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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 read the most commonly asked questions that travelers have asked us when they are 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 assist you.
Will we meet you at the Airport in South Africa?
Your personalized guide will be there to meet you upon arrival (normally at Cape Town or Johannesburg International Airport).
When is the best time of year to go to South Africa?
All Year Round! It depends what you are looking for. One wants to avoid Cape Town in the winter when it generally rains non stop (June – Aug). No matter what time of the year you go on a South Africa Safari, you will always see the wildlife.
Will we be swamped by hordes of other Tourists on Safari?
Most definitely 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.
Will we be with other guests on our South Africa Safari?
While you will not be traveling with other groups, you will meet other guests at the various hotels, lodges and camps.
Is it OK if I am a single traveler to South Africa?
Most definitely YES. We would be happy to cater to your needs.
Will I see the Safari BIG FIVE?
There is every chance you will see Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard. Each day on safari will produce something different, you will encounter a variety of Predators, Antelope, Hippo, Crocodiles, Reptiles, Primates as well as over 400 different species of Birds. All of which your guide has an in-depth knowledge of and can answer all your questions on.
Are we safe from the animals on Safari?
You will always be in the hands of experienced and highly trained rangers and trackers at all times. On all safaris rangers are armed and your safety is their highest concern.
What health precautions do we need to travel in South Africa?
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.
 Is the water safe to drink?
The water in all the camps and lodges is perfectly safe to drink. It has been purified but there is always bottled water available.
Are children welcome on tour?
The age limit for children on Safari is 12 years, this is for safety reasons. There are a number of lodges that will accommodate children under the age of 12. We have done 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.
What are the Visa Requirements for traveling in Africa?
You should check with the embassy or consulate of the country(s) you are visiting for the current information on visa requirements. If you are traveling on a US passport you do not require a visa. However your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return.
What do I need to bring on safari?
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 and bright increase your visibility to the animals.
- Sun block & lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Wide brimmed hat
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera with a zoom/wide angle lens + plenty of camera film, spare memory sticks for digital cameras and spare batteries for video cam.
- Binoculars
Do I have to take Malaria tablets?
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.
What inoculations do I need?
Please check with your doctor on what inoculations you require.
What if I have a Medical Condition?
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 parts.
What about HIV/Aids
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
Are there any other health issues to be concerned about?
Bilharzia can be a problem in some of the east-flowing rivers, but it is easily detected and treated if it is caught early. Perhaps it would be a good idea to 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.
How strong is the sun?
We have a warm sunny climate and you should wear sunscreen and a hat whenever you are out of doors 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 wear, as the glare of the African sun can be strong.
Do I need Medical Insurance?
It is always advisable to take out medical insurance prior to any international travel.
What currency is used in South Africa?
The Rand
How far will my money go?
A long way. With a favourable exchange rate for many international currencies, you'll find South Africa a very inexpensive destination. For example:
One US dollar will get you about two daily newspapers; or two cans of Coke. A litre of petrol - which is about 0.25 gallons - will cost you about $1.
For one British pound you can buy about three daily newspapers; or one take-away hamburger; or three cans of Coke. Thirty pounds will get you bed and breakfast in a decent guesthouse or hotel, or a bus ticket for a ride of a few hundred kilometres.
One euro will buy a good cup of coffee in a restaurant; or two loaves of bread. A music CD will cost about €15.
What about Banks?
You'll also find South Africa an easy destination fro banking. From the moment you step off the plane you'll start seeing banks, bureaux de change and automatic tellers all over the place.
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 (see the “foreign exchange services” links below) 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.
What languages are spoken?
Although South Africa has 11 official languages English is the most common language. Other widely spoken languages include Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans.
How much should I tip?
It is customary to tip between 10% and 15% for a meal or in a hotel when ordering room service. It is also wise to tip for any other service that you may receive such as a taxi ride, a tourist guide, porters etc. Use your discretion but we recommend that you do not tip less than R2.
What plugs and power voltage do you use in South Africa?
South African power is 240 volts, 50Hz delivered through a three pin socket. The socket is unique to South Africa and an adaptor will be needed. Most hotels and airport shops will have adapters for foreign plugs.
Can I use my Cell/mobile phone in South Africa?
South Africa has an advanced GSM network and all GSM enabled phones will work within the network. Be aware that cost of calling outside South Africa is higher than most countries and therefore it is advisable to get an international calling card.
Is there internet connectivity?
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.
How accurate is the information on your sites?
Roar Africa Travel prides itself in obtaining factually correct information about our destinations. We further strive to ensure that all our documentation and correspondence is accurate.
General Safety Tips
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, it is sensible to take normal precautions on your African safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas.
Travel Documents / Money
Always have a photocopy of your passport, and any visas. Also, have a list of travelers checks numbers. These copies should be packed 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 travelers cheques. You might need cash for purchases local markets — keep this in a travel wallet, or a zip pocket.
Luggage
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.
Personal Safety
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.
Game Viewing
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.
Creepy Crawlies
Although Africa is known to be home to a number of potentially dangerous species, especially snakes, scorpions, spiders, and insects, very few visitors are adversely affected. Snakes tend to be shy, and generally 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 comfortable, enclosed walking shoes, socks, and long trousers – just as a precaution.
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