Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it safe to travel to Africa?
• Is travel to Africa expensive?
• Do I need special vaccinations?
• What about malaria?
• Can I self drive?
• Can I take a child?
• Is it safe to drink tap water?
• What and how much currency should I take?
• How do I manage tips and gratuities?
• Do I need visas?
• How far ahead of travelling do I need to plan and book my trip?

• Is it safe to travel to Africa?

  Care must obviously be taken wherever you travel – not only to Africa! We ensure that you are met on arrival and that you are transported to your hotel and other destinations. We brief all our clients on matters of personal security. We also avoid any known trouble spots.

  Travel Insurance
  
  While the safety of clients is always a Destinations Africa priority and thus we take all possible measures to minimise risk of anything untoward happening to our clients, the reality is that accidents do happen and illness can befall us anywhere. 
  
  As you would expect, an African Safari is likely to take you to pretty remote and isolated locations, which is wonderful in terms of a vacation but less than ideal  should illness or injury befall you as it may be hundreds of kilometres from the nearest hospital or even medical centre! 
  
  So to ensure that you get appropriate treatment as soon as possible you need to have comprehensive Travel Insurance which includes medical evacuation!  Whether you purchase this insurance or are provided with it as a reward for use of a particular credit card you still need to make sure before you leave home that it is appropriate to your needs and travel plans!
  
  

• Is travel to Africa expensive?

  South Africa and Namibia give excellent value as our currency is well placed against theirs. Other countries operate on a US$ basis and this needs careful managing as some can be expensive. However we are able to meet most budgets by “mixing and matching” different types of accommodations.

• Do I need special vaccinations?

  Nothing unusual. Yellow Fever inoculations are required if you visit an East African country or Zambia.

• What about malaria?

  You will often spend time in a mosquito area however malaria is easily kept at bay by taking prophylactics that can be prescribed by your doctor. Also all lodges etc have fully protected rooms with nets and qauze over the windows.

• Can I self drive?

  Yes but we do not recommend that you self drive in and around Johannesburg.

• Can I take a child?

  Yes. Some game lodges do not allow children under a certain age – typically 12 or 15 – but there are others that specially cater for children! We do not recommend that you take very small children on a game safari for obvious reasons.

• Is it safe to drink tap water?

  We recommend that you always drink bottled water. This is simply a precaution but most hotels have perfectly potable drinking water. Game lodges will always supply bottled water.

• What and how much currency should I take?

  South African banks auto tellers work fine but we recommend that you always take some money in local currencies and a fair amount in US$ if travelling anywhere except South Africa.

• How do I manage tips and gratuities?

  Gratuities are expected for good service but are not a requirement. We recommend that you tip waiters etc as you see fit – 5% to 10% maximum. Game guides, rangers and trackers are not well paid and rely on gratuities so we suggest anything from AUD$15.00 to AUD$30.00 per day per person. Play it as you see it – if you have had a great time then pay the higher amount.

• Do I need visas?

  Yes in some cases, but all the countries to which we send you allow for visas to be obtained at the immigration desk on arrival. Cost generally from USD$50 to USD$100. Have at least six clear pages in your passport, as some countries will not allow you in otherwise.

• How far ahead of travelling do I need to plan and book my trip?

  We recommend at least six months or more if possible. Game reserves and lodges are often booked up to a year ahead. The sooner you plan and book the better as payment does not have to be made in full until approximately three months before travel.