Which is the best time to travel?
This really depends on where in sub Sahara Africa you are going and what your interests are. Most of our destinations are great all year round, with some months having the milder and dryer climate, others are better for safari, others are better for beach holidays. We will always advise you as to which destinations / areas are best for the time you wish to travel.
For a self drive holiday, which are the best destinations?
Definitely South Africa and Namibia: the infrastructure is very good in both countries, it is safe, and the car rental companies we deal with provide low mileage and very well maintained vehicles. Just keep in mind that you will be driving on the left side!
Which destinations are best suited for a family safari holidays?
All destinations we offer cater for families. If you are travelling with very young children I suggest you concentrate on South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, as there are quite a few safari lodges that specialize in safaris for smaller children.
- From the age of 6, children can usually participate in all safari drives in Southern Africa.
- South Africa also has some wonderful beach destinations, ideal for families, and those can perfectly be combined with a safari.
- East Africa we do not recommend for families with children younger than 8 years old and the gorilla tracking in Rwanda is only possible for teenagers 16 years and older.
What is the ideal duration of stay at a safari lodge?
We find that three or four nights are the perfect duration for a stay at one safari lodge. This will give you time to explore all areas of the reserve, and also to relax in between. If you combine several safari lodges within one itinerary, I would still suggest at least three night at one lodge.
What is the difference between a national park and a private game reserve?
Southern Africa boasts some of the most magnificent national parks, like the Kruger in South Africa, Chobe in Botswana and Etosha in Namibia. They are certainly not to be missed within any itinerary.
In national parks visitors can drive with their own cars, but have to stay on all marked roads and paths. There is no off-road driving or night safaris in national parks, unless one is within a private concession of the national park. The normal accommodation in national parks is rustic, but comfortable and clean.
Private Game Reserves are usually hosts to the more up-market safari lodges, and here the visitor cannot drive in his own car; one will usually leave the vehicle at the entrance to the reserve or park it at the lodge. All safaris are conducted in the safari vehicles of the lodges, with a ranger and often also a tracker. The benefit of private game reserves is more exclusivity, often the ability of going off-road and that way following the tracks of the animals, and also being able to go on night game drives.
What info do we have to provide so that you can design the perfect itinerary for us?
- Preferred time of travel, if possible exact travel dates
- Number of persons travelling, children and ages
- Approximate budget
- Destinations you would like to visit
- Destinations in Africa you have visited before
- Special interests
- Self drive or guided tour
Travel insurance:
Our packages do not include travel insurance and we strongly recommend that you take out a comprehensive insurance before travelling. Some safari lodges in remote areas make it compulsory to have an insurance that also includes emergency evacuation.
Do I need a visa / visas?
- European and U.S. citizens do not require visas for South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Citizens from Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America mostly need a pre-approved visa for South Africa and Namibia.
- Most passport holders do need visas for Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and East Africa, but often those can be obtained upon entry into the country.
- Please let us know when you book on which passport you are travelling, so that we can advise you accordingly.
Do I need any vaccinations?
The only vaccination needed for some of our destinations is against YELLOW FEVER. You will need to present your Yellow Fever certificate when travelling to East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda), or if you are coming from or have travelled through a country with Yellow Fever risk.
Covid: some of our destinations still require every arriving passenger to either show a proof of vaccination against Covid-19 or a negative PCR test. Regulations change continuously. Please double-check before traveling.
For many of our destinations Malaria prophylactics might be recommended, unless you travel to the South of South Africa (Western and Eastern Cape), or to some of the private game reserves and national parks in the west of the country (Pilanesberg, Madikwe, Welgevonden). Namibia’s South is also Malaria free. Please consult your medical professional.