We also offer over 200 properties, all with individual pricing and keeping these up to date on this website would be futile.

For these reasons, we do not publish any property-specific rates on this website.

We do publish rates for our set African safaris; those safaris which have already been planned and scheduled by us or one of our ground operators in Africa and which depart on a set date, visiting specific locations.

We encourage you to contact us for a quotation; we are here to assist you in planning an amazing African holiday. We really are passionate about what we do and we welcome all enquires.
 

African Safari Destinations
Southern Africa vs. East Africa, which safari region is better?

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First, let’s define the regions… In terms of wildlife safaris, Southern Africa includes South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia while East Africa is essentially Kenya and Tanzania. Meanwhile, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), all destinations popular for Gorilla tracking safaris, are generally considered Central Africa.  Malawi and Zambia are also sometimes classified as Central Africa.

Historically and up until the 1980’s, East Africa was the preferred destination for safari-goers and wildlife enthusiasts. Kenya and Tanzania offered superb wildlife viewing with a well-developed safari infrastructure of operators with both permanent camps and mobile safari circuits. In contrast, the countries in Southern Africa, while full of wildlife and beautiful wilderness areas, were either politically unstable or mostly undeveloped for safari tourism.

During the 1990’s things began to shift. South Africa’s apartheid came to an end and its monetary unit, the Rand, historically very strong, began to depreciate, making South Africa a very attractive travel destination. Intrepid safari guides in South Africa took advantage of the increase in tourism to open up Botswana and Zimbabwe to hunters and photographers. With the increase in tourist capital, the safari industry in Southern Africa grew and permanent camps and mobile safaris opened in its pristine wildlife areas.

In terms of landscapes and attractions, the regions are quite different. East Africa boasts Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti Plains / Maasai Mara ecosystem and the Ngorogoro Crater. Southern Africa includes Botswana’s Okavango Delta wetland, the Skeleton Coast and Namib desert of Namibia, the miles of coastline with diverse habitats and the Kruger National Park of South Africa, the semi-arid Kalahari Desert of Botswana and northern South Africa, and the lower Zambezi River basin including Victoria Falls along the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The wildlife species found in the two areas are essentially the same; most of the predators and plains game can be seen in both regions and only some birds and a few mammals and reptiles are distinct between the regions. The major differentiation is in the numbers of certain species and the general experience a visitor will have when viewing them.

East Africa offers herds of zebras and wildebeests in the hundreds of thousands. The annual migration between the Maasai Mara in the north and Tanzania’s Serengeti in the south is a spectacle unequaled anywhere on earth today. However, Botswana and Zimbabwe are home to 80% of Southern Africa’s 300,000 elephants and huge herds are a common sight along their northern borders.

The weather also varies between the regions. In East Africa, October marks the beginning of the “short rains” while April brings “long rains.” Many of the safari camps close during the long rains due to difficult driving conditions. In Southern Africa, while each country varies, the rains generally fall between November and March with the rest of the year being mostly rain-free. Most of the camps stay open year-round. The rainy or “green” safari season in Southern Africa offers benefits such as herbivores having their babies, lush green landscapes and dramatic skies, all of which combine to create superb photographic opportunities. Temperatures are similar between the regions with May through August being the cooler months.

The major differences between East Africa and Southern Africa for safaris are the density of tourists, the safari accommodations and the safari vehicles. East Africa, in general, has earned a reputation for a high density of tourists staying in hotel-styled lodges. The most common safari vehicle in East Africa is the mini-van with its pop-up roof, whereby passengers stand up to take pictures while peering out of the roof or sit in the enclosed vans. Conversely, Southern Africa is known for its luxury tented safari camps and huge tracts of wilderness areas with very low tourist densities, making for a private safari experience. The safari vehicles used here are modified, open-air Land Rovers which also add to the intimacy of the experience.

That said, there are a growing number of luxury lodges cropping up in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and these lodges offer a far more exclusive experience than the large safari lodges which may have typified Kenya and Tanzania.

For the most part, Southern Africa is dominated by huge land concessions, which are owned or leased by luxury safari camp operators, and these concessions are for the sole use of the individual camp and its guests. With an average camp size of only 10-16 guests and only one or two vehicles for the entire concession, one can drive all day and not encounter anything but wilderness and wildlife.
 

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Medical Precautions
What  medical  precautions should be taken?

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As vaccination requirements change on occasion, we recommend that you check with your local doctor or health department for the latest health precautions. The most important health consideration in Southern Africa is Malaria and it is strongly recommended that prophylactics (i.e., oral tablets) be taken as a preventative precaution. You are not legally required to have any vaccinations unless you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is prevalent, in which case an inoculation will be required against the disease.

Certainly you need not rush off and get every possible inoculation and take every pill under the sun just to travel to Africa.  Do not go overboard with the information put out by the disease control centres. We return time and again to Africa and to the bush and have only ever taken Malaria prevention tablets. A course of anti-Malaria tablets is advisable and many doctors advise a dose of Hepatitis A vaccine. We recommend that you visit with a local travel health specialist for complete details and safety.

Many parts of Africa do have problems with their water and foods; however, the food and water in Southern Africa is much safer than the rest of Africa, especially in the African safari camps and hotels you will be travelling to.  Please do not over-react to the detriment of you own enjoyment.  We have never experienced any problems with the food or water in any of the camps or hotels we have traveled to over the years.

As long as we're discussing water, one thing you must be careful of, especially during the hotter summer months and in the desert areas, is dehydration.  Plenty of fresh bottled water is always available at all of the camps throughout the day and should be consumed regularly and in quantity.  We have seen many guests, even experienced African travellers, who forget to drink enough water and become dehydrated.  A case of dehydration will usually put you out of action for up to a day and is no fun.  All the camps stock re-hydrating tablets which help to set you right again, but we wanted to mention it as this is the most common ailment we have observed among guests on African safaris. Drink lots of water!

More on Malaria: The most serious risk while travelling in Southern Africa on safari is malaria.  We will not "talk down" this risk as we both know people, albeit all individuals who live and spend time in the Africa bush, who have contracted malaria.  This is NOT something to take lightly and it can be a lethal and at the very least, a long and uncomfortable disease.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the parasite called Plasmodia. There are four identified species of this parasite causing human malaria, namely, Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale and P. malariae. It is transmitted by the female Anopheles Mosquito. It is a disease that can be treated in just 48 hours, yet it can cause fatal complications if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. It is re-emerging as the # 1 Infectious Killer and it is the Number 1 Priority Tropical Disease of the World Health Organization. The CDC estimates that 300-500 million cases of malaria occur each year worldwide and 1.5 million to 3 million people die of malaria every year (85% of these occur in Africa), accounting for about 4-5% of all fatalities in the world.

Humans get Malaria from the bite of a female malaria-infected Anopheles mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it ingests microscopic malaria parasites found in the person’s blood. The malaria parasite must grow in the mosquito for a week or more before infection can be passed to another person. If, after a week, the mosquito then bites another person, the parasites go from the mosquito’s mouth into the person’s blood. The parasites then travel to the person’s liver, enter the liver’s cells, grow and multiply. During this time when the parasites are in the liver, the person has not yet felt sick. The parasites leave the liver and enter red blood cells; this may take as little as 8 days or as many as several months. Once inside the red blood cells, the parasites grow and multiply. The red blood cells burst, freeing the parasites to attack other red blood cells. Toxins from the parasite are also released into the blood, making the person feel sick. If a mosquito bites this person while the parasites are in his or her blood, it will ingest the tiny parasites. After a week or more, the mosquito can infect another person. The safari camps in Southern Africa are not located in densely populated areas and this greatly reduces the risk of being infected by malaria.

Anopheles mosquitoes start biting by late evening and the peak of biting activity is at midnight and early hours of morning. Protect yourself against the bites in the evenings and early mornings by applying mosquito repellent, wearing garments that cover the body as much as possible, and at bedtime, by using mosquito nets without fail.

All of the camps provide mosquito repellent in the tents and in the lounges and on game drives. Most also provide mosquito "coils", an incense-like slow-burning substance that produces a smoky repellent that can be lit inside the tent before heading for dinner so that the tent is cleared by bed time. Finally, the majority of the camps also provide a mosquito netting over the beds to keep the "mossies" out while you sleep. Wearing lightweight long pants instead of shorts and covering the ankles especially is also very helpful during dinner and in the evening hours. Use the bug spray after sundown on game drives as well.

Remember that the best precaution against malaria is to reduce the likelihood of being bitten. The next best precaution is to begin and complete a full regimen of anti-malarial medication for your African safari.  The medication usually begins before you leave and is completed after returning home.  Check on the internet or with your physician for further information.

For more information, please also visit the following links:
CDC Information on Prescription Drugs for Malaria: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malariadrugs.htm.
CDC Health Information for Visitors to Southern Africa: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/safrica.htm
 

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All people travelling to the Southern African region require a valid passport that is normally valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is advisable to check with the consulate of the country that you intend to visit as requirements can change without notice. You can ask African Dream Lodges for your visa requirements.

South Africa... IMPORTANT:  All visitors to South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passport to enable the entry visa to be issued. If there is not sufficient space in the passport, entry may be denied.
 

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It is surprisingly easy and less expensive than you might think. There are direct flights from both New York and Atlanta to Johannesburg and Cape Town with a flying time of about 11 hours. This might seem lengthy, but if you consider that it is a night flight where you can sleep and also watch plenty of movies, the time passes faster than you may have thought. The great advantage is that there are no connecting flights and therefore less stress.

If you were to compare the cost of a trip to Hawaii, staying in decent hotels, compared to the same time on a continent that offers a unique and once in a lifetime experience, it appears that for a totally new experience, the minimal increase in cost is worth every penny. The even bigger drawing card of the region, particularly South Africa, is that the US Dollar is so strong (around 7-10 South Africa Rand's to the $US over the past several years for example) and the value of the local currencies is so low that it is extremely inexpensive once you are there. You find that you can eat like a king at a very nice restaurant for the price of a simple meal back home. Most other world wide regions are relatively cheap to get to but costly once there, so in theory there is a balancing effect when you consider it might be slightly more expensive to fly to Africa, but once there, it is extremely cost effective. An even bigger bonus of the African safari industry is that it is all inclusive in most parts (i.e., meals, drinks, game drives and guides) are included, so there is no additional need to pay for anything once you have arrived, except for perhaps the odd curio. To check current and historical exchange rates, visit our Currency Converter page.
 

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As further answer to the previous question, guests often want to know how much cash to bring. First, most of the African safaris camps we sell take Master Card and Visa credit cards for purchases of curios and even accept them for guests to pay gratuities to the camp staff and guides. A note on gratuities at the African safari camps: Gratuities are not expected, but a reasonable tip would be US $5 per guest, per day for your driver/guide and perhaps $3-5 per day for the overall camp staff. Believe me that this amount will seem like nothing after you experience the fine service in the camps we offer! Again, these can be paid for with credit card so cash is unnecessary.

If you are visiting Johannesburg, a highlight is one of the flea markets that offer beautiful African wood carvings, batiks and other VERY inexpensive but nice arts and crafts. For the flea markets, you will typically want some cash. These artisans are found in Victoria Falls as well and their artwork is typically of nice quality and they make excellent mementoes of your trip or as gifts for your friends and family. The shops and restaurants in Johannesburg and Cape Town as well as the hotels in Vic Falls all take credit cards.

When we travel for say three weeks to Africa and include two weeks on safari, we typically take around $300 in cash.  This is only our guideline for ourselves; however, we feel that travelling with more cash than this is unnecessary.

A note on the Johannesburg FLEA MARKETS:
The flea markets in Johannesburg are an excellent place to shop and superb values on gifts, authentic African art and curios and even clothing and furniture may be found there.  Locals and tourists alike frequent these markets and we highly recommend them to anyone visiting Johannesburg.  The best market (in our experienced opinion) is the Rosebank Flea Market.  This market is the biggest and best and we hit it at least once or twice every visit and NEVER walk away empty handed. 

Note that the Rosebank market only operates on SUNDAYS and so you will want to plan your stay with this in mind if you want to take advantage of the bargains to be found.  There are other markets which operate daily and vendors line the streets daily selling a variety of carvings and other goods, but the selection is nowhere near what can be found at Rosebank.

Something else to keep in mind:  Many of the curios found in the safari camp shops and in malls and other stores can also be found at the flea market and usually at a considerable discount at the markets.  REMEMBER TO BARGAIN WITH THE VENDORS!  Their first price will usually be FAR higher than what they will accept.  This is especially important when buying high-ticket items (over $100).

A note on VAT and purchases of gifts in South Africa: Be sure to keep your receipts for items of clothing, curios, artwork, CD's, books, etc.  South Africa charges a VAT (value added tax) on all goods and this tax is refundable to tourists when they leave the country (residents are not so lucky).  Organize all of the receipts and you can get a refund of the VAT at the airport before you fly home. This is a somewhat easy process but can take some time as the airport gets busy and the queues can be long - get to the airport EARLY!  In spite of the relative pain involved in the VAT refund process, the VAT percentage is substantial (14%) and can amount to several hundred dollars easily depending on how crazy you go in the malls!

Be advised that the receipts must be shown along with the items purchased.
Do NOT store all of your purchases into your suitcase and check the luggage until you have had your VAT receipts stamped by the official at the airport.  They have recently become more strict regarding showing the products with the receipts - they will most certainly make you show the items for which you have receipts!

ALSO - You must have your goods checked by VAT refunds BEFORE you pass through customs into the departure area!!  Goods are shown in the area before you check in at OR Tambo (Formally known as Johannesburg International Airport).  Your receipts are approved and stamped as they are checked against your purchased items.  Only then should you proceed to check-in.  After checking in your suitcases, receiving your boarding pass and clearing customs, immediately get in the VAT refund line to have your receipts added up and approved for payment.  You will either get cash - or, if the amount exceeds a certain limit, a check will be mailed to you.
REMINDER:  Get all receipts approved BEFORE check-in.  After check-in, head to VAT refund desk to get your money.

Finally, the VAT may only be reclaimed for goods, this does NOT include hotel accommodations or food of any kind. Many visitors skip this VAT refund process but it is well worth it if you have taken advantage of the fantastic exchange rate in South Africa.
 

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The traffic departments of both South Africa and Namibia are now enforcing a law (which was passed in 1998) which requires that travellers applying to rent a motor vehicle be in possession of a valid "International Drivers Permit/License". Should travellers not be in possession of an International License, they will not be permitted to hire a vehicle in South Africa nor Namibia.

Anyone using motor vehicles, other than hired ones, (i.e. making use of a company or friend's vehicle etc.), they will STILL need to be in possession of such license. Anyone driving without a valid driver's license (either domestic or International) will incur penalties should they be stopped by the police. Licenses will NOT be issued to foreign visitors upon arrival to South Africa nor Namibia. Travellers must be advised to carry their Foreign Drivers License as well as their International license.
 

Staying at the African Safari Camps
What is a "typical" day on an African Safari?

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Every camp and safari location will differ in terms of its activities and schedules, but in general, safaris follow a general pattern which is consistent throughout southern Africa.

Typically, a safari day includes two major activities per day - one which begins early in the morning and the second which occurs in the mid- to late-afternoon and continues until dark or sometimes up until 2 hours after sunset.

A safari activity may include game drives in Land Rovers (or other safari vehicle), water activities like canoeing, mekoroing or motor boating, and also game walks.  Most safaris are predominantly game drives as this is usually the best way to see wildlife unless your safari is on a river or in a permanent water area.

Morning activities begin with tea or coffee and a light morning snack before sunrise with the drive or activity beginning at or just after sunrise.  The mornings are really the BEST opportunities to see good wildlife and interactions as it is still cool and the nocturnal animals are still quite active.  There is usually a break to get out and stretch and have another coffee and snack.

Roy`s Golden Rule of Safaris:  NEVER miss a morning game drive.  Skip an afternoon drive if you're worn out or need a break, but the mornings are usually far more productive for game sightings.

Morning activities are usually over by late morning and guests return to camp for a full breakfast / brunch. 

The middle of the day is your own.  Because southern Africa's climate is warm, midday's are typically very warm to hot and the animals are therefore quite inactive for the most part and seek shelter in the shade to wait out the heat.  Guests may relax at the camp swimming pool, in a hammock, take a nap, read, etc.  For the intrepid, most camps will allow a short midday activity like a game walk or a visit to a hide.

After the siesta, guests return to the main area for tea (drinks, snacks, etc) before heading out on the afternoon safari activity.  This activity typically starts at 3:30 or 4:00pm and the weather at this time is usually quite warm.  The activity will carry on until sunset or afterwards for a night drive.  Guests return to camp, freshen up, come down for drinks at the bar and sit for a full dinner.  Drinks around the camp fire are always offered but most find that they are tired from all the fresh air and are in bed by 10pm.

The next day begins again before sunrise and you're out in the bush exploring again.  It's addictive!
 

Are the wild animals dangerous?

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Most of the regions visited in Southern Africa are in areas where you are within the natural habitat of the wildlife and so there are no fences surrounding the camps. In South Africa you will find that most of the private reserves are fenced, but within the confines the animals roam freely and you still need to be cautious.

The best advice to be given here is to listen to your guide's instruction while in camp, ensure that your tent flaps are not left open and doors are closed etc. At almost all the camps the guides walk you to and from your tents and they are trained to handle any situation, should it arise. Keep in mind that animals do wander through the camps during the day and at night, so at all times just be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine. Having wild animals in such close proximity is one of the main reasons people visit the area – enjoying them in their natural habitat is what makes the experience all the more special.

The game drives are conducted in open-air vehicles which really allows you to get up close and to see that animals from an unimpaired viewpoint.  Many people argue that animals only see the vehicle as it would a tree (albeit, a tree that moves") and not the people in it. This point is debatable but, personally, with hundreds upon hundreds of hours spent on game drives, we feel that most of the animals, and certainly the primates like Baboons and Monkeys and most likely the larger cats like Lions, are keenly aware of human presence.  But they do not, for the most part except if you are in an area that has seen poaching from a vehicle, view a Land Rover with people in it as a threat. The animals actually become habituated to the vehicles and eventually ignore them for the most part - this allows guests to view animals  exhibiting their natural behaviour. It is truly a pleasure, I can assure you.

Occasionally an Elephant, especially the females in the breeding herds, become annoyed and their protective, motherly instincts take hold and they chase a vehicle off, but this is rare.  Also, the guides at the camps are very good with reading an Elephant's moods and will avoid situations which could be potentially dangerous.  Mostly, you are in no danger whatsoever if you listen to the guides and keep aware of your surroundings - always remember that you are in a wild place, with wild animals.  After all, this is Africa's allure!
 

What types of food are served on an African safari?

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Top class British and European cuisine as well as some local dishes are served in the hotels, lodges, camps and restaurants. Most foreign visitors are very impressed with the quality and quantity of food provided while on an African safari. Some of the more up-scale camps provide food, presentation and service which rivals that of a 5 star hotel in any top city. The tables are elegantly set under the stars, under thatch or even in a boma - and you will never go hungry.

The standard 3 meals a day is done away with in the bush as the meals are geared around the game viewing times and activities. Typically one starts off with a light continental breakfast upon waking before heading out on the early morning activity. Guests usually return at about 10/11 am for a large brunch, which incorporates meals from both the breakfast and lunch menus. A light tea and snack is offered before the afternoon activity and upon returning to camp in the early evening, a hearty three-course dinner is enjoyed followed by after dinner drinks around the campfire.

The camps are able to cater for all food types as long as they are made aware at the time of booking so as to ensure sufficient time to fly in the necessary supplies.
 

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Camps and safaris in the remote wildlife regions of Southern Africa have no access to electrical power due to the remote nature of their locations. Most camps have generators on site with 220v electricity or they make use of solar panels. The generators are not normally heard by guests as they are run for a couple of hours at a time in the morning and afternoon while guests are enjoying their activities.

The electricity is used to power ice machines, fridges and freezers that keep the food and drinks cool and fresh. The generator charges batteries that provide the power for the bedroom lights and overhead fans in the rooms. There is plenty of power available to charge batteries for cameras and video cameras, but not for hairdryers and the likes.

For most mobile tented camps there is no electricity; lighting is by paraffin lamp and campfires in the true traditional style of Africa. For any lodges in South Africa there is ample electrical power.
 

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Most safari camps in Southern Africa offer a laundry facility, but there are a few where given water restrictions and the location this is not possible. Please check with us to make sure.

This service is included in the accommodation cost for most African safari camps. Hotels in the cities as well as some lodges charge a nominal fee for it.  Most underwear and delicates are not washed by the local people due to their traditions and so washing up powder is supplied in most of the rooms/tents for this purpose.
 

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African Dream Lodges’s ground handler is closely allied to an independent air charter company, Sefofane Charters. Sefofane is a Setswana word, which means aeroplane. Flying is an integral part of many of the itineraries as it is a wonderful way to get a bird's-eye view of the countryside you will be visiting. All aircraft are flown by commercially rated bush pilots in aircraft, which are serviced after every 50 or 100 hours of flying (depending on the country's regulations).

For information on flying times between camps in Botswana, click: Fly Times Botswana

On the tailor-made fly-in African safaris, inter-camp flying is usually costed on a seat-in-plane basis where guests are flown with other guests to their destination. If you prefer to book a plane for your party's exclusive use to ensure that you are flown directly to the next camp (and possibly to allow you an increased baggage allowance), please request this when booking and we will add the extra cost to your price.

We offer air transfers in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia and South Africa in Cessna 210s, Cessna 206s, Cessna Caravans and Islanders. Charters in larger and faster planes are possible from Johannesburg to Maun and Victoria Falls as well as on some of the other longer routes. However, most guests travelling from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Maun, Victoria Falls or Windhoek use scheduled flights on SAA, BA/Comair, Air Botswana or other reliable carriers.

For the inter-camp air transfers, space and safety concerns don't allow for lots of baggage on these planes - so there is a strict 12kgs (26lbs) baggage limit on all flights (unless you have booked a private flight). All bags must be soft to allow us to squeeze your bags into tight corners. 12kgs doesn't sound like much, but as the dress code in the camps is casual and as most camps and some African safaris offer a laundry service (and most often this is a free service), the 12kgs is ample. If you have to have more baggage, then we can often sell you an extra seat on each flight, which will allow you and your party up to an extra 70kgs (also in soft bags). If you have lots of bags, but don't need the bags in the camps, we can often send your bags ahead to your next city as unaccompanied baggage. There is an additional charge for this service.

NOTE: As of March 2005, most of our safari flights in Botswana now permit 20kg (44 lbs) per person (as opposed to the 12kg previously allowed) - check with us for details.  Scheduled airlines in South Africa have a luggage restriction of 20kg (44 lbs) maximum per person.

We cannot afford to take a chance on safety. If you come with more than your 12kgs baggage allowance and you have not made arrangements with us for your extra baggage, you will be forced to leave some of your baggage behind and arrange a private charter at considerable extra cost and inconvenience to yourself.
 

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Most African safari camps welcome children over the age of eight. There are a few exceptions, so please check with us when making an enquiry. These rules can be waived by booking out smaller camps for exclusive use by parties with young children. Families with children between the ages of 8 and 12 will have to book private activities so as not to disturb other guests. Depending on the size of the family, this may necessitate additional costs at certain camps or at certain times of the year.

Some camps have family tents where families are able to have their children in the adjoining tent (sometimes sharing the same bathroom). Children staying in the family tents get a discount for this type of accommodation.

To elaborate further on age issues, there is no upper age limit at most African safari camps. On some cross country and camping safaris, suppliers set an upper age limit due to the active nature of some of the African safaris. Please advise ages if in doubt and check with us for any possible restrictions.
 

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In general the climate in southern Africa is as near perfect as you can get with dry season temperatures similar to those of the Mediterranean, but without the humidity. Daytime temperatures average 70 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit but can get much hotter, especially in the months of October and November, just before the rains arrive.

During the winter period June through August night time temperatures in some areas can drop to freezing or below.  Early morning game drives during these winter months can start out very chilly and you should bring a warm sweater, gloves and even a hat to cover your ears.  However, by mid morning (9 am or so) the layers will start coming off as the days will heat up dramatically. The rains occur each year during the period November through March with the dry season stretching from April through October.

For complete information on average temperatures and rainfall, by month and by region, go to African Safari Weather.
 

African Safari Planning
What time of year is the best time to go on an African safari?

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This is a question for which there is no exact answer.  For most visitors, an African safari is a once in a lifetime experience and they want to of course maximize their game viewing experience in the time they have allotted.  However, Africa and the African safari areas have their own true seasons and the benefits of travelling during one time of year versus another must be weighed by the individual guest. We will not try to sway someone into booking in a specific time of year; rather, we offer some of the characteristics of the different seasons on an African safari.

Generally speaking, the Southern Africa game viewing safari areas (Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa) have a rainy season (which falls during the southern hemisphere's summer months of November - March) and a dry season (during the winter months of May-September).

Most visitors who research this aspect of African safari travel by reading up in books or website's are steered to the dry, winter months for the best game viewing. The reason for this is that the water holes are smaller, fewer and farther between and the little remaining green vegetation is widely spread out.  The result is that all animals have to come to these watering holes to drink daily and so the wildlife is generally easier to find.  Makes sense!  The other side of the coin is that the landscape during this dry season is less colourful and there is a great deal more dust.  Photographically, the greens of the summer months are mostly absent and your photos will bear a more brownish colour. Still, with less vegetation and cover for the animals, it is generally easier to spot them.  You could drive past a thick, heavily vegetated area in the rainy season and drive right past a sleeping pride of seven Lions and not see them; however, driving the same route in the dry months, without the thick green cover, practically everyone on the vehicle would likely spot the big cats.

Some repeat visitors to Africa have found that they prefer the greener, summer months for several reasons. As mentioned, the green colours make the scenery breathtaking.  Additionally, as the summer is also the rainy season, one finds dramatically beautiful skies to compliment the lush greens of the landscapes.  However, there is always a risk of a missed game drive here or there (We have only been rained out of one game drive in many, many rainy season visits).  However, we have been rained upon. Generally though, Southern Africa's rainy season only brings brief, but powerful bursts of precipitation and not long days of rain.  Storms usually blow through with a vengeance but pass after a few hours.

Another aspect of the summer months is that many of the antelope species like Impala, Tsessebe and Wildebeest give birth to their young during this time to take advantage of the plentiful, sweet and nutritious green grass which covers the ground during the rains.  Believe us, the baby animals are everywhere and, in our opinion, the scene of young animals against the verdant green backgrounds with big, beautiful fluffy-white clouds in the sky is unbeatable.  Most of the predators also switch to hunting the young animals at this time to try for easier meals and, while this sounds unfortunate for the youngsters, it is part of nature's way and many more survive than are taken.  For those who want to see the predator-prey interactions, the summer months provide some of your best opportunities to see hunting behaviour and predator interactions.

Finally, because most visitors tend to focus on the dry months for their African safari, the winter in Africa is considered the "high season" and the operator rates reflect this higher demand with higher prices.  Occupancies are higher, safaris must be booked a bit further in advance and your costs are greater. Still, many visitors swear by the winter months as THE time to go - it is really a personal preference.

The bottom line and our final comments on this subject are thus...if you spend several nights in one of these game-rich areas, there are no guarantees, but you will almost certainly see excellent game.  Africa is not a zoo; it is wild and unpredictable and the animals roam freely, and for the most part, wherever they wish.  Finding them in the huge African safari areas is part of the thrill of the African safari. But you WILL certainly see animals and birds and beautiful scenery.  Can we guarantee Lions every day?...NO; Can we guarantee Wild Dogs if you stay for 2 weeks?...NO; Can we guarantee you will see a kill?...Nope.  Can we guarantee animals?...YES, Predators?...almost certainly; Lions?...probably. Of course, the longer your stay, the better your chances. It's why those of us who are totally passionate about African safaris keep going back.  Every day is full of exciting surprises - and finding those Lions or Wild Dogs or witnessing a hunt is always the greatest of pleasures!
 

What pre-African safari reading do you recommend?

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Over the years, we have compiled a substantial collection of books on all aspects of Africa and we read everything new that becomes available.  There are some truly excellent works available - most of them available here in the USA. We recommend that our guests, especially first-timers, do some advanced reading as it certainly will enhance the experience once you are there. Depending upon which region(s) you will be visiting, we can recommend any number of our favourites to give you some up front knowledge of its animals, flora, cultures and history.
 

What clothing should I pack and how much luggage may I bring?

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There are strict weight restrictions in place on any itinerary including light aircraft transfers for the following reasons:
• The aircraft are designed with a maximum bodyweight and luggage weight allowance.
• Most of our airfields are over 3000 feet above sea level and are located in the tropics, and therefore the permissible aircraft carrying capacity is reduced.
• The aircraft have physical space restrictions. Two serious issues must please be noted for most of our African safaris:
• Luggage is restricted to 12kg (26 lbs) maximum per person for travel to Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Scheduled airlines in South Africa have a luggage restriction of 20kg (44 lbs) maximum per person.
NOTE: As of March 2005, most of our safari flights in Botswana now permit 20kg (44 lbs) per person (as opposed to the 12kg previously allowed) - check with us for details.
• Only soft bags (no hard suitcases can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft) will be accepted. This includes camera equipment and hand luggage.
• The maximum dimensions of the soft bags is as follows: 81cm (32 inches) long x 36cm (14 inches) wide. Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25cm (10 inches) high, so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment.
• Passengers weighing more than 100kg (220 lbs) must please advise us in advance as an extra seat may have to be costed in to the package for safety purposes.
• For those who absolutely must bring more than the maximum allowance of luggage, an extra seat may be purchased in advance but the bags must still be soft bags only.  Be sure to pre-arrange any extra seats with us at the time of booking.  These luggage restrictions for luggage sound like very little but bear in mind the following:
• Most African safari camps / lodges and hotels provide basic toilet amenities.
• Laundry can be done on a daily basis (and many camps provide this service free of charge but hotels do charge a nominal fee).
• Mainly casual clothing is required. As no formal clothes are needed throughout most of southern Africa, we recommend that you limit your luggage to the basics. More formal attire is usually required only when staying in the more prestigious city hotel establishments or on any of the luxury trains. On an African safari, casual clothing is the order of the day. Below is a suggested packing list for your information.
 

SUGGESTED LUGGAGE LIST

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Remember the weight restrictions covered above!
  1. Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light.
  2. Sun hat.
  3. Golf-shirts, T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts.
  4. Shorts/skirts.
  5. Long trousers/slacks.
  6. Sweat pants/sweat shirt.
  7. More formal attire for your stay at prestigious city hotels or on one of the luxury trains.
  8. Underwear and socks.
  9. Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine).
10. Sandals.
11. Swimming costume.
12. Warm winter sweater.
13. Warm Anorak or Parka and scarf / gloves for the cold winter months (May to September).
14. Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April).
15. Camera equipment and plenty of film (or digital storage) - see more photography information under the Photography Link at left.
16. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust or pollen.
17. BINOCULARS - ESSENTIAL (and Newman's bird book if you are keen).
18. Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments).
19. Malaria tablets (if you choose).
20. Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion.
21. Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc.
22. Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc).
23. Tissues/"Wet Ones".
24. Visas, tickets, passports, money, etc.
25. Waterproof/dust-proof Ziploc bags/cover for your cameras.

Roy's essential "Don't Forget" items:
• Imodium or other anti-diarrheal - bring these, you'll thank me later.
• For those who suffer from hay fever and/or "itchy eyes" - Allergy Relief Eye Drops and/or antihistamine medication - Especially if you are travelling during the months of November through March.
• Hydrocortisone cream/ointment.  This is helpful for any mosquito bites or scratches.

Please note that bright colours and white are NOT advised while on an African safari.
 

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