Travellers visiting Africa, often has concerns with regard to health, safety and how to plan an safari:
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions, and if yours are not there, please feel free to ask us.
These are just a few answers to questions, as we do supply a very comprehensive information brochure when you book with us.
We are African Travel Experts, and been doing Safaris from 1987 - We are born, raised and work in Southern Africa, and know this beautiful continent of ours very well.
Every-one of our highly experience safari consultants, has been working in the Tourism industry for over 20 years, not only as consultants, but also as professional safari tour guides.
We are here to give you friendly expert service to find your dream safari, based on your interests and requirements.
Save you money
- When booking your African safari holiday with us, we offer the same price, or an lesser price, than by booking direct with the majority of safari camps, lodges and non-partner African safari companies.
The strength of Gateway Africa is in our centralized information centre. We have all the safari information of our partners and us in one place.
Enjoy a seamless safari
- We have the passion and knowledge to create an perfect seamless African safari experience, from meeting you at the airport right to bringing you back to the airport for your departure.
Our safaris is affordable and comfortable for our guests, as we concentrate on the finer details to leave out nothing. In addition, you have the assurance that your trip is being planned and your booking handled by experienced African safari experts, on hand to answer all your questions before you travel.
Q: Is it safe to travel in Africa?
The most frequented countries we operate in; Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe are all quite safe to travel in on a scheduled group safari. Most of the areas on our itineraries are away from the main cities and places that might be of security concern.
Just as you have some places in your main city that you would not comfortably visit, it is the same for us. We know Africa and also know where not to go, as it is NOT in our interest to endanger our guests or ourselves.
The best advice we could give to visitors to Africa is to use your common sense.
Simple things such as: Do not flash your “bling” around for all to see. Leave your expensive wedding ring in your safe at home, you hubby really would not mind!
When travelling in a car, do not place your handbag in plain view for all to see, and keep your doors locked.
While doing a safari out in the wilderness areas, it is a lot safer as generally the tribal people you might encounter are more polite, hospitable and law abiding. The only real danger is from some wildlife!
Q: The best time to go on holiday in Southern Africa?
Southern Africa has many varied safari destinations that could be enjoyed all year, and each region or country has a specific attraction, at a specific time of the year. Generally the best time to visit is the Southern African winter months from autumn in May to end of spring in October.
It is all about the raining season and summer heat. Winter is a lot cooler and also with a lot less insects around. Secondly, there is a lot less, or no water in the bush and the wildlife is forced to come to the waterholes, which make for fantastic game viewing.
There is an exception to this winter safari rule, and that is if you want to spend some time on a beach or in a coastal area such as Cape Town or the Cape Garden Route.
The Cape Garden Route and Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, and receive most of their rain in the winter months, with summer being absolutely spectacular beach weather. Please keep in mind: Southern African sun burns easily. Use a good sun-screen lotion!
Q: Malaria concerns?
Malaria / Protozoa infection is not as dangerous as people think, as long as you use your anti-malaria medication correctly, and follow the course till the end.
Using an insect repellent combined with wearing long sleeves and long pants when it starts to go dark. Sleeping in an insect proof tent or under an insect net at night,
Q: Meals and water
Firstly, as in any third world country, do not eat food from road-side vendors, and fresh fruit should be peeled. In Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, the food standards, hygiene and quality is quite high. Namibia and South Africa got some of the purest tap water in the world, but if you wish to play it safe. Bottled water is available every-where. On basically all of our camping safari trips, the guide is responsible for the meal preparation, and all are trained in being bush chefs. Meals are whole-some and prepared from fresh products.
Q: Travel Insurance
It is compulsory for all safari guests to have travel insurance, and all our operators are registered and have compulsory Operator Insurances.
Q: Using your cell-phone in Africa?
A: Most of Southern Africa is covered by a network, but reception might be bad in far off places. Roaming cost is very expensive, and it is advisable to get a local card for your phone. It is a lot cheaper!
Q: Internet?
Most towns and some lodges have internet facilities, but not when you start to go into the more isolated wilderness areas. Ask your guide, they all know where what is.
Q: Which currency to use?
All over Southern Africa, US Dollars, British Pounds and Euros are accepted and could be exchanged. Also all the countries do accept South African Rand. Basically all towns in Southern Africa have ATM facilities and Master, Visa and Maestro cards could be used to draw money. Credit card facilities are nearly every-where, and accepted in nearly all lodges, Reserves and towns.