On Safari- Commonly Asked Questions

Commonly Asked Questions

Why Africa?
Because Africa is safari country. A safari is one of the greatest experiences of a lifetime. It is like no other travel experience; it is like a journey into creation. There is no place else in the world where you can see traditional villages, tribes and prehistoric landscapes populated by untamed wildlife. And, this can all be experienced without sacrificing the creature comforts to which modern men and women have become accustomed.

What will I see on safari?
The greatest profusion of animal, bird and plant life on earth. You roam across the countryside in search of elephant, lion, rhino, Cape buffalo and leopard (the Big Five). You will encounter wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, giraffe, baboon, hippo and monkey in great numbers and jackal, hyena and cheetah... the list goes on. The bird life is infinite in its variety and form. There are plants from the giant baobab and mahogany to the tiny whistling thorn. And there will be morning rainbows, mirages in the afternoon, and moonlit, star-filled nights.

Why go now?
During the past twenty-five years man has destroyed much of the wildlife which has roamed the African plains for over 2 million years. Not only is the wildlife disappearing, the primitive cultures are changing due to Western influences. This is not an experience which should be put off. By traveling to Africa now, your tourism dollars have an immediate effect on conservation. It is the foreign exchange from tourism which is the motivation to preserve the wildlife for future generations.

Isn�t there a lot of trouble in Africa?
Africa is a continent four times larger than the United States. The chances of you being the victim of crime are extremely small, probably less than the town you live in.

What is the weather like?
While no one can guarantee the weather in Africa we can make some predictions:

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
East Africa is fairly moderate year round. The temperature ranges between 49 degrees and 80 degrees. The humidity is low and the mornings and evenings are refreshingly cool.
Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana
The best time to visit Southern Africa is between the months of May and October. This is the dry season and temperatures range from a low of 40 degrees to daytime highs in the mid 70�s. In June and July, the evenings can be quite cool - sometimes in the low 30's.
South Africa
South Africa is generally sunny and temperate throughout the year. Since the country lies south of the equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Winters (June/July) are usually cool and mild. June to October is the ideal time to visit the game reserves.
Namibia
Namibia has a subtropical climate and is typical of semi-desert areas with hot days and cool nights. Inland summer day (October to April) are warm to hot (sometimes in excess of 100F). Summer is the rainy season, with most rainfall occurring in the north and northeast.

What is a Winged Safari?
Winged safaris utilize flights between the game parks. This has the advantage of saving time. And there is also less fatigue from bouncing over the rough African roads. It has the disadvantage though of missing some of the local color found along the roadside, which we feel is the essence of Africa.

What is the difference between a mobile and a permanent tented camp?
In the early days of safaris, mobile tenting was the only option. Teddy Roosevelt was known, for example, for his elaborate safaris. Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile tenting safari has increased. The cost to have a �luxury hotel� follow one around Africa is expensive, however, and most people settle for tented camps which are permanent. Because they are permanent they can be equipped with flush toilets and traditional bathroom fixtures and conveniences. These permanent tented camps offer the comfort of a 5-star hotel but with the romance and adventure of being surrounded by the beauty and the natural world that is Africa.

If you prefer a mobile tented safari, the cost is about 50% more than a permanent tented camp safari.

Will there be any language problems?
No! English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa.

What are the accommodations like?
The lodges and luxury tented camps used in Africa meet the standards of the most discriminating traveler. You have your own private bathroom facilities in Kenya and Tanzania. In Southern Africa it varies depending on the safari you choose. Most lodges also have swimming pools.

Can I travel as a single?
A safari is the ideal trip for the independent traveler. If you prefer to travel with a group, choose a scheduled departure offered by tour companies.

Are children welcome on safari?
Yes. Our recommendation is that children should be at least eight years old. Some activities and lodges do not permit children below the age of 16. A safari is the perfect holiday for children. They will enjoy the wildlife and meeting the tribal people, and during their free time they can relax in the swimming pool. Your children will remember their safari for the rest of their lives.