FAQ

What is safari?

A safari holiday is when you go in search of animals living in the wild. It can be any type of animal, although most people hope to see what are known as the "Big 5"; Lions, leopards, rhino, elephant and buffalo. This is a throw-back to the last century and the days of the Big Game hunter who wanted trophies from the most dangerous animals to shoot. These days the only shooting is done with a camera!
The game-viewing - searching for the animals - tends to be done at dawn and dusk. This is when the animals are at their most active. At night it is too dark to see them and the use of flashlights is prohibited in most Parks and reserves. During the day its too hot and many animals sleep or shelter from the sun. The word "safari" first came into the English language at the end of the nineteenth century. It comes from the Swahili word for "long journey", and possibly from the Arabic word "safar" which means "travel". Its first usage can be traced back to the explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton, who travelled between 1851 -53 in disguise to Mecca and then between 1856-60 to the Great Lakes of the African interior. As a gifted linguist who spoke 29 languages, it was he who first used the word "safari" to describe his journeys.

Where should I go on my safari holiday?

It depends on how long you have and what you want to see.

In East Africa both Kenya and Tanzania are excellent for seeing all the main animals. If you don't have much time then a visit to Kenya, visiting Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara gives you a good chance of seeing the Big 5 in a few days. If you have longer then a visit to explore the larger National Parks of Tanzania gives you a true perspective on the scale of Africa.

For specialist viewing, such as Gorilla trekking and Chimps you need to visit specific places. Bwindi Inpenetrable Forest in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park offer the best Gorilla viewing, while Western Tanzania and Kibale in Uganda allow you to walk in to see chimps.

In Southern Africa you can experience true wilderness (albeit from the comfort of luxury lodges and camps) in both Botswana and Zambia, both of which offer exceptional safari and a great variety of habitats.
For a quick safari then the parks and reserves, such as the Kruger, in South Africa make an attractive destination, and if you are travelling with young children then the Private Reserves in the Cape Provinces are ideal. Not too big so the kids won't get bored and malaria-free. You also have the bonus here, at the right time of year, of being able to see whales and sharks.

Should I do a fly or drive on my safari?

Both types of safari have their advantages, you just need to choose the one that suits your requirements best.
A fly-in safari is a good idea if you are limited on time. A flight of one hours can often save you a drive of 4-5, maximising your time in the Game-parks. They also offer great views of the landscapes you are flying over. It is also good if you are prone to travel sickness or suffer from a bad back. Fly-in safaris are more expensive because of the cost of the flights and the need to use safari vehicles from the camp or lodge you are staying at. These vehicles will be shared, although you can pay a supplement for exclusive use. On a Drive-in safari you tend to see more of the country, driving through the everyday villages, countryside, fields and forests. You are met at the airport by your vehicle and guide who will stay with you throughout until he drops you at the airport at the end. It gives you the chance to really get to know your guide and through talking with him get an understanding about the everyday country. Some drives are, however, long and the roads are of an African standard! As the vehicle is private to you, you have more flexibility to stop when you want, and visit places you may be interested in like schools.

How strenuous and tiring are safari holidays?

They are not! True, you have to get up early to be out in time for dawn, but you are back to your camp or lodge by 9.30-10a.m. and have the rest of the day to relax until your afternoon game-drive starts at c. 4p.m. Most of the accommodation we use have pool to relax by or in, as well as lawns and grounds to sit in and read, bird-watch or doze. Many have spa's where you can receive a massage or treatment and most rooms have private verandas or balconies you can relax on. Its a great holiday for catching up on some reading or if you do feel like a bit more action, booking a walking safari or boat trip where available.
In the evening you can enjoy an excellent supper and then relax with a nightcap or coffee around a camp fire, looking up at the exceptional African sky.

Depending on your itinerary there can be a fair amount of travelling between National Parks and lodges, but our consultants can ensure your holiday suits exactly what you want out of your safari and ensure you return enthused and rested.

I want to go on safari but don't want to rough it.

You will not be roughing it. The properties we use are all of an excellent standard. All lodges have en suite bathrooms, as do the vast majority of camps. People assume that because you are in a camp it will be a throw-back to their days as a scout or girl guide. It is nothing like it, except maybe for a marsh mellow or two around the campfire at night. The camps all have tents that are fully furnished with beds and furniture, the bathrooms with a proper toilet and shower/bath. Many of the camps have a thatched roof over their tents and teak floors inside. Nearly all have electricity for lighting and to recharge camera batteries.

They offer lovely lawns with a pool, excellent dining, atmospheric bar and terraces and attentive service.

I want to go on safari but don't want to go on an organised tour and be stuck with a group of strangers.

Nearly all the safaris we offer in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are private, meaning that you have your own vehicle and guide and do not share with anyone else. In South Africa, Botswana and Zambia you will travel independently but will share vehicle on camp drives. This is because you often have to fly to the camps because of their remote locations. You are guaranteed a window seat in these open vehicles.

For those travelling by themselves or who prefer it, we offer a range of group departures. These are selected by us to ensure that you are not crammed into a small vehicle but have excellent views with guaranteed window seats and knowledgeable guides.

Do I need many injections? Will I become ill with a bad stomach?

You will need certain injections, exactly how many depending on how frequent a traveller you are and the destination you are visiting. Normally people require 2-4 jabs, depending on these factors. You will also need to take malaria tablets.

With the widespread availability of bottled water - it is provided free in our private vehicles in East Africa - stomach problems are much rarer than in previous decades. You are staying in excellent properties with high standards of hygiene. Upsets do happen, but the vast majority of our clients enjoy their safaris without stomach problems.