About us > Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

 

 

What kind of safaris does Wilderness Africa do?

All our safaris are designed and led by one of our Wilderness Africa guides. We offer a wide range of safaris and tailor them specifically to you,

We select camps that provide special experiences. These could be due to a unique setting, great wildlife, unsurpassed luxury, a specialist activity (such as gorilla tracking or climbing Kilimanjaro), or a sense of being in a really wild, remote place.

Some of the places we recommend are extremely luxurious. Others, while comfortable (en-suite shower and lavatory) are chosen because they are remote and of outstanding interest. We also have our own luxury mobile tented camps which we recommend in Tanzania. They provide all the comfort you require, and have the added advantage (being mobile) of camping in remoter, wilder places and moving with the seasons. These camps are only available on an exclusive basis, so you have the whole camp to yourselves!


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When is the best time of year to come on safari?

Any time – we design itineraries to take you to the best places at that particular time.

Africa is a huge continent, second in size to Eurasia. Kenya is the size of Texas or France, as is Botswana. Tanzania and Namibia are nearly double that size. Various parts of Africa may be "out of season" when it’s “prime time” in other parts. The only times to avoid are the rainy seasons, because it can be difficult to move around.

East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) straddles the Equator and is quite mountainous in many areas. This means that day to day temperature is less of a factor than altitude. In northern Tanzania and Kenya there are two rainy seasons: from April to mid-May, and from November to mid-December.

In southern Tanzania and most of southern Africa, the rainy season begins in November and ends in early May. In the far south (Botswana) it can be cold in the early mornings in mid-winter (July & August) usually with clear skies, and since this is the dry season, game is often plentiful. See national park or country descriptions in the ‘ Exploring Africa’ section for more information on best times to visit specific places.


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What is the ideal group size?

Smaller groups are more intimate. Larger groups tend to cost less per person and tend to be livelier. Cost is affected by group size when you can share resources such as vehicle, guide and aircraft.

In Kenya and northern Tanzania we normally drive from one camp to another in our safari vehicles. While these have enough seating for five or six guests, we rarely seat more than four or five in one vehicle. This means that if you are staying in lodges, permanent tented camps or shared mobile camps, group sizes that are multiples of four are best. In southern Tanzania and the rest of southern Africa we fly from camp to camp, and usually stay in permanent tented camps and lodges. One of the best bush aircraft is a Cessna Caravan which seats from eleven to thirteen passengers, so group sizes of 8-12 cost less.

If you choose a private camping safari, staying in one of our luxury mobile tented camps, a considerable part of the cost is mobilizing the camp, and so the cost is most economical for groups of 10 - 12 people. This size means there are two or three game drive vehicles (we spread out and are in radio communication) which usually encounter more wildlife than one.

We do not advise groups of more than fourteen unless you are all one family.


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Is there a safari that two of us could join?

We do not mix groups or have set departure itineraries. However, we would be happy to design a specific itinerary for you. Click here for idea of costs or visit the downloads section for rates.



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How long is the average safari?

Normally two to three weeks, unless you are already in the area. Visitors from Europe have very little jet lag to contend with, and benefit from direct flights, so tend to come for shorter periods, such as ten days.


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What kind of activities can we do?

This depends on the itinerary and the area you visit. This is why it is best to let us know beforehand what your interests are so we can design an itinerary that really suits you. Here are some possible activities: Game driving (from a vehicle – the best way to get close up photographs of animals), walking, tracking chimpanzees or gorillas, hiking up mountains such as Mount Meru, Mount Kenya or Mount Kilimanjaro, cultural visits, night drives, game viewing by boat, mekoro (dugout canoe) or Canadian canoe (looking out especially for crocodiles and hippos!), horseback safaris, flying in a balloon, fishing for tiger fish or Nile perch, big game fishing, scuba diving, or enjoying water sports. In some places it is also possible to ride on African elephants, fly in a helicopter, or go on a lightweight walking safari with camels carrying the loads.

 

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What is the ideal age for children on safari?

We have taken children from the age of five on safari and they had a fantastic time. Our guides' children began going on safari from six weeks old! However in general we think children gain most from the safari experience from seven years onwards. Going on a safari is one of the most educational and fun experiences a child can have. They usually not only learn much about wildlife and nature, but also have great cultural adventures. Some permanent tented camps and lodges have age restrictions, although there are no age restrictions in our private luxury camps.


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What kind of inoculations and other health precautions are recommended?

In most of East and Southern Africa (except South Africa and Namibia) malaria prophylactic medicines are essential for any visitor. These are taken as a pill either daily or weekly. Tetanus-diptheria inoculation and polio boosters are also recommended. Whilst not essential these innocluations may also be advised: Yellow fever, Hepatitis A and Typhoid. NetDoctor has inoculation recommendations and so does the CDC (Center for Disease Control - USA) website.


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Will we really see lots of animals?

Our guests are always astounded by the number of animals they see. The amount of big game visible in east and southern Africa is still unparalleled anywhere else on the planet.

 

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Do we travel everywhere by road or by air?

We usually charter an aircraft at the end of the safari to return to our starting place, and on many itineraries we charter aircraft to travel between camps. This depends on the distances and the quality of the road. In northern Tanzania and in some parts of Kenya, it is often more enjoyable to travel between camps by road, as distances are short and the scenery changes dramatically.

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How far in advance is it best to book a safari?

This depends on the time of year you want to come, and the group size. Generally the most popular times are when most people go on vacation, which is June-August and December-March. We often take bookings for these periods two years in advance, so availability starts to get difficult if you reserve less than eighteen months in advance. Of course, if you are flexible with places to stay and activities, we can design a safari around what is available. At other times of year booking a year from six months in advance is best.


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Is there communication between us and the outside world?

Yes, our mobile tented camps are supplied with an HF radio. This enables us to be in daily communication at regular intervals with our headquarters in Arusha, and with Gillian Lyons (our communications co-ordinator) who ensures everything goes smoothly. Our offices have good telephone, facsimile and e-mail connections.

There is no e-mail service while in camp. Most lodges and permanent tented camps have both telephone and e-mail facilities available for an extra fee.
We carry a back-up satellite phone on safari for emergency use. We do not advertise its availability, as we feel strongly that part of the experience of being in the bush is “being away from it all”. However, it is usually available for calls at $5 a minute. We reserve the use of the phone to times when we are relaxing in camp (usually from around 3-4pm and 7-8pm). If you do use it, we ask you to be discreet, so as not to disturb the peace and tranquillity of the bush. This etiquette does not apply when in state of the art lodges with videos, room phones, etc. The phone is not available on game drives or other activities.

 

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How safe is it?

Over the years we have built long term relationships with our clients, and have got to know their preferences. Very often they introduce us to their friends after coming on safari with us, so our business is primarily by referral (word-of-mouth). We are as sensitive to this symbiotic relationship as our clients are aware of the responsibility with which they entrust us. Our primary method of ensuring our journeys are safe is our expert and careful selection of guides. Since we are guides ourselves, we are well equipped to assess those who we allow on our team. All our guides are extremely experienced, and in many ways that vast resource of years in the field is the cornerstone of our provision of safety. Furthermore the fact that we are guides living in Africa means we are at the front end of up-to-date information on local conditions. Several of us also have young children living with us in Africa, and we consider they are lucky to be brought up in such a friendly and exciting part of the world. We are not held to selling safaris in any one part of Africa, and would not recommend visiting any area we might consider even the slightest bit unsafe. Be assured that when you come with us, you are in excellent hands! Many people who have never travelled to Africa before have their safety as their greatest reservation for venturing here. It is still very much the unknown continent. Africa is large, varied and still much misunderstood. In such a large continent there will always be unstable countries and areas in turmoil, but there will also be hidden gems… places of peace and tranquillity. In such places the experience of being in the wilds will change you forever. Have you ever wondered why many “old timers” to Africa never stop harping on about it, and aren’t in the least bit worried about setting off on their next adventure to this great continent?

 

 

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How do we know what to bring and wear?

Once you have booked your safari you will receive information including suggested clothes and equipment lists suited to your safari or climb.

 

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Is there laundry service?

Yes, there is daily laundry service almost everywhere on safari. In the luxury mobile tented camps daily laundry service is provided, except ladies underwear. On specialist adventure treks in lightweight camps (such as when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro) there is no laundry service.

 

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What are the different places like and do you have any sample itineraries?

See the 'Exploring Africa' section for descriptions of the different areas and activities available. Visit the “Downloads” section for sample itineraries.

 

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What is a typical day like?

Daily routines vary depending on the wishes of the group, the wildlife movements at the time, daily temperature, and other factors.

In the Serengeti predators are abundant and active early in the morning. Our guides usually suggest an early start, often taking along a picnic breakfast or brunch. We might go for a morning drive in search of marauding hyenas or roaring lions, and return to camp for lunch and a siesta. Later in the afternoon we could set off to see if bat-eared foxes appear from a den we had seen earlier, returning at sundown for a fireside drink and a hot shower.

In drier places such as Ruaha in central Tanzania, we sometimes have a more leisurely start, enjoying the sunrise from our tent veranda with a hot cup of fresh tea or coffee. We might leave camp after breakfast. Here the big cats often wait near waterholes and hunt in the heat of the day when prey is thirsty. We might rest in the shade of a Tamarind tree on the banks of a sand river for a while. With patience we could see a herd of elephants approach, dig holes in the sand with their trunks and bathe in the cool water.

On our return to camp we might pause at sundown, have a cocktail and reflect on the events of the day. On another day we might go for an afternoon walk, and from a ridge watch a troop of baboons interact.

In areas where a night drive is possible - such as just outside the Serengeti in Tanzania; the South Luangwa national park in Zambia; or just outside the Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango) in Botswana; we might have a cocktail drink after a game drive and then night drive back to camp.

 

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Do you book international flights?

We can book all air charters and scheduled regional flights, but we do not book trans-continental or international travel. Please contact your travel agent for these arrangements.

 

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What is the difference between a safari staying in Wilderness Africa’s own luxury mobile tented camps and any other Wilderness Africa safari?

A luxury mobile tented safari involves staying part of the time in Wilderness Africa's own luxury mobile tented camps. Here there are no other guests in camp. The camp crew has only to care for you, so meals and activities can be what you like and when you like. Our choice of camp location depends on the seasons, where we estimate you will see the most wildlife and where you will have the best experience.

Since moving camp takes a couple of days, you usually stay in permanent tented camps and lodges while the camp is on the move. This can provide a change of atmosphere, and in some cases added luxuries such as a bathtub or hairdryer, and an opportunity to meet other travellers. These safaris are ideal for groups who want to experience the bush in remoter, less visited areas, and who prefer to be on their own.

We also organize safaris staying in lodges and permanent tented camps. These vary considerably, although we generally choose the most luxurious accommodation. Since these do not move, there is often no limit to the amount of luxury they can supply. Some of these places rank among the finest hotels in the world. If luxury is your prime goal, ask us to design you a safari staying in luxury lodges and permanent tented camps. Of course, while these may verge on being sybaritic, there are usually other guests in camp, and the programs here are rarely as flexible as when staying in a mobile tented camp.

 

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Where can we go on a private "luxury mobile tented safari"?

These safaris are currently possible only in Kenya and Tanzania. Elsewhere we stay in non-exclusive permanent tented camps and lodges.

 

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How many nights do we stay in camp, and do we stay in other kinds of accommodation?

We rarely stay solely in our mobile camps throughout a safari. Usually we spend from three to five nights, and when our camp moves to the next private location, we stay in luxurious non-exclusive tented camps and lodges. After a couple of nights there, we re-join our camp and safari crew in a new area.

 

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How many people do you have in a vehicle and what are the vehicles like?

All our vehicles while you are on a luxury mobile tented safari are custom-built stretched 4WD Land-Rovers or Land-Cruisers, with two seats in the front, two in the middle and two or three person seating in the rear. They all have three roof-hatches, which are easy to close when driving between one camp and another, keeping out the dust or rain. We do not seat more than five guests in any one vehicle, unless there are discounted children. On safaris where we fly to our next destination, staying in a permanent tented camp or lodge (and not Wilderness Africa's own luxury mobile tented camps) the vehicles are likely to be different. Very often they are open design and they might seat more guests.

 

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What is the food like?

Food everywhere is wonderful! Meals in our own mobile tented camps are enjoyed in our large dining tent, or sometimes under the stars. All our chefs were initially trained in the bush by Justin Bell's sister, Richenda, herself a qualified chef. Now training is carried out by Godwin, our head chef. Breakfast can be anything from continental to a full English one. There is always fresh fruit, home-made preserves and granola, freshly prepared fruit juice, tea and coffee. Lunch usually comprises salads, cold meats, cheeses, freshly baked bread, and sometimes other pastries or a soup. Dinner is a three-course candlelit affair. The main course can be anything from soufflé to roast lamb, from camp-made pasta to Indian curry. To find out more visit our sample menu on the food page.

Food in the lodges and permanent tented camps that we select is always excellent.

 

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Does Wilderness Africa design safaris not using their own mobile tented camps?

Yes, there are many other Wilderness Africa safaris and destinations that do not make use of the Wilderness Africa luxury mobile tented camps. On these safaris Wilderness Africa uses permanent tented camps or lodges, choosing what we consider the best accommodation possible. Our choice of lodge or camp depends on the client’s preferences, taking into account the quality of the accommodation and services, and the wildness of the location. When on safari outside Kenya and Tanzania we mostly stay in permanent tented camps and lodges. We also design lodge only safaris within Kenya and Tanzania for smaller groups (often less than 4 people), and for groups who prefer the comforts more similar to their home environment, and who do not want to be in tents or in remote areas.

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