Frequently Asked Questions
Can you arrange a trip for person located outside the United
States?
When is the best time to go on a safari?
What are the special attractions of the countries you operate
in?
Is Africa a good family destination?
How do I get to Africa?
What are the entry requirements?
What types of accommodations are available?
What type of safaris do you offer?
What is a lodge safari?
What is a permanent tented camp safari?
What is a mobile camping safari?
What is a serviced camping safari?
What is a limited participation camping safari?
What is a full participation camping safari?
What is a self-drive safari?
How many people do you take on a safari?
What is a single supplement?
Can a single traveler share accommodation with another
single traveler?
How far in advance should I book my safari?
Can I use a credit card to pay for my safari?
What are the terms when booking a safari with African
Horizons?
What type of vehicles do you use on safari?
What are the different cultures?
What is the landscape like?
What are the roads like?
What is the time difference in Africa?
Is English widely spoken?
Can I use my credit card in Africa?
Are foods for special dietary needs available?
What do the letters B, L, and D refer to on your itineraries?
Is the water safe to drink?
Are there any medical precautions?
What is meant by en-suite or private facilities?
What photography advice can you give?
How did the "big five" get their name?
Can
you arrange a trip for persons located outside the United States?
Yes, we have an international clientele. We can make all arrangements
in Africa including transportation, accommodation and activities. However,
we can only arrange international flights originating in the United
States and Europe.
When
is the best time to go on a safari?
It really depends on the type of animal you wish to see. Certain reserves
have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly
good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times
of the year. It is generally felt that the African winter (June - August)
is the best time to go on safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation
sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals
are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you
have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over two
million animals.
Temperatures in winter are generally mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally a more risky time to travel. So, before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.
Botswana:
All year round. Best birding: Nov-March. Best botanical months: Dec-May.
Peak season: July-October. Middle season: May-June.
Kenya: All year round. Great Migration: June-September.
Namibia: All year round. Best birding: summer (Nov-April). Best
botanical months: Dec-May. Peak season: July-October. Middle season:
May-June.
South Africa: All year round. Best game viewing (in north): winter
(May-August). Southern regions: summer destination (Sept-April).
Tanzania: All year round. Best climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Aug-Oct
and Jan-March. Great migration: April-June and Oct-Dec.
Uganda: All year round. Day temperatures range between 77°
and 95° F. January is the hottest month. In general there are two
main rainy seasons: March - May and October - November.
Zambia: Many lodges are closed Nov-May. Victoria Falls spectacular
after rains: April-May.
Zimbabwe: All year round. Best white-water rafting: Aug-Dec.
Best botanical months: Dec-May. Peak season: July-Oct. Middle season:
May-June.
What
are the special attractions of the countries you operate in?
Botswana: Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Chobe National Park,
Moremi Game Reserve & Okavango Region, Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve.
Kenya: Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Masai
Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park,
Tsavo National Park, The Rift Valley Lakes, Mombasa, Malindi, south
and north coast.
Namibia: Namib-Naukluft Park, Skeleton Coast, Etosha National
Park, Kaokoveld, Fish River Canyon, Damaraland and Caprivi Strip.
South Africa: Mpumalanga region (Kruger National Park), Pilgrim's
Rest, Blyde River Canyon, KwaZulu-Natal (Drakensberg Mountains, Durban),
Western Cape (Cape Town, Peninsula, Winelands, Garden Route) and Sun
City.
Tanzania: Great Migration, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro
Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park,
Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Tarangire National Park,
Kilimanjaro National Park and Selous Game Reserve.
Uganda: Gorilla treks in Bwindi National Park, Murchinson Falls,
Nile River, Kibale National Park, Ruwenzori Mountains, and Queen Elizabeth
National Park.
Zambia: Livingstone Town, Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Liuwa
Plain National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park,
South Luangwa National Park.
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi Valley & Mana
Pools, Gonarezhou National Park, Save River Conservancy, Chimanimani,
Hwange National Park, Eastern Highlands, Great Zimbabwe and Matobo Hills
National Park.
Is
Africa a good family destination?
Africa offers outstanding value for families. However, some destinations
and establishments cater more fully for the enjoyment of children than
others. In Kenya, children five years old and younger are generally
not allowed on game drives in the parks and reserves. Travel to Tanzania
is not recommended for children younger than eight years old. In Botswana
and Zambia many lodges do not take children under 12 years. Most lodges
have swimming pools and baby-sitting services. Please contact us for
more specific information.
How
do I get to Africa?
Africa can be reached by regular international flights to its major
cites. South African Airways flies direct daily to Johannesburg, South
Africa from Atlanta and New York. To reach East Africa from the US,
you will have to fly through Europe and then to Nairobi on a European
airline (e.g., British Airways, KLM, Sabena, etc.). African Horizons
can arrange international flights to Africa that originate in the United
States or Europe. We can also arrange flights within Africa. Trains
and self-drive are convenient options for travel within Southern Africa.
What are the entry requirements?
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six
months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries
do not require visas - this depends on the country you are visiting.
It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country that you
intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements. The list
below contains the current visa requirements applicable to most North
American and European countries.
Botswana:
A visa is not required for tourists.
Kenya: A visa is required and costs $50. The visa can be obtained through
a Kenya embassy in advance of your trip or upon arrival at the airport.
Namibia: A visa is not required for tourists.
South Africa: A visa is not required for tourists.
Tanzania: A visa is required and costs $50. The visa must be
obtained in advance of your trip unless you live in a country that does
not have a Tanzania embassy.
Uganda: A visa is required and costs $50. The visa should be
obtained through a Uganda embassy in advance of your trip.
Zambia: A visa is required and costs $40. The visa can be obtained
at the airport and borders.
Zimbabwe: A visa is required and costs $30. The visa can be obtained
at the airport and borders.
What
types of accommodation are available?
The accommodation type in Africa varies from hotels and inns to luxury
lodges, B&Bs and tented camps.
Botswana: Advanced bookings recommended. Lodges and safari camps
range from tented sites to permanently tented camps, to reed or brick
chalets. Campsites at national parks are very basic.
Kenya: Advanced bookings recommended. Most safari lodges have
rondavel or banda type accommodations, with a lounge, central dining
and bar in single unit hotels. Tented accommodations vary from super
deluxe to standard tents.
Namibia: Advanced bookings recommended outside of major cities.
Lodges and safari camps tend to be on private ranches and offer luxurious
standards. Campsites in national parks are of a high standard with excellent
facilities.
South Africa: Advanced bookings recommended. Lodges and safari
camps often set on private ranches - high standards. Luxurious "tented
camps" pitched on concrete bases are popular. There are hotel chains
in most cities and major towns. Guesthouses, B&Bs and campsites
generally have excellent facilities.
Tanzania: Advanced bookings recommended. Lodges tend to be of
rondavel or banda type with a lounge, central dining and bar in single
unit hotels. Luxurious "tented camps" pitched on concrete
bases are popular. National parks also offer ordinary campsites. All
major towns have luxury hotels and at least one good guesthouse.
Uganda: Advanced bookings recommended. International hotels are
available in cities. In national parks, there is camping, self-catering
huts or chalets and top end lodges with luxury chalets or permanent
tents.
Zambia: Advanced bookings recommended. International hotels are
available in cities and major towns. In national parks, there is camping,
self-catering huts or chalets and top end lodges with luxury chalets
or permanent tents.
Zimbabwe: Advanced bookings recommended. Private game reserves
offer both standard and luxury accommodation. National parks have cottages,
chalets or lodges, which are all fully equipped. Government campsites
are well maintained.
What
type of safaris do you offer?
African Horizons offers the following types of safaris: lodge, fly-in,
permanent tented camps, mobile camping, serviced camping, limited participation
camping, full participation camping and self drive. Please note that
not all of these safari types are available in each country that we
operate in. Go to a specific country page on our web site to see the
type of safaris available.
What
is a lodge safari?
On a lodge safari you travel from lodge to lodge and do game drives
with one of our driver/guides. The lodges we use are essentially hotels
in the bush. They accommodate between 100 and 200 people. They provide
most of the amenities found in a hotel (e.g., restaurant, lounge, swimming
pool, etc.). This is a good choice when traveling with children or if
you want certain creature comforts when you return from game viewing.
What
is a permanent tented camp safari?
Permanent tented camp safaris are done either by vehicle or light aircraft.
In the case of a fly-in safari you will fly from one reserve to the
next. This reduces the amount of travel time considerably and maximizes
game viewing opportunities. Permanent tented camps provide accommodation
ranging from comfortable to luxurious. Most consist of large walk-in
tents on elevated wooden platforms, with beds, chairs, furniture and
an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold water and flushing toilets. Permanent
camps accommodate a smaller size group (20-30 people) than lodges allowing
a more personal interaction with the natural habitat.
What
is a mobile camping safari?
In a mobile-tented safari the camp moves each day while you are game
viewing. Usually the relocation is combined with one or two nights at
a safari lodge before going back into the camp at a new location. This
type of accommodation obviously does not have the amenities of either
lodges or permanent tented camps but the level of comfort and staff
attention is unsurpassed. The camps consist of sleeping, dining, kitchen
and staff tents with toilet and hot water shower annexes. The sleeping
tents are large walk-in tents completely insect proof, with a high outer
fly and small shaded veranda. They are furnished with comfortable beds,
bedside table and chairs. The camp cook prepares meals on open charcoal
fires.
What
is a serviced camping safari?
A serviced camping safari features exclusive wilderness campsites, comfortable
3X3 meter dome tents with GI beds, bedrolls with crisp linen, bedside
tables with reading lamps, towels, mats and hot water bottles for the
winter months. There is a shared bathing enclosure with flushing toilet,
hot shower, hand basin and a luxury range of shampoos and conditioners.
Guest areas include a bush dining area, bar, small wildlife library
and board games. The staff erects and dismantles camp, prepare excellent
meals of fresh produce and take care of all camp chores. All luggage
and camp equipment is transported on a support vehicle.
What
is a limited participation camping safari?
A limited participation camping safari requires that you put up and
take down your tent. The accommodation is in 2-person igloo style tents
with a foam mattress. All camping equipment is provided with the exception
of sleeping bags, which you can bring (recommended) or hire (approximately
$20). All meals are included while camping. The safari leaders are full-time
employees and trained professional guides. Detailed information on the
history of the area, fauna and flora is given to the participants during
the safari. A camp assistant helps with general camp chores and duties.
What
is a full participation camping safari?
A full participation camping safari is essentially the same as a limited
participation camping safari with the exception that you are required
to assist in putting up and taking down the camp including your tent,
preparing meals, etc.
What
is a self-drive safari?
On a self-drive safari you will be met at the airport upon your arrival
and assisted with the formalities of picking up a rental car. You will
be given a detailed itinerary, vouchers and maps for your trip. You
would then proceed, unguided, on the tour according to the set itinerary.
Accommodations are at hotels, lodges, chalets and rest camps.
How
many people do you take on a safari?
Most of our safaris have guaranteed departures with a minimum of two
people and are limited to a maximum of 10 people (if more than 7 people
are on a safari, we use two vehicles). Each person is assured a window
seat. A few of the participation camping safaris require a minimum of
4 people and allow a maximum of 12 people.
What
is a single supplement?
A single supplement is a fee imposed by hotels, lodges and camps on
single travelers. Tour prices are quoted based on two people sharing
accommodation. If someone takes a room by themselves they have to pay
the per-person price plus the single supplement fee.
Can
a single traveler share accommodation with another single traveler?
Yes, providing there is another single traveler of the same sex, on
the same safari, and the other person agrees to the proposed arrangement.
How
far in advance should I book my safari?
It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability
at the time you wish to travel (4-6 months), especially during the peak
seasons (July & August and Christmas/New Years). This is especially
important for those wishing to travel on private custom safaris and
those adding extensions to scheduled trips.
Can
I use a credit card to pay for my safari?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express for your safari deposit.
The balance is due 60 days prior to departure and is payable by check,
money order or wire transfer.
What
are the terms when booking a safari with African Horizons?
Click here to view our Terms and Conditions document.
What
type of vehicles do you use on safari?
African Horizons uses mini buses in East Africa. In Southern Africa
we use mini buses, open-roof vehicles and 4x4 vehicles on safari. The
specific vehicle used on a particular safari depends on the country
and the reserves to be visited. All vehicles are equipped with two-way
radios and are maintained to provide the maximum level of comfort and
safety.
What
are the different cultures?
Botswana: Main ethnic groups are the Batswana (descendants of iron-age
immigrants from Central West Africa), the Basarwa (San, indigenous hunter-gatherers,
pre-iron age), and the Herero (pastoralists). 80% of the population
of Botswana lives in rural areas.
Kenya: There are over 70 tribal groups in Kenya. Differences
between many of them are blurred - Western cultural values are becoming
more deep-seated and traditional values are disintegrating. Tribes include
Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba.
Namibia: The Ovambo tribe makes up 50% of the population. Other
tribes include Kavangos, Herero, Himba sub-group, Damara (or Nama),
San (Bushmen) and remaining German colonials.
South Africa: 75% black, 13% white (60% Afrikaner descent, rest
mostly British descent), 8% Colored race, 3% Asian descent. The two
major cultural groups are Nguni (Ndebele, Swazi, Xhosa and Zulu tribes)
and Sotho (Tswana, Pedi and Basotho).
Tanzania: Tanzania's culture is a result of African, Arab, European
and Indian influences. There are 120 African tribal groups. The largest
group is of Bantu origin including Dukuma, Nyamwezi, Makonde, Haya and
Chagga. The Maasai are of Nilotic origin, as are the Arusha and the
Samburu.
Uganda: The population of Uganda is made up of a complex and
diverse range of tribes the most prominent of which are the Bugunda,
Lango, Acholi, Teso and Pygmies among many others.
Zambia: About 99% of the population is made up of over 70 indigenous
tribal groups. The major groups are Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale,
Nyanja and Tongo.
Zimbabwe: The Shona people make up about 71% of the population
and are the ruling class of Zimbabwe. The Ndebele make up about 16%
and occupy the area around Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
What
is the landscape like?
Botswana: Flat, landlocked country, almost entirely covered by
the Kalahari Desert. There is a lush delta, arid sandveld, scrub savannah
and several saltpans.
Kenya: Lies on Indian Ocean and on the equator. Four geographical
regions: arid desert, savannah grassland, fertile lowlands (coast) and
the highlands. There are extinct volcanoes as well as lakes and rivers.
Namibia: Large, mostly arid country. Its four geographical regions
consist of the Namib Desert, the Central Plateau, the Kalahari sands
and wooded bushveld.
South Africa: Washed by Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Three major
geographical regions: the coastal belt, high plateau and mountain ranges.
There are also veld plains and rivers.
Tanzania: Lies on Indian Ocean. Includes the island of Zanzibar.
Mainland has lush coast, savannah, and semi-desert along with extinct
volcanoes, lakes and mountain ranges including Mount Kilimanjaro.
Uganda: Although situated on the equator, Uganda's relatively
high altitude tempers the heat and the humidity is generally low. The
land varies from semi-desert in the northeast, to the lush and fertile
shores of Lake Victoria, to the mountainous south and west.
Zambia: Zambia is a land-locked and is bordered by eight countries.
It is primarily a vast plateau with deciduous savannah, small trees,
grassy plains and marshland with a rain forest around Victoria Falls.
The Zambezi is its major river.
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe is largely plateau with bushveld, giving rise
to many rivers like the Zambezi. It also has mountainous highlands and
Victoria Falls, Africa's biggest waterfall.
What
are the roads like?
Botswana: About 25% of highways are tarred. The roads are rough,
dusty and badly signposted in reserves - 4x4 essential.
Kenya: All major roads are tarred. Surface of lesser roads vary.
Many roads are only navigable by 4x4 in rainy season.
Namibia: About 15% of highways are paved. Namibia has a good
infrastructure of roads. Two-wheel drive vehicle is adequate for self-drive
holiday.
South Africa: The roads are well maintained. Number of toll roads present.
South Africa is a good self-drive destination.
Tanzania: About 5% of highways are tarred. Only key roads are
in good condition. Road conditions in reserves and parks are rough.
Uganda: All major roads are tarred. The quality of lesser roads
varies. Many roads are only :navigable by 4x4 in rainy season.
Zambia: About 20% of highways are paved. After rains, most gravel
roads only passable by 4x4.
Zimbabwe: About 50% of highways are paved. Outside parks and
reserves, where 4x4s are advisable, road conditions and signage are
good. Self-drive is an option.
What
is the time difference in Africa?
Botswana: GMT +2 hours
Kenya: GMT +3 hours
Namibia: GMT +1 hour/GMT +2 hours
South Africa: GMT +2 hours
Tanzania: GMT +3 hours
Uganda: GMT +3 hours
Zambia: GMT +2 hours
Zimbabwe: GMT +2 hours
Is
English widely spoken?
Yes. English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa, especially
by those involved in the tourist trade. European and Middle Eastern
languages spoken in Africa include German (Namibia) and Arabic (Tanzania).
Can
I use my credit card in Africa?
Botswana: All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops
and restaurants. Certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment
by Diners or American Express.
Kenya: Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa and American
Express) are widely accepted. Diner's Card is not generally accepted.
Namibia: International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally
accepted throughout Namibia. Holders of other credit cards are advised
to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in
Namibia. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.
South Africa: Visa, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard
are accepted by most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental firms and
other points of sale and service. Proof of identity may be requested
in some instances and it is therefore useful to carry a passport or
some form of photo identification at all times.
Tanzania: Most top hotels and lodges around the country accept
Visa and MasterCard. In addition to credit cards, clients should bring
US dollars and traveler's checks.
Uganda: Credit cards are accepted at the major hotels. However,
there are few other places where international credit cards are accepted.
Zambia: All major credit cards are accepted at the bigger hotels
and shops. Note that certain lodges do not accept payment by Diners
or American Express.
Zimbabwe: All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops
and restaurants. However, please note that certain lodges and restaurants
do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.
Are foods for special dietary needs available? Yes. Special dietary requirements are catered for throughout Africa. Please give us advanced notice so that we can make arrangements with the lodges and camps you are scheduled to stay at. Most restaurants offer selections for vegetarians, depending on their forte. Local specialties can be surprisingly good! With the exception of a few lodges, halaal and kosher food is not available at most camps/lodges.
What
do the letters B, L, and D refer to on your itineraries?
The letters indicate the meals that are included on a safari or tour.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. B&B refers to Bed and Breakfast.
Is
the water safe to drink?
Botswana: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels,
inns, lodges and other public places. Remember water is a scarce resource,
especially in this drought-stricken country, so please be respectful
and help to conserve water.
Kenya: While water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively
safe to drink, it is safer to drink sealed bottled water, available
from most hotels and lodges.
Namibia: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels, inns,
lodges and other public places. Remember water is as precious as diamonds
in this drought-stricken land.
South Africa: The tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. If you
prefer, bottled water is available.
Tanzania: It is advisable to drink boiled or bottled water. If
camping - bring drinking water and other bottled drinks.
Uganda: It is advisable to drink boiled or bottled water.
Zambia: Tap water is usually safe to drink, but bottled water
can be purchased if preferred.
Zimbabwe: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels,
inns, lodges and other public places.
Are
there any medical precautions?
Vaccination requirements change from time to time. Some countries require
advance inoculations for yellow fever (and certificates thereof) that
are good for 10 years - African Horizons will advise you of these. Malaria
is present in many parts of Africa - we will advise you if you will
be visiting a malaria area. We suggest you consult your local doctor
or health department for information on malaria prophylactics and the
latest health precautions. If you are on prescription medication, please
ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay
and a copy of your prescription(s).
What
is meant by en-suite or private facilities?
En-suite or private facilities are toilet and bath/shower located within
your room or tent rather than facilities designed for community use.
What
photography advice can you give?
A good camera will make the difference between having photos of spectacular
wildlife and having vague, little dots of animals to show family and
friends. The more common "point-and-shoot" cameras are too
small. On safari, you won't always be able to get up close to wildlife.
A SLR (single lens reflex) camera with a 200-300mm lens is recommended.
More serious photographers may choose telephoto lenses of 400 or 500mm.
Larger lenses often require a tripod, which cannot be used on a moving
vehicle. A 2x teleconverter is useful for doubling the focal length
of your lens. A zoom lens, such as a 70 to 210 mm lens, is probably
the best option for shooting a moving subject.
The
harsh African sun provides excellent lighting, but using larger lenses
will require faster film, especially in early morning or late afternoon
when the light is softer. In this case, 200-400 ASA film is recommended.
Film and batteries are usually available along major tourist routes
and from lodges, but it is wise to bring your own. A lens hood and ultra
violet filter are advisable. A good bag for your equipment including
a dust cover (plastic bag) is essential.
Important Note: Not all African cultures are familiar with cameras. Rural folk will often shy away from having their picture taken. Please be sensitive. Some locals may ask a fee for having their photograph taken. It is recommended you avoid photographing anything relating to government and military installations, including personnel (soldiers and police) and buildings (post offices, banks, airports, border posts, railway stations and bridges).
How
did the "big five" get their name?
The "big five" are leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
These animals constitute a wish list for many people on safari. The
term is a reference from colonial trophy hunting. Hunters ranked African
animals as to how dangerous they were to hunt. This is why hippo and
giraffe - despite their stature - are not among this elite, sought-after
group.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions.
For
more information call us at
Toll Free: (877) 256.1074 or (847) 256.1075
or email us at info@africanhorizons.com
Travel Planner - FAQs - About Us - Contact Us - Links - Testimonials
Kenya - Tanzania - Uganda/Rwanda - Botswana - Namibia - South Africa - Zambia - Zimbabwe - Madagascar
©2008 African Horizons. All rights reserved
Website
design & hosting by:
LAlink, Inc.