FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's) & INFO

We are often asked what age group our tours are aimed at. Our tours have an air of excitement and adventure about them and therefore have obvious appeal to more active types. And that spirit is something that many people possess irrespective of age. Generally speaking, we usually find ourselves hosting more "mature" guests, typically aged between the ages of 35 and 65, although younger age groups are also regular guests. We also obviously cater for family groups although our experience is that the nature of our tours makes them unsuitable for children under the age of 10. 

 

HOW MUCH DRIVING IS INVOLVED?

South Africa is a big country and we therefore have days when we have to cover considerable distances moving from one key area to another. The maximum distances that we normally travel in a day are about 500Km. We do not exceed 100km per hour and therefore 500km involves 5 hours of driving, although we take a number of breaks along the way. However, those "long distance" days are the exception. 

 

In between, we have 2 or 3 days where we stay in the same camp and explore the immediate surrounds or where we only travel 100km or 200km to our next camp a couple of hours away. All of our scheduled tours only travel during the day, although we do sometimes travel on the main freeways at night if we need to accommodate the express requirements of groups who have asked us to tailor tours specifically according to their own schedules. 

 

The main point is that our tours are designed to be fun and relaxing, so we ensure that any driving is handled in manageable chunks and that the drive itself becomes a feature, following interesting routes through fascinating scenery. 

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

At the time of booking, we will send you a full packing list and information pack to help you prepare for your holiday. Generally though, you do not have to bring a lot of stuff.  The main things that you will need are:

• A soft bag or rucksack (maximum luggage weight limit per person is 20Kgs) for your clothes and personal belongings. Hard shell suitcases are not permitted on tour.

• A sleeping bag and pillow, for camping.

• A day pack in which to carry your personal effects for day excursions. (wallet, passport, camera, phone, sun-block, hat, etc)

WHAT COSTS ARE NOT INCLUDED?

The tour cost includes all meals, teas and coffees served in camp, all accommodation costs, park entry fees, fuel and toll fees, etc. There is no local payment to be made over-and-above the tour price. Drinks and tips are not included. Certain optional activities, most notably the bungy jumping and shark cage diving are not included because not everyone will want to participate. 

 

 

DO WE HAVE TO SHARE TENTS WITH PEOPLE WE DON'T KNOW?

No. Although our Tent Cots are double sleepers, we provide one per person so that everyone has more space and privacy, unless of course people and couples traveling together would prefer to share. As a result, there is no single supplement for singles who are camping. Unfortunately where fixed accommodation is required, we are dependent on other establishments and single supplements then come into play.

 

 

DO WE HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN CAMP ACTIVITIES?

No, although people are welcome to get involved whenever they want to. Many guests (mainly ladies!) seem to enjoy helping in the mobile kitchen and seeing what local ingredients are being prepared. They are always very welcome. And our experience is that some guests (usually males!) cannot resist lending a hand when they see ropes, poles and other exciting things. Their assistance is also most welcome but the main point is that none of our guests are expected to help. They are on holiday! 

 

IS MALARIA A PROBLEM?

The Kruger National Park is considered a high risk area, whilst the other areas that we visit in Mocambique and Zululand are categorised as low risk areas. People have differing views on whether or not to take anti-malaria tablets/prophylactics although we recommend their use. Insect repellent sprays or creams are also recommended. It is best to consult your doctor for advice.

 

WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL WE BE EATING?

For the most part, meals are typically Western in style and preparation, although specific African influences are introduced where appropriate. Breakfasts are continental on days when we are breaking camp early. On all other days, we serve a cooked breakfast. Lunches are usually served cold (Sandwiches, salads, etc) as we are usually on the road. Snacks always precede dinner. Dinners are the main meal of the day and always include a meat dish plus vegetables or salads if the weather is particularly hot. We are able to cater for most special dietary requests that clients have.

 

WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND INOCULATIONS WILL I NEED?

These vary according to your country of origin and clients are responsible for ensuring that all of their travel documents are in order. Please bear in mind that if your tour includes entry into Swaziland, Lesotho, Moçambique, Namibia or Botswana, these are separate countries from South Africa and will therefore each have their own entry and travel requirements. 

 

HOW SAFE ARE THESE TOURS?

South Africa is a lot safer than many people living abroad might think. If it wasn't, we wouldn't live here! As far as crime is concerned, like any large city around the world, Johannesburg for example has some areas where it is unsafe to go alone. However, on our tours we are far from built-up urban environments that seem so attractive to criminals around the world.

 

As far as road safety is concerned, visitors are usually very impressed by our national road network and the conspicuous presence of traffic inspectors. We travel at a maximum speed of 100kms per hour and our Tour Leaders/Drivers are both experienced and considerate operators. 

 

Any activities that we undertake (from game walks and drives to "high adrenalin" pursuits such as bungy jumping and shark cage diving) are all subject to stringent regulations in terms of safety and overall conduct. On top of this, we are particular about using the very best operators whenever we utilise third parties for specific activities, such as boat trips. 

 

As far as medical facilities are concerned, all routes are reasonably close to doctors and hospitals and every client must have the necessary medical insurance in place. The routes do not venture into highly remote areas where medical facilities are far removed, and all tour leaders are qualified in First Aid and re-tested every 24 months.

 

WILL THERE BE TELEPHONE COVERAGE ALONG THE ROUTE?

Virtually all areas visited on these tours have cellular phone coverage, although you will need to ensure that your phone is set up for international roaming. There are internet cafes in most towns that we pass through but not necessarily in the overnight camps.