FAQ

Should I expect to see the Big 5 The African Big 5 are made up of lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard and, as they are wild, they cannot be seen on demand in the bush. As a result most African Game Lodges will not guarantee that you will see the African Big 5, although some properties have a better record than others. Some African Game Lodges do not have the African Big 5, and you can check this by looking at the ‘Fact Sheet’ on each African Game Lodge on this website.

What should you expect to see? The sighting of any member of the African Big 5 is a thrill and you will certainly see members of the African Big 5 during the game drives and even from the African Game Lodges. It will also be possible to see a large variety of antelope, zebra, giraffe etc at most African Game Lodges. However, there is a great deal more to the African wildlife than the African Big 5 and this would include butterflies and other insects, birds, reptiles, small animals as well as indigenous shrubs and trees. The trained staff at the African Game Lodges will happily share their knowledge and experiences with you and the lodges will have different offerings to help you learn about the full spectrum of African wildlife.

How many days should you spend at an African Game Lodge?There is an enormous amount to learn and understand about life in the bush and the more time you spend at a particular African Game Lodge the more you will appreciate the fauna and flora of the area. The minimum time spent at a particular African Game Lodge should not be less than 3 nights, which would give you 2 full days to experience all the attractions and activities at the lodge.

What does a typical day on an African Safari consist of? Wake up is usually early and after a cup of coffee and a rusk (biscuit) you would go on a game drive. The game drive would last up to 3 hours, usually with a stop for refreshments. A late breakfast or an early brunch would be served back at the lodge, and then you would have the rest of the morning to relax. This is the time to rest, swim, go to the spa or sit and bird watch either from your room or the main lodge area. Then lunch would be served, and the early part of the afternoon may be spent at your leisure. After afternoon tea you would go on another game drive for about 3 hours. On the way back there will be a spot light on the vehicle which will help identify nocturnal animals. During the game drives the trained Ranger will identify the fauna and flora of the area and will answer any questions you may have regarding animal behaviour etc. Dinner would be served in the main lodge dining area, the boma or in a bush setting depending on the lodge and what it offers. This is the time when you talk about the day's sightings and listen to tales from the Rangers. After dinner, unless you are keen for a night cap or two with the other interesting guests from around the world, you will turn in after a long and wonderful day.
The variations during the day may include different activities like personalized game trails on foot or horse rides, all depending on the particular African Game Lodge at which you are staying.

What goes on during a game drive?
This is the centre of the African Safari experience. You will travel in an open vehicle, normally a Land Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser. Each vehicle will have a Ranger and, in most cases, a Tracker. The Ranger will drive the vehicle and the Tracker will assist in locating the animals by using the senses of sight, smell and sound as well as an in-depth knowledge of the local area. The Rangers and Trackers are very knowledgeable and will enjoy sharing their knowledge of the fauna and flora with you. You will stop throughout the game drive to watch animals, birds, have a close up with trees and grasses, and you will get ample opportunities to take photographs and to appreciate the environment. You will also have a stop for a nature break as well as the much appreciated beverage.

What is the difference between the National Parks and Game Reserves? Government, and some National Parks have luxury African Game Lodges within these areas as concessions. Game reserves can be either state owned or privately owned, depending on the country. South Africa has a number of private game reserves, Sabi Sands being the most well known.

Is malaria a problem?
It is a known fact that malaria is a common tropical disease. However, there is no reason why this disease should deter you from coming to Africa if the necessary precautions are taken.

The highest risk period is between December and April which is the rainy season. A 24-hour malaria hotline is available on +27 (0)82 234 1800 to give detailed explanations on risk and advice on precautionary measures.  Visitors wishing to take prophylactics should consult a knowledgeable medical practitioner or recognized travel clinic about recommended medication, as certain products have negative side effects with certain people.

While malaria prophylactics are recommended, no prophylactic is foolproof and any person developing flu-like symptoms 7 to 20 days (or even longer) after being in a malaria area should be tested immediately for malaria, until the symptoms clear or an alternative diagnosis is made. It is important to advise medical practitioners that you have been in a malaria area to avoid incorrect diagnosis.

The most effective way of preventing malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. The following preventative measures can be taken:

• Remain indoors from dusk to dawn, if possible, as mosquitoes usually feed in the early evenings and mornings.
• Cover your arms and legs towards evening with light coloured clothing to cover exposed skin areas and especially the ankles. Wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks and closed shoes.
• Apply insect repellents to exposed skin areas every 4-6 hours.
• Burn insecticide coils or electrically heated insecticide tablets in the bedroom at night.
• Spray knock-down insecticide for flying insects inside the bedroom in the early evening with windows / doors closed if there are no window screens.
• Screened mosquito proof windows and doors and mosquito nets guard against mosquito bites.

The threat of malaria should not affect your decision to enjoy the African Safari experience, but is just something one should be aware of and take precautions. It is always advisable to speak to your medical practitioner before embarking on an African Safari.

Please note that not all the African Game Lodges on this web site are in malaria areas and this can be determined by checking the ‘Fact Sheets' of each African Game Lodge.

What health facilities are there? South Africa has first world medical facilities. As with all international travel it is strongly recommended that you take out adequate travel insurance to cover all eventualities.