Safari FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR AFRICA TRIP

When should I start planning my safari?

We recommend planning at least six months in advance. For some of our clients, we start planning a whole year ahead. While it's possible to arrange your safari trip at short notice, availability of certain lodges, etc., may be limited.

What types of safaris are there?

There is a variety of safari types, distinguished by a specific type of accommodation, activity, or composition of participants. At CONSAFARITY, you have the following options to choose from:

• Lodge-Safaris
• Tent safaris, also known as mobile safaris
• Walking safaris, also known as bushwalks or walking safaris
• Horse safaris
• Photographic safaris
• Luxury safaris
• Flying safaris
• Water safaris, by boat or mokoro
• Private safaris (alone, as a couple, etc.)
• Honeymoon Safaris
• Family safaris
• Self-drive safaris
• Ranger courses

Take a look at our safari types portfolio for more information: safari types

Can I customize my safari?

Yes, you can. In fact, that's exactly what we encourage our clients to do: Get in touch with our team and share your wishes and interests with us. We'll then provide you with detailed advice and work together with you to develop your dream African safari step by step, taking into account your preferences and budget options.

Can I book a German-speaking tour guide?

Yes, that's possible. Upon request, CONSAFARITY founder Theda Countess Knyphausen can accompany your safari, being available for any questions you may have and providing you with useful background knowledge and exciting anecdotes.

How much time should I allocate for a safari?

A minimum duration of one week should be allocated to explore more than one region. Ideally, however, you should bring 10 or 14 days to experience your stay in southern Africa even more intensively.

How much does a safari cost?

The following factors largely determine the total cost of a safari:

• Desired destination and itinerary
• Travel period (peak or off-peak season)
• Selected accommodations (simple to luxurious)
• Personal interests and desired activities

The price of our safaris typically represents an all-inclusive price. This means that it includes full board (all meals and non-alcoholic drinks) at the respective accommodations, daily safari activities (usually two per day), entrance fees to national parks, as well as all travel-related transfers within the country. Important: Round-trip flights are not included in any of our trips. Additionally, there may be expenses for extra activities, alcoholic beverages, tips, and visa fees.

What is the best time to travel?

For Southern and Western Africa, the best time to travel is typically between the months of October and April. For Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, on the other hand, the period from May to mid-October is recommended. For those traveling to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda, the ideal time is typically between January and March or between July and October.

What should I pack? What documents do I need?

The most important document is undoubtedly a valid passport. This should typically be valid for at least six months beyond your journey and have two or more blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Whether a (previously applied for) visa is required depends on the respective country of travel. Guests traveling with minors can find further information on our pages about Arrival in Botswana.

It is essential to take out travel insurance for the duration of the trip, as well as cancellation and liability insurance. An overview of the items that should not be missing in your safari luggage can be found in our safari packing list.

What medical precautions should be taken?

For those arriving directly from US or UK, there is generally no need to undergo or update specific vaccinations in advance. However, before embarking on a trip, it should always be ensured that immunization against the following diseases is up to date: measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and hepatitis A, as well as hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies for longer stays. In particular, measures against infectious diseases such as malaria should be considered.

Consultation with a general practitioner prior to the trip is essential. Websites like the Foreign Office also provide more detailed travel and safety advice.

Furthermore, it is advisable to carry a small personal travel pharmacy containing plasters, antihistamines, medications for diarrhea, (head)aches, and motion sickness, as well as any personal medications needed. Take out travel health insurance is mandatory before traveling.

Is there a risk of malaria? How can I protect myself?

Yes, large parts of Africa are considered malaria areas. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you consult your general practitioner or a travel medicine specialist for appropriate prophylactic and protective measures before your departure. To prevent insect bites, it is generally advisable to wear long clothing, especially at dusk, use sufficient insect repellent, and sleep under a mosquito net at night. The highest risk of malaria infection usually occurs during and shortly after the rainy season.

How is accommodation arranged on safari?

This decision is entirely up to you. You can stay in simple to luxurious safari lodges as well as in the classic canvas tent of a mobile safari camp. The guest rooms of a lodge generally have their own attached bathroom, sometimes outdoors. In a mobile safari camp, on the other hand, there are two options: either your tent has its own private outdoor bush bathroom, or there are shared restroom facilities available.

Do I receive meals during the safari?

Yes, typically full board is provided. This means that you will receive all meals and local drinks (excluding alcoholic beverages) at your chosen accommodations. In exceptional cases, all drinks may be charged separately. You can find detailed information in your itinerary.

Can special dietary requests be accommodated?

Yes, special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or lactose-free diets can be accommodated. However, we kindly ask you to inform us in advance about any special dietary requests so that the accommodations have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

How does a typical day on safari look like?

On our website, you can gain an overview of the typical daily itinerary of a safari. Depending on the safari, this itinerary may vary. For the exact safari itinerary, please refer to your documents.

How can I contact friends and family back home?

The majority of lodges have Wi-Fi, although it may be slow. However, in a mobile safari camp, you will not have internet access.

Additionally, mobile phone reception is likely to be unavailable most of the time, as many camps and lodges are located in remote areas.

What forms of payment are accepted?

You should inquire with your bank well in advance of your trip to see if they can arrange currency exchange for you. It's advisable to carry one of the common credit cards so you can withdraw money in the local currency from an ATM at the airport or in the city upon arrival. Be sure to check with your bank beforehand and ensure that your credit card can be used in Africa. Furthermore, you can exchange money (e.g., Euros, Dollars) at exchange offices at airports or in larger cities. While many, but not all, accommodations accept credit card payments, it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you.

Is it customary to give tips?

Yes, most guests tip the service team and their guide at the end of their stay in an accommodation. However, it's entirely up to you whether and how much you want to tip. An appropriate amount is typically around 5 to 10 euros per day for your guide as well as for the entire staff team. Often, accommodations provide a general tipping box for this purpose.

What safety precautions should I observe?

Safari guests should always be aware that they are moving directly within the habitat of wild animals, and their accommodations are often situated amidst wildlife areas. It's not uncommon for wild animals to come close to the camp or even wander through it.

The top priority is always to follow the instructions given by the guide and the rules of the accommodation. At the beginning of the safari, you and your group will always receive a short safety briefing, during which essential dos and don'ts will be explained. All guides have several years of experience and have been trained to handle various situations.

To prevent injuries, it's important to wear sturdy footwear and preferably ensure that ankles are covered or supported to avoid twisting on uneven terrain.

Furthermore, caution is advised in cities and tourist areas. Expensive valuables such as watches should be securely stored or preferably not carried at all.