Africa Inbound Safaris

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FAQ

Here is a list of the top tips we’ve learnt to make sure you get the most out of your african safari.

GO LOCAL! Rely on someone who lives in these areas and spends their time out there. It is of absolutely no use to you if an Agent tells you that they visited a specific country once 5 years ago – things change – climate changes, areas change, fires occur in the bush, camps and lodges get upgraded (or become run down!), management changes – all these things will directly affect your safari experience. Africa Inbound Safaris prides itself on knowing every single one of the properties that we send people to. We visit them regularly so as to keep up to date with any changes / improvements / drops in standard.

Research your seasons. We are here to advise you on the best time to travel to these destinations. However, it is important that, before making your enquiry, you have a pretty good idea of when NOT to travel – for example, the rainy season or when it is particularly hot over here.

Flights. Do NOT book your flights prior to confirming your safari! Often people will book their flights and then have a look around for a safari – this is a disaster, as in many cases availability of properties is an issue and by changing dates by a day or two, we are then able to book your perfect safari. What you don’t want to happen is to miss out on a special that is running or an amazing deal simply because you are not flexible with your travel dates.

Travel Insurance. It is vital that you are insured when traveling abroad – both medically along with incidentally. Africa Inbound Safaris includes an Okavango Air Rescue Insurance Cover in your price. Should a medical situation arise, this will get you from anywhere in the bush in Botswana to Maun in a helicopter, with a doctor on board who will then ensure that you are medically stable. However, from Maun onwards is when your own insurance will need to kick in. Inform your Insurance provider that you will be traveling and ensure that you are fully medically covered in the event of an emergency! In addition, you don’t want to be stuck without your luggage arriving and no way to replace what you need for your safari or having missed a flight etc. Ensure that your insurance covers you for these eventualities.

Payment methods. It is important to know that American Express is not usually accepted in Africa. When paying for a safari, it is standard practice to pay via Wire Transfer (your safari will be made in two payments – 50% deposit to confirm your safari and 50% balance of safari, 60 days prior to arrival in Africa). Credit Cards in general charge crazy amounts of commission and this bumps up the price of your safari. Most companies in Africa prefer not to accept credit card payments.

Ask questions. Your safari should be tailor-made to suit your specific requirements – having had a look at our website, please realise that the packages available are absolutely NOT the only deal out there, merely a guideline on what is on offer. We pride ourselves on getting to know you and understanding exactly what it is you are looking for. Understand that we are passionate about sharing what our country has to offer with you and we welcome as many questions as you may have.

Provide Information. Remember, the more information about you that we are armed with the better we can design a safari to suit you. For example, if you have trouble walking due to an injury, this is not a problem at all – we request a room closer to the main areas of the lodges or camps that we’ll send you to. If you are a businessman who needs to be in contact with folk back home – easy – we make sure that you visit properties that have internet to provide you with the communications you need. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, we will ensure that the properties you visit are aware of these and cater to your needs. Information, information, information!

Know your budget. A great tip is to be honest with your Travel Agent – instead of giving them the minimum amount that you want to spend on a safari, rather let them know your budget range – this will allow them to put together the best option available to you, as opposed to sending you on a safari which you will not enjoy at all.

Children. Please be aware that if you are travelling with children through Southern Africa, you will be required to have certified copies of their unabridged birth certificates and passports on hand. If you are not their legal parents, or if only one of you is travelling, you will need to have the consent in the form of an affidavit giving you permission to travel with the child. In addition, parents travelling with children under a certain age will be required to book private activities. Africa Inbound Safaris can assist you with alternative safari ideas.

Inoculations. If you are travelling through certain countries like Zambia, you are required to have a Yellow Fever Inoculation Certificate – these are the kinds of vital pieces of information that Africa Inbound Safaris can assist you with!

Need more information on travel? Review flights here.