Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it safe?
- Yes, it is safe. Your Safari destinations are some of the safest destinations in the world.
- Arranging all your travel plans through a reputable operator like Africa Explore Safaris ensures that your safety is the first consideration in their planning.
What inoculations and vaccines are required?
- That depends on where you wish to travel to and the team at Africa Explore Safaris will provide you with detailed information regarding this.
- Some countries do have incidents of Yellow Fever so you will need the inoculation for Yellow Fever if you travel to, or through, this destination.
Can I buy Malaria medication when I arrive in Africa?
- Malaria medication cannot be purchased over the counter in Southern and East African countries without a doctor’s prescription.
- You are advised to arrange this medication through your trusted healthcare provider before you depart on your trip.
What is the best time for safari in Africa?
- The best time for the viewing of wildlife is during the dry season from April to October. There is less vegetation making your viewing easier, and the animals are more concentrated close to water points.
- During the rainy season from November to March, it can be hot and humid, and the vegetation is very lush. Viewing of the wildlife is still amazing and this is the time of so many animals giving birth. There will be babies to be seen everywhere.
- There are many amazing destinations that are great to visit at any time of the year. The Safari Itineraries from Africa Explore Safaris are usually multi-location itineraries through a few countries unless the client has advised differently. Our itineraries will always include the locations for all-year-round visits.
What is the weather like?
- During the dry season, the days are generally clear and warm (approx. 25C-77F). Temperatures at night are cool (approx. 10C-50F) to cold (approx. <5C-<40F)
- It is possible during the dry season that the overnight temperatures will drop to below freezing resulting in some frost, but this usually burns off within the first hour after sunrise.
- During the rainy season from December to February, you can expect some dramatic thunderstorms that usually occur in the mid-afternoon. It is quite humid and hot during this time.
May I carry my medication?
- Yes, please carry your medications, BUT always declare these medicines.
- It is important that you carry sufficient “chronic” medication and you MUST have the doctor’s prescription for this medication to be produced on request at the immigration desk.
- Some drugs that are available over the counter in your country may be Scheduled in Africa
How much luggage can I bring?
Generally one checked bag and one hand luggage per person.
What is the luggage weight limit on scheduled regional flights?
- Many International Airlines will allow 30Kg – 66Lb checked baggage BUT on average the regional carriers in Africa only allow 20Kg – 44Lb checked baggage.
- Carry-on bags are limited to 7Kg – 15Lb in weight and must comply with strict measurements of no larger than 115Cm – 45Inch overall (height+length+width)
When your itinerary includes Charter Flights, your checked bags should be in soft sided (duffel) bags limited to 20Kg – 44Lb and one piece of hand luggage to a maximum of 5Kg – 11Lb
What do I need to pack and wear?
- When in the wildlife areas you need to avoid bright and neon colours. You do not find these in nature and it may affect the behavior of the animals.
- Concentrate on earthy colours of brown, green, and beige.
- Be prepared for cold mornings on the open Safari Vehicles and have a jacket, scarf, and Beany cap available.
- Hats and sunscreen are a must-have when out in the fierce African sun.
What happens if I have a severe reaction to Malaria Prophylaxis medication?
- Please direct this question to your trusted healthcare provider.
- There are excellent insect repellents (that work) readily available in Africa and we advise that you purchase these locally.
Is there a risk of Malaria?
- Certain Safari areas have prevalence of Malaria BUT take note that these would be classified as Low, Moderate, or High Risk depending on the season and location. The team at Africa Explore Safaris will provide this information.
- There are many Malaria Free Safari locations that provide an unequaled Wildlife experience. Enquire about this with the team at Africa Explore Safaris.
Is there a risk of Rabies?
- There are areas in Africa where Rabies can occur BUT the Safari Itineraries will never enter into an area where Rabies has been identified.
- You are not exposed to local domesticated animals on the Safari Itineraries where there is an increased risk of Rabies.
Who will meet us on arrival?
- The team at Africa Explore Safaris will ensure that your Safari Director meets you at the airport once you have finished with the Immigration Formalities.
- We may also arrange, on request, the VIP meet & greet where the representative will meet you as you disembark from the aircraft and assist you through the Immigration formalities until you meet your Safari Director in the Arrivals Terminal.
Do I need to make some bookings or are all arrangements done and included?
- At Africa Explore Safaris, we prepare an All-Inclusive package unless the client requests differently. This includes all the travel, accommodation, and the popular excursions in the quoted price.
- There will be some optional excursions available that you may arrange if time permits and the team can assist you with these arrangements.
Do I need a Visa?
- Certain Nationalities do require Visas for some of the countries on the itinerary.
- It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that the visas are arranged in advance. Some of the countries across Southern Africa do allow you to purchase the visa at the point of entry, however it is best to arrange the visa in advance.
Can my children come on Safari?
Yes. There are many child-friendly Safari Locations to choose from. Discuss your requirements with your consultant at Africa Explore Safaris.
What is included in the tour price?
What are the immigration requirements when travelling with minors?
- Many countries in Africa have stringent requirements for travel with minors (under 18) to curb child trafficking, exploitation and illegal activities.
- You will be required to produce the minor’s original unabridged birth certificate when travelling with both biological parents. This must be in English or a sworn translation to English is required.
- In the event that one of the biological parents is not traveling with the minor, a Parental Consent Affidavit from the non-traveling parent must be produced.
Do I need travel and medical insurance?
- Yes. Protect yourself with adequate travel and medical cover.
- We advise that you purchase this cover as soon as you make your first payment for services on the planned holiday. Should a medical emergency or diagnosis arise before the planned travel dates, you will be generally able to claim against the insurance cover secured when you made the initial payments.
What happens if I cannot travel due to illness or a medical condition?
- The deposits paid to secure all the services on your Safari Itinerary are non-refundable.
- Engage the team at Africa Explore Safaris to negotiate for the deposits, or part thereof, to be applied to a new set of travel dates where possible.
What are the Big Five?
- These were the animals rated as the most dangerous animals to hunt while stalking them on foot in the era of the big-game hunters of the past before powerful telescopic hunting rifles were available.
- The Big Five are the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Rhino.
Are the Safari Camps comfortable and luxurious?
- Yes, they may be as luxurious as you wish.
- You choose the level of luxury that you want to enjoy and the team at Africa Explore Safaris will make you Safari dreams come true.
Do they cater for food preferences and allergies when on Safari?
- The food is excellent and they will cater for all allergies and preferences within reason.
- Be sure to communicate this clearly to your consultant at the time of planning.
How long should the Safari be for?
- How much time do you have available?
- A fantastic Safari Experience may be anything from a two-night stay to a twenty-night stay at different locations.
- Communicate your requirements clearly to your consultant at the beginning of the planning phase.
What type of vehicles are used on Safari?
- Your wildlife viewing is done in 4×4 Safari vehicles of different construction depending on the area.
- The closed Safari vehicles with a pop-up roof for unobstructed viewing are popular in East Africa.
- In the Private Reserves of Southern Africa, you may have an open Safari Vehicle with no roof to allow you great viewing of everything including the birds flying overhead.
- In the National Parks of Southern Africa, they generally require the Safari Vehicle to be fitted with a canvas roof, but the sides are totally open.
Are the roads very bad?
- The roads in the Wildlife Safari Areas are unpaved
- In some of the more organized Safari areas the roads are generally well maintained but in the more wild rural areas the roads are not well maintained and can be rough and uncomfortable at times. It is called “The African Massage”.
What is the difference between a National Park and a Private Wildlife Reserve?
- In a Private Wildlife Reserve, no private vehicles are allowed for viewing activities.
- In the Private Reserves, their highly skilled Guides are allowed to do off-road travel in controlled circumstances to get close to the best sightings for your benefit.
- The number of Safari Vehicles at any particular sighting in the Private Reserves are strictly controlled so you will not see more than two or three vehicles at any time.
- In the National Parks, the general public are allowed to travel in their own vehicles. There is little control over the number of vehicles at any sighting, and these people have no idea of viewing etiquette. They routinely crowd too close to the animals and ignore other people around them that also want to get a clear view of the animal.
- Social Media is awash with videos highlighting the stupidity and overcrowding that takes place in the National Parks.
What is a Game Drive?
- This is the term used for your wildlife viewing activity on an open Safari Vehicle in the company of a highly skilled Ranger and wildlife expert.
- Game Drives generally last for approximately three hours at a time and are usually conducted in the early mornings and late afternoons as the animals are more active during the cooler part of the day.
What is a Mokoro Safari?
- A Mokoro is the traditional dugout canoe that the local villagers used to navigate the shallow floodplains of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
- A Mokoro Safari is an amazing wildlife viewing activity sitting in the canoe while being poled along by your local guide. You may experience the amazing silence and sounds of nature in the absence of any motorized vehicles.
Are there special interest Safaris like Photographic Safaris?
Your special interests should be communicated clearly to your consultant and the team at Africa Explore Safaris will ensure that you enjoy all your special interests on your journey with us. This may include photography, local cultures and celebrations, special foods and unique dining, or whatever rocks your boat.
Are cultural activities and interactions included?
Yes. This is done as a norm and we include all special requests from our clients wherever possible.