Overland Tours: Q & A's - WildLife Adventures

Thank you for choosing WildLife Adventures! If you are looking to experience the 'real' Africa then you have come to the right company, and we aim to prove that in everything thing we do. WildLife Adventures is one of the leading established overland adventure safari operators in Africa. We offer years of experience, professionalism and reliability, and are still totally passionate about what we do! It is this that sets the WildLife Adventures experience aside from the rest.

Many years of experience operating safaris and expeditions all over Africa has helped us to keep abreast of the answers to some of your most common questions. WildLife Adventures also prepares a specific overland tour dossier for each and every tour we operate, with comprehensive pre departure information and background reading.

You are responsible for reading and understanding this pre departure information, and our standard booking terms and conditions. Your participation on any WildLife Adventures tour is based on this information and if there is anything that is not clear, or if your specific query is not answered on our site, please contact our offices.

Why should we book WildLife Adventures?

Our crew are your link to the land. They are your teachers, your companions, your friends. These men and women call this continent home, and their knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for Africa will serve to enrich your experience in countless ways as you make your journey across the continent. Their extensive training not only includes knowledge of wildlife, flora and fauna but also excellent leadership and great companionship skills are prerequisites. From the owners, management, tour guides, operations support, and administration, we bring a lifetime's experience and understanding of operating and living in Africa whilst maintaining the highest possible standards of service and quality.

Being based on the ground also ensures that you experience the 'real authentic' Africa, that also benifits the local people. We do this by supporting the local communtities through buying provisions along the way, by using local operators for optional activities and by being sensitive to local cultures.

How experienced are your guides?
A large part of WildLife Adventures success is our approach to our guides and their training. With their roots in Africa, our guides are motivated, fun loving and passionate about what they do. Our guides are some of the best in the industry; they are our reputation and ambassadors and uphold the excellent standards that we enjoy. WildLife Adventures considers the time and energy we invest in the training of our guides on the road as one of the most important things we do.

This training not only includes excellent flora, fauna, and wildlife knowledge, but finer details like the ability to prepare varied and imaginative healthy meals on an open fire, to identify a bird, mechanical expertise, and most importantly the character skills to be excellent, fun loving, responsible leaders and companions in Africa.

What can I expect from my trip with WildLife Adventures?
It is a given that WildLife Adventures guides are there to make sure that you have an unforgettable trip, take you through the rough and the absolute best with a broad smile and positive attitude. If however, there is anything that is upsetting you whilst on tour, you need to approach the guide to give him or her a fair opportunity to rectify the problem. This also goes with problems that may develop with fellow passengers. Dealing with any issues that may arise whilst on tour will prevent them from developing into something more problematic. Your guide cannot help if you remain quiet. This should be done privately and diplomatically. Think about group dynamics and how important they are to successful tours.

It will also be difficult for WildLife Adventures to address any complaint after a tour if you have not discussed any issue beforehand with your guide.

Our guides are trained extensively, but please also remember that the nature of an adventure safari is to give a very broad range of experiences. Your guide cannot be expected to be an expert on absolutely everything throughout many different countries! This is why we also contract the services of local guides and experts to compliment the information that we can give you. Specialist guides are used for the various activities you will take part in, whether that is a qualified safety kayaker for your plunge down the mighty Zambezi or a specialised field guide for a walk through the many National Parks we visit.

Your guide will ensure that you get the most out of Africa, starting with a full brief on the nature of the tour and what to expect in the pre departure meeting. Thereafter he or she will have regular meetings with the group - usually every evening to explain the next day's options, programs and activities.

Tipping
Tipping is obviously entirely at your discretion, and based on how you feel the service has been. Our guides do go to great lengths to provide you with an experience of a lifetime, and often go that extra mile to make that special moment. Remember also that it is hours of behind the scenes work that you may not be aware of that will make your tour really special. Please consider all of this when you decide on your tip. It is a 24-hour job that requires dedicated effort.

People are always asking us to give a clear indication of what is generally accepted. It varies greatly but generally:

National Parks Guides / optional activities:
USD 1 to 2 per person per activity

Who should join a WildLife adventures overland adventure safari?
People with an adventurous spirit, people who want to have loads of fun and experience all that Africa has to offer. The good and the bad! People who care about culture, wildlife, awesome scenery and interacting with fellow travelers.

Above all, people who are flexible! Please remember that this is Africa and that traveling in Africa is sometimes unpredictable and adventurous - hopefully that is the reason you have booked the tour in the first place. By the very nature of traveling in remote areas there are unforeseen challenges to overcome and people should have a taste for adventure and a great sense of humor!

On every tour timing and itineraries will vary slightly because of changing local conditions. Be prepared and expect this.

In the event of any incidence that may affect safety, security, and the well being of the tour participants, the decision of your tour guide will be final.

Will I get on with everyone else in the group?
Our Adventure trips and safaris are based on offering a full multi country African experience. We have designed them to include the absolute very best of Africa with plenty of action, culture swapping, game viewing, flexibility and fun. These tours attract like minded people and past adventurers have come from the four corners of the earth, and from all walks of life - bringing a truly international flavor to the experience. The average age of participants is usually 20 - 45, and the male / female mix is generally even. Suitability for our trips is not only about being fit and active, it's about being able to cope with the good times and deal with the unexpected with a firm smile and good attitude. Come prepared to make lifelong friends. Over the years we have had engagements, weddings, reunions, and all sorts of memorable events/occasions on tour! Thousands of people have traveled with us and shared in this amazing continent, and we have made friends from all over the world.

What does limited participation really mean?:
WildLife Adventures operates tours on a limited participation system, which means that you will be asked to assist with various aspects of safari duties. Your guides are there to handle all the major responsibilities (after all you are on holiday!) They will definitely spoil you, but they are not your personal assistants for the tour and will need you valuable assistance. It is vital that you have a positive attitude towards participation and joining in is what turns a great trip into an unforgettable journey.

You will be required to help with the loading and unloading of luggage and equipment on the vehicle and assist your guides with some meals. Your tour leader and courier will explain all of this to you in detail at the pre departure meeting.

A day in the life of WildLife Adventures: what you really need to know!
Generally you will wake early on a traveling day and depart at approx 8:00 am after breakfast. Some days where the traveling distance is greater, or if we are aiming for a particular view site say for sunrise, then an earlier rise is to be expected. We generally get to our camp / lodge / hotel in the late afternoon. Traveling in Africa often involves very early starts and late stops and this is all part of the adventure.

There will be sand and dust and hot African sun, it can at times be cold and rainy. There will be balmy evenings spent around the campfire under starry skies, breathtaking countryside, and some extraordinary tales about the days animal viewing, exquisite photographic opportunities, and memories for a lifetime!

WildLife Adventures operates multi country adventure overland tours. On some tours our total distance covered is over five thousand kilometres and we'll typically visit 4 different countries! That's a big tour jam-packed with loads of African experiences! However, you do need to be prepared for long drives on certain days. Please also understand that due to the conditions of the roads in Africa, rushing is not often an option. Your safety has to be one of our biggest concerns. Expect average speeds of around 80kph or a lot less, particularly on dirt roads or bad conditions.

Unforseen circumstances:
Although our vehicles are well maintained and serviced regularly, the challenging African roads may sometimes cause breakdowns. Do not panic and please be patient and reasonable if this situation should arise. WildLife Adventures are well represented with good support throughout Southern and East Africa. Should a mechanical breakdown or incident occur, good back-up systems are already in place, and there is no need for concern. It does however sometimes take some time to resolve mechanical or logistical problems in Africa, and getting irritated or unreasonable with your guides never helps. Our guides have been trained to deal with just about anything and take most things in their stride. Drivers will also need to do on tour maintenance to his or her vehicle as part of their responsibilities. Travel with an open mind and realistic expectations and we guarantee you a good time.

Routes and itineraries
We make every effort to follow the intended route of the itinerary, however changes sometimes need to be made due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. This may result in missed areas and activities, diversions, and variations on night stops. Occasional operational uncertainties make it impossible to run adventure trips exactly to the intended itinerary, so when booking a trip you must accept that itineraries may differ from that published.

The company will not be responsible for accommodation costs, or liable for any airfares or any other compensation to the client.

What optional activities can I expect to do?
Years of experience have shown us that people like to choose what they want to get out of their trip. You can take advantage of our experience, the security that comes with that, the fun and flexibility that is the essence of overlanding. We go where others seldom venture...

Naturally there are many extra exciting activities and excursions on offer in Africa. All of our trips are designed so that you can choose according to your own particular budget and interest which extra optional excursions you wish to partake in. It's after all your holiday and your choice!

WildLife Adventures tours do however include most of the highlights, as we know how irritating and disappointing it is to have to continuously pay extra for everything. With WildLife Adventures you will know what you get for the money you have paid. See the tour breakdowns for exactly what's included and what's not. Nasty surprises mid-tour is just not our style.

Your WildLife Adventures guides are able to assist with updated information of all the options on offer and whether you are looking for an adrenaline fix, a last night splurge or an extra game experience, its all available! WildLife Adventures will book these optional excursions as an extra service to our clients.

Do you have any age restrictions?
Due to the nature of our Adventurer trips we are not able to accommodate any person under the age of 14 years, unless of course you are one of our family safaris. An adult must also accompany travellers between the ages of 14 and 18 years old.We do not impose an upper age limit providing the client is fit and suitable to undertake an Adventure Safari. Please note that the Gorilla Trekking tours have an age limit of 16 years.

Where can I find more information?
Each tour has a tour dossier with full information that has been carefully written and updated by experienced professionals that staff our operation. You will find 'what to pack lists', further reading suggestions, important information, historical background reading, travel tips, currency advice and loads more. We look forward to traveling with you.

What is included in the tour price?
WildLife Adventures operates all-inclusive tours, and there are no hidden 'extras' on our trips. Many of our competitors do not include the expensive highlights or game parks in their tour price. This way they can appear cheaper by offering these as 'optional extras'.

Our trips have been designed to include National Parks, highlights and attractions, guided activities, ground transportation, the services of our guides, camp meals, and equipment.
If you compare what we include, you will find that WildLife Adventures offers fantastic value for money.

What is the single supplement and who needs to pay this?
You need not be concerned if you are joining a trip alone - in fact many of our clients do. Accommodation is arranged on a twin share basis and your tour guide will allocate a room / tent with another group member of the same sex. If you do not wish to share, a single occupancy supplement is available on most tours.

Please understand that we can't always guarantee single travellers the opportunity to share. It all depends if we have other single traveller's that want to share. If you are travelling on your own please ask for this information when booking. We will always do our very best to accommodate you!

Can you arrange accommodation before and after the tour?
WildLife Adventures books and arranges accommodation, transfers, and holidays every day of the year. We have great relationships with many establishments and our partners and suppliers all over Africa, and will ensure that you are well looked after and that you have a stress free time. We also handle airport transfers and offer good advice about the multitude of extra excursions, day activities and add ons that you may want to do in Africa. Contact us.

Passenger manifesto
Your guides will ask you to complete details onto a passenger manifesto with all tour participants' passport details. This will be used for getting the group through borders smoothly and most importantly will reduce the amount of time we spend at border crossings.

How much spending money will I need?
It's very difficult for us to tell you exactly how much money you will need. This depends on your personal habits - how much you drink, if you smoke, what you'd like to spend you money on as far as optional activities go, do you like to shop for souviners? The information here is purposefully broad. Please refer to the individual tour pre departure information dossier for specific information on spending money. Generally though, USD 20 per person per day should cover the odd snack, drinks, curios and communications.

Do we need to bring a sleeping bag?
On all of our Family and Public Transport Safaris you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and small travel pillow if you wish to use a pillow. Your bag should be a suitable for chillier nights on tours which travel during the winter months. Bedding is provided on all accommodated tours. Please Note: you will also need to bring a sleeping mat for the family safaris

Do you have any luggage restrictions?
Yes! There is a strict baggage limit of one 65-litre travel bag per person. No external frame packs or suitcases are permitted! This is due to storage restrictions on the vehicles. A small daypack for cameras, and personal items is also advised. You will also need a sleeping bag for family and public transport tours, and other suggested items are: money belt, water bottle, torch, spare batteries, camera with spare film, UV sun protection, mosquito repellent, personal toiletries, any prescription medicine and a simple First Aid Kit.

We suggest luggage is restricted to 15 - 20 kilos (so it can be comfortably carried - if you cannot carry it then you have too much!).

We recommend that you utilise old or inexpensive luggage. Suitcases are NOT suitable.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY EXCESS LUGGAGE OVER THE ABOVE SPECIFIED WEIGHT LIMIT WILL NOT BE LOADED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. EXCESS LUGGAGE WILL BE STORED AND ANY COSTS INCURRED WILL BE THE PASSENGERS RESPONSIBILITY.

IMPORTANT: Please take your sleeping bag and toiletries with you on board the plane (these items are difficult to replace in Africa should they be lost on your flight over).

A check list of suggested items to bring
Some nights can be very cold in winter, so bring along some warm clothing.

1 day pack, to contain money, travel documents, water and camera equipment, etc. This will be allowed inside the safari vehicle.
1 waist pouch or money belt.

Clothing & Personal Effects (please take the minimum)
Most people make the mistake of taking along too much clothing. Take along comfortable, casual and semi-casual, "wash & wear" clothes. There will be opportunities to wash clothing OR have it washed along the way. Bright colours and white are not suitable for game viewing. Please also avoid clothing resembling army uniform (i.e. army jackets, caps, and trousers). Please dress appropriately when: crossing borders (no bare feet, bare chests, no bikini tops, no sunglasses or hats) also when visiting markets, villages, and towns and when traveling in the vehicle.

This list below is purely a guideline:

1 pair of smart/casual trousers
3 pairs of shorts
7 shirts/T-shirts (any combination)
1 light cotton dress for the ladies
2 fleece / jersey for the cool evenings
1 wind-breaker / water proof jacket
1 warm jacket
1 pair of walking/running shoes
1 pair of sandals/ reef shoes (useful for showers)
Underwear and socks
1 swimming costume
1 sun hat
1 towel
1 litre water bottle (essential)
1 torch with batteries (essential)
Toilet paper
Bath soap
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Shampoo & hair conditioner
Deodorant
Comb/hair brush
Razor & blades (preferable battery operated shaver)
Suntan lotion/sun block
Lip balm
Hand cream & moisturising cream
Insect repellent
Tissues or disposable moist tissues (e.g. Wet Ones)
Washing powder
Plastic bags (to pack wet/dirty clothing)
Sunglasses
Spectacles (if worn) - some people have trouble with contact lenses & dust
Pen for immigration formalities
Notebook

We suggest that you take along the following: -

Plasters/band aids
Aspirins/paracetamol
Anti-diarrhea pills (consult your pharmacist for advice)
Throat lozenges
Antiseptic cream
Insect repellent
Anti-malaria tablets (refer to the MALARIA section)
Insect repellent (Jungle Formula)
Fungal infection powder
Rehydration powder
Eye drops
Sunscreen
Moisturizer
Any other medicines & toiletries you regularly use (e.g. tampons or condoms)

Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for all passengers:
All travelers are required to take insurance to cover cancellation and curtailment, baggage loss or damage, medical expenses, emergency travel, repatriation and personal accident before leaving their country. It is the passenger's sole responsibility to ensure that they are fully insured. This is also part of our booking terms and conditions, so you will not be accommodated on any tour without adequate insurance. Guides will check your insurance policy at the pre departure meeting, and if you are not insured you will not be allowed to join the tour.

Most travel insurance policies have a restriction on compensation for loss, damage or theft of single valuable items (e.g. cameras). Please check your policy carefully and if necessary insure valuable items separately, (e.g. under a home contents policy with a travel extension). Please take your insurance policy with you on safari. Please also note that travel insurance provided with credit card payment is usually inadequate for travel of this nature.

Extra expenses:
Sometimes political or civil unrest and other circumstances beyond the control of WildLife Adventures will mean the group having to make alternative travel plans. We recommend that you bring emergency funds or have access to funds that you do not intend to use. Most insurance policies refund only after you have paid out.

Indemnity
Passengers will be required to complete and sign an Indemnity Form prior to joining any adventure safari. Again these form part of our booking terms and conditions. If you do not sign the indemnity form you will not be accommodated.

With regards to your saftey well being & belongings
Please take care in the vehicle whilst travelling - do not move about unnecessarily for if the vehicle has to stop suddenly you may fall. You must be seated and remain seated if the vehicle is moving, especially while travelling through towns and cities. Take care when standing that you do not bang your head!

Do not carry all money or valuables on your person – use the on board safe to store money and passports. This safe is in the vehicle for your convenience. WildLife Adventures provides this safe in good faith, but cannot be held responsible for any losses or damages. Do not leave any valuables lying around. Your possessions are YOUR responsibility! Beware of pickpockets and it's a good idea to walk in groups particularly at night and in African towns, markets etc. Check with your guide if you are in doubt.

Last person out of the vehicle please switch off all lights and shut the door! Please keep all doors closed and locked at all times. Your possessions are at risk. The truck buzzer should be used with discretion. Please remember that the driver can only stop when it is safe to do so. Do not therefore expect an immediate stop for toilet or photographs after using the buzzer.

Health and first aid
Any one participating in an adventure safari must be in good health. Please see our terms and conditions for further information on this. Please note that WildLife Adventures is not qualified to give you medical advice and you must contact your own doctor for information.

Recommended vaccinations and other health protection vary from country to country. We recommend that you contact your doctor and gain the correct medical advice about vaccinations.

All clients MUST have full medical and travel insurance cover before joining the tour. See our booking terms and conditions for further information.

There is an emergency first aid kit on board every vehicle. This kit is for emergencies or serious medical conditions only. If items are used, clients will be asked to pay for them. Clients are advised to bring a simple personal first aid kit, and details are supplied in the "Clothing and Personal Effects" paragraph.

It must be understood that your crew are not able to administer any drugs. It is the client's responsibility to administer medication to him or herself, unless incapacitated, in which case that individuals traveling partner will administer medication.

Inform your guide about any medical problems or allergies. This is essential and will be treated confidentially. Be sure to inform them if any medical conditions get serious. There are not always hospitals or doctors everywhere along the route.

Your major health risk is Malaria - so take your prophylactics on time. The best way of avoiding malaria is to not get bitten in the first place! Cover up at night with long sleeves and trousers, along with insect repellent.

Bilharzia is present in Africa. It is not an immediate life threatening disease! Simply have a test when you get back home and the treatment is simple and effective. Do not let it spoil your swimming!

All water on the truck is clean and drinkable. Beware of any other water in Africa as it can make you sick!

Good personal hygiene is essential! Wash hands as often as you can, and always before eating - but remember water is precious in Africa.

What visas will I need for my trip?
Visa requirements vary considerably depending on the trip and your nationality. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have the correct visa and paperwork for your trip. WildLife Adventures will not be responsible for anyone denied access to any country. Please contact the various embassies or a visa service agent for you visa requirements. You must be in possession of a valid onward/return air ticket or proof of other means of transport enabling you to leave the country in which your trip ends. Alternatively you must have proof of sufficient funds (e.g. credit card) enabling you to purchase an air ticket to leave the country. Should the tour you are joining be re-entering a country, be sure to have a multiple entry visa that enables you to re-enter the country.

VISA SERVICE
You can contact the embassies in your home country or these South African based visa services who will arrange all your visas for you at a reasonable fee:

OR

VISA SOLUTIONS (R.S.A)
Corner of Riebeek and Long
Street , Cape Town.
Tel. ++ (27 21) 425 5896
visasolution@mweb.co.za

Botswana Consulate General
8 Riebeeck Street
Southern Life Centre
4th Floor, Cape Town
Tel. ++ (27 21) 421 1045
Fax. ++ (27 21) 421 1046

High commission of Rep. of Kenya Pretoria
Tel. ++ (27 12) 362 2249
Fax. ++ (27 12) 362 2252

High Commission of Tanzania Pretoria
Tel. ++ (27 12) 342 4393
Fax. ++ (27 12) 430 4383

Lesotho High Commission Pretoria
Tel. ++ (27 12) 460 7648
Fax. ++ (27 12) 460 7649

Malawi High Commission Pretoria
Tel. ++ (27 12) 342 1759
Fax. ++ (27 12) 342 0147

Mozambican Consulate
Pinnacle Bldg.
8 Burg Street
Cape Town
Tel. ++ (27 21) 4262944
Fax. ++ (27 21) 426 2946

Namibian Tourism
Standard Bank Centre
Heerengracht Main Tower
Ground Floor
Cape Town
Tel. ++ (27 21) 419 3190
Fax. ++ (27 21) 421 5840

Swaziland Consulate Johannesburg
Tel. ++ (27 11) 403 2050
Fax. ++ (27 11) 403 7473

Uganda High Commission Pretoria
Tel. ++ (27 12) 342 6031
Fax. ++ (27 12) 342 6206

Zambian High Commission Pretoria
Tel. ++ (27 12) 326 1847
Fax. ++ (27 12) 326 2140

Zimbabwe Consulate Johannesburg
Tel. ++ (27 11) 838 2156
Fax. ++ (27 11) 838 5620

What weather can we expect?
The weather in Africa can be very harsh. When its hot its dry and hot and dusty. You will need to wear a hat and sunscreen of a high factor. When it rains it really pours! Expect to experience all elements and get hot, wet, cold and dusty.

The main factors affecting the climate of Southern Africa are ocean currents. Off the west coast, the Atlantic's Benguela current brings cold air that rarely turns to rain and has created the dry Western Cape coast and the desert of Namibia. Off the east coast, the Agulhas Current brings warm moist air from the Indian Ocean, providing frequent rain for the lush forest of Mozambique. In the eastern and central parts summer is generally hot and wet with rainfall from November to February. In winter the region is dry and with limited rainfall and cool temperatures. In the southwestern Cape regions have dry and sunny summers with maximum temperatures around 26oC. Winters in the Cape can be cold with occasional snow on the higher peaks.

COUNTRIES	AVERAGE TEMPERATURES	GENERAL	RAINFALL	AVERAGE HUMIDITY
Botswana	15 - 35 C (60 - 90 F)	Temperate climate. Summer from Oct - Apr very hot and rainy. Dry & cooler weather between May & Sep. Early mornings & evenings cold & frosty in winter. Annual rainfall decreases to west & south.	Nov - Mar	Francistown 66 % Maun 52 %
Ethiopia	15 - 25 C (60 - 80 F)	Hot & humid in lowlands, warm in hills & cool in uplands. Most rain from Jun - Sep.	Feb - Sep	72 %
Kenya	15 - 35 C (60 - 90 F)	Coastal areas tropical with monsoon winds. Lowlands hot & mainly dry. Highlands more temperate. Nairobi has pleasant climate. Near Lake Victoria temperatures higher & rainfall heavy.	Jan - Dec	Mombasa 74% Nairobi 69%
Lesotho	10 - 25 C (40 - 80 F)	Temperate climate. Summer rainy season with most from Oct - Apr, especially in mountains. Snow in highlands from May - Sep. Hottest weather from Jan - Feb.	Oct - Apr
Madagascar	15 - 30 C (60 - 80 F)	Hot & subtropical & colder in mountains. Dry from Apr - Oct. South & west hot & dry. Monsoons from Dec - Mar. Mountains warm & thunders from Nov - Apr & dry, cool & windy for rest.	Jan - Dec	85%
Malawi	15 - 30 C (60 - 80 F)	Cool in highlands and warm around Lake Malawi. Winter (May - Jul) is dry & nights chilly. Rainy season from Nov - Mar. Around Lake Malawi winter is dry with pleasant cool breezes.	Nov - Apr	69%
Mozambique	15 - 30 C (60 - 80 F)	Climate varies. Inland is cool with higher rainfall upland mostly between Jan & Mar. Hottest & wettest period is from Oct - Mar. From Apr - Sep coast has warm & dry weather with sea breezes.	Sep - Apr	68%
Namibia	15 - 30 C (60 - 80 F)	Coast of Namib Desert is cool, dam & free of rain for most of year, with thick coastal fog. Inland has summer rainfall from Nov to Apr. Summer temperatures high & nights cool. Winter nights fairly cold, but days generally warm & pleasant.	Nov - Apr	33%
Rwanda	15 - 25 C (60 - 80 F)	Warm throughout most & cooler in mountains. Rainy season from Jan - Apr & Oct - Dec.	Sep - Mar	72%
South Africa	15 - 30 C (60 - 80 F)	Generally sunny & pleasant. Winters usually mild. Snow falls on Cape, Natal mountain ranges & low-lying areas.	Joburg Oct Mar. Cape Town Apr - Sep. Durban Sep - Mar.	Joburg 41% Cape Town 78% Durban 80%
Swaziland	10 - 25 C (40 - 80 F)	Weather is changeable. Rarely hot & very cold. Occasional frosts in the Highveld. Middleveld & Lubombo are drier & subtropical with rain from Oct - Mar.	Sep - Mar	72%
Tanzania	20 - 35 C (70 - 90 F)	Tropical, coastal areas hot & humid. Rainy season from Mar - Jun. Central plateau dry & arid. Northwest highlands cool, temperate with rain from Nov - Dec & Feb - May.	Nov - Apr	50%
Uganda	15 - 25 C (60 - 80 F)	Quite cool. Mountain areas very cool & Mt Elgon often got snow. Other parts much warmer. Heavy rain from Mar - May & Oct - Nov.	Jan - Dec	77%
Zambia	15 - 30 C (60 - 80 F)	Hot in valleys. Cool & dry winter from may - Sep, hot & dry from Oct - Nov & hot & rainy from Dec - Apr.	Oct - Apr	62%
Zimbabwe	15 - 35 C (60 - 90 F)	Temperate conditions. Hot & dry from Sep - Oct, rainy season from Nov - Mar. Best weather from Apr - May & Aug - Sep. Night temperatures can fall below freezing.	Nov - Mar	59%

Banking and currency:
There are normally some banking facilities available in the major towns and cities where one is able to change money and withdraw cash from your credit card. Visa or Master card is preferable, as others may not be accepted. We do advise that you bring cash in US$ notes, they must all be printed after 2001 and must be in as good a condition as possible - clean and un-torn. In Africa, cash is generally king! While traveller's cheques and credit cards are obviously safer options, we recommend you bring a fair amount of your money in cash, which you can store in the truck's on-board safe. Where traveller's cheque and credit card facilities are available, the surcharges can be a much as 15% on each transaction. Our guides will brief you on a daily basis regarding banking, budgeting and other money matters.

Warning with photographs:
Please remember that taking photos of people can sometimes cause great offence and permission should be asked beforehand. In addition to this African governments do not allow photos to be taken at any government, police or army post, borders, bridges or military roadblocks. If in doubt ask your guide.

Garbage
Toilet paper - where possible burn all toilet paper and watch it until the flame is dead - we don't want to start any fires! If it's not possible to burn, put the paper in a plastic bag and throw it in the dustbin on the truck. All litter including cigarette buts, fruit peel and even apple cores must be thrown into dustbins provided.

Local laws and customs
We are guests in each country we visit and it is only good manners that we comply with their customs. All participants are required to obey the law and regulation of the countries visited and any passengers contravening such laws may be required to leave the tour immediately with no right to refund of the tour fare.

Visiting of african villages
As a form of respect and general courtesy towards local inhabitants and village dwellers, we do not encourage the complete invasion of their privacy and homes by tourists. There are certain villages that allow tourist visits at a minimal fee. Many tourists are happy to pay this small charge for the opportunity of seeing the way in which local inhabitants live. If in doubt ask your WildLife Adventures guide for advice.

Conservation:
Most countries are members of CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Please do NOT purchase products made from ivory and skins. These may be confiscated by customs. Please be aware that the purchase of any wooden carvings places a strain on forest resources, and the removal of coral and shells is destructive to the reefs.

Ecotourism
The ultimate objective of eco-tourism is for clients to have a pleasant and enriching experience of nature, and at the same time, cause the least possible disturbance to ecosystems. Your guides have strict environmental policies to adhere to, which we endeavor to instill in all of our passengers. Respect for local people, fellow travelers and the places we visit are expected. Consider the environment at all times and be considerate in your approach to your holiday.

Can you tell me about the kind of camps and equipment that are used?
For the most part on our Family and Public Transport tours we use formal camps along the way that offer running water and basic facilities. Some of the camps we use have great facilities like hot water, flush toilets and even luxuries like swimming pools and bars! Others are a lot more basic like our bush or village camps. In addition, you will experience one or two nights 'bush camping' where there are no facilities at all. The beauty of these being you will find yourself getting up close and personal with Africa - these camps are always trip highlights!

On the equipment front, we provide large waterproof dome tents, with fitted ground sheets and sewn in mosquito nets. Tents are usually shared by 2people, but you can also pay a single supplement if you want you own. You will need to bring your sleeping bag and for the familt trips a sleeping mat too.

On our adventure accommodated tours we have carefully chosen each night's accommodation for ambience, location and value for money. These are adventure safaris with added comfort. Hotels are usually on a twin share basis with en-suite facilities, but in some cases may be more rustic like cabins or chalet accommodation with shared bathrooms.

Accommodation on these tours is usually on a bed and breakfast basis with some additional meals included and others can be taken at restaurants of your choice. See more on food below.

What type of vehicles are used and are they reliable?
All of our Adventure vehicles are custom built to suit the African terrain. Mercedes Benz or MAN, with large glass windows for game and scenery viewing, and when open give the feeling of being in an open vehicle. The interior is spacious with forward facing coach style seating. There is ample space inside the vehicle to store your daypack. The large enclosed storage area of the vehicle holds the camping gear and luggage, with separate sections for the food. The vehicle has a large water tank and a fully equipped field kitchen, with fold down tables. There are two safes on board, one for passengers and one for vehicle's documents. Long-range fuel and water tanks keep us self-sufficient. We may also use smaller vehicles in the event of smaller groups.

Can we hire a sleeping bag from WildLife Adventures?
Sorry, we don't rent out sleeping bags! Years of experience have shown us that our clients prefer to use their own sleeping bag for hygienic reasons. Contact our offices and we will let you know where you can buy sleeping bags on arrival.

Do we need to bring our own mattresses?
Only those going on a Family Safari need to bring a camping mattress.

Must we bring toilet paper?
You can easily purchase toilet paper once you arrive. It is a good idea to carry a roll with you as some toilet breaks are on the side of the road. Most accomadations provide toilet paper but sometime they can run out and it is better to be safe than sorry.

What kind of food can I expect?
Where your guides are scheduled to prepare food, they will make every effort to prepare nutritious and filling meals. In Africa especially in the more remote areas, availability of foods and fresh products are often limited. This may result in the duplication of ingredients and meals. The vehicle will be well stocked with staple foods at the beginning of the trip. We try to maintain as much variety throughout the expedition as possible, restocking from stores and markets along the way. Whilst making no special provisions for vegetarians, we have found in the past that there is ample choice available. Please discuss any dietary allergies or specific food requirements with your crew, especially in the case of allergies. They will wherever possible accommodate your needs.

For days where meals are from local restaurants or accommodation establishments, please ensure that you have budgeted for this. Some areas are very remote and only offer buffet style meals at a cost varying between US$15 pp to US$30pp.
Please remember also that your crew are working to a specified food budget, which can provide great quality and variety. We are confident that you will be impressed with our meals, but please realise there is a limit to what can be spent on food.

Typical meals will include:
Breakfast: Tea/Coffee and juice. Bread or toast, cereals, fresh fruit. Cooked breakfasts generally served on days when we are not travelling could include: eggs, bacon, sausages, French toast, pancakes, toast, baked beans.

Lunch: Salads, pasta salads, rice salads, cold meats, sandwiches and rolls, fresh fruit.

Dinner: Soup and rolls or garlic bread, salads and main courses consist of BBQ's grilled or roasts, chicken, steaks, fish, curries, pastas, stir fry's casseroles, stews, roasted vegetables, jacket potatoes and of course our guides famous traditional African meals!

Can you cater for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, of course. Providing you tell us when you book we can cater for most eating plans, and people tell us time and time again how amazing our food is.

Drinks?
You will be expected to purchase all of your own drinks. Beer, cool drinks, bottled water, local wine and spirits, etc are usually readily available at reasonable prices. Bottled water is normally available in most large towns.