Planning your trip with Travel African Time will prevent any misunderstandings and allow you to enjoy what will certainly be one of your most memorable holidays.
Traveling to an exotic country can be daunting, especially in Africa. To put your mind at ease, we have a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers. If we left something out, drop us an email and one of our Travel African Time specialists will answer any and all questions you may have.
Cash and Currency
What currency should I take with while on safari?
Most major world currencies are available throughout Southern and East Africa. Any of the following currencies are accepted: US Dollar, Euro and Pounds. There are ATM machines as well as money exchange companies in most of the major cities. Credit cards are widely accepted and include MasterCard, Visa Card and American Express. Debit cards are not widely accepted due to the refunds policy.
Will I have to carry around lots of cash?
Perhaps one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises awaiting the traveller to Southern Africa is the level of technological development and basic infrastructure in the region.
Despite being in some of the remotest places on Earth, most camps, lodges, and hotels have facilities for accepting payment by credit card. On safari, almost all major expenses (all meals, activities, and often drinks) are covered in the costs of accommodation such that any extras tend to be very limited, and can generally be paid by credit card.
In urban centres, particularly in South Africa, ATMs are to be found in most shopping malls and banks and will accept U.S. cash cards using the Cirrus and Plus systems, as well as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit cards (provided your credit account has a cash withdrawal facility).
All airports in southern Africa also have ATMs, and you can withdraw money as soon as you land (generally at a better exchange rate than if you were to exchange cash or traveller’s checks at a bank). In a word, no, you will not have to carry lots of cash as any expenses which cannot be charged to a credit card (departure taxes, curio purchases, tips) will amount to very little.
Clothing and Equipment
What type of clothes should I take on safari?
On flying safaris, the light aircraft that charter guests only permit 8 kg of luggage per person – and usually only a soft bag is allowed. Only pack a few items of light and preferably cotton clothing for your stay in the bush. Clothing should be in neutral colours e.g. khaki, beige or bush green.
A good guideline is two of everything: socks, underwear, shorts, shirts and one sweater. Don’t forget to bring a hat! In winter, make sure to take warm clothing as the evenings are cool.
Bear in mind that laundry can be done almost on a daily basis at the various lodges, so 3 or 4 changes of clothes are usually sufficient. You should receive a detailed packing list with your final documents.
What camera equipment is essential on safari?
Binoculars are recommended preferably wide angle. A good DSLR camera with a powerful zoom or telephoto lens will reward you with superb shots.
Connectivity and Internet
Is there internet available in Africa?
Certainly. Most city hotels will have either an internet connection in the bedroom or a business centre where you can spend time online. Some safari lodges and camps in South Africa also offer this facility. In remote areas, however, there is no internet.
Will I have access to electricity?
Power in the lodges varies from area to area; for the most part, 12 volt battery power is provided, which is charged by generators whilst you are out of camp during the day. You will be able to charge your camera and cell phone batteries whilst staying in a lodge.
Will I be connected to a mobile network while in Africa?
Yes, there is extensive coverage throughout Southern and East Africa. In some countries, this may be primarily in and around major urban areas. However, in South Africa, networks cover all national roads, towns and cities. Before travelling, ask your mobile phone service provider to open your phone to allow international roaming.
General Questions
When is the best time to travel?
Africa is truly a year-round destination for luxury safari travel. No matter when you are planning to travel, you will find a place in Africa that is perfect for that time of year. Generally, though, the dry season is the best time for game-viewing—and this takes place at slightly different times in different parts of Africa. For East Africa, the dry season is generally from July through October, while in Southern Africa it is a little longer: April through October. Please keep in mind that these are the peak seasons, so it is essential that you book well in advance during these months.
What accommodation can I expect on my African Safari?
An African safari today is so very different from the safaris of the past, our partner lodges range from 4 stars all heart desires opulence, to a tented camp at the other extreme. When inquiring about your safari trip, it is best to state what your expectations are regarding accommodation and budget so that your Travel African Time specialist can assist you in meeting your needs.
Truth: Luxury in the bush can cost more than luxury in the city as a result of transport logistics. There are places so remote with game viewing that is so unbelievably fantastic, however, the accommodation is basic rustic. Yet the cost of getting you there is MORE than the cost of a luxury lodge elsewhere, for the same duration.
What standard of food can I expect on my African Safari holiday?
The standard of food is generally very high – even in the remotest lodges. Most lodges will have qualified chefs on hand. Part of the safari experience today is the cuisine and a great emphasis is placed on food – and there will be more than sufficient.
Does Travel African Time also book pre- and post-safari accommodation, transfers, activities, and local and international flights?
Yes, Travel African Time is a comprehensive travel agent so we can organise all pre-and post-accommodation, transfers, activities, etc.
Health and Safety
Is it safe to go on a Safari?
While there is an inherent risk in travelling on safari and in Africa, it is no more dangerous than travelling anywhere else in the world. You will be in wildlife-rich areas most of the time you are on safari and will come into relatively close contact with wild animals. The camps are, however, safe and the guides that will be accompanying you are professionally trained and suitably qualified. Very good medical air rescue services are available and the camps and lodges are in good radio contact with them at all times.
Is the water on Safaris safe for human consumption?
All the camps and lodges that we use in Africa supply filtered and bottled water. We do encourage people not to over-use the bottled water, for environmental reasons; it is always a good idea to take a personal water flask with you, which can be filled up by the camp’s clean water supply.
Are there any mandatory inoculations or medication to be taken?
The good news about Southern Africa is that it is a very healthy part of Africa, with few medical requirements. No vaccines are required, except for travellers who enter southern Africa from other African countries to the north (e.g. Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, etc.) in which case a Yellow Fever vaccine is required. Again, you should speak to your doctor or International Travel Clinic to be sure.
Should I be concerned about Malaria?
Mosquitoes which carry malaria are prevalent in most areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. They will mainly be encountered in Southern Africa during the hot wet season of November to March. During the drier months of the year (May – October), there are not many mosquitoes around.
We are not qualified to give medical or expert advice on a preferred course of treatment. You should consult your doctor or travel clinic for a suitable prophylactic before travelling to Africa at any time of the year.
Will there be medical supplies available on my safari?
Pack your prescription medication. Cities and towns all have pharmacies (drugstores) with everything one requires from aspirin to Xanax and Zambuk. Bear in mind that South Africa has a first-world infrastructure, but the further north one travels the more difficult it may be to get medication.
Insurance, Permits and Visas
Do I need a Visa?
Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your departure date and must have at least three blank pages in the ‘Visa’ section. Holders of American, Canadian, and European Union passports do not require visas for South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia.
Holders of American passports do require visas for Zimbabwe and Zambia, but these can be purchased at the point of entry into the country with no difficulty. These visa requirements can change suddenly and with little notice, so please double contact the relevant Embassies in your country.
Do I need travel insurance?
You can only travel with Travel African Time if you have travel insurance.
All insurance is solely the responsibility of the client. Before a client commences a tour, he/she should arrange his/her own insurance with protection for the full duration of the travel, to cover including but not limited to, personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic equipment, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage.
Should a Client become ill, all hospital expenses, medical expenses, doctor’s fees and repatriation costs are for the client’s own account, nor Travel African Time, it’s employees or affiliates shall be liable for any costs or refund of the tour in such case.
Do I need a special driver’s license to drive in South Africa?
An International Driver’s License is required to drive in South Africa. This you may obtain from the relevant departments in your country of departure. South Africa has a very good road infrastructure in all major cities and most small towns. We drive on the left-hand side of the road in South Africa.
Miscellaneous
When is the best time to travel?
Africa is truly a year-round destination for luxury safari travel. No matter when you are planning to travel, you will find a place in Africa that is perfect for that time of year. Generally, though, the dry season is the best time for game-viewing—and this takes place at slightly different times in different parts of Africa. For East Africa, the dry season is generally from July through October, while in Southern Africa it is a little longer: April through October. Please keep in mind that these are the peak seasons, so it is essential that you book well in advance during these months.
What accommodation can I expect on my African Safari?
An African safari today is so very different from the safaris of the past, our partner lodges range from 4 stars all heart desires opulence, to a tented camp at the other extreme. When inquiring about your safari trip, it is best to state what your expectations are regarding accommodation and budget so that your Travel African Time specialist can assist you in meeting your needs.
Truth: Luxury in the bush can cost more than luxury in the city as a result of transport logistics. There are places so remote with game viewing that is so unbelievably fantastic, however, the accommodation is basic rustic. Yet the cost of getting you there is MORE than the cost of a luxury lodge elsewhere, for the same duration.
What standard of food can I expect on my African Safari holiday?
The standard of food is generally very high – even in the remotest lodges. Most lodges will have qualified chefs on hand. Part of the safari experience today is the cuisine and a great emphasis is placed on food – and there will be more than sufficient.
How did the “Big Five” get their name?
The “Big Five” are Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. The term is a reference to colonial trophy hunting. Hunters ranked African animals as to how dangerous they were to hunt. This is why hippo and giraffe – despite their stature – are not among this elite, sought-after group.
Does Travel African Time also book pre- and post-safari accommodation, transfers, activities, and local and international flights?
Yes, Travel African Time is a comprehensive travel agent so we can organise all pre-and post-accommodation, transfers, activities, etc.