light! Most lodges and camps offer laundry services. Access to some lodges is often by small bush plans which restricts weight allowance to no more than 15 kg (33 lbs). Make sure you carry your medication and toiletries in your hand luggage.
Safari attire should be casual and comfortable and preferably cotton or linen (it’s all about letting your skin sweat and breathe). Wear light colors (khaki’s and whites to blend into the environment). Bring layers and dress mainly for outdoor comfort with a change of informal clothes for the evening. Evenings and early morning can be chilly especially on the mountain areas or in the winter months progressively getting warmer during the day. Warm jerseys, socks and walking shoes or sneakers are recommended that can be removed as it gets hot. Footwear should be low-heeled and comfortable. Bring a light-weight raincoat and a hat for sun protection. Roof hatches on safari vehicles are left open whilst game viewing.
Safety & Security: As in all travelling use common sense and reasonable precautions. Lock your valuables in the hotel safe, walk in groups and letting your tour leader, guide and hotel reception know of your whereabouts.
Currency: The unit of currency varies from country to country. It’s best to carry as little cash as possible when traveling to avoid further inconvenience if anything should be lost or stolen. However, not all lodges and camps have credit card facilities so make sure you keep tabs of your bar bills!
Major currencies (like the US Dollar, the English Pound, and the Euro) are easily changed in large cities and towns, although U.S. Dollars are sometimes preferred. Carry small denominations as you will have a better chance of people accepting them and also it eliminates the possibility of receiving change back in local currency.
Gratuity/ Tipping: Giving your guide or waiter a financial incentive for good service is very exchange and depends on the level of service one experiences. Below is a guideline to overcome the angst of tipping:
Wildlife Guides/ Trekkers: $10-$15 per day per guest
Airport Driver: $3-$5
Waiters/ Bartender: 10% of total bill
Porters: $1-$2 per bag
Environment/ Eco-friendly: Be particularly aware of the fact that most lodges and camps are running on solar power or generators and are get their water supply from bore holes and therefore energy and water conservation is paramount. Keep all trash and used water bottles with you when traveling and dispose them off properly at the lodge.
Game Drives: game drives are leisurely treks traversing through the raw African bush. Beyond just the wild life, one can also enjoy the spectacular landscapes and vistas. One should not be disappointed if you don’t see the Big 5 in one day. All guides are professionals and can read signals on where the wild life may be congregating and the best way to enjoy a good safari is to relax and let nature take its course. It is not uncommon to see nothing for hours and just when you are about to give up come across a large price of lions or a family of elephants fifty strong.
Tips for Travelling
Africa is not as difficult to travel to or through. Common sense and logic can make it a memorable experience combined with the warm hospitality of the locals. Below are some general pointers on how to travel in a comfortable fashion and make the most of your time in nature.
When to Travel: practically all year around is good to travel. It also depends on which side of the Equator you are traveling in. However, because of the temperate climate one can still enjoy themselves no matter how bad the sand storms in Mali or the monsoons in East Africa. We recommend you avoid certain places during certain times of the year simply because the lodges and camps are often closed for the season undergoing maintenance.
Health: all the lodges and camps follow a strict hygiene practices. Water is bottled or purified and vegetables are throughly washed. However, its always good to err on the side of caution and be aware of what you are eating and drinking. Preventive vaccinations (cholera, yellow fever, typhoid) and malaria medication is highly recommended however consult with your personal physician beforehand.
While most camps and lodges have a doctor on call, supplementary travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended. Suggested carrier: Travel Guard, MedJet, AMREF Flying Doctor Service or contact our travel Partners or your travel agent for more information.
Packing: pack light! Most lodges and camps offer laundry services. Access to some lodges is often by small bush plans which restricts weight allowance to no more than 15 kg (33 lbs). Make sure you carry your medication and toiletries in your hand luggage.
Safari attire should be casual and comfortable and preferably cotton or linen (it’s all about letting your skin sweat and breathe). Wear light colors (khaki’s and whites to blend into the environment). Bring layers and dress mainly for outdoor comfort with a change of informal clothes for the evening. Evenings and early morning can be chilly especially on the mountain areas or in the winter months progressively getting warmer during the day. Warm jerseys, socks and walking shoes or sneakers are recommended that can be removed as it gets hot. Footwear should be low-heeled and comfortable. Bring a light-weight raincoat and a hat for sun protection. Roof hatches on safari vehicles are left open whilst game viewing.
Safety & Security: As in all travelling use common sense and reasonable precautions. Lock your valuables in the hotel safe, walk in groups and letting your tour leader, guide and hotel reception know of your whereabouts.
Currency: The unit of currency varies from country to country. It’s best to carry as little cash as possible when traveling to avoid further inconvenience if anything should be lost or stolen. However, not all lodges and camps have credit card facilities so make sure you keep tabs of your bar bills!
Major currencies (like the US Dollar, the English Pound, and the Euro) are easily changed in large cities and towns, although U.S. Dollars are sometimes preferred. Carry small denominations as you will have a better chance of people accepting them and also it eliminates the possibility of receiving change back in local currency.
Gratuity/ Tipping: Giving your guide or waiter a financial incentive for good service is very exchange and depends on the level of service one experiences. Below is a guideline to overcome the angst of tipping:
Environment/ Eco-friendly: Be particularly aware of the fact that most lodges and camps are running on solar power or generators and are get their water supply from bore holes and therefore energy and water conservation is paramount. Keep all trash and used water bottles with you when traveling and dispose them off properly at the lodge.
Game Drives: game drives are leisurely treks traversing through the raw African bush. Beyond just the wild life, one can also enjoy the spectacular landscapes and vistas. One should not be disappointed if you don’t see the Big 5 in one day. All guides are professionals and can read signals on where the wild life may be congregating and the best way to enjoy a good safari is to relax and let nature take its course. It is not uncommon to see nothing for hours and just when you are about to give up come across a large price of lions or a family of elephants fifty strong.