FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
HEALTH & SAFETY
WHAT TO PACK
CURRENCY / GRATUITY
ELECTRICITY / PLUGS
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
PHOTOGRAPHY

The best time to travel to Best Africa Safaris varies from Botswana to Zambia. Africa’s landscape is diverse and spans over different terrains and climates, with each month offering something unique. From desert adventures in Namibia, wine tasting in Cape Winelands to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, not to mention game drives to see the majestic big five animals in South Africa. Generally months June to October are best for game viewing, where the climate is at its driest and hottest, causing animals to congregate around few available water resources. Being winter, the trees have less or no leaves, and there is less shade, for peak wildlife observations. Rainy season starts October to March, except for South Africa, which varies.

Plan carefully to see the peak of the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara and to enjoy Cape Town’s beaches in February to experience the most memorable times in the regions of choice. The countries chosen to offer Best Africa Safaris boasts such a myriad of explorations and holidays that you are assured enchantment all year round. To help plan your Best Africa Safaris, we have put together a month by month guide for the best time to travel to Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Vaccinations:

At least, the following vaccinations are recommended for travel in Africa:

  • Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid
  • Routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough

Note: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations to be supplied on arrival. Yellow Fever endemic countries will not permit entry if travelers have not received the vaccination. Regulations can change. Make sure to research vaccination requirements prior to travel.

Safety:

Travelers anywhere in the world know there are certain safety precautions one should always take. Wise decision making, research and good common sense is key to one's safety in a foreign destination, in addition to the following safety tips:

  1. Know where you are going before you depart, particularly at night
  2. Never walk alone in dark quiet areas. Rather use the services of a taxi or a transfer arranged or recommended by your safari expert
  3. Avoid visiting rural areas unless you are with a guided tour offered by a reputable company
  4. Do not display cash or valuables 
  5. Pay special attention to your valuables while seated at restaurants, when you are withdrawing money from ATMs or walking around tourist attractions
  6. Drive with doors locked and windows closed
  7. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery in a flashy way
  8. Be aware of your surroundings at all times - Be aware of scammers
  9. Safeguard your personal belongings at all times, especially your passport, which should be locked up in the hotel room safe. Ensure that your hotel room is always locked

Most safety guidelines apply specifically to your time in African cities – Luxury lodges are very safe due to their remote locations and limited access of ordinary people onto the reserves and lodge properties. Africa, like any other continent, has positive and negative aspects, but it is a diverse continent with endless possibilities for revitalising experiences, beautiful scenery and charming hospitality. Travelers automatically turn to Africa to seek authentic safari adventures.

There is nothing like the heat of the African sun. Special attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and polarised sunglasses. Wide brimmed sun hats are essential. Wear neutral, earthy coloured pants or long skirts when traveling in Africa, made from comfortable, breathable materials such as denim, khaki or linen. Warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives, unexpected temperature changes or rain. Garments of nature colours blend with the bush and are advisable for safaris and game viewing. Avoid short skirts and shorts, which leave your legs vulnerable to mosquitoes and tics. Men should also avoid wearing shorts on safari. Bring comfortable shirts and blouses made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.

Pack a pair of closed comfortable walking shoes, preferably ones that completely cover your feet. Avoid flashy, brand name running shoes, which mark you as a foreign tourist. It is best to blend in with the wild on safari, for best viewing and least disruption to the natural environment.

Currency:

Bring hard U.S. currency with you on your trip to pay for on-arrival visa fees in countries in Africa, other than South Africa. All credit cards accepted in South Africa, and only ZAR cash currency acceptable in South Africa.

Foreign currency, most easily USD, GBP, EUR and ZAR, may also be changed at exchange bureaus and at authorised hotels.

Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants. Cultural sites and community craft and art outlets usually accept cash only.

Gratuity:

The choice to tip is completely at one's own discretion. An acceptable amount is 10-15%. If you have six or more in your party, restaurants might add a gratuity to your bill. You do not have to tip if you see a service charge added to your bill; however most staff depend on tips to make up for the lower wages they receive.

It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari.

Note for all: Travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with the volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.

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Visa requirements vary by country. Some issue a 90-day tourist visas on arrival for a small fee, or South Africa, which doesn't require a tourist visa at all, have immigration policies that allow for easy entry and exit. Others, like Tanzania, require you to obtain a visa in advance. A passport valid for at least six months is required.

For best photographs, it is recommended to invest in a good SLR camera and a couple of lenses. For wildlife photography, include at least a 300mm lens, because anything less will not produce quality pictures. Ideally you should have 2 cameras as changing lenses is time-consuming when you might be missing the action! Always bring a flash for night safari photography.

For most people, photography is an essential part of an African safari for the wealth of inspiring photographic opportunities there are on offer. There are a lot of different aspects to consider when learning how to take pictures on safari. Photography is hugely light dependent. When to take pictures is just as important as how to take pictures on safari. The early morning and late afternoon offer the most incredible tangerine lighting with the African sun low in the sky. Overcast weather works like a huge filter, offering workable light conditions to photograph throughout the day. The harsh midday sun is very harsh, but you might still get some reasonable shots at a waterhole with animals coming to drink during the heat of the day.

Please do no whistle to wake up an animal to get a better photo and never interfere with a hunt. It is unethical, and also very annoying for other visitors.

When photographing local people, respectfully make sure to always ask permission first.

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