Accommodation and Campsites:

Such a wonderful country is bound to have an amazing variety of accommodation and many are situated deep within wilderness and scenic areas. We use all types of accommodation from hotels to guesthouses and lodges as well as many game lodges within or bordering game reserves. Campsites throughout South Africa are of an extremely high quality; the South African National Parks, North West and Kwazulu Natal Parks all take great pride in their camps. Ablutions are clean with showers and hot running water, but some camps can become busy during the school holiday seasons.

Accommodation within the parks is of a high standard, and in preparation for the Soccer World Cup in 2010, South African National Parks camps will all be gaining a star rating from the Tourism Grading Council of Southern Africa. Most camps have small souvenir shops and also sell basic commodities like cold drinks, beer and wine, snacks and gifts.

Some other camps are more rustic, slightly more out of the way, but still serving their purpose to perfection. We are always fully prepared for any eventuality and equip our vehicles with only the best. Our quality safari tents are waterproof and our sleeping mattresses are very comfortable. Stainless steel cutlery and crockery is used to maintain the highest standard of hygiene.

Climate:

South Africa sits in a subtropical location, on either side of 30°S, accounting for its warm temperate conditions. Weather conditions are also generally dry with an abundance of sun due to the subtropical high pressure belt. The warm Indian and cold Atlantic oceans have a major effect on the temperatures either side of the country. With a total average annual rainfall of only 464 mm, the Western Cape and Cape Town experience rain during the winter months whilst the rest of the country experiences rain during summer. Average annual temperatures are about 20°c but during summer temperatures over 30°c are common. Temperatures of over 38°c are not uncommon particularly the further North one goes.     

Participation:

Depending on your adventure, participation is invited but hardly ever do clients on our tours need to assist much at all, they’re on holiday after all. Our day tours, accommodated and luxury safari’s don’t require any participation and only on camping safari’s are our clients are expected to assist by pitching their own tents. Otherwise a little help is invited for meal preparation and cleaning of dishes. Your guide is there to assist and will be happy to help you with anything, all you need do is ask. 

Health:

Malaria is found in the Northern and Eastern parts of South Africa and in the areas of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The areas of Kruger, Mkuze, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserves and the St Lucia World Heritage Site are those mainly affected in South Africa which is otherwise generally clear. Malaria is also mostly seasonal, during the warm and rainy summer months (between November and April) and we advise Prophylactics for tours to these areas during these months as well as strong insect repellents which can be locally acquired. We advise our travellers to contact a travel doctor before visiting these areas and he/she will be able to provide up to date information and the Prophylactics required.

Most rivers contain Bilharzia, except the mountain springs, but symptoms are minor and it is unlikely to be contracted. Fortunately it is effectively treated with “Praziquantel”.

As many know, Aid’s is unfortunately a major problem throughout Africa and necessary precautions as well as abstinance is recommended. Governments and many NGO’s are on huge drives to create awareness throughout Africa from the cities to rural areas.