LET US LAY YOUR MIND TO REST
ROAR AFRICA strives to ensure that you travel with confidence, we have compiled a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions, to put your mind at ease, while you prepare for your journey. On this page you will be able to peruse the questions most commonly asked by travelers when preparing to travel to Africa for a holiday. If your question is not answered here, please e-mail your query to us and we will contact you directly with an answer.
Q. Will we meet you at the airport?
A. For all inbound flights to southern Africa, your guide will be there to meet you upon arrival which is normally at Cape Town or Johannesburg International Airport.
Q. When is the best time of year to go to southern Africa?
A. All year round, depending on what you are looking for and where you are going. One wants to avoid Cape Town in the middle of winter (June-Aug) when it generally rains a lot. That said the Great White shark breaching is at it's best. So it depends on your objectives. No matter what time of the year you go on a southern African safari, you will always see wildlife. In the peak of summer (Dec-Jan) it can be very hot in some areas and the bushveld is thicker. In winter the nights can be quite cold but the bushveld is dryer with good visibility. Additionally animals are seeking water at waterholes and rivers. Either way your accommodations will be very comfortable and have climate control. Tell us what you're interested and when you'd like to go and we'll advise you accordingly.
Q. Will we be swamped by hordes of other tourists on safari?
A. Absolutely not. Our tours are personalized and consist of your group only. We choose the types of accommodation based on your requests (e.g. children friendly, resort, B&B, small luxury hotel etc) so that you can have as much privacy as you'd like.
Q. Will we be with other guests on our southern African safari?
A. While you will not be traveling with other groups, you will meet other guests at the various hotels, lodges and camps unless you are staying in a private lodge or villa. We'll help you make the right choices depending on your mood to mingle or meditate.
Q. Is it okay if I am a single traveler to South Africa?
A. Of course, we would be happy to cater to your needs.
Q. Will I see the Safari BIG FIVE?
A. ROAR AFRICA's parks and lodges are very carefully selected so there is every chance you will see elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard. Each day on safari will produce something different. In addition, you may encounter a variety of other predators, antelope, hippos, crocodiles, reptiles and primates as well as over 400 different species of birds. You'll find that it's really about the whole experience and all sorts of amazing fauna and flora abound. You might even be lucky enough to spot the little five as well.
Q. Are we safe from the animals on safari?
A. You will always be in the hands of experienced and highly trained rangers and trackers. In addition to considerable knowledge and expertise, rangers are also armed with requisite weapons and your safety remains their highest concern.
Q. What health precautions do we need to travel in southern Africa?
A. Visiting southern Africa poses far less health risks than you might assume. In fact, inoculations are not required by authorities unless you are arriving from other African countries where Yellow Fever is prevalent. Depending on your destination within southern Africa you might need to take anti-malaria prophylaxis especially when in certain "Safari areas". ROAR AFRICA can design a completely malaria-free southern African itinerary. We stress that we are not medical experts and therefore recommend that you consult your physician before your journey. For more information please take a look through our regional info section and the malaria post on our blog.
Q. Do I have to take Malaria tablets?
A. Northern parts of South Africa and most countries in Africa are Malaria areas. Malaria is a potentially fatal disease. Please ensure that you have consulted your doctor as to what prophylactics you should take for the particular area being visited as there are many different strains of Malaria. We can also create an entirely malaria free itinerary for you including safari. For more information please take a look through our regional info section and the malaria post on our blog.
Q. What inoculations do I need?
A. Please check with your doctor on what inoculations you require.
Q. What if I have a Medical Condition?
A. Please consult with your doctor prior to leaving on your trip to ensure that you have sufficient amounts of your prescribed medication, as there may not be medical provisions available in certain areas despite the excellent medical care in South Africa.
Q. What about HIV/Aids?
A. As in other countries, always take precautions when having sex. South Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV in the world. For more information, see HIV/Aids in South Africa
Q. Are there any other health issues to be concerned about?
A. Bilharzia can be a problem in some of the east-flowing rivers, but it is easily detected and treated if it is caught early and you are very unlikely to be swimming in these rivers. If you do you could have a routine test a month or two after you get home - just to reassure yourself. Ticks generally come out in the early spring and may carry tickbite fever, which is easily treated. You should also be aware of hepatitis, for which you can be inoculated. Cholera has also emerged recently as a health issue in certain areas of Zimbabwe that we are not currently visiting.
Q. Is the water safe to drink?
A. The water in all major cities in South Africa as well as ROAR AFRICA's handpicked selection of camps and lodges is perfectly safe to drink. It has been purified but there is always bottled water available for those who prefer.
Q. Are children welcome on tour?
A. The age limit for children on safaris is generally 12 years, this is for safety reasons or for the peace and quiet for other guests 9as with many small luxury hotels. There are, however, a number of lodges that will accommodate children under the age of 12. We have hosted many family safaris in the past which have turned out to be the "best family vacation ever" and a tremendous educational experience for the children. Some lodges specifically cater for kids with special interest programs. See our Kids on Safari blog post.
Q. What are the visa requirements for traveling in southern Africa?
A. You should check with your embassy or consulate of the country(s) you are visiting for the current information on visa requirements. We can also advise you. If you are traveling on a US passport you do not require a visa for South Africa specifically.
Special note for South Africa: Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return date and you are required to have at least two blank visa pages in passport for entry to S.A.
For more information please take a look through our regional travel info section.
Q. What do I need to take on safari?
A. You can experience very hot days and cold nights so we recommend that you take the following.
* Long trousers
* Fleece/sweater
* Windbreaker
* Shorts/skirts and t-shirts for during the day
* Khaki, brown or beige colors are recommended to wear during a game drive/walk because white or bright items increase your visibility to the animals.
* Sun block & lip balm are essential
* Sunglasses are also strongly recommended
* Wide brimmed hat
* Insect repellent
* Comfortable walking shoes
* Camera with a zoom/wide angle lens and plenty of spare memory sticks (or film) and spare batteries for video cameras
* Binoculars (advice on our BLOG)
Q. How strong is the sun?
A. We have a warm sunny climate and you should wear sunscreen and a hat whenever you are outdoors during the day, particularly between 10am and 4pm, regardless of whether there is cloud cover or not. Even if you have a dark complexion, you can still get sunburned if you are from a cooler climate and have not had much exposure to the sun. Sunglasses are also recommended, as the glare of the African sun can be noticeably stronger than what you might be used to.
Q. Do I need medical insurance?
A. It is always advisable to take out medical insurance prior to any international travel.
Q. What currency is used?
A. Each of the countries which ROAR AFRICA visits has its own currency and exchange rates which fluctuate freely. South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR). For current rates click here
Q. How far will my money go?
A. A long way. With a favorable exchange rate for many international currencies, you'll find Southern Africa a very inexpensive destination. For example, in South Africa, One US dollar will get you about two daily newspapers or two cans of Coke. 0.25 gallons of petrol (which is about a liter) will cost you about $1. For one British pound you can buy about three daily newspapers; one take-away hamburger; or three cans of Coke. Thirty pounds will get you bed and breakfast in a decent guesthouse or hotel. One euro will buy a good cup of coffee in a restaurant or two loaves of bread.
Q. What about banks?
A. For the most part you'll also find southern Africa an easy destination for banking. In South Africa, from the moment you step off the plane you'll start seeing a ready availability of banks, bureau de change and automatic tellers. The banks are generally open from 9am to 3.30pm Mondays through Fridays, and 8.30am to 11am on Saturdays, but those at the airports adjust their hours to accommodate international flights. The major banks have branches as well as automated teller machines (ATMs) in most large towns - and all over the cities. International banks have branches in the major cities. Thomas Cook (represented by Rennies Travel) and American Express foreign exchange offices are also available in the major cities. International credit cards are widely accepted. In some remote areas and some of the other countries in the region banking may require a little advance planning which we can help you with. Your guide will always know were to direct you or what you should be prepared for.
Q. What languages are spoken?
A. The languages spoken in each country in the region are different. Although South Africa has 11 official languages, English is the most commonly spoken and unless you are in a remote area it will suffice. Other widely spoken languages include Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans. ROAR AFRICA guides all speak multiple local languages. For information on other countries please consult our regional info sections.
Q. How much should I tip?
A. It is customary to tip between 10% and 15% for a meal or in a hotel when ordering room service. It is also general practice to tip for any other service that you may receive such as a taxi ride, a tourist guide, porters etc. Use your discretion but, in South Africa, we recommend that you tip at least R2.
Q. What plugs and power voltage do you use in southern Africa?
A. Southern African power is 220-240 volts, 50Hz mostly delivered through a three-pin socket. There is a smaller two-pin as well. The two different sockets are unique to southern Africa and an adapter will be needed. Most hotels and airport shops will have adapters for foreign plugs.
Q. Can I use my cell/mobile phone in southern Africa?
A. South Africa has an advanced GSM network and all GSM enabled phones will work within the network. South African coverage is good and even extends into some of the safari areas. In other southern Africa countries coverage is less extensive but can generally be counted on at least in urban areas. Be aware that cost of calling outside southern Africa is higher than most countries and therefore it is advisable to get an international calling card.
Q. Is there internet connectivity?
A. South Africa has a good Internet infrastructure, although you may find that it can be slow in certain parts. There are usually Internet cafes dotted around the tourist areas and many hotels have internet facilities. Wireless access - especially via cellular networks such as 3G - is widely available in urban centers. Coverage varies in other countries but a slower connection is often available at high-end lodges or in urban areas.
Q. How accurate is the information on your sites?
A. ROAR AFRICA prides itself in obtaining factually correct information about our destinations. We further strive to ensure that all our documentation and correspondence is as accurate as possible.
Q. Will I be safe on my travels with ROAR AFRICA?
A. If you are on a guided African safari, your chances of encountering problems are minimal. ROAR AFRICA makes it our business to know the areas we travel in, thus reducing risk to travelers. However we can not take responsibility for your belongings. It is sensible to take precautions on your voyage, particularly when traveling through urban areas.
Q. What should I do with my travel documents and valuables?
A. Always keep these secure (for example, in a hotel safe) and keep a photocopy of your passport, and any visas with you. Also, if you have traveler's checks, always keep a list of their numbers separately from the originals. It is never a good idea to carry large amounts of cash, and most urban centers (hotels, shops) do accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard are most common), and traveler's checks. You may however need cash for purchases at local markets - but keep this in a travel wallet, or a zip pocket.
Q. What should I do with my luggage?
A. Never leave cameras and hand luggage unattended, whether in a vehicle, or even in a hotel foyer. Never pack valuables (this includes medication), in your check-in luggage.
Q. How do I stay safe if I'm traveling by myself?
A. When traveling independently on your African safari, stay informed in terms of the local news. Ask at your hotel about any unsafe areas, and codes of dress and behavior. Don't openly carry valuables. If you must carry your passport and money, keep them in a buttoned-down pocket.
Q. How do I minimize any potential threats from local wildlife?
A. Your guide will always do a safety talk with you, whether your game viewing is to be done from a vehicle, or on foot. Wildlife is potentially dangerous, but as long as you adhere to what you guide tells you, there is very little to worry about. At viewpoints, hides and camps, wildlife is more familiar with people and less intimidated by your presence. Never tease or corner wild animals - this may cause an unpredictable response and a potentially dangerous reaction. Never feed any animals, as this can cause them to lose their fear of humans.
Q. Are there dangerous snakes or insects that I should watch out for?
A. Although Africa is known to be home to a number of potentially dangerous species, especially of snakes, scorpions, spiders, and insects, very few visitors are adversely affected. Snakes tend to be shy, and tend to stay away from built-up areas. Lodges and camps generally have insect (especially mosquito) proofing in their rooms. If you go on a walk, it is always a good idea to wear comfortable, closed walking shoes, socks, and long trousers - just as a precaution.
Q. What are the luggage restrictions?
A. Generally 20kg (44 lbs). Be aware that this is less luggage than many US luggage limits. Additionally on some fly-in safaris and island trips smaller aircraft are used with restrictions. You will find you need less than you might expect as even at luxury lodges are typically quite casual. We can advise you based on the itinerary we create together.
