Useful Information

We want you to have a truly memorable time in Southern Africa. Here is some useful information to help you make the most of your safari

Pre-safari information
Clothing
Private guides
Private vehicles
Private aircraft
Special experiences
Game drives by day
Game drives by night
Guided walks
Water based activities
Hides
Sleep outs

Pre-Safari Information

We will send you a copy of the pre-safari information pack containing essential reading about your destination, the local conditions and a list of what to bring, all of which ensure a smoother and more enhanced safari experience.

 

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Clothing

• Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
• Sun hat
• Golf-shirts, T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts
• Shorts/skirts
• Long trousers/slacks
• Track suit
• More formal attire for your stay at prestigious city hotels or on one of the luxury trains.
• Underwear (sports bra recommended on game drives as the roads can be bumpy and uneven) and socks
• Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
• Sandals
• Swimming costume
• Warm winter jersey
• Warm Anorak or Parka and scarf / gloves for the cold winter months (May to September)
• Light rain gear (if travelling in wetter months)
• Camera equipment and plenty of film
• If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from dust
• BINOCULARS - ESSENTIAL (Night vision binoculars are not essential but highly recommended if your safari includes night activities)
• Newman's bird book if you are a keen birder
• Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments)
• Malaria tablets
• Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
• Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc
• Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc)
• Tissues/"Wet Ones"
• Visas, tickets, passports, money etc
• Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras.

Please note that bright colours and white are NOT advised whilst on safari, Camouflage style clothing is not recommended. Please remember that there may be a restriction on luggage limits on your safari.

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Private Guides

A passionate, knowledgeable and enthusiast guide will always generate an unforgettable safari - the guides we can arrange for you are extremely dedicated, highly competent and experienced individuals within their country. Travelling with and personally guiding guests, they have the ability to bring out the best of each area and camp. They add consistency and a wealth of knowledge, as well as a personal experience as they concentrate on the preferred interests and needs of the guests

Whilst private guides may be recognised as specialists in their own right, we can also organise independent specialist guides for groups with very specific requirements. These interests may range from ornithology to astronomy, palaeontology, photography, botany and even anthropology. Another aspect that can transform a group safari is the addition of a host or hostess, who will ensure the seamless running of every safari, down to the preparation of Kosher food.

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Private vehicles

At most of the camps, guests can book a private vehicle and local guide at extra cost. This exclusive use allows guests to maximise their safari opportunities - especially those with specific wants, such as keen photographers and birders.

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Private aircraft

Possibly the finest way to travel around southern Africa is with your own plane and pilot/guide, giving you much more flexibility and privacy. It is not necessarily expensive if the plane is filled to near capacity. Groups of 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are able to get the best prices.

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Special experiences

In many areas you can book and pay to visit areas not usually accessible to the public. For example, on arrival in Johannesburg a helicopter flight to the famous Cradle of Humankind with a palaeontologist will provide you with great insight into the origins of the human race.

A wide variety of activities can be enjoyed on safari, dependant on the camps you will be staying at and the time of year of your visit. From experience we will recommend camps and lodges that offer the widest possible experience to suit your requirements.

Please do let us know if you have any particular requirements.

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Game Drives by day

This is the classic way to see African wildlife and is most often accomplished in an open top 4x4 vehicle driven by an experienced ranger. You will be awoken shortly before dawn, one of the two times of day when animals (especially predators) are most active, and following a hot drink and a light snack you will depart for usually three hours. There will be a stop for a further hot drink once the sun has risen.

On arrival back at your camp, you will have time to freshen up before brunch.

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Game Drives by night

An experience not to be missed. Following afternoon tea you will depart for a further three hour drive, stopping as the sun sets for a sundowner - there’s nothing quite like a gin & tonic and some biltong as the suns sinks below the horizon. Then the experience truly begins as you drive backs towards camp through the darkness, with rangers night light picking out the nocturnal wildlife as you go.

Once back in camp, dinner and a roaring log fire await.

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Guided Walks

Not all camps offer these but we know the ones that do. The walks are usually of 2 hour duration and are lead by an experienced ranger who will be suitably prepared. The walk is held at a slow pace, with frequent stops to view wildlife and their spoors. It is an excellent way of getting into areas that vehicles cannot access. Spotting birds such as the rare Pels Fish Owl is a bonus.

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Water-based Activities

In countries such as Botswana (time of year dependant) and Malawi, the chance to see the wildlife from a boat, canoe or mokoro (dug canoe) exists and should not be missed. Mokoros especially offer a way of silently gliding through the Okavango Delta, whilst your poler spots wildlife you for - it is simply serene.

Camps such as Little Vumbura and Xigera offer year round water activities.

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Hides

A few camps have hides close-by, usually close to water, where you can while away a few hours viewing close up whatever comes to drink or spotting the endemic or migrant birds in the reed. There are also some raised hides. Duma Tau has an underground one where you look up at whatever walks past.

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Sleep outs

There are a few experiences better than spending a night sleeping out under the African stars. Several camps offer this wonderful opportunity if you spend three nights or more there. The style of sleep outs varies from camp to camp and should be booked in advance as part of the safari arrangements. Costs depend on location and party numbers. There may be an additional charge, for example if one of our specialist guides is to accompany the group. Chitabe offers an exceptional experience with a bush breakfast and showers the following morning.

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