Pre Departure Information

WILDLIFE ADVENTURES PRE DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Central Reservations and Head Office
8 Montreal Drive, Airport Industria, Cape Town
PO Box 50425, Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
Tel: +27 21 385 1530 Fax:  +27 21 385 1573
Email: reservations@wildlifeadventures.co.za  Web: www.wildlifeadventures.co.za
AFTER HOURS OR EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: +27 21 385 1530

Travelling in Africa is unpredictable. Expect the unexpected. Our trips are not luxury trips and trips of this kind do not always proceed as planned. At times it may be dusty, dirty, wet, hot or all of these at the same time! Our vehicles are all serviced and maintained at our different workshop points throughout Africa, but bearing this in mind, the continent and roads we are travelling on are, at times, very rugged and hard on both our vehicles and passengers. If you approach your trip with a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude, you and your fellow passengers will get the most out of the journey.

General
Thank you for choosing to travel with WildLife Adventures. The following information is provided to assist you in preparing for your trip. All of our trips are adventure overland safari’s and are designed with people who have an adventurous spirit in mind, who’d like to visit East and Southern Africa, but only have a limited time frame. Adventure Safaris are for people who love life and want to embrace it with passion, who want to travel with other people and care about wildlife and culture.  A positive approach and flexibility are essential. Remember you are travelling in Africa. The nature of this trip will be adventurous – hopefully that is the reason you have booked in the first place.

Booking Terms and Conditions
All clients are responsible for reading and understanding the booking terms and conditions of travel with WildLife Adventures. Your participation in this Trip is based on these terms and conditions.
Indemnity Form - Please note that all clients will be expected to sign an indemnity form at the pre-departure briefing, prior to travelling on their safari.

Accommodation Pre & Post Trip
WildLife Adventures have offices in Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa and we can therefore easily arrange accommodation for you. Rates and standards obviously vary from city to city and from country to country. We recommend you pre-book, at least, one night’s accommodation at the Departure Point before your trip begins. This way you won’t have to worry about finding your feet in a foreign place. Please speak to either your agent or our reservations department should you wish to book any pre or post trip accommodation.

Departure Points
Please note the following departure points for WildLife Adventures Safaris.

Cape Town, South Africa              Pretoria, South Africa
Park Inn Greenmarket Square      Twana Lodge
10 Greenmarket Square Road      42 Boschkop Road, Zwavelpoort

Durban, South Africa                    Windhoek, Namibia
On The Beach Guest Lodge           Hotel Thuringer Hof
17 The Promenade, Glenashley     Cnr. Independence Avenue & Bahnhof Street

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe                Livingstone, Zambia
Pamusha Lodge                           Zambezi Waterfront Lodge
583 Manyika Road                       Plot 1909 Sichango road

Nairobi, Kenya
Boulevard Hotel
Harry Thuku Road  

Passports & Visas
It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the correct documentation to complete your trip.  The Trip Leader cannot stop or alter a trip because you don’t have the correct paper work. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip.  You should have at least one blank page for each country to be visited.  TIP:  We advise you to bring a photocopy of the first 4 pages of your passport, which you store away from the original, just in case you lose it.

Most visas, for most nationalities, are obtainable on arrival at each border.  However, it is the client’s responsibility to check with each consular office of each county we visit prior to your departure as to what the visa requirements are.  Make sure you check this, way in advance of your departure, so that, if required, you have enough time to get them.

Participation
This trip is a limited participation trip, which means that you will be on some occasions asked to assist with various aspects of safari duties. Your crew are there to handle all major responsibilities, but they will occasionally ask you for assistance. It is vital that travellers 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 the vehicle and assist your guides with meal duties. Crew will purchase all the food, prepare all meals, but may ask for assistance in clearing up occasionally and on occasions where time is important and we need to prepare and serve meals in a hurry. This typically could be on a roadside lunch stop where we need to stick to a tight schedule. To avoid confusion (of everyone helping at once) and to share this responsibility fairly, Trip leaders may assign you to groups with specific days for this limited involvement. Your Trip leader and crew explain all this to you in detail at the pre departure meeting. If you are in need of further clarification on this please speak to your Trip leader.

Meals
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.

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.  Beware of dehydration and drink plenty of water. You will probably not be accustomed to African conditions and this can affect you severely.

Be Flexible
Our crew are trained not only to run informative, fun and adventurous Trips, but also to take control when things don’t run smoothly.  Please remember that this is Africa after all and that the itinerary stated has to be flexible and will depend on local conditions.  Travelling in Africa is sometimes unpredictable. By the very nature of travelling in remote areas there are unforeseen challenges to overcome and passengers should have a taste for adventure.  Problems with road conditions, weather, mechanical breakdown or accidents can delay and change the schedule of the trip. Please be prepared and pack a sense of humour!  On every trip that we operate timing and itineraries will vary slightly because of changing conditions. Be prepared and expect this.  In the event of any incidence that may affect safety, security, and the well being of the Trip participants, the decision of the trip leader will be final. 

Routes & Itineraries
WildLife Adventures operates multi country Trips. On some Trips our total distance covered is over five thousand kilometres and we visit up to 4 different countries! You need to be prepared therefore for long drives on certain days. Although our vehicles are well maintained and serviced regularly, the challenging African roads may sometimes cause temporary breakdowns. Do not panic and please be patient if this 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 in place, and there is no need for concern. Your driver has been trained and will need to do on Trip maintenance to his or her vehicle as part of their responsibilities.

There will be sand and dust and hot African sun, but there will also be some gorgeous evenings spent under starry skies, some beautiful countryside, and some extraordinary tales about nature, exquisite photographic opportunities, and memories for a lifetime!

We make every effort to follow the intended route of the itinerary in our brochure, 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.

Crew
Our crew are there to ensure the smooth running of your safari trip.  If there is anything that is upsetting you whilst on safari, you need to approach the crew to give him a fair opportunity to rectify the problem.  Dealing with any problems that may arise whilst on trip, will prevent them from developing into something more problematic. The crew cannot help you if you do not make them aware of the problem. Please don’t wait until the end of the trip to raise any complaints if they arise. It is your responsibility to make the crew aware of issues that need attention so that they can address any problems or make changes where necessary. It will be difficult for WildLife Adventures to address any complaint after a trip if you have not discussed any issues with your crew. If a serious matter arises on trip that you feel needs to be brought to our head offices attention, please feel free to contact us by email or by phone.

Our crew are trained extensively, but please also remember that the nature of an adventure safari is to give a very broad range of experiences. They cannot be expected to be an expert on everything throughout many different countries! This is why we also contract the services of local guides and experts to compliment the information that our crew can give you. If you feel that you are not getting enough information please speak with your trip leader and they will rectify the problem to the best of their ability.

Your crew will brief you on the nature of the trip and what to expect in the pre departure meeting. Thereafter they will have meetings with the group on a regular basis (usually every evening) to explain the next day’s options, programs and activities.

Spending Money
Only you know to what extent your spending habits will tax you!  Africa is not as cheap as a lot of the travel books would have you believe and as such we would recommend that you allow for between U$20.00 to U$30.00 per day for things like bottled water, snacks, drinks and curios.  This obviously depends on how much of curio shopper and drinker you are!!!  You will also have to budget for any Optional Excursions you’d like to do.
 
We advise you to bring your spending money in both cash preferably in US dollars.  Credit Cards are not always widely accepted.  If you’re travelling in East Africa, U$ notes should be clean, un-torn and printed after 2001.  Larger denomination notes attract a better exchange rate, but we suggest you bring along a mix of both small and large denomination notes.  You may need to change only a small amount to tide you over in a country and you should try to get rid of each country’s currency before you leave that country as you won’t be able to change it anywhere else! Do not change any money on the black market. If you do so it is at your own risk!

Tipping
Tipping is obviously entirely at your discretion, and based on how you feel the service has been. Our crew do go to great lengths to provide you with an experience of a lifetime.

A guideline for those who wish to show their appreciation:
Driver/guides /couriers:  USD 2 to 3 per day per client; Trainees USD 1 per day
National Parks Guides / optional activities:  USD 1 to 2 per person
Bar staff/waiters:  10% of bill if service is excellent

Passenger Manifest
Your guides will ask you to complete details onto a passenger manifest with all trip 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.

Accommodation & Facilities
The facilities in some of the areas that you will be visiting can be quite primitive and basic.  PLEASE COME PREPARED! Please note that we travel to many remote areas where there is very little choice accommodation available, for this we expect your understanding. Participants are usually very quick to adapt themselves to the conditions of the safari. It’s all part of the adventure!  Whilst we have been specific about which lodges or hotels we may use whilst on trip, please note that accommodation can & does change from that stated. Hotels, lodges, tented camps, mobile tented camps or chalets where used, will be simple, clean basic traveller’s accommodation at a 2 – 3 star level. In most cases ablution (bathroom) facilities will be on a sharing basis.
Please note that all passengers are booked on a-per-person-sharing basis and the single supplement will be applicable to those passengers who are not matched up with other single travellers when booking. This single supplement is payable at the pre departure briefing, in US$ cash. For further details please refer to your trip confirmation voucher or ask your booking agent.

Safety & Wellbeing
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
Any person participating in an adventure safari must be in good health and in possession of valid medical and personal insurance.  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 qualified medical personnel prior to travelling for information regarding vaccinations and general health while on safari. Each vehicle is equipped with an emergency first aid kit that is used for emergencies only. Please note that clients will be expected to pay for, or replace any items used from this medical kit. We advise clients bring their own personal medical kit with a few everyday items that may be necessary, as well as any regular medication they require for existing conditions. Suggested personal medical kit items
• pain killers • anti-malarial, medication
• plasters / sterile dressings • eye drops • insect repellent
• anti-histamine tablets / cream • antiseptic cream • sterile wipes
• water purification tablets • anti diarrhoea remedy • re-hydration salts
• lip balm • sun screen / after sun lotion • moisturiser / body lotion

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

Malaria – Malaria is endemic in most parts of Africa.  It is your responsibility to take precautions against catching it.  First and foremost, don’t get bitten!!!  Wear long sleeved shirts and trousers when mosquitoes are most active - early in the morning and evening!  Use plenty of insect repellent with a high level of DEET on any exposed areas – neck, wrist and ankles!!!  Consult your doctor prior to your leaving for Africa so that they can prescribe suitable anti-malarial medication.
Bilharzia – Although present in Africa, not all water sources are infected. It is not an immediate life threatening disease and a test when you get back home is sufficient to locate it, and the treatment is simple and effective. Do not let it spoil your swimming!
Water - Good personal hygiene is essential! Wash hands as often as you can, and always before eating - but remember water is precious in Africa. Do not consume any untreated water.

Inform your crew 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.

Rubbish
All litter including cigarette buts must be thrown into dustbins provided.  Not even fruit peals or pips may be thrown anyplace other than the dustbin.

Local laws & 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 trip immediately with no right to refund of the trip fare.

When visiting homes or 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 for this small charge for the opportunity of seeing the way in which local inhabitants live. If in doubt ask your WildLife Adventures crew 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. 

Ecotourism
Africa is a diverse and unique continent with both a very beautiful and a very ugly side to her.  Wherever possible, we try to let you experience Africa first hand so that you may get a better understanding of what makes her so unique.  We ask that you leave her as you find her.  Respect the locals.  Ask before taking a photo.  You probably wouldn’t enjoy suddenly being accosted by a group of tourists taking pictures of you!  Some people believe that you take away their spirit when you photograph them, so ensure you show them the same courtesy you would appreciate, and ask for permission.  Bargaining for curios is the norm.  It is a great way to interact with the locals, but bear in mind they’re trying to make a living, so don’t bargain just for the sake of it.  Be prepared to pay what you think the item is worth.  You will see some of the absolute poverty that grips much of the continent, but will amazed at how people with seemingly so little are able to triumph over their circumstances to come out on the other side with such a generous spirit.  In many of the places you visit, you will experience begging in some form or another.  Whether or not to give has caused many a heated debate.  The answer is entirely personal, but consider the long term consequence of your decision.  If you’d like to distribute goodies, why not ask for permission to take a photo, a smile or a song from the kids and as payment you could let them have a goodie.  Please bear in mind that while the kids in your hometown may find sweets a real treat, their moms and dads haul them off to the dentist regularly to get their cavities filled.  Many of the areas you visit will not have access to dentists, so instead of sweets, why not bring along some fruit or pens/balls/old clothes/etc. which will be happily received by the kids but won’t leave them toothless. 

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 crew have strict environmental policies to adhere to, which we endeavour to instil in all of our passengers. Respect for local people, fellow travellers and the places we visit are expected. Consider the environment at all times and be considerate in your approach to your holiday.

Connecting trips & Safaris
WildLife Adventures operates safaris in southern & eastern Africa. Many of our trips are scheduled so that you can connect with other departing adventures.  We can also tailor make any other combination for you any where in Africa.  Please contact us for full details. 

Photography
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.

A typical day
Generally clients will wake at 6:00am on a travelling day and depart at approx 7:00am after breakfast. Some days where the travelling distance is greater, an earlier rise is to be expected. Where meals are included they are supplied at a stopover decided by your crew and we generally get to our accommodation in the late afternoon.   Africa is a vast continent so some of the drives can be long and there are a few patches of bumpy roads.  There maybe a few hiccups in the itinerary when a bridge is washed away or there’s a mechanical emergency.  But, none of these will spoil your trip if you approach them with the right attitude and a sense of humour. Free days are at your leisure.

Trip Feedback
At the end of your trip you will be asked to complete a trip feedback form.  These forms are handed in at Head Office after each tour and the information you supply is of great importance to us. Please be honest in your opinions and ratings on the forms.  Please note that the section regarding the “quality and quantity of the food” is purely based on the food supplied by the WildLife Adventures Crew Members and not the food you received from Lodges and Restaurants you visited during your trip. If you feel you would rather not give your opinion on this form, please still put your name at the top and simply write on the form that you do not wish to complete the form and hand the form back to the crew.

Thank you and have a great trip!