at this time of year. For visitors from Europe and elsewhere, who are not accustomed to such extreme temperatures, being on safari can be tough in such conditions. This will generally be when you are back in camp and can lie under the fan or go for a swim (if the lodge has a pool). Some camps/lodges do have air conditioning but this should not be expected. If you have a sarong (or kikoi), wet it and lie underneath it - it really helps. Be sure to keep the flaps of your tent open and ensure a through draft by opening any doors/flaps/windows in the en suite bathroom. If your tent is just too hot, take your book and go through to the central area which is often more elevated and sited under good shade (and drink lots of water to avoid getting dehydrated).
Dust
In the winter months (June to October), the game reserves can be extremely dusty. Contact lens wearers should be sure to bring eye drops, or you may want to consider taking a pair of standard prescription glasses in case your eyes become extremely irritated and scratchy. Cameras and videos should be cleaned regularly and stored in a camera bag throughout.
Personal safety
Your personal safety and security is mostly a matter of common sense. So take the same precautions while travelling in Africa that you would in any major city at home:
Do not carry large sums of cash (see above for information on Cash, Credit Cards & ATM’s).
Any cash money (together with your passport and other travel documents) is best carried in a money pouch under your shirt (not in a bum-bag or fanny-pack on your hip in plain view – all too visible and easily cut away) or stowed in your camera bag or day pack (which should remain in sight at all times).
Keep a close watch on your personal bags (camera bag, day pack etc.) when walking in crowded areas (airports, markets, restaurants and on the street).
Avoid walking alone at night. In some of the major African cities it is not advisable to walk the streets at night (Nairobi and Johannesburg among others).
Consider leaving your passport, airline tickets and cash in a safe place (the hotel/lodge safe) when venturing out.
Keep tempting valuables (including phones, cameras, wallet pouches, handbags) out of sight, and certainly not on the back seat, in your hire car or tour bus/4x4 and especially not in your room at safari camps/lodges – lock them up in the room safe or hand them in to management (rather than as temptation for staff).
Consider leaving your jewellery at home.
Tipping
Should we tip, and if so - how much?? This is a common dilemma for most visitors to any foreign country!
In Africa, tipping is not expected but has become customary. The traditional gratuity to safari guides or camp staff is not included in the price of your tour and is completely discretionary.
Bear in mind that what may seem like an inconsequential amount to you may be significant to local African staff and will certainly be received with a display of gratitude that is genuinely humbling.
Most safari lodges will have a ‘tip box’ at reception for the staff – this covers all the ‘unseen’ services you have enjoyed during your stay, including the person who cleans your room and the many staff who work in the kitchen. However, you may wish to reward your guide or perhaps a particularly attentive waiter individually.
Guidelines: Tip moderately and in accordance with the level and quality of service provided – and only if you are satisfied with that service. The following can be used as a guide and is generally accepted practice, based on a per person basis (i.e. a couple travelling together should consider doubling these figures):
Driver/guide - US$10 and upwards per day.
Private safari guide - US$25 and upwards per day;
Camp staff - US$10 to $20 per day, as a pooled tip to be shared among the housekeepers, waiters, bartender, etc.
If you spend a great deal of time with a single guide, as is the case on a number of mobile safaris or private vehicle + driver/guide itineraries, you may want to increase the above amounts in accordance with the enthusiasm and effort displayed (or your overall satisfaction level)…and you might even consider leaving behind your binoculars or books on mammals/birds to show your appreciation i.e. something other than money that you have noticed the guide does not have (or could use in his job) – just a thought.
Tips can generally be paid in US dollars or local currency.
Tipping for gorilla trekking: trackers, guides + porters
I thought some additional information on tipping when gorilla trekking might be useful, as you can find yourself caught out if you are not 'in the know'. Whilst all treks are conducted by a National Parks guide, they are assisted by a team of trackers and armed guards whom you may not see until part way through the trek. Whilst a tip for the guide is welcome (at your discretion) there is an expectation that a tip be arranged between the trekking group to offer the trackers and armed guards once your time with the gorillas is completed. I mention this because you will not necessarily know who will be in your trekking group until the morning of the trek, and your group could be made up of different nationalities from around the world. Once your group has been formed it might be an idea to raise this with them before you set off on your trek. As a suggestion, I would say that US$10+ per person from each member of the trekking group would be fair. I would strongly recommend a porter too, which will be arranged by your guide (a set fee + tip), as this not only allows you to trek unencumbered, but also provides local employment. The porters are also often incredibly helpful in 'giving you a hand' when the physical demands call for a little assistance!
Charity on safari
Many visitors to Africa feel a strong urge to help the less fortunate whom they encounter on safari, or when visiting a local village or school. People often ask what they can take, especially for the children – pens? books?
By and large it is probably better to keep a look out for an appropriate opportunity while you are traveling rather than carry along gifts from home. My suggestion would be to talk with your guide or with the management of the camps/lodges where you are staying. Many of the safari camps and lodges are actively involved in working with their local communities to sustain schools, clinics and other projects. Ask about this when you are there and visit the school, clinic or project if you can – making a donation to something you have seen on the ground will bring you more satisfaction (and directly help the neediest). Try to contribute in a way that helps a person (or community) help themselves - a donation towards a project that will enhance their way of life.
What I would ask is that you resist the temptation to offer ‘hand outs’ to kids on the side of the road. This only encourages dependency on such generosity and teaches these children that begging brings reward. There is no dignity in begging and the harassment it fosters will not endear you to the next group of tourists either!
A rather fun idea is to gift a football (soccer ball) – all of Africa loves soccer yet not all the children have a ball with which to play – for more information go to Footballs For Fun or merely buy a couple of balls before you leave home. Or take a look at Pack For A Purpose for more ideas.
Keeping
