Is travel to South Africa safe?

(This is the question we are asked most often by prospective travellers)
Africa's biggest enemy is the international media who represent all 46 Africa countries as a single entity and not as unique and individual countries with their own characteristics. This misrepresentation is actually due to lack of education on the part of the media.

It would come as a surprise to many people to find out that there are in fact areas that are worse off in more developed countries than in the "dangerous" African countries. No country can claim to be 100% safe, and so as with travel to any new or unknown destination, it is advisable to take certain standard security precautions. Visitors to South Africa should take the same precautions as they would normally take in any other destination worldwide. Keep an eye on your purses, wallets, passports, money and cameras when walking in a crowd. Avoid walking in the cities at night and place valuables in your hotel safe. Choosing a knowledgeable operator such as RCJM Travel & Tours as your specialist Southern and East African tour operator is the best move you could make.

While at safari lodges and tented camps you are typically far removed from human settlement and crime in the camps is virtually non existent (we have never heard of it and have been traveling to the camps for years). We advise that valuables be locked away or kept under the supervision of the camp or lodge manager, or better yet, left at home if you are at all concerned.

Most of your travel time in Southern Africa is likely to be spent away from the large cities where crime is most prevalent. You will be visiting areas and regions that are remote and where crime is almost non existent. Even if your holiday involves spending time in the cities, having a company like ours able to choose the appropriate lodging, locations and simple security advice, you will find the cities we recommend are as safe as travel almost anywhere.

Finally, we simply do not recommend destinations that are not completely safe. This is why you will find that we do not recommend every country in Africa. We have lived in Africa, we know its cultures, and we know what is safe and what is not. In the same way we only recommend the finest safari camps, we also only recommend certain cities while away from "the bush".

What are the medical health precautions and issues?
As vaccination requirements change on occasion, we recommend that you check with your local doctor or health department for the latest health precautions. The most important health consideration in Southern Africa is Malaria and it is strongly recommended that prophylactics (i.e., oral tablets) be taken as a preventative precaution. You are not legally required to have any vaccinations unless you are traveling from a region where yellow fever is prevalent, in which case an inoculation will be required against the disease.

Certainly you need not rush off and get every possible innoculation and take every pill under the sun just to travel to Africa. Do not go overboard with the information put out by the disease control centers. We return time and again to Africa and to the bush and have only ever taken Malaria prevention tablets. A course of anti-Malaria tablets is advisable and many doctors advise a dose of Hepatitis A vaccine. We recommend that you visit with a local travel health specialist for complete details and safety.

Many parts of Africa do have problems with their water and foods; however, the food and water in Southern Africa is much safer than the rest of Africa, especially in the safari camps and hotels you will be travelling to. Please do not over-react to the detriment of you own enjoyment. We have never experienced any problems with the food or water in any of the camps or hotels we have travelled to over the years.

As long as we're discussing water, one thing you must be careful of, especially during the hotter summer months and in the desert areas, is dehydration. Plenty of fresh bottled water is always available at all of the camps throughout the day and should be consumed regularly and in quantity. We have seen many guests, even experienced African travellers, who forget to drink enough water and become dehydrated. A case of dehydration will usually put you out of action for up to a day and is no fun. All the camps stock rehydrating tablets which help to set you right again, but we wanted to mention it as this is the most common ailment we have observed among guests on safaris. Drink lots of water!

More on Malaria: The most serious risk while travelling in Southern Africa on safari is malaria. We will not "talk down" this risk as we both know people, albeit all individuals who live and spend time in the Africa bush, who have contracted malaria. This is NOT something to take lightly and it can be a lethal and at the very least, a long and uncomfortable disease.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the parasite called Plasmodia. There are four identified species of this parasite causing human malaria, namely, Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale and P. malariae. It is transmitted by the female Anopheles Mosquito. It is a disease that can be treated in just 48 hours, yet it can cause fatal complications if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. It is re-emerging as the # 1 Infectious Killer and it is the Number 1 Priority Tropical Disease of the World Health Organization. The CDC estimates that 300-500 million cases of malaria occur each year worldwide and 1.5 million to 3 million people die of malaria every year (85% of these occur in Africa), accounting for about 4-5% of all fatalities in the world.

Humans get malaria from the bite of a female malaria-infected Anopheles mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it ingests microscopic malaria parasites found in the person’s blood. The malaria parasite must grow in the mosquito for a week or more before infection can be passed to another person. If, after a week, the mosquito then bites another person, the parasites go from the mosquito’s mouth into the person’s blood. The parasites then travel to the person’s liver, enter the liver’s cells, grow and multiply. During this time when the parasites are in the liver, the person has not yet felt sick. The parasites leave the liver and enter red blood cells; this may take as little as 8 days or as many as several months. Once inside the red blood cells, the parasites grow and multiply. The red blood cells burst, freeing the parasites to attack other red blood cells. Toxins from the parasite are also released into the blood, making the person feel sick. If a mosquito bites this person while the parasites are in his or her blood, it will ingest the tiny parasites. After a week or more, the mosquito can infect another person. The safari camps in Southern Africa are not located in densely populated areas and this greatly reduces the risk of being infected by malaria.

Anopheles mosquitoes start biting by late evening and the peak of biting activity is at midnight and early hours of morning. Protect yourself against the bites in the evenings and early mornings by applying mosquito repellant, wearing garments that cover the body as much as possible, and at bedtime, by using mosquito nets without fail.

All of the camps provide mosquito repellant in the tents and in the lounges and on game drives. Most also provide mosquito "coils", an incense-like slow-burning substance that produces a smoky repellent that can be lit inside the tent before heading for dinner so that the tent is cleared by bed time. Finally, the majority of the camps also provide a mosquito netting over the beds to keep the "mossies" out while you sleep. Wearing lightweight long pants instead of shorts and covering the ankles especially is also very helpful during dinner and in the evening hours. Use the bug spray after sundown on game drives as well.

Remember that the best precaution against malaria is to reduce the likelihood of being bitten. The next best precaution is to begin and complete a full regimen of anti-malarial medication for your safari. The medication usually begins before you leave and is completed after returning home. Check on the internet or with your physician for further information.

What are the entry requirements?
All people traveling to the Southern African region require a valid passport that is normally valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. At present, holders of American passports do not require visas for South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. They do however require visas for Zimbabwe and Zambia, but these can be purchased at the point of entry for a nominal fee. It is advisable to check with the consulate of the country that you intend to visit as requirements can change without notice.

Is Southern Africa an expensive or difficult destination to travel to?
It is surprisingly easy and less expensive than you might think. There are direct flights from both New York and Atlanta to Johannesburg and Cape Town with a flying time of about 11 hours. This might seem lengthy, but if you consider that it is a night flight where you can sleep and also watch plenty of movies, the time passes faster than you may have thought. The great advantage is that there are no connecting flights and therefore less stress.

If you were to compare the cost of a trip to Hawaii, staying in decent hotels, compared to the same time on a continent that offers a unique and once in a lifetime experience, it appears that for a totally new experience, the minimal increase in cost is worth every penny. The even bigger drawing card of the region, particularly South Africa, is that the US Dollar is so strong (around 7 South Africa Rands to the $US over the past several years for example) and the value of the local currencies is so low that it is extremely inexpensive once you are there. You find that you can eat like a king at a very nice restaurant for the price of a Burger King combo back home. Most other world wide regions are relatively cheap to get to but costly once there, so in theory there is a balancing effect when you consider it might be slightly more expensive to fly to Africa, but once there, it is extremely cost effective. An even bigger bonus of the safari industry is that it is all inclusive in most parts (i.e., meals, drinks, game drives and guides) are included, so there is no additional need to pay for anything once you have arrived, except for perhaps the odd curio.

How much money should I bring?
As further answer to the previous question, guests often want to know how much cash to bring. First, most of the safaris camps we sell take Master Card and Visa credit cards for purchases of curios and even accept them for guests to pay gratuities to the camp staff and guides. A note on gratuities at the safari camps: Gratuities are not expected, but a reasonable tip would be US $5 per guest, per day for your driver/guide and perhaps $3-5 per day for the overall camp staff. Believe me that this amount will seem like nothing after you experience the fine service in the camps we offer! Again, these can be paid for with credit card so cash is unnecessary.

If you are visiting Johannesburg, a highlight is one of the flea markets that offer beautiful African wood carvings, batiks and other VERY inexpensive but nice arts and crafts. For the flea markets, you will typically want some cash. These artisans are found in Victoria Falls as well and their artwork is typically of nice quality and they make excellent momentos of your trip or as gifts for your friends and family. The shops and restaurants in Joburg and Cape Town as well as the hotels in Vic Falls all take credit cards.

When we travel for say three weeks to Africa and include two weeks on safari, we typically take around $300 in cash. This is only our guideline for ourselves; however, we feel that travelling with more cash than this is unnecessary.

A note on VAT and purchases of gifts in South Africa: Be sure to keep your receipts for items of clothing, curios, artwork, CD's, books, etc. South Africa charges a VAT (value added tax) on all goods and this tax is refundable to tourists when they leave the country (residents are not so lucky). Organize all of the receipts and you can get a refund of the VAT at the airport before you fly home. This is a somewhat easy process but can take some time as the airport gets busy and the queues can be long - get to the airport EARLY! In spite of the relative pain involved in the VAT refund process, the VAT percentage is substantial and can amount to several hundred dollars easily depending on how crazy you go in the malls!

Be advised that the receipts must be shown along with the items purchased. Do NOT store all of your purchases into your suitcase and check the luggage until you have had your VAT receipts stamped by the official at the airport. They have recently become more strict regarding showing the products with the receipts - they will most certainly make you show the items for which you have receipts! Finally, the VAT may only be reclaimed for goods, this does NOT include hotel accommodations or food of any kind. Many visitors skip this VAT refund process but it is well worth it if you have taken advantage of the fantastic exchange rate in South Africa.

Are the wild animals dangerous?
Most of the regions visited in Southern Africa are in areas where you are within the natural habitat of the wildlife and so there are no fences surrounding the camps. In South Africa you will find that most of the private reserves are fenced, but within the confines the animals roam freely and you still need to be cautious.

The best advice to be given here is to listen to your guide's instruction while in camp, ensure that your tent flaps are not left open and doors are closed etc. At almost all the camps the guides walk you to and from your tents and they are trained to handle any situation, should it arise. Keep in mind that animals do wander through the camps during the day and at night, so at all times just be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine. Having wild animals in such close proximity is one of the main reasons people visit the area – enjoying them in their natural habitat is what makes the experience all the more special.

The game drives are conducted in open-air vehicles which really allows you to get up close and to see that animals from an unimpaired viewpoint. Many people argue that animals only see the vehicle as it would a tree (albeit, a tree that moves") and not the people in it. This point is debatable but, personally, with hundreds upon hundreds of hours spent on game drives, we feel that most of the animals, and certainly the primates like Baboons and Monkeys and most likely the larger cats like Lions, are keenly aware of human presence. But they do not, for the most part except if you are in an area that has seen poaching from a vehicle, view a Land Rover with people in it as a threat. The animals actually become habituated to the vehicles and eventually ignore them for the most part - this allows guests to view animals exhibiting their natural behavior. It is truly a pleasure, I can assure you.

Occasionally an Elephant, especially the females in the breeding herds, become annoyed and their protective, motherly instincts take hold and they chase a vehicle off, but this is rare. Also, the guides at the camps are very good with reading an Elephant's moods and will avoid situations which could be potentially dangerous. Mostly, you are in no danger whatsoever if you listen to the guides and keep aware of your surroundings - always remember that you are in a wild place, with wild animals. After all, this is Africa's allure!

What types of food are served on safari?
Top class British and European cuisine as well as some local dishes are served in the hotels, lodges, camps and restaurants. Most foreign visitors are very impressed with the quality and quantity of food provided while on safari. Some of the more up-scale camps provide food, presentation and service which rivals that of a 5 star hotel in any top city. The tables are elegantly set under the stars, under thatch or even in a boma - and you will never go hungry.

The standard 3 meals a day is done away with in the bush as the meals are geared around the game viewing times and activities. Typically one starts off with a light continental breakfast upon waking before heading out on the early morning activity. Guests usually return at about 10/11 am for a large brunch, which incorporates meals from both the breakfast and lunch menus. A light tea and snack is offered before the afternoon activity and upon returning to camp in the early evening, a hearty three-course dinner is enjoyed followed by after dinner drinks around the campfire.

The camps are able to cater for all food types as long as they are made aware at the time of booking so as to ensure sufficient time to fly in the necessary supplies.

Is there electricity in the camps?
Camps and safaris in the remote wildlife regions of Southern Africa have no access to electrical power due to the remote nature of their locations. Most camps have generators on site with 220v electricity or they make use of solar panels. The generators are not normally heard by guests as they are run for a couple of hours at a time in the morning and afternoon while guests are enjoying their activities.

The electricity is used to power ice machines, fridges and freezers that keep the food and drinks cool and fresh. The generator charges batteries that provide the power for the bedroom lights and overhead fans in the rooms. There is plenty of power available to charge batteries for cameras and video cameras, but not for hairdryers and the likes.

For most mobile tented camps there is no electricity; lighting is by paraffin lamp and campfires in the true traditional style of Africa. For any lodges in South Africa there is ample electrical power.

Is communication with the "outside world" possible while on a safari?
For most people wishing to visit the remote parts of Southern Africa, getting away from civilization so to speak, is the major attraction and reason for going. As with electrical power, communication by phone, fax, etc. is out of the question given the remote locations of the camps. All camps do however have radio communications with their town/city offices in case of any emergencies. Most lodges in South Africa offer full telephone and internet services for those who do not wish to detach from the world completely.
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What weather should I expect on safari?
In general the climate in southern Africa 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 but can get much hotter, especially in the months of October and November, just before the rains arrive.

During the winter period June through August nighttime temperatures in some areas can drop to freezing or below. Early morning game drives during these winter months can start out very chilly and you should bring a warm sweater, gloves and even a hat to cover your ears. However, by mid morning (9 am or so) the layers will start coming off as the days will heat up dramatically. The rains occur each year during the period November through March with the dry season stretching from April through October.

What laundry facilities are available on safari?
Most safari camps in Southern Africa offer a laundry facility, but there are a few where given water restrictions and the location this is not possible. Please check with us to make sure.

This service is included in the accommodation cost for most safari camps. Hotels in the cities as well as some lodges charge a nominal fee for it.

Most underwear and delicates are not washed by the local people due to their traditions and so washing up powder is supplied in most of the rooms/tents for this purpose.

What clothing should I pack and how much luggage may I bring?
There are strict weight restrictions in place on any itinerary including light aircraft transfers for the following reasons:
• The aircraft are designed with a maximum bodyweight and luggage weight allowance.
• Most of our airfields are over 3000 feet above sea level and are located in the tropics, and therefore the permissible aircraft carrying capacity is reduced.
• The aircraft have physical space restrictions.

Two serious issues must please be noted for most of our safaris:
• Luggage is restricted to 12kg (26 lbs) maximum per person for travel to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Scheduled airlines in South Africa have a luggage restriction of 20kg (44 lbs) maximum per person.
• Only soft bags (no hard suitcases can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft) will be accepted. This includes camera equipment and hand luggage.
• The maximum dimensions of the soft bags is as follows: 81cm (32 inches) long x 36cm (14 inches) wide. We have a supply of soft nylon carry-all bags for sale. The size is 30 cm (12 inches) wide x 28cm (11 inches) high x 76cm (30 inches) long and the cost is US$30 per bag. Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25cm (10 inches) high, so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment.
• Passengers weighing more than 100kg (220 lbs) must please advise us in advance as an extra seat will then have to be costed in to the package for safety purposes.
• For those who absolutely must bring more than the maximum allowance of luggage, an extra seat may be purchased in advance but the bags must still be soft bags only. Be sure to pre-arrange any extra seats with us at the time of booking. See further information below under "How do we get from camp to camp".

These luggage restrictions for luggage sound like very little but bear in mind the following:
• Most safari camps / lodges and hotels provide basic toilet amenities.
• Laundry can be done on a daily basis (and many camps provide this service free of charge but hotels do charge a nominal fee).
• Mainly casual clothing is required.

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 hotel establishments or on any of the luxury trains. On a game safari, casual clothing is the order of the day. Below is a suggested packing list for your information.

SUGGESTED LUGGAGE LIST
Remember the weight restrictions covered above!
1. Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light.
2. Sun hat.
3. Golf-shirts, T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts.
4. Shorts/skirts.
5. Long trousers/slacks.
6. Sweat pants/sweat shirt.
7. More formal attire for your stay at prestigious city hotels or on one of the luxury trains.
8. Underwear and socks.
9. Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine).
10. Sandals.
11. Swimming costume.
12. Warm winter sweater.
13. Warm Anorak or Parka and scarf / gloves for the cold winter months (May to September).
14. Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April).
15. Camera equipment and plenty of film (or digital storage) - see more photography information under the Photography Link at left.
16. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust or pollen.
17. BINOCULARS - ESSENTIAL (and Newman's bird book if you are keen).
18. Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments).
19. Malaria tablets (if you choose).
20. Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion.
21. Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc.
22. Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc).
23. Tissues/"Wet Ones".
24. Visas, tickets, passports, money, etc.
25. Waterproof/dustproof Ziploc bags/cover for your cameras.

Please note that bright colors and white are NOT advised while on safari.

Can we bring children on safari?
Most safari camps welcome children over the age of eight. There are few exceptions, so please check with us when making an enquiry. These rules can be waived by booking out smaller camps for exclusive use by parties with young children. Families with children between the ages of 8 and 12 will have to book private activities so as not to disturb other guests. Depending on the size of the family, this may necessitate additional costs at certain camps or at certain times of the year.

Some camps have family tents where families are able to have their children in the adjoining tent (sometimes sharing the same bathroom). Children staying in the family tents get a discount for this type of accommodation.

To elaborate further on age issues, there is no upper age limit at most safari camps. On some cross country and camping safaris, suppliers set an upper age limit due to the active nature of some of the safaris. Please advise ages if in doubt and check with us for any possible restrictions.

What time of year is the best time to go on safari?
This is a question and one for which there is no exact answer. For most visitors, a safari is a once in a lifetime experience and they want to of course maximize their game viewing experience in the time they have allotted. However, Africa and the safari areas have their own true seasons and the benefits of travelling during one time of year versus another must be weighed by the individual guest. We will not try to sway someone into booking in a specific time of year; rather, we offer some of the characteristics of the different seasons on safari.

Generally speaking, the Southern Africa game viewing safari areas (Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa) have a rainy season (which falls during the southern hemisphere's summer months of November - March) and a dry season (during the winter months of May-September).

Most visitors who research this aspect of safari travel by reading up in books or websites are steered to the dry, winter months for the best game viewing. The reason for this is that the water holes are fewer and farther between than during the rainy months when the water holes and little remaining green vegetation is widely spread out. The result is that all animals have to come to these watering holes to drink daily and so the wildlife is generally easier to find. Makes sense! The other side of the coin is that the landscape during this dry season is a less colorful and there is a great deal more dust. Photographically, the greens of the summer months are mostly absent and your photos will bear a more brownish color. Still, with less vegetation and cover for the animals, it is generally easier to spot them. You could drive past a thick, heavily vegetated area in the rainy season and drive right past a sleeping pride of seven Lions and not see them; however, driving the same route in the dry months, without the thick green cover, practically everyone on the vehicle would likely spot the big cats.

Some repeat visitors to Africa have found that they prefer the greener, summer months for several reasons. As mentioned, the green colors make the scenery breathtaking. Additionally, as the summer is also the rainy season, one finds dramatically beautiful skies to compliment the lush greens of the landscapes. However, there is always a risk of a missed game drive here or there (We have only been rained out of one game drive in many, many rainy season visits). However, we have been rained upon. Generally though, Southern Africa's rainy season only brings brief, but powerful bursts of precipitation and not long days of rain. Storms usually blow through with a vengeance but pass after a few hours.

Another aspect of the summer months is that most of the antelope species like Impala, Tsessebe and Wildebeest give birth to their young during this time to take advantage of the plentiful, sweet and nutritious green grass which covers the ground during this time. Believe us, the baby animals are everywhere and, in our opinion, the scene of young animals against the verdant green backgrounds with big, beautiful fluffy-white clouds in the sky is unbeatable. Most of the predators also switch to hunting the young animals at this time to try for easier meals and, while this sounds unfortunate for the youngsters, it is part of nature's way and many more survive than are taken. For those who want to see the predator-prey interactions, the summer months provide some of your best opportunities to see hunting behavior and predator interactions.

Finally, because most visitors tend to focus on the dry months for their safari, the winter in Africa is considered the "high season" and the operator rates reflect this higher demand with higher prices. Occupancies are higher, safaris must be booked a bit further in advance and your costs are greater. Still, many visitors swear by the winter months as THE time to go - it is really a personal preference.

The bottom line and our final comments on this subject are thus...if you spend several nights in one of these game-rich areas, there are no guarantees, but you will almost certainly see excellent game. Africa is not a zoo; it is wild and unpredictable and the animals roam freely, and for the most part, wherever they wish. Finding them in the huge safari areas is part of the thrill of the safari. But you WILL certainly see animals and birds and beautiful scenery. Can we guarantee Lions every day?...NO; Can we guarantee Wild Dogs if you stay for 2 weeks?...NO; Can we guarantee you will see a kill?...Nope. Can we guarantee animals?...YES, Predators?...almost certainly; Lions?...probably. Of course, the longer your stay, the better your chances. It's why those of us who are totally passionate about safaris keep going back. Every day is full of exciting surprises - and finding those Lions or Wild Dogs or witnessing a hunt is always the greatest of pleasures!

What animals will we see on the safari?
The variety of animals found in the Southern African Subregion is incredible. For example, there are 337 different species of mammal and 480 different reptile species currently known to occur in Southern and East Africa. As for bird species, the number is difficult to give with certainty because the known total is constantly changing as new species (usually visitors) are often recorded. However, a recently compiled list of birds in Southern Africa gives a total of over 900, with all doubtful species not included.

Of course, most visitors want to see "The Big Five". The big five is a term originally used by the "Great White Hunters" in Africa to refer to the five most dangerous prey animals to hunt: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhinoceros. Today, these animals are thankfully more often hunted by those with a camera than by those with a rifle (although legal and illegal hunting is still possible for all of these animals). It is possible to see all five of the Big Five in certain areas in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana still today. If this is your goal, we can direct you to camps where it will be possible, and in some cases, even probable that you will see all five.

But for us, African safaris are about more than checking off the Big Five. They are a magical experience with nature and wildlife that is virtually impossible almost anywhere else on earth. Yes, we go to look for the big cats, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and we love seeing the rare and endangered Wild Dog (or Africa Painted Dog), but there are so many other incredible animals in Africa, each with interesting behaviors of their own. Still, if you are interested in specific animals, like birding or predators or Rhinos, let us know and we can arrange a safari with this as the goal. Please also check our Scheduled Safaris and Safari Options page (under the "Safaris" link in the main navigation menu) and look under the Special Interest Safaris section for further information.

Finally, we have an extensive list of recommended reading on the various safari areas and wildlife under the "Planning" link at left. These books are perhaps the best way to learn about Africa's wildlife, and doing a bit of advance study will certainly be worthwhile before you leave on your safari. Alternatively, give us a call and ask and we will gladly answer even the most detailed or specific question on Southern Africa's wildlife.

How do I book my safari and how early should I make reservations?
We encourage you to plan your safari as far in advance as possible; several months at a minimum to ensure a better selection of camp availability. This is especially important if you are planning to travel during the Southern Africa safari "high season" months of July through October.

The best way to start is to have a good look through our website. It's packed with information on the countries and all the camps we sell and there are a lot! When you're ready, you can "start the ball rolling" in several ways. One, go to our "Contact Us" link (in the top navigation menu). Alternatively, you can call us directly and we will be happy to answer any and all of your questions and tell you more about the whole process.

Once we have determined what you would like to do - and there are MANY different options, which you already know if you've peeked around our website - we can begin picking out some itinerary options. Once we have an idea of the general areas and activities, your available amount of time, and the general time you wish to travel, we will typically put together several options. The alternative itineraries may include specific safari camps, possibly a low versus high season pricing option, different add-ons to contemplate after your wildlife portion - perhaps a beach or island visit, Victoria Falls, or Cape Town; it all depends on your intent.

What you should focus on telling us is the amount of time you have and whether you want a general all-round African experience or want to focus on some specific theme(s). It's not easy to know what you want with so many options, we know! That's why so many guests keep returning to see more of this beautiful destination. If you're not sure, just give us a call and we will help you make some choices. We look forward to helping you plan an amazing trip.

Other related pages:

Car Rental Johannesburg

Car Rental Cape Town