1. Is it safe ?
Travel to any destination involves some risk and Africa is no exception. However, Wildlife Safari has over fifty years of operating on the ground within Africa and safety remains our priority. We work with only the finest hotels, tented camps and safari lodges and always use modern, safe transport with experienced guides. We receive continuous local condition updates and adjust our operations accordingly so that we never compromise any guest, staff or equipment for the sake of cost or convenience.
2. Is a safari physically demanding ?
Most of our safaris are not physically demanding as we select only the finest accommodations with comfortable domestic air and ground transportation. Our game viewing activities are conducted in custom designed safari vehicles with expert guides. However, some of our guests may enjoy some physical activity on safari so we offer guided treks in various wildlife sanctuaries, often at no additional cost. For the more adventurous traveller, Wildlife Safari can arrange a Mount Kilimanjaro climb or Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trek with details on request.
3. When is the best time to visit ?
East Africa is a year-round destination, offering a comfortable climate and excellent game viewing throughout the year. The wildebeest migration between the Serengeti and Masai Mara is the “greatest wildlife show on earth” when over two million wildebeest, together with zebra and other plains game species make the northward trek into the Masai Mara, usually from June to October, before returning to the southern Serengeti for the calving season, January to March. However, other wildlife species are always found in concentrations throughout the year in all wildlife sanctuaries. Travel in the low season months offers excellent value for money and without the crowds. Southern Africa has a more pronounced climate with hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters so while game viewing is possible throughout the year in most spots, most guests prefer the winter months for a more concentrated wildlife viewing experience.
4. What is the climate like ?
Being equatorial, East Africa has constant temperatures year-round with “long rains” in April/May and “short rains” in November/December. Our safaris are conducted at three to six thousand feet above sea level, so the climate is warm and dry with day temperatures in the high 20’s dropping to high 10’s at night. The coastal areas are tropical with a warmer and more humid climate. Southern Africa has a more distinct climate, hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters in the interior regions while the coastal southwest of the continent experiences hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Overall, the climate is pleasant and does not experience harsh extremes however weather patterns can vary year to year, as global weather patterns change.
5. Will I require visas & vaccinations ?
Visa and vaccination requirements vary from country to country within Africa so it is essential to check with Wildlife Safari well before your departure date. Your doctor or local health authority is best qualified to advise you about vaccinations and other travel medical matters. Wildlife Safari is not qualified to give any medical advice, we only confirm various country entry requirements.
6. What about the food & water ?
The cuisine on a Wildlife Safari journey in Africa is excellent. City hotels and beach resorts offer a selection of dining options and many local restaurants will specialize in local and international cuisine. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily on safari. Breakfast is usually a selection of tropical fruits, cereals, eggs cooked to order with accompaniments. Lunch is usually a range of hot and cold dishes while dinners tend to be a little more elegant with a la carte or several courses table d’hôte menu. Bottled water is provided during our game viewing activities and hotels/lodges/camps carry a selection of beverages for purchase. Many luxury tented camps and lodges are All Inclusive and include a selection of beverages on safari. Food storage, hygiene and preparation standards are critical at Wildlife Safari and we request/obtain regular updates of our select hotels/lodges/camps throughout Africa.
7. What should I wear on safari ?
Wear comfortable and casual clothing on safari, avoiding synthetic materials and bright colours during game viewing activities. Remember a hat and comfortable walking shoes and warmer clothing for nights at higher altitudes or during the cooler months. A few city restaurants and luxury trains may require jacket & tie for men and appropriate evening attire for women, although this is now rare. Same day laundry service is available at all hotels and lodges/camps and safari clothing is available at numerous city boutiques and hotel/lodge/tented camp shops. Luggage on domestic light aircraft flights is limited so please pack light. Larger suitcases may be stored at your city hotels while on safari by prior arrangement.
8. What if there is an emergency ?
Cellular telephone networks exist through most of Africa and Wildlife Safari also operates UHF/VHF radio communications between every Wildlife Safari vehicle and our base at Serengeti House in Nairobi, Kenya. Most Wildlife Safari Africa destinations operate a version of the Flying Doctor emergency air evacuation to modern hospital facilities in the nearest major city. Guests must have adequate travel insurance to cover all medical expenses in the event of an emergency. Wildlife Safari emergency telephone contacts are included in our final travel documents sent to all guests before departure.
9. Shopping – what can I buy ?
Africa is a shopping paradise with amazing local handicrafts, wood and stone artworks, semi-precious and precious gems, textiles, clothing, and an array of other goods. Haggling is a way of life, except in the large city stores. Shops, hotels, safari lodges/camps and restaurants accept major credit cards, most will also accept major currencies and US$ currency (except US$ 100 notes) are welcome.
10. What equipment shall I take ?
Take your camera, iPad, iPhone, etc… with adequate memory cards and charging options. You can recharge your batteries on safari at your safari lodge/camp and most have Wi-Fi. Africa is a photographer’s paradise so bring a zoom lens. We recommend your own pair of binoculars so you don’t need to share.
