Essential informationEssential information

Here is some information you might find useful as you plan your trip to Africa. As the Scouts motto says, Be Prepared!

Vehicles

Our vehicles are 4 x 4 Land Rovers, specially equipped for the rugged terrain. They each seat a driver, co-driver and 4 clients comfortably. Each vehicle carries supplies in a trailer and a roof rack, and include:
  • Water for up to 4 days for 6 people
  • 150 litres of diesel
  • 2 way radio for vehicle to vehicle communication
  • GPS navigation system
  • Sand ladders
  • 4 x two man tents
  • Cooking, lighting and washing equipment
  • Shovels
  • Flares
  • First aid kit

Visas
Visa requirements vary from country to country, so make sure you check with the relevant consulate in your home country. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months.



Game spotting in Savuti

Must have documents
  • Passport – valid minimum of 6 months
  • Notarised photocopy of passport
  • Visas – if required
  • Driver’s license – your own national and an international one
  • 3 x passport photos
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Separate insurance for valuables (camera, binoculars, cash)
Vegetation, climate and game viewing
The vegetation and climate on the sub
continent vary considerably with the seasons and geography, from lush tropical forest to bushveld (grassland and bush savannah) and harsh desert. The climate is generally sub-tropical. Summers are hot with occasional showers in the Okavango and Chobe regions, while winters (if you can call them that!) are warm and dry but cool at night. For a more accurate climatic overview of the region, the map below should help.
  • September/October-April/May

The rainy season is from around October to April with a peak during January and February, but it often does not start raining until mid-December. During this time our 4 x 4 vehicles really come into their own, especially after heavy downpours or thunderstorms when some of the lesser-used tracks become almost impassable. Savuti in the rainy season is magnificent because this is when the grazing animals travel south to enjoy the lushness of the Savuti Marsh and Mababe Depression. The pans abound with bird life and the landscape is decorated with veld flowers.

  • April/May-September/October

This is the dry season in the region, when the concentration of game increases along the permanent water courses and pans, making for better game viewing. Thousands of elephant and other game congregate around these pans, making for enjoyable days just spent sitting quietly and watching. October is the best month for game viewing, though this is also the hottest month. September/October is also the best time for bird watching in Moremi as this is the time the herons and other water birds breed in the Delta.


Health

The map indicates malarial areas in the sub continent. Malarial prophylactics should be taken in good time before you arrive in malaria affected areas. Please ensure you consult your doctor for appropriate medication.

Age restrictions
Due to the rugged nature of these safaris, children of thirteen years or younger are not permitted. Clients should be in good health and reasonable fitness.

Foreign currency
We advise you to carry US dollars, both travelers cheques and cash. Once in Africa, money should be exchanged only by authorised banks or money changers. Our rangers will provide assistance if required. Major credit cards are widely accepted in Maun and Victoria Falls.

Insurance
We strongly advise you to take up medical, cancellation and personal accident insurance. It is also advisable to insure valuables, e.g. cameras, binoculars, etc.

General advice
  • Expensive jewellery and watches are best left at home.
  • Electricity 220V, round 3 pin plug. We provide adapters but advisable to bring your own too.
  • Tipping of about US$ 2-5 per day per ranger at your discretion is appropriate.