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Many animals that share the same habitat with the helmeted guinea fowl depend on the bird's vocal nature to warn them of impending danger. |
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Frequently Asked Questions Africa is a magical destination. It is a continent that many people spend their lives dreaming about, and ultimately hope to visit. To prepare for a safari, there are numerous personal tasks which must be completed to complement a safari operators efforts. These include consulting with a local medical practitioner, applying for visas (if required) and completing passport formalities, currency requisition, and of course, packing. The African Wildlife Foundation is pleased to assist you by creating a list of "Frequently Asked Questions" with corresponding answers. Below, we have included answers to some of the most frequently asked safari
questions
ACCOMMODATIONS What are the accommodations like? Upmarket safari lodges and tented camps provide first class accommodations. Rooms have proper beds with mattresses and duvets, en suite (attached, in room) flush toilets, basins and showers with hot and cold running water. Other amenities include mosquito netting, lamps, purified water in carafes, insect repellent, flashlights, wardrobes, and ethnic furnishings. While canoeing or while on a camping safari, facilities are more limited. In some cases guests sleep on cots in dome tents and the camp toilet and shower are shared by group members. In other cases, on remote camping safaris, guests may overnight in sleeping bags with no toilet / shower facilities. Will we be "roughing it" if we stay at a luxury
tented camp? CULTURAL INTERACTION Are their opportunities to meet with local people or visit real African villages? There are many opportunities for cultural interaction. You can arrange tours to local schools, markets, and villages. Village visits may last a few hours or an overnight with your guide may be arranged. In some cases guests may participate in daily chores such as planting crops, brewing beer, or carrying water. From carrying firewood to sitting for hours around a smoky fire listening to stories, many people feel that their lives are forever changed by this experience. You can also arrange for tours with a local traditional healer who can guide you through the bush while teaching about the medicinal properties of certain plants and roots. Please note many safari camps and lodges are located far from human settlement and offer no cultural interaction with locals. ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT / WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Does specific companies support African environmental and wildlife conservation groups more heartily than others? Absolutely! And by appropriately researching safari companies and asking the right questions, your travels to Africa can help to conserve Africa's environment and wildlife. GETTING TO AFRICA What airlines fly to Africa? Many of the major world airlines such as KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas, South African Airways, and Swissair fly into Africa several times a week. Most companies are able to arrange flights from most major cities in the United States via either Europe (London, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam) or via South Africa to the starting point of your safari. Flying via Europe, you can find great rates for flights aboard Northwest / KLM, British Airways and others . Flying from the USA via South Africa you would fly aboard a combination of Delta to either New York or Atlanta and then non-stop to South Africa aboard South African Airways. From South Africa you would continue aboard South African Airways or another airline to your final destination for the start of your safari. Safari companies should handle internal flight arrangements within Africa. Both international and internal flights should be booked together to receive reduced rates. Can we earn mileage for our flights? HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS Is it safe to visit Africa? In general petty theft does occur in Africa's major cities and towns. Visitors should take the same care as they would normally take in any other destination worldwide. Keep a close watch on handbags, wallets, and cameras when walking in crowded places. Avoid walking at night and place valuables in safe deposit boxes at hotels. While at safari lodges and tented camps you are typically far removed from human settlement and crime is virtually non existent. We advise that valuables be locked away or kept under the supervision of the camp or lodge manager while on safari. Importantly, travel safety concerns arising from a negative event in one African country do not apply to Africa in total just as travel safety concerns in Florida do not apply to a trip to Lake Tahoe. When planning an African safari, it is best to work with a company that has intimate knowledge of each country - not just its wildlife and attractions but also its unique cultures, economy and government as safety issues often stem from these areas Aren't wild animals dangerous? What shots or medicines do we need before traveling? What foods should we avoid? What about drinking water? Are there a lot of insects? English is spoken widely throughout east and southern Africa (with the exception of Mozambique). South Africa has eleven national languages. In Zimbabwe, English is actually the national language. LAUNDRY & ELECTRICITY Can I have my clothes washed while on safari? Most safari lodges and camps offer a complimentary laundry service (some have a small fee) weather permitting, however please note that undergarments are often excluded. You may wish to bring a small supply of liquid laundry soap (a small plastic travel bottle filled with Woolite works well for hand washing). Is there electricity at the safari lodges
and camps? Will I be able to recharge my video camera
batteries? MEALS, DRINKS & SPECIAL DIETS What types of food are served on safari? Gourmet cooks bake fresh breads, and produce soups, salads, and entrees that could easily grace tables at top restaurants around the world. Meals are international in flavor with soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, and breads. Your day normally starts with tea and biscuits before your morning activity. Returning to your lodge or camp late morning, brunch is enjoyed - cereals, fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage, and toast. Buffet lunches are typical with a warm dish such as stew served with salads, quiches and cold meats. Dinner consists of an appetizer followed by meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted vegetables and sauces. Dinner is followed by coffee (or tea), cheeses, and gorgeous desserts. What about special dietary needs (vegetarian,
diabetic, no spicy foods)? What drinks are available on safari? PACKING FOR YOUR SAFARI What type of baggage / luggage should I take? Luggage should be kept to a minimum - 12 kg's / 26 pounds per person packed in a soft duffel bag (15 kg's per person on Explorer Series safaris). Hard sided suitcases and soft-sided internal frame carry on luggage are not acceptable as they will not fit in the baggage compartment on small aircraft which are often used for transfers between lodges and camps. On safaris that have no small aircraft transfers the weight and size allowance is not as important however you should still strive to bring as little as possible. Remember - a complimentary laundry service is offered at most safari camps and lodges. What type of clothes should I take on safari? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag on a camping
safari?
PASSPORT AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS What are the passport and visa requirements to travel to Africa? Most African countries require that you are in possession of a valid passport with an expiration date no less than six months after your return to the United States. US citizens require entry visas for Kenya (purchase before travel US $50 per person), Tanzania (purchase before travel US $50 per person), Zambia (purchase at border US $25 per person), and Zimbabwe (purchase at border US $30 per person). Entry visas are not required for Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, or South Africa. SAFARI TRANSPORT How do we get around in Africa? While on safari you will be transferred between lodges, camps, hotels, and different national parks by road, boat and air. Air travel is the most convenient method of moving between destinations. Depending upon your choice of safari you may travel by scheduled flights. The majority of commercial airlines use modern jet or turbo prop aircraft. Alternatively guests may fly aboard smaller single, or twin, engine charter aircraft seating 6 to 10 people. What type of vehicles are used
on safari for wildlife viewing? SHOPPING IN AFRICA What is there to buy in Africa? Shopping while on safari is limited. Often lodges and camps have small curio shops where you can buy postcards, local goods such as carvings or books, clothing (hats, shirts), and film. At airports and in larger towns you will find African curio markets where you can by all sorts of carvings, masks, drums, jewelry etc...in general souvenirs and curios are inexpensive (in US dollar terms) - still, fun spirited bartering is the norm. In most cities there are upmarket jewelers and art galleries where you can easily spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on African art. Most reputable shops offer shipping of your purchase at extra cost. SPENDING MONEY How much money should I bring? Cash or travelers checks? Are credit cards accepted? You will need very little spending money on most safaris as the majority of meals and activities are included in your package cost. You will need to pay for lunch, dinner, and drinks when you are staying at hotels on a bed and breakfast basis as is the case at most lodges and hotels in cities. Bills may be settled by US cash, by travelers check, or by credit card (accepted at most lodges, camps, hotels). Credit cards may be used in large towns at restaurants and shops with MasterCard and Visa being most accepted. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and non-existent in small retail shops. Automatic teller machines (ATM's) are situated outside most banks in towns and cities in southern Africa, and international credit cards often can be used to withdraw currency. However, as Africa is unpredictable please do not rely on ATM machines for your currency needs. Should we purchase local currency?
<Tipping at restaurants (at your discretion) is 10%. Tipping at lodges and camps is always welcomed but the amount varies greatly. It is often best to tip the lodge manager who will distribute your tip amongst the lodge or camp staff. As a rough estimate you can tip US $3 to US $5 for each traveler per day at each lodge / camp. TRAVEL INSURANCE It is a good idea for all travelers to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan before trip departure. This should cover you for events such as trip cancellation, delay or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, emergency accident, sickness and evacuation, accidental death, common carrier, 24 hour medical assistance, traveler's assistance, and emergency cash transfer. Most companies offer travel insurance plans that can be purchased when booking a safari. TRAVEL WITH CHILDREN Our family wants to enjoy a safari. Are children allowed on safari? The majority of safari lodges and camps in southern Africa have a minimum age limit of 8 years of age. There are however a few great lodges and camps that allow children under the age of 8. Please contact our office for further details. In east Africa traveling with children is quite easy as many lodges and camps have few restrictions. WEATHER What is the weather like in Africa? In general east Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) experiences dry weather during the months June through October. There are two rainy seasons - the long rains which fall March through May and the short rains which arrive in mid October and continue until mid December. Temperatures are moderate throughout the year with average daytime temperatures around 70 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit. June us the coolest month as it is mid winter. Evenings and mornings are often chilly, with cold nighttime temperatures at Ngorongoro Crater due to altitude. In general the climate in southern Africa (Botswana and Zimbabwe) is as near perfect as you can get with dry season temperatures similar to those of the Mediterranean, but without the humidity. Daytime temperatures average 70 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter period June through August nighttime temperatures in some areas can drop to freezing or below - don't let this dissuade you from a safari as by mid morning temperatures are warm enough for shorts and a short sleeved shirt. The rains occur each year during the period November through March with the dry season stretching from April through October. WHEN TO TRAVEL When is the best time to travel to Africa to view wildlife? In southern Africa (Botswana and Zimbabwe) the best wildlife viewing is during the dry season period April through October each year with July, August, and September being the most desirable months. Wildlife viewing is, in part, predicated on the amount of surface water available. During the rains (November through April) wildlife is scattered as there is abundant surface water (puddles, perennial rivers) to drink. Once the rains end (mid April) wildlife congregates around remaining surface water supplies (pools, lakes, and large rivers). Please note that travel during southern Africa's "green season", November through April, does have some advantages. The bush will be lush and green and many wildlife species will have newborn in tow. Dust, which can be a nuisance during the dry season, is greatly reduced and nighttime temperatures are milder than during the dry winter months. Some camps such as Mombo in Botswana provide incredible wildlife viewing year round...another Botswana camp, Duba Plains (which is noted as having the highest density of lion in Africa), actually offers the better wildlife viewing during the months October through May as the Okavango Delta flood waters are lower. The Victoria Falls are in full spate (heaviest flow) during the period January through June. Lastly, during the "green season" many northern migratory birds call southern Africa home making the region an ornithologist's paradise! In east Africa safaris are best enjoyed during the periods mid December through the beginning of March and during the period June through mid October each year. WHY AFRICA Why should I go on safari in Africa? Africa remains the last outpost of raw adventure, a refuge from the modern world. From the splendor of the Serengeti teeming with herds of a million wildebeest, to the the pristine beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater; from Botswana's tranquil Okavango Delta filled with birdsong to the raging Zambezi River as it crashes untamed over Victoria Falls into the Batoka Gorge - this ancient land and its people offer a travel experience truly unlike any other. Southern Africa in particular, in our opinion, provides travelers with the highest quality African wildlife and wilderness experience available in a land that is both clean and comfortable. Southern Africa is home a tremendous wealth of wildlife including Africa's Big 5 wildlife species (buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino - both black and white). Zimbabwe and Botswana are home to Africa's largest elephant herds (over 50,000 elephant in Botswana's Chobe National Park alone!) and Zimbabwe stands out as having the highest concentration of leopard in the world! Zimbabwean guides are some of the most highly trained and qualified guides in Africa. Professionally licensed Zimbabwean guides are able to take you walking / tracking within national parks unlike in Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania where you may not walk within national parks. In these countries walks are conducted outside parks, often on private land adjoining national parks and reserves. In southern Africa you will enjoy wildlife viewing drives from open safari vehicles - great for photography - unlike in east Africa where closed safari vehicles with roof hatches are the norm. Night time wildlife viewing drives are also possible from certain camps and lodges. This gives you the opportunity to view nocturnal wildlife species such leopard, civet, and genet. Wildlife may also be viewed by boat and canoe where you may encounter hippo, crocodile, and other species as they come to drink and bath. WILDLIFE VIEWING How is the wildlife? Wildlife viewing in Africa is tremendous if you travel to the right destination at the right time! Many safari companies tell travelers that any and every month is great for a safari. Often their clients are disappointed when they arrive at their destination and find the weather uncomfortable or that the wildlife has dispersed because of the rains. Each country has a safari season and during these months you will be able to travel comfortably and see tremendous amounts of wildlife. Unlike in east Africa, while viewing wildlife in Botswana and Zimbabwe you rarely see other tourists or vehicles. How is the birding?
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