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866 988 7575 info@naturalmigrations.com		~ frequently asked questions ~

When to start planning your safari?
As soon as possible! Peak travel times vary from place to place but are usually from June through December. Many safari camps are small and need to be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment. Air tickets should also be booked in advance to get the best possible fares. Contact Airtreks.com to make your flight reservations (see Air Tickets page).

The best time to travel?
Many African destinations are enjoyable year round, but the answer to this question is mostly dependant on weather patterns in different regions. There is no hard and fast rule and we will be happy to advise you in this regard, depending on your priorities.

How much will it cost?
The cost of a safari depends on the type of accommodation, duration of stay and time of year. Our itineraries are custom designed and cater to most budgets.

All-inclusive rates?
Many camps offer an all-inclusive rate. This includes all the core activities (game drives, game walks, mokoros, boating), meals and some include drinks and laundry service too. Optional excursions such as hot air ballooning, helicopter flights, scuba diving, etc. are naturally excluded. Also excluded are items of a personal nature, telephone calls, gratuities, and so on. Please consult your itinerary for the exact details of what is included and excluded.

Travel documents and Visas?
Names on air tickets and names as they appear in passports must be identical.
As of March 2007 US Citizens require visas for the following African countries represented on this website:
Libya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Visa requirements can change without notice, so please check that information is up to date before traveling.
Passport Visa Express
Provides assistance with all types of passport and visa applications.
VIP Passport and Visa Services
VIP works closely with the U.S. Passport Agency and government embassies and consulates, so that international travelers can depart on short notice. 

Luggage limitations?
Due to light aircraft flights luggage restrictions apply in various countries, for example in South Africa and Botswana a maximum of 44 lbs of luggage in soft sided bags is allowed per person. Excess luggage can be stored at most major airports and hotels - be sure to check. Only soft-sided bags are accepted. No hard suitcases can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft. The maximum dimensions for soft-sided bags are 25cm/9 inches wide x 30cm/11 inches high and 62cm/24 inches long. The baggage compartment on a light aircraft is 25cm/9 inches high and the pilot must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment. These luggage restrictions appear minimal but bear in mind that the dress code on safari is casual and laundry is done on a daily basis in the camps.

What to pack?
A packing checklist is sent to all our clients with their final itinerary. As no formal clothes are needed throughout most of southern Africa, we recommend that you limit your luggage to the basics. More formal attire is usually required only when staying in the more prestigious city hotels or on any of the luxury trains. On an African safari, casual clothing is the order of the day. 

Malaria and other health requirements?
Southern Africa does not legally require any inoculations, but other African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda) require vaccinations against diseases such as Yellow Fever. Malaria, although sometimes fatal, can be prevented and cured. Mosquito nets, insecticides, and anti-malarial drugs are effective tools to fight malaria in areas where it is transmitted. Travelers to a malaria-risk area such as Africa should avoid mosquito bites and take a preventive anti-malarial drug. For advice consult your doctor and the Center For Disease Control in Atlanta at Tel: (404) 332-4559.

Is the water safe?
Hotels, camps and lodges will advise you whether or not the tap water is safe to drink. In many cases it is safe and visitors should not travel in fear of contracting an exotic disease from drinking the water or eating fresh produce!

Age limit?
Usually there is a minimum age requirement of 12 years, but in certain camps children under 12 are allowed on condition that a private vehicle is available and booked for game viewing activities. Each camp is different, so please enquire. When booking a camp for exclusive use, there is no age restriction.

Rooms and bathrooms on safari?
Most guests don't want a conventional hotel room when they're in wilderness areas on safari. Therefore many of the camps are tented or are under thatch with canvas walls. These rooms offer a safe sanctuary and every comfort, plus they have atmosphere - when a lion roars you can feel it! Fresh linen, towels, face cloths, lighting, soaps, shampoos, bug spray and laundry service are provided. Bathrooms are en suite with flush toilets. Some camps even have an additional outdoor shower or bath "under the stars."

Electrical power in the camps?
Some camps in remote locations have no access to regular electrical power, but may have a generator that produces 220V electricity, or they may use solar panels. There is electricity for charging batteries direct from the generator, but not for hairdryers or air conditioning. Overland or mobile safaris have no electricity - the traditional African experience! All electrical appliances in city hotels and lodges in most private reserves run on 220 volts.

Safari guides?
The camp management and staff are committed to ensuring that each safari is a memorable experience and this includes going on safari with a guide who is dedicated, experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. They are serious about a career in wildlife, excellent naturalists, keen conservationists, and quite a few are accomplished photographers.

Are the camps fenced?
Generally, camps are not fenced which means that animals do wander through. Please pay attention to the lodge manager's or guide's instructions to ensure your safety. Keeping your room door or tent flaps closed will keep you safe. Most camps provide flashlights, but some of the camping safaris require that guests bring their own.

Meals?
Meals obviously vary from country to country and lodge to lodge. Generally, the more rustic camps opt for good, wholesome, home-style cooking at elegantly set dining tables (sometimes in a "boma" under the stars, or under thatch or canvas) where guests can discuss the day's events with each other and their guides. The more luxurious lodges offer dining that is truly exceptional. Meal times are geared around safari activities. Camps cater for vegetarians, but must be told in advance. You won't go hungry in Africa!

     

A comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions is sent to all our clients, providing information on everything from transfers to tipping. 

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