Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best game viewing destinations in Africa?

The places you can see the most animals in Africa or have the best game viewing experiences are Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Other great game viewing countries are Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Malawi.

What can I do in Africa?

Seeing the wildlife on game drives and walking safaris is one of the most popular activities when visiting Africa. Other great options include mountain trekking, primate tracking, canoeing, white water rafting, cultural visits, historical tours, photography, mountain biking and sightseeing.

Is Africa safe to visit?

Residents of East and Southern Africa are generally friendly, warm and welcoming people. Most visitors find that they have very positive experiences and feel very safe on their travels. That said, as with all international travel, caution is recommended.

Valuables: Keep your money and passport with you at all times. Use caution at ATM’s. Leave your expensive jewelry at home; don’t check valuables in checked baggage.

Cities and Towns: Never walk anywhere at night—even a few blocks. Do not walk unescorted into remote or dangerous looking areas. Women, especially, should be careful to dress conservatively, carry little money or equipment, and to use caution. Be wary of people who try to help you too aggressively.

In the Bush: Never walk unescorted, especially in tented camps and lodges, especially at night. Wildlife could be anywhere. If you are camping in a tent with no toilet facilities, consider keeping an empty bottle or container and toilet paper in your tent for those late night emergencies.

Everywhere: Use caution and leave an area if you feel uncomfortable. If any disagreements arise with hotel staff, taxi drivers, locals, etc. do not raise your voice as Africans do not generally respond well to this. Be persistent and polite and remember that sometimes, things take a lot longer to get accomplished in Africa than they do where you are from. For added security, the State Department recommends registering your travel details with them. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency: https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

What is the best time of year to travel to Africa?

In general, weather is drier and game viewing is better June to October, which is generally wintertime in Africa. Other seasons have advantages also including greener scenery, fewer crowds and lower prices.

What should I pack when going on safari?

In general, pack light and use layers. For a typical 14-day safari, view our recommended packing list. Please remember that many safaris utilize small plane flights which limit luggage, including carry-ons to 33 – 44 lbs per person, though some private charters may be less. Soft sided luggage or duffel bags are recommended. A day pack to store binoculars, wildlife guides and a rain jacket is helpful while on game drives. When packing, keep in mind most lodges and camps will do guest laundry (some at a nominal fee) but most will not wash women’s underwear for cultural reasons. Please Note: Bright colors and camouflage clothing are not recommended while on game drives. People in many African countries expect visitors to dress conservatively. Also, consider taking a change of clothes and your toiletries in your carry-on bag in case of lost or delayed luggage.

Looking for suggestions on what to buy? Check out our Amazon Store for recommendations from the Africa Adventure Consultants team.

How much does a safari cost?

Safari prices vary based on length of trip and quality of services. Our safaris range from about $5,000 – $50,000 per person. We take you through some of what goes into the cost of a safari, along with suggested daily budgeting amounts, on our blog.

What time is it in Africa?

Most of Africa is at GMT + 2 or 3 hours. There is no daylight savings in many countries.

What type of electricity is used in Africa?

Electricity in Africa is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Special adapters required for three-pronged outlets and converters are needed for any 110 volt electronics.

Will my cell phone work in Africa?

Sometimes but not always. Cell phone coverage is improving in many parts of Africa. But beware: roaming charges can be very expensive. Call your carrier prior to departure to get current rates. Many camps will not have reliable phone service.

Is Internet service or WiFi available on safari in Africa?

Yes, internet and WiFi is widely available in Africa but not always reliable or fast, especially in more remote locations. In cities, internet is usually available but some safari camps choose to remain free from connectivity and do not have internet services of any kind. These camps typically do this by design and to focus on unplugging and unwinding. If internet service is important during your stay, please inform your safari specialist and we will do our best to accommodate you.

What type of money should I take to Africa? Do I need to change my U.S. currency into local currency?

Visitors should bring cash (newer crisp bills with no tears or markings, multiple, smaller denominations – visit your bank early as sometimes it is difficult to get newer crisp bills). Bring a credit card for emergency travel expenses or for larger souvenirs, but do not rely on it for daily use. Outside of South Africa, credit cards are not readily accepted although many tourist lodges and safari camps will take them. Surcharges are often imposed. ATMs are limited and not always reliable. We recommend changing a small amount of money into local currency upon arrival.

Do I need a passport and visa to visit countries in Africa?

Visitors to African countries are required to bring a valid passport. Most African countries require passports to be valid 6 months after your return date and that it contains sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps. You also may need a valid visa and health certificate. Visa regulations often change; we recommend you consult your nearest consulate or embassy for details. You can also visit the United States Department of State web site at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html. Non-US citizens should contact appropriate consulates to determine if visas are needed.

Do I need to bring any special documents when traveling to Africa with children?

All minors need a valid passport. When traveling with children under the age of 18, some countries may require additional documentation.  Please ask us for details. Here are a few examples:

South Africa: As of November 11, 2019: No additional requirements. AAC recommends taking a copy of the birth certificate just to be safe. South Africa statement

Botswana & Namibia: All minors need a certified copy of birth certificate. If one parent is not traveling with the child, you will need a consenting affidavit from the missing parent. Botswana entry requirements & Namibia entry requirements

Tanzania: Minors with only one parent/legal guardian should be accompanied by a notarized letter jointly signed approving the travel. Tanzania entry requirements

Updated November 2022

Do I need to get special inoculations for Yellow Fever or other diseases before visiting Africa?

Some countries request that visitors have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Most visitors also get inoculations for various diseases—check with your doctor or travel clinic for more information. Visitors are strongly recommended to take malaria prophylactics. We also advise clients to take out comprehensive health/travel insurance. You can also visit the Centers for Disease Control website for recommended vaccinations.

Are the roads good in Africa?

In some places yes, but generally not. While visiting remote areas or national parks and reserves, the roads could be rough, bumpy and dusty and occasionally you may drive “off road”. Most safari vehicles do not have air conditioning.

Which airlines fly to Africa?

Many major airlines fly to East and Southern Africa direct or through Europe. Airlines flying directly from North America to Africa include Delta, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and United. Airlines with good connections through Europe and the Middle East include Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, Etihad, KLM, Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc, Swiss Air Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways. NOTE: Re-confirm your international flights 72 hours prior to departure as flight times are subject to change.

What benefits are available to me after I travel with Africa Adventure Consultants?

We recognize that the trust that our clients place in us to take their precious vacation time and turn it into an unforgettable experience is incredibly important, and we cherish it. To let our travelers know how much we appreciate that trust, we have launched the Livingstone Club, an exclusive club only available to past travelers of AAC. Members of our Livingstone Club receive special perks, such as travel discounts for future trips, waived ticketing fees, early access to our travel specials, and gifts for referring others.