FAQ

We recommend that guests book their international flights using KLM/Air France & South African Airways.

https://www.klm.com
https://www.flysaa.com

For the latest information on visa requirements please familiarize yourself with information from the following sites:

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/visas
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

Your best resources for making sure you have the right vaccines for your journey.

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Please see our Terms & Conditions as we require all travellers to obtain both Medical/Travel insurance and Cancellation insurance.

There are two main terms used to describe each safari season.

Wet Season – This is usually from December through to April or May when there tends to be more rain. During this time of year game is usually dispersed into thicker bush and thickets. The vegetation is mostly thick and game viewing can be more challenging. Remote areas are not easily accessible or in some cases not accessible at all.

Dry Season – We often talk about the dry season when wildlife tends to concentrate near available water sources. Game viewing is at it’s best. Dry weather means that remote areas are more accessible by road. In Southern Africa this is usually from June through to October or November.

Yes, it is safe. Africa holds a huge and fascinating cultural diversity within cities and a wild journey into less habited areas like National Parks. At times safari activities can be regarded as potentially dangerous due to the unpredictability of wild animals. The key to reducing hazard is the knowledge, wisdom and experience of professional guides and tour leaders who are responsible for keeping you safe while unlocking some of the secrets and awe of the Africa bush.

Zimbabwe – US Dollar, South African Rand
Mozambique – Mozambican Metical
Namibia – Namibian Dollar & US Dollar
Botswana – Pula, US Dollar & South African Rand

English is one of the official languages in Southern Africa. It is taught in schools and is widely spoken in both cities and rural areas.

Zimbabwe – English, Shona, Ndebele
Mozambique – English & Portuguese
Namibia – English, Afrikaans, German, Bantu, Tswana, Oshiwambo & many more
Botswana – English & Tswana

It is common to give a gratuity when good service is rendered. It is left up to how you feel and is at your own discretion. Wages can be very low in Africa and hard-working people will be sincerely grateful for being noticed.

If you are travelling alone please be mindful that Africa has a single supplement charge that unfortunately raises your fee to stay alone in a room/tent. When possible, we can try to match you with another solo traveller if you wish to offset that extra fee.

Due to the remote locations we frequent on many of our trips, Escape to African Safaris accepts ages 12 to Adult (healthy and fit to partake in Safari travel/conditions/heat etc.) With that said we are happy to arrange a family trip/kids under the age of 12 to some wonderful locations around Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.

We offer small and intimate trip sizes that range from 4 to 10 people per Safari. This allows for a truly tailored safari experience.

What To Pack

Drones are not allowed in most African countries, so don’t waste space packing one.

Camouflage clothing is not recommended for travel in southern African countries. Camouflage or military-inspired clothing is prohibited when traveling in Zimbabwe.

As for clothing, neutral colors are the best way to go. Khaki and tan are the preferred colors when going on a game walk, but most of the time in Africa, you are in a safari vehicle and can wear jeans/shorts with T-shirts in almost all colors. However, avoid shirts that are purple, red or royal blue—bright colors seem to make the animals shy away. Biting insects like tsetse flies are attracted to striped patterns of royal blue/black, so avoid wearing this combination, especially in Mana Pools National Park.

It’s helpful to have a reference book, like African Safari Field Guide. This handy resource is ideal for first-time and repeat safari-goers. It gives a comprehensive list of the different species frequently seen on safari.

One that can be used as a shoulder wrap/shawl, wrapped as a hood for cold mornings and nights, or even used as a blanket on flights. And we suggest comfortable, waterproof walking shoes.

They’re ideal for the charter flights since they don’t cause drowsiness. Ginger Gravol are also a good prevention for motion sickness and also do not cause drowsiness.

Pack tissues/wet ones; insect repellent; a basic medical kit with aspirin, band aids, Imodium, antiseptic/anti-histamine cream; camera equipment; chargers/adaptors, malaria tablets, binoculars, a flashlight or head lamp, a waterproof/dustproof bag/cover for your camera, good quality sunglasses, and glasses (wearing contacts might make you susceptible to dust irritation), moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Besides your usual electronics, a power strip from home is essential so you can plug that into the camp or lodge outlet and charge all of your items at the same time.

You’ll need to present an “International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow fever inoculation)” if you have come from or travelled to Rwanda or Uganda, as well as Tanzania, Zanzibar or Kenya.

Think of your carry-on as a mini survival kit, and stock it well, just in case. Your hand-carry on should contain medications and necessary items in the event your checked bag is lost or delayed. That means a few pieces of comfortable, neutral clothing, waterproof hiking boots, lightweight socks, a waterproof jacket, and hat. Avoid putting your hiking boots in your checked luggage, as they’ll be difficult to replace in the case of lost or stolen luggage.

Stick with quick dry, athletic/sports materials: they keep you cool and are made for traveling. Some suggested options being fishing shirts and hiking pants.

However, be prepared to hand-wash your underwear. At certain camps and lodges, the staff will not wash underwear, due to prevailing local cultural traditions in the country. In these instances, environmentally friendly washing detergent can be supplied for you to wash your own items. At some camps and lodges, a mesh laundry bag is supplied so that you may place your underwear into this bag, which will then be machine washed with other laundry and returned in the same mesh laundry bag.

Weather and Temperatures:

Most travelers have a wrong conception about Africa, most people envision Africa as a very hot continent all year round. This is not the case. Some months get very cold; temperatures can drop below zero. When traveling to Africa, it is best to pack some warmer and comfortable clothing. Early mornings and evenings can get very cold and warm as the day progresses. Our advice is that one must be prepared for temperature changes.

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