Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear and helpful answers to your most frequently asked questions, making it easy to plan your safari with confidence and peace of mind.
General Safari FAQ's
Is it safe to go to africa?
Namibia, South Africa and Botswana have stable, and democratically minded, governments. The people are friendly and, everywhere you go, you will be met with a smile. Of course, we have our problems with crime, just like anywhere you go on this planet, but it is “normal” crime and not the politically inspired incidences that are so frequent elsewhere in Africa. The very fact that so few people even know much about the area should tell the prospective traveller something. So much of the publicity Africa gets is negative, dealing with political upheaval, crime, etc. that Southern Africa actually shines by comparison. We do not get publicity, simply because we do not experience that kind of problem!
What about arrival and departure procedures and general travel in the country?
Southern Africa has excellent infrastructure. The airports are modern and efficiently run, and the staff there are all very “visitor friendly”. You will be met at the airport by your guide and will be delivered back there, safe and sound. US Visitors do not require Visas for South Africa and Botswana, Visas for Namibia and Zimbabwe can be obtained upon arrival at the port of entry or by applying online. Please let us know if you wish to apply online, we will be happy to assist you with this process. The roads are in excellent repair and travel around the area is no problem. Most travel is by road. Just keep in mind that Southern Africa is a vast area (the countries will cover the entire Eastern Seaboard of the USA) so travel takes up some time. The countryside is spectacular, though, so you are not likely to get bored.
What about travel arrangements?
We have been working with Elaine Pretorius from African Odyssey for many years now and she handles most of our clients travel arrangements. She is a South African now operating out of the USA which gives her an in depth knowledge and understanding of the challenges you might face when travelling to Southern Africa. Let us know if you require her services and she will contact you to arrange your international as well as local flights. So sit back, relax and leave it all to us.
How do I ensure that I book with a reputable safari company?
Two ways. One is obviously word of mouth. Talk to people who have been on safari with us and get their feel on the quality of the trip on offer. Second – Meet with us and decide for yourself. There is no substitute for your own judgment.
Do you charge for arrival and departure days?
What happens to me if I get hurt in an accident?
We have excellent private hospitals in Southern Africa. We carry emergency insurance, which will ensure that you can be airlifted to hospital, should it become necessary. We highly recommend taking out travel insurance for you and your family, should it happen that you need a medical flight back home. This can be done at the following at the following link. https://ss.globalrescue.com/
What inoculations are required?
You do not require any inoculations. If you are visiting the Northern regions of Southern Africa, it is advisable to see your doctor about malaria prophylactics.
What about snakes, etc?
Which method of payment do you prefer?
Payments can be made via electronic bank transfer. We will send you clear wire instructions for all necessary payments.
Are deposits refundable?
As per our cancellation policy, deposits might not be refundable. We highly recommend obtaining trip insurance to cover you for any unforeseen circumstances. Such insurance should be obtained as soon as possible after starting the booking process. This can be done at the following link https://www.globalrescue.com/
Are guides qualified and experienced?
Will a mobile library be available at camp or on tour for bird and fauna and flora identification and information?
What equipment will be essential for my visit?
Will I be able to charge my camera batteries at camp or on tour?
Yes – all lodges have electricity. (On Camping Safari this might be unavailable, so invest in some extra batteries!)
What voltage is used in the country and which power sockets are used?
Our power supply is 220volt. Most cameras, laptops, tablets and cell phones have their own inverters built in, but make sure. 110 volt Hair dryers and curling irons will unfortunately not work in Southern Africa. Please inform us if you require a hair dryer on Safari and we will gladly provide one.
Will power socket adapters be available at camp or on tour?
Is the country’s water safe to drink and will mineral water be readily available?
Will I be able to contact my family or business via e-mail, phone and fax whilst in camp or on tour?
Most but not all of the accommodation establishments we will be staying at during your safari will have wi-fi available.
Southern Africa has an excellent cell phone network, you’ll be surprised at where you will have signal. Feel free to bring your mobile device along but make sure you have roaming enabled.
Alternatively you can give the below contact details to your family and friends if they need to get hold of you.
Tel: +264 62 500429
Cell: +264 81 355 0859
Email: jaco@bushtrails.com
We will then relay the message to you and make sure you are able to contact them back.
Are there any special visa requirements for my trip?
No visa is required by USA citizens for entry into South Africa and Botswana. You will need only your passport. For Namibia and Zimbabwe you will need to purchase a tourist visa upon entry into the country either at the airport or at the border post. Alternatively you can apply online for an E-VISA. Please let us know if you need assistance with this process.
At the Immigration desk when entering the countries, you will be supplied with and required to completed an Arrival form. Most of the questions are straight forward, but they will want to know where you will be staying while in the country. Use the address of the first night in the country as per your itinerary.
For your contact in Africa you can use the following information.
Contact Person: Jaco van der Westhuizen
Contact Number: +264 81 355 0859
Is it possible to combine trips?
Do you have any packing suggestions?
You will only be able to have laundry done if we are overnighting at one location for more than one night, have a look at your itinerary or speak to us to determine laundry possibilities during you’re safari and pack accordingly.
Cross pack!! In other words, if you are travelling in a group – everybody pack half their clothes in everybody else’s suitcase. In that way, if one suitcase goes missing, nobody is left with no clothing!!
NEVER pack any valuables in your check luggage – to avoid theft at the airports. Pack all valuables (camera’s, binoculars, etc.) in your carry on luggage. Also have at least one change of clothing in your carry on.
We will supply you with a comprehensive packing list in preparation for your safari.