Frequently asked questions...African Safari Consultants

	Specialist African Safari Consultants and Safari Booking Agents.
The most comprehensive safari source on the internet!

If ever you have to visit another continent, you have to visit Africa - at least twice!

-    Involving the participation of rural communities and stimulation of regional economies,
-    Promoting the advancement of green frontiers and bio-diversity,
-    Offer interpretative experiences aimed at enlightening and educating,
-    Are located in the most diverse scenic and wildlife locations,
-    Have the largest tracts of private wildlife land on the continent, or,
-    Are located in National Parks,
-    Have small, beautifully designed private camps with impeccable service.

Is it safe to go to Africa? - One always hears about political strife, riots and health problems?

First of all, the areas where safaris are undertaken are completely safe, and free of political strife. We only conduct safaris in countries which are politically stable, and where it is safe for our clients. The chance of you being the victim of crime is very remote... When it comes to cities, one always has to remember.... "a city is a city is a city..." Of course, crime cannot completely be ruled out, but when you go out at night, try to avoid sleazy areas, go out in a group, and avoid areas your guide or hotels recommend. In short, apply the same principles you otherwise would have done back home, or in any other larger city in the world.

We believe that our American travelers are aware of the sources of transmission of AIDS. There is no greater risk of exposure on a safari than there is at home. Mosquitoes do not transmit AIDS. While no one can be certain of the purity of the blood supply at home or abroad, there are blood screening facilities in Johannesburg and Nairobi. These hospitals are staffed by South African, American and European trained doctors, nurses, and technicians and have high standards of medical care.

Our hand-picked rangers and trackers ensure that close encounters with wildlife are exciting, informative and safe. Rangers undergo extensive selection and training, and are engendered with a code of ethics and a reverence for all life. All are armed with rifles on game viewing drives and bush walks, and trained guards patrol the camps. In case of an emergency, medical rescue services are on standby to airlift anyone to the best medical facilities in South Africa.

This aspect is very exaggerated. You will rarely see a snake, but if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the romantic ambience... Bear in mind that malaria is a threat in most wildlife areas, and it is essential to consult your physician for advice before embarking on your safari.

Go now! The proverbial "winds of change" are blowing in Africa constantly! Africa has changed tremendously during the lifetime of just one generation. In some countries, wildlife has just about disappeared... and their infrastructures destroyed, which to a large extent can be blamed on guerrilla wars... (Mozambique and Angola are classic examples.)

However, wildlife is also disappearing to a large extent due to modernization. Think of the peoples and tribes who were displaced due to building of man made lakes like Lake Kariba (Zambia / Zimbabwe) and the Cahorra Bassa Lake in Mozambique... Primitive cultures are disappearing due to Western influences... a lot has changed in Africa since World War II. Visiting the continent of Africa is not an experience one should postpone to "someday". Currency exchange rates are very favorable, and a little bit of money goes a long way!

Eco-tourism plays a very important role in the sustaining of wildlife and other natural resources - your "tourist-dollar" in fact contributes tremendously to the maintaining of jobs and wildlife conservation.

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 so-called "Big Five"). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelle, Giraffe, Baboon and Hippo. The bird life is fantastic - in some areas up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and the hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! The acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine. Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow when the clouds clear.

And oh!... The romantic evenings, around a camp fire, with a star-filled sky like you have never seen before!

From the vast Serengeti plains to the champagne colored hills of Kenya's Masai Mara over 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa's great predators, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.

There is no real beginning or end to a wildebeest's journey. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water. The only beginning is at the moment of birth. An estimated 400,000 wildebeest calves are born during a six week period early each year - usually between late January and mid-March.

DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH

The Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area is arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. During the months December through March the seemingly unending plains of the southern Serengeti and the Conservation Area are inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. The great herds graze on rain ripened grass.

In the calving season (late January through mid March) the herds concentrate at the Ndutu and Salei plains (Southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area) attracting the attention of predators like lion, cheetah and hyena.

During this period the migration is best observed from Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Camp or any of several private tented camps used by mobile safaris such as our "Wildlife Adventure by 4x4 Safari". These include campsites in the Ndutu / Naabi area.

APRIL, MAY

During the months April and May the depleted plains are unable to sustain the endless herds. The migration, sweeping west and north, moves from the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the long grass plains and woodland of the Serengeti's western Corridor, almost to Lake Victoria.

This period is during the long rains and is considered off season for wildlife viewing in East Africa as roads are often impassable. Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Camp and the Serengeti Serena Lodge are fine for wildlife viewing during this time. So are campsites in the Ndutu / Naabi area.

JUNE

By the end of May the wildebeest have exhausted the Western Corridor's best pastures and the herds must move further north. Entering the Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle, breeding occurs May through June.

This is a transitional period between the rains and the dry season. The Serengeti Serena is a central, easily accessible lodge for viewing the migration at this time. Grumeti River Camp, Migration Camp and Kirawira Camp are also options. Seronera and Moru area campsites are best.

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER

By July the countless herds have amassed along the swollen Mara River - a final barrier from the short sweet grasses of the Masai Mara. Sometimes the crossing place they have chosen is shallow allowing the majority of animals to pass safely. In other areas the waters boil with drowning wildebeest and slashing crocodiles.

Between July and October the wildebeest reside in the Mara. We recommend Governor's Il Moran Tented Camp as the leading safari camp in the Masai Mara. Other tented camps include Governor's Main Camp, Little Governor's Camp and Bateleur Camp. Tanzanian lodges recommended during this time include Kirawira Tented, Migration Camp, and Grumeti River Camp. Kirawira and Moru area campsites are best.

The arrival of the short rains call the migration southward. During the short rains of November the wildebeest migration is best viewed from either Lobo Wildlife Lodge or Klein's Camp. Campsites in the Lobo area are best.

As November ends the migration is making its way back to the southern Serengeti and early in the year they once again give birth. The circle of life is complete.

* Note - the migration is a natural event and the timing varies month by month; year by year, further determined by rainfall patterns�. All this will contribute to probably the most enjoyable vacation you will ever have...

*** A word of caution though... This experience will cost you a lot of money down the line.... Once Africa has you in her embrace, you will not escape... and many future returns to this lovely place and it's people are bound to follow!

Although more than 2000 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa, in many cases it being the official language.

In the major cities of the African safari destinations, you will stay at Hotels or Country Lodges as you would anywhere else in the world. In the wilderness areas or National Parks, you will stay at Safari Lodges and Camps.

African Safari Consultants presents a wide selection of the different types of accommodation in Africa’s safari destinations. The lodges and luxury tented camps we use in Africa meet the standards of the most discriminating traveler. All camps and lodges are very carefully selected, and all maintain the highest standards, which will ensure your ultimate comfort during your stay. Universally accepted hotel and lodge ratings are not applied to the different types of accommodation, but they generally fall within first-class to luxury range.

Lodges are permanent structures (mostly under thatch) which have been aesthetically designed to blend into the landscape and retain a rustic ambiance, providing luxurious and modern facilities. Most lodges also have swimming pools.

Camps are relatively small and may be permanent, semi-permanent or mobile camps. Whatever the nature and structure, the camps are fully catered (you do not have to participate in any chores) and generally apply a staff ratio of 3 to 1. Camps are either thatched chalets or permanent and luxuriously furnished walk-in tents. Tented camps are luxurious, most have en-suite bathrooms, beds with fine inner-spring mattresses and conform to all the modern conveniences which will ensure that your stay will be very comfortable and enjoyable. As each property is indeed quite unique, we invite you browse our Camps and Lodges pages, and discover their individual features and find the ones best suit your needs.

Around the turn of the century (until the 30's and 40's), mobile tenting was the only option, and "camp as you go" was the standard practice. Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile tenting safari has increased. By the same token, one can understand that the cost to have a "luxury hotel" following one around in Africa is expensive. However, 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. Don't be misled by terminology - a permanent tented camp offers the comfort of a 5-star hotel but with the romance and adventure of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa.

(If you went to Africa, and did not stay in a tented camp, you were on vacation - not on a safari!)

If you prefer to be accommodated in a mobile tented safari, we can design an itinerary for you, but bear in mind that the cost is about 50% more than a permanent tented camp safari.

You will find the food exquisite! Breakfasts are substantial in the true colonial tradition, offering a selection of fresh fruits or juices, hot or cold cereal, eggs, sausage or bacon, toast and fresh baked bread, and coffee or tea. For lunch you can choose from an elaborate buffet which includes a variety of hot and cold food, and a chance to try some African cuisine. You can expect your evening meal to match the standards which you would find in any high quality restaurant in the world. If you have a sweet tooth you will certainly enjoy the specially prepared desserts.

The water in Nairobi, Johannesburg and Windhoek is perfectly safe. While out on safari, however, only drink the purified water provided by your lodge, or drink bottled water.

Generally speaking, yes. Remember, a safari is a family experience! Some of the lodges in South Africa require that children be at least eight years old. Some of the camps and lodges will restrict activities to exclude small children, but that is purely due to physical limitations. Children will enjoy the wildlife and meeting the tribal people, and during their free time they can relax in the swimming pool.

Sure! A safari is the ideal trip for the independent traveler. Go new places - meet new people! Just be aware that many of the lodges and camps apply a single supplement. If you prefer to travel with a group, please review some of the safaris we offer which have set departure dates. If you are unsure about this, please feel free to contact us and we will gladly assist with the information you may require.

Cotton slacks and shirts are ideal, with a sweater or other layers to shed as the day heats up. A hat with a brim is essential, and a cotton bandanna useful, especially in Amboseli, Kenya, which can be dusty. Khaki and cotton travel well, and pale earth colors such as tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds. Camouflage clothes are illegal in many African countries. Solid-colored safari clothes, however, are practical and widely available.

Comfortable walking shoes, such as topsiders or *running/tennis shoes with socks, are recommended over sandals; thorns are everywhere, and socks with your shoes deter mosquito bites. Include a lightweight raincoat or jacket, and a swimsuit (many lodges have pools.) You may want to take flannel pajamas/a robe or a sweat suit for Kenya's Ark, where you can chose to have a wake up call if a rhino comes to the water hole in the wee hours.

A nice dress is useful for clubs, casinos and restaurants in cities such as Nairobi, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Harare, - in the evenings, a dress code of "Smart Casual" should be considered...

Chinos and khakis work better than jeans, which take forever to try. Safari/Bermuda shorts are unwelcome at mosques; visitors should dress conservatively in Islamic communities (Lamu, Mombassa, Zanzibar;) long sleeves and long pants also deter mosquitoes and sunburn.

Laundry service is available at most lodges and even tented camps, but be very clear about when you need your clothes returned. Take at least three changes of clothes for a week on safari, plus your own detergent to wash a few things. Dry cleaners are more rare than rhinos. Some hotels have hairdryers in every room and there are beauty salons in Nairobi, Cape Town, and even on the Rovos Rail train, plus at Mt. Kenya Safari Club, but remember, you will be wearing a hat most days. The best advice is to travel light, and wear cotton.

What kind of weather can I expect?

In brief, we can give you some indication of what to expect...

East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania):

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.

Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia:

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 cold - 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's climate is typical of a semi-desert area, with hot days and cool nights. Inland summer days (October to April) are warm to hot (sometimes in excess of 100F). Nights are sometimes extremely cold, so be prepared! The rainy season is in summertime, with most rainfall occurring in the north and northeast. Rainfall normally occurs as short, but sometimes violent thunderstorms.

Please consult us for current regulations pertaining to visa requirements of the various safari destinations...

Anti-malaria medication is strongly advised, and should be taken for those going on safari. A yellow fever inoculation may be required if you travel from some North-African countries to Southern Africa - and we suggest contacting your physician for professional advice in this regard.

African Safari Consultants accepts all major credit cards for safari payments. Credit cards are also widely accepted in Africa, although some of the smaller bush camps will only accept cash or travelers checks when purchasing curios or paying for other services. In some case you will also find that some operators may add about 3% to credit card payments, in order to cover bank commissions / costs.

Supplemental health insurance as well as trip cancellation insurance is indeed suggested, and some operators insist that clients indeed have it. Please contact us for more details in this regard..

Very few, it all depends an what kind of a safari you are going on. One nice thing about a safari is that most everything is included in the price you pay before you leave. Please view the rates as indicated, of the individual camps and lodges. Alcoholic beverages are generally excluded. Gratuities for your professional safari guides are also excluded in the quoted rates, and in this regard we suggest a $7.00 - $8.00 gratuity per day. Extra expenses may include some side trips to areas of personal interest, boat rental, fishing trips and any extra nights you may require due to combining safaris.

The age old Latin adage applies - "Ex Africa semper aliquid novus" (Out of Africa, always something new). No two days are alike on safari. The only thing the days have in common is that each day will be filled with some new experiences coupled with the joy and excitement of being on safari in Africa!.

Your day usually begins with n early morning wake up call, accompanied with a hot beverage, before you prepare for your first game drive of the day. This game drive is early in the morning when the animals are most active. Then, after viewing the African wildlife for about three hours, you return to the comfort of your lodge for a sumptuous breakfast. Most animals bed down over the heat of the day, and are not active until the day cools down again in the afternoon.

Spend the middle of the day relaxing at the pool side or visit with the African people in a local village. Mid-afternoon, you return to your game viewing vehicles for an afternoon game drive which ends around sundown. (Some of the lodges also offer night drives, which allows you to view the nocturnal species.) Upon your return to camp, enjoy a hot shower and sundowner around a camp fire, watching a sunset which you can only experience in Africa...and then you are off to a delicious dinner in your first class lodge or luxury tented camp.

It is also noteworthy that on the days when you transfer between the game park areas, most operators offer educational and cultural activities designed to enhance your safari experience.

It all depends on the route you wish to take to Africa. The direct flight from New York to Johannesburg in South Africa is 14 1/2 hours. The flight from Johannesburg to Nairobi is approximately four hours. The flight from Johannesburg to Harare in Zimbabwe is approximately 1 1/2 hours. If you prefer to travel via Europe, it will take you about eight hours from Chicago and eleven to twelve hours from Los Angeles to get to Europe, and another nine hours to Nairobi.

Cotton slacks and shirts are ideal, with a sweater or other layers to shed as the day heats up. A hat with a brim is essential, and a cotton bandanna useful, especially in Amboseli, Kenya, which can be dusty.
Khaki and cotton travel well, and pale earth colors such as tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds. Camouflage clothes are illegal in many African countries. Solid-colored safari clothes, however, are practical and widely available.

Comfortable walking shoes, such as topsiders or *running/tennis shoes with socks, are recommended over sandals; thorns are everywhere, and socks with your shoes deter mosquito bites. Include a lightweight raincoat or jacket, and a swimsuit (many lodges have pools.) You may want to take flannel pajamas/a robe or a sweat suit for Kenya's Ark, where you can chose to have a wake up call if a rhino comes to the water hole in the wee hours.

Chinos and khakis work better than jeans, which take forever to try. Safari/Bermuda shorts are unwelcome at mosques; visitors should dress conservatively in Islamic communities (Lamu, Mombassa, Zanzibar;) long sleeves and long pants also deter mosquitoes and sunburn.

Laundry service is available at most lodges and even tented camps, but be very clear about when you need your clothes returned. Take at least three changes of clothes for a week on safari, plus your own detergent to wash a few things. Dry cleaners are more rare than rhinos. Some hotels have hairdryers in every room and there are beauty salons in Nairobi, Cape Town, and even on the Rovos Rail train, plus at Mt. Kenya Safari Club, but remember, you will be wearing a hat most days. The best advice is to travel light, and wear cotton.

Travel lightly. On international flights, each person is allowed a maximum of two pieces of luggage with a combined weight not exceeding 44 pounds. We recommend two smaller bags rather than one large suitcase. "Squashable" suitcases, Overnight bags, duffel bags, etc. are ideal. While you’re on safari, additional baggage can be safely stored at your hotel. The baggage allowance on local planes within East Africa is 33 pounds. Even more important than weight is the size of the bags. Large suitcases cannot be stowed on light aircraft. Again, soft luggage is recommended. A few changes of clothes, your camera equipment, and toiletries are really all you should need. If you plan to do any trekking include a small backpack.

If you bring along video camera, electric iron, razor or hair dryer, make sure they are adaptable to 220 AC and 50 cycle current and that you have adapter plugs for English outlets. Game lodges use generators which shut down at bedtime. Camps in Tanzania only run generators for a few hours per day, however this usually is enough to recharge video batteries. Remember this is the Bush, so don’t count on electricity.

Africa is the photographer’s dream! A camera will record all those, unbelievable and spectacular sights you’ll want to share with friends. We suggest a good 35 mm camera with a 35-70 mm zoom lens, and a longer lens, such as a 80-200 mm to capture the multitude of rare birds you see. More and more travelers are capturing all the thrills of safari on video cameras. Most lodges and camps have facilities for recharging your batteries. You may have to pay a nominal fee in some game parks for non-commercial use of video cameras. Unobstructed pictures can be taken through the roof hatch of your minibus. Remember that any vibration in the camera is magnified, so be sure to rest your arms on the body of the vehicle and request that the engine be turned off, if that’s possible.

Taking photographs at AIRPORTS, HARBORS, and MILITARY INSTALLATIONS is prohibited. Your entire roll of film (or camera!) may be confiscated.

The first rule is to bring plenty along! 15-25 rolls (or more!) Although film is available in Nairobi and at some lodges, it can be expensive. For color slides, we recommend Kodacrome 64 and high-speed ektachrome 400, the latter for low-light conditions. For more natural colors you may prefer Fuji 400 HR. For color prints, Kodacolor or Kodak Gold 100 and 400 give excellent results. If you want to take pictures at night you’ll need Kodak Ektar 1000. Take along extra batteries for your camera and cover or plastic bags to protect your camera and lenses from the dust when you are not using them.

If you’re a "birder", binoculars are essential. The best range of magnification for safari is from 6X to 8X with a lens size of 35mm.

Aside from shopping, you need money for drinks, tips and incidentals. Experience has shown that most clients spend between $400 and $500. The shops are full of tempting items. Major credit cards and travelers checks are accepted in major hotels and stores, but some game lodges and rural shops accept only cash. We also recommend that you take traveler’s checks rather than cash with you. Do not keep all valuables in one place, such as a purse, that could be lost. It’s a good idea, if you have more than one credit card to keep the second in a separate pocket or locked in the hotel safe.

Be on time. Nothing is more irritating to other group members than to have to constantly wait for a slowpoke. Be at appointed meeting places, ready to go. You may not wish to go on all game drives or sightseeing. However, do be sure to tell your driver or guide in advance so he won’t wait for you.

Be quiet. Part of the beauty of the African bush is the silence and serenity. If you notice others aren’t speaking, it’s probably a sign they wish you weren’t either. On game drives you risk scaring away the animal you want to see by shouting or speaking loudly. Quietly point out to the driver the animals in question and be assured he’ll respond appropriately.

Be considerate. Some in your group may want to keep moving while others want to linger to get that perfect shot. If your group is large, you can often sort yourselves out into minibuses of people with similar habits.

Don’t assume that you are the only person who likes the front seat. It’s always best to ask. Refrain from smoking in vehicles and during meals. Don’t be a complainer. Most problems are pretty easy to rectify when the right person knows about them. If something is bothering you tell the person concerned or your guide. You’re on the adventure of a lifetime. It’s not supposed to be "just like home."

In order to assist you with the planning of your safari, we have provided an extensive list of traveling tips to help your journey go as smooth as possible. These tips are specific to each country, so just pick a link to find out more.

Please complete our short safari inquiry form, in order to enable us to assist you with the planning of a vacation of a lifetime - a Safari in Africa!

African Safari Consultants
1042 Willow Creek Road # A101 - 240
Prescott, AZ 86301

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