Safari FAQ's

How large are the ‘tents’?

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What are the activities on a typical private safari day?
Early start 6AM with a light breakfast / early morning game drive (+- 2-3 hours) with beverages and biscuits / late morning hot & cold full brunch / siesta / tea & savories / afternoon game activity with sundowners & snacks / gourmet dinner in evening, usually in boma (open air, enclosed dining area with large fire and under the stars. Music courtesy of the African wildlife.

Meals and more.

Our top ten Safari Ideas.

An entertaining safari travelogue.

Safari Prices compared by personal service levels.

What is a "Game Drive" exactly?

Game Drive -defined

What are the best Safari seasons?
Timing is everything, and the bush is no exception. Seasons affect the animal and plant life as well as the cost of your holiday more than any other factor.

Our southern Africa vegetation map and seasonal animal movement guide will help you visually comprehend the general bush environment. To determine the best time in a particular destination to witness a certain animal or plant species please contact us.

Seasonal Information for the Kwando Northern Botswana region:

Kwando Details

Seasonal Info:

Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe - summer rainfall from late October to early April; cool to warm dry sunny winter days from May to early October

Lesotho - summer from November to January and winter from May to July, with predominantly summer rainfall from September to April

Kenya - summer from December to March and winter from July to September, with long rains from March to May and short rains between November and December

Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia - summer from around December to March and winter in Malawi from June to July; in Tanzania from March to May; and in Zambia from April to August. All three countries have long rains from November to April

Mozambique - summer from October to March and winter from April to September, with high summer humidity and showers between September and April

South Africa - summer from September to April and winter from May to August, with summer rainfall in the north and winter rainfall in the south

Swaziland - summer from September to April and winter from May to August, with predominantly summer rainfall.

How many guests does the typical Bush camp hold?
The camps we recommend are small and intimate typically with 12-16 clients when full.

How large are the ‘tents’?
The tents are large and spacious, beautifully decorated, with two three-quarter beds, floor rugs and adequate space to hang and pack clothing. Many also have a private deck.

Are the washrooms very far away?
The tents all have their own en-suite bathroom facility and flush toilet. Many tents also have a private outdoor shower with solar hot water.

Is there a lodge that might be used for a day or two during the middle of the tour, rather than 'tenting' the entire time?
These are luxury accommodations by no means your average camping tents. Rather, they are high quality Bedouin style canvas cottages. There is also a central lodge with a dining room, lounge and decks. Many have libraries and plunge pools.

What are the safari activities?
Game drives, guided walks, bird watching, boating, canoeing and hot air ballooning are the most popular.

What is the likely type of vehicle? Is there good visibility?
You will be traveling in on open Landover or similar 4x4 vehicles offering excellent visibility and outstanding photo opportunities.

How many passengers are accommodated on the vehicles?
The exclusive lodges use Landover’s with three rows of tiered seating, and carry six or seven passengers.

Is there any reason we might wish a private vehicle on any particular day? A private vehicle is essential if you are set on doing something specific such as photograph at your own pace or with a photo guide. Parents with young children are required to take a separate vehicle. Private vehicles should be organized with vacationtechnician.com during booking.

Do you supply bottled water or is there a need to bring some with us? Bottled water, juice, and cokes are supplied.

Are US$ the easiest to use for tipping on the tour?
Yes, bring USD one notes.

Is a safari an exhausting experience?
Flying in light aircraft riding in an open vehicle through rough terrain and being under the African sun will tire you by the end of the day. Siesta's during the hottest part of the day are an important part of every safari day. If you are planning an extensive Southern Africa safari, it is often a good idea to stop off a day or two in Johannesburg or Capetown to rest and relax between bush experiences.

What clothing should I take on safari?
The light aircraft used to charter guests into lodges only permit 8 kg of luggage per person. That means, one should carry only a few items of light clothing, preferably cottons, for your stay in the bush. Clothing should be in neutral colors, khaki, beige, bush green. No bright colors because they can frighten away the animals. Khaki and breathable fabrics are best. Guideline: is two of everything - socks, underwear, slacks/shorts, shirts, but one pullover or cardigan. A wide brimmed hat is very important.

Who washes my clothing?
The lodge will see to your laundry requirements.

What camera equipment is essential on safari?
Binoculars per person are vital, preferably wide angle. A good 35mm camera with a powerful zoom or telephoto lens will reward you with superb shots.

Are medical supplies available?
It is best to bring prescription medication with you. Cities and towns all have drugstores/pharmacies equipped with everything one requires, from aspirin and aftershave to Xanax and Zambuk. South Africa has a first world infrastructure, but the further north one travels, the more difficult it may become to acquire a specific medication.

What about Travel Medical Insurance?
All travelers should be adequately insured against all eventualities and circumstances. This applies anywhere in the world. Find mandatory safari online travel insurance here.

We want to do a self-drive. What are the conditions of the roads? South Africa has a superb network of tarred freeways, highways and roads, comparable to any first world country. There are large filling stations along the freeways, with restaurants, restrooms and rest areas under shade. Of course, in the remote areas, the roads are sometimes gravel surfaced, so driving there requires less speed and more care. The roads in Zimbabwe and Namibia are all good, and most are tarred.

What are the roads in the wildlife reserves like?
Most reserves have a good network of gravel roads, well maintained and easy to drive with a standard vehicle, so you don't need a 4 wheel drive car. The majority of roads in Kruger National Park are tarred. Don't leave your windows open when baboons or monkeys jump onto your car - and don't feed them, they are dangerous!

Will there be hairdryers available for use at the lodges?
Some lodges do supply these. If you bring your own, remember that Southern Africa has 220 Volt electricity, so if your hairdryer is made for 110 Volt, you will need a converter, otherwise it will blow up! You will also need an adaptor for the plug. If you are still determined to have a blow dryer, then buy one at a convenience store in South Africa - prices range from 8USD to 20USD. In all the major city hotels, there are hair dryers in the bathrooms.

Can I hire a cell phone (handy) at an airport?
Yes. There are rental companies at the major international airports and some car hire companies also rent out cell phones. However, please note that you will not be able to use it on safari, as most camps are out of range of transmitters. Where there is coverage, guests are not allowed to use cell phones while on game drives. The camps are equipped with radios.

Satellite phones?
Travelers can use Satellite phones throughout the region. Remember, however, that it is very rude to use a phone while game viewing with other safari enthusiasts. Use these phones in the privacy of your own room.

General Security Issues and vacationtechnician advice?

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