Your chances of encountering any problems while on a guided African safari are minimal. Bush 2 City Adventure ensures we’re always on top of our game as far as risks are concerned, and we’d never risk endangering our guests. However, we cannot take responsibility for your belongings. It’s always a sensible idea to keep your valuable items safely stored, particularly when traveling through urban areas.
Bush 2 City Adventure prides itself in publishing factually correct and accurate information about all our destinations. We also strive to ensure all our documentation and correspondence are as accurate as possible.
Depending on what you want to do, you can visit Southern and East Africa any time of the year. Cape Town, for example, has its rainy season from June through August, and although conditions might be wet during this time of the year, it’s the best time to see Great White Sharks breaching. Game viewing activities are possible year-round, but the bushveld is denser and hotter during the high summer months from December through to January. If you’re particularly interested in the Great Migration, the best time to travel is from late June to October.
The weight restriction for luggage is generally 22 kilograms (44lbs). This is less than many U.S. luggage limits, and for some fly-in safaris and island trips, regulations are even tighter. But rest assured that in most cases, you really need less than you expect. Even luxury African lodges are pretty casual, but Bush 2 City Adventure will advise on your travel needs according to your itinerary.
It's always advisable to ensure you have medical insurance in place before any international travel.
We recommend the following to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible in the great outdoors:
This varies depending on which country you plan to visit. We provide all our guests with detailed information on the countries they are visiting well ahead of schedule. It remains the responsibility of the guests, however, to consult with local embassies or consulates to ensure the correct visa prerequisites are in place.
Many East African countries require travelers to get the Yellow Fever vaccine before entering their borders. Still, please check with your healthcare provider to make sure which immunizations you’ll need to travel.
South Africa's northern regions and the majority of East African countries are malaria areas. As you might be aware, Malaria can be a fatal disease. Please consult with your doctor to determine which prophylactics you can take for the particular destination you're traveling to.
If you’re heading to the bush, it’s wise to keep in mind that ticks are present in early spring and throughout summer, but tick bite fever is treatable. Bush 2 City Adventure does not facilitate trips in areas of Zimbabwe where cholera is present. Bilharzia is a common problem in many rural regions of Africa. Still, it is improbable that our guests will be swimming in rivers where this parasitic disease can be contracted. As a precautionary measure, we advise our guests to have their doctors administer routine tests for a month or two after travel. As for any travel precautions, it’s always best to consult with your physician about your travel plans if you have any preexisting medical conditions. If you currently use any medication, please ensure you bring a sufficient amount for the duration of your trip, as medications might be hard to get hold of in certain areas.
If you want to claim back tax at the airport, ask merchants for “tax invoices” whenever you purchase something. The document has to feature a clear VAT percentage and total. For large purchases, your name and address must appear on the invoice. All your purchases must be ready for inspection before you depart. After checking in for your flight, locate the VAT Refund Desk. Keep in mind that this process can take some time, and there is a R250 charge for the refund. Travelers cannot claim tax or VAT on food, beverages, or accommodation.
Africa is home to various potentially dangerous species of insects, snakes, scorpions, and spiders, but the good news is that very few visitors encounter them. Snakes are, for the most part, shy and stay clear of populated areas. Lodges and camps almost always have insect repellent in their rooms. When walking in the bushveld, always wear closed-toe walking shoes, socks, and long trousers as a precautionary measure.
Your guide will always brief you on safety measures regardless of whether you’re in a game viewing vehicle or exploring the area on foot. All wildlife should be treated as potentially dangerous, but as long as you adhere to what your guide tells you, there is little to worry about. Wildlife tends to be less intimidated by human presence at hides, camps, and viewpoints. However, it is still essential to remember that you should never tease or corner wild animals as it may lead to unpredictable responses and potentially dangerous reactions.
If you’re embarking on a safari experience independently, it’s essential to stay on top of local news. Enquire about unsafe areas, specific codes, dress, and behavior with your hotel. Never carry your valuables openly, and if you’re taking your wallet and passport with you, keep them in
a travel wallet or buttoned-down pocket.
Passports and valuables should preferably be stored in the hotel safe. Most urban shops and hotels accept credit cards like Visa and MasterCard, but if you’re visiting local markets, you’ll need cash to pay. Only take what you need and keep your money stored safely when out and about, never carrying more cash than you’ll need for the day.
Yes. Wireless access is widely available in urban centers, especially via cellular networks like 3G, 4G, and 5G. Coverage varies depending on which country you’re visiting, but connections are often available at all major lodges, hotels, and resorts.
If you have a GSM-enabled mobile phone, it will function within the local networks. South African coverage is good and can extend into some of the more remote safari destinations. There are some East and Southern African countries where coverage is less extensive, but it tends to be good and stable in urban centers. Please note that there is no cellphone coverage in Namibia or Botswana.
The general rule of thumb is 10 to 15 percent of your total restaurant or room service bill. Tips are also given for services like taxi rides, hotel porters, and guiding. Rangers and trackers are particularly reliant on tips to supplement their income. Although you are not obligated to tip them, gratuities are greatly appreciated.
Southern Africa makes banking easy. In South Africa, you’ll find a plethora of banks, bureau de changes, and ATMs. Banks are open from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am to 11 am on Saturdays. All central banks have branches and ATMs in most large towns and cities, and you’ll also find international bank branches in South Africa’s major cities. Thomas Cook (represented by Rennies Travel) ad American Express foreign exchange can also be found in the major cities. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted, but you might need to plan in advance if you're traveling to some of the more remote areas, something Bush 2 City Adventure would be happy to assist with.
Africa has a warm, sunny climate, so it’s always advisable to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, even during the cooler winter months. The African sun is noticeably more potent than what American and European guests might be accustomed to, so it’s advisable to always protect your eyes as well by wearing high-quality sunglasses on your safari.
The water in all major South African cities and the handpicked selection of Bush 2 City Adventure camps and lodges is safe to drink. If you prefer to do so, bottled water will also always be available.
There will be plenty of opportunities to see the Big Five consisting of elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalos. You’ll also encounter a range of other animals at the parks and lodges Bush 2 City Adventure recommends. These include antelope, hippos, crocodiles, a variety of
primates, reptiles, and more than 400 different species of birds. South and Eastern Africa are also home to an incredible diversity of plant species.
Your Bush 2 City Adventure guide will be waiting for you at the airport as you make your way into East or Southern Africa.
They use 220-240 volts, 50Hz in Southern and East Africa, and in general, the power is provided through a three-pin so They use 220-240 volts, 50Hz in Southern and East Africa, and in general, the power is provided through a three-pin socket. These regions also make use of a smaller three-pin socket. You’ll need an adapter for your electronics, though, but most hotels and airport shops sell adapters for foreign plugs.cket. These regions also make use of a smaller three-pin socket. You’ll need an adapter for your electronics, though, but most hotels and airport shops sell adapters for foreign plugs.
There is no simple answer here. South Africa on its own has 11 official languages. Every country in East and Southern Africa speaks a different language, and there are many regional variations to the languages as well. In South Africa, English tends to be the most commonly spoken language (or at least the most widely understood), unless you’re in a very remote area.
Again, this varies depending on where you are traveling to. South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR), which tends to show favorable exchange rates for American and European visitors. Most East African countries will have foreign exchange services at hotels and lodges where you can exchange currency. Still, most major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted, except for AMMEX, which is not widely accepted.
Only children over the age of five years are allowed on safari. But many lodges are happy to accommodate younger children. In fact, we have arranged many safaris that turned out to be exceptional educational experiences for children. If you’re traveling with your family, Bush 2 City Adventure can recommend lodges that cater specifically to children.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV in the world. For more information on the matter, see HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
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You will always be in the hands of experienced and highly trained rangers and trackers. In addition to considerable knowledge and expertise, rangers are also armed with requisite weapons, and your safety remains their most profound concern.
Of course, we would be happy to cater to your needs.
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