SAFARI BOOKING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Is it safe to travel to Africa?
A:We at Safari Lift Africa Ltd are committed to your health safety to ensure maximum enjoyment for your holiday before and after your Safari booking. Due to the rapid evolving Covid 19 situation globally, please regularly check with your airlines on the most u pdated travel requirements (such as mandatory Covid tests, quarantine) for your airlines, transit countries, and your final destination.

The most visited countries in Southern and East Africa like – South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia,Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya are safe to visit. Make use of hotel safety deposit boxes.
Travelers with tour operators are the least at risk and self-drive clients are advised to plan in advance what routes they wish to travel, and to get all of their destination information ahead of time. If travelling by car, make sure the doors are locked at all times and that no bags or purses left on passenger seats – and in the bush the only danger you will encounter are wild animals.

Q: When is the best time to book my safari?
A: The best safari booking time depends on your interests, when you wish to come, places you wish to visit and activities that you may want to do. Our team of tour consultants carefully tailor a schedule to get the best wildlife viewings on your preferred time of travel.
Whatever month you travel, we will build your itinerary to ensure you’re located in the right parks and the right regions for best wildlife viewing. We can make suggestions about the best areas to visit and build the safari around the time you wish to travel, your interests and budget.

Q: How early do I need to book my safari?
A: We suggest you book your safari 8 to 12 months in advance, to secure your preferred accommodations. Outside of peak seasons, you should have no trouble booking if you schedule your safari at least six to eight months in advance. However we can also book on short notice, subject to availability of rooms in the various accommodation and lodges.

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION

Q: How much is a Safari in Africa Cost?
A: A safari costs between USD 100 to USD 2,000 per person per night. A budget safari range USD 100 per night, mid-range $350 and luxury $750. The luxurious Safari can easily go up to USD 2,000 per night, or more! Depending on your choices and preferences of Countries or attractions,Safari Lift Africa Ltd can customize a wonderful package for every package ranging in between the mentioned.

 

Q: How do I make payments?
A: After making your safari booking with us for your destination choice and with our Travel Consultant having verified availability they will respond with an invoice and payments methods available. A payment of a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total travel quotation is required in order to confirm your reservation. After receipt of your deposit, we will, subject to availability, make reservation for your trip. The balance of the trip is due not later than 90 days prior to date of travel. Upon receipt of your full payment, we will send travel vouchers, safari information, clothing lists, etc. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and must be paid in U.S. dollars.
Payment Methods:
Secure On-line Payment
Bank Transfers

We strongly advice a bank transfer payment to avoid fraudsters. However, you can pay by credit card with a surcharge of 10%. We kindly advice you to let us know in case so that we can inform you about the procedure.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: Cancellation Policies & fees:
***More than 120 days before the safari booking or tour starts, 25% off the payment.
***119 to 90 days before the safari booking or tour starts, 50 % off the payment.
***89 to 31 days before the safari booking or tour starts, 75 % off the payment.
***30 days and below or No Show, 100% off total costs.

TRAVEL & SAFETY

Q: What vaccinations and medications do I need?
A: We kindly urge you to consult with your physician or a travel medical doctor for advice several months prior to your safari booking dates as you may be require medical clearance. Please disclose that you will be traveling to Africa on safari. Your physician will be able to suggest which vaccinations and medications are advisable. Anti-malarial medication should be a top priority.
All vaccinations are voluntary for entry into Africa except for Yellow Fever vaccination which is compulsory. If you are entering Tanzania from Yellow Fever infected country such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, you will be required to show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon arrival in Tanzania. Please ensure you carry this Certificate with your passport. If you are entering Tanzania from Europe, you will not be required to show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.

Q: What if I have a medical condition?
Please consult with your doctor prior to leaving on your trip to ensure that you have sufficient amounts of your prescribed medication, as there may not be medical provisions available in certain parts of Africa.

Q: Do I need Travel Insurance?
A: Safaris, while fun, entail considerable investment and as such, we strongly advise you to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Coverage includes and not limited to trip cancellation, delay or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, emergency accident, illness and evacuation, 24-hour medical assistance and traveler’s assistance.

Q: Is there any cause for concern regarding civil unrest in Africa?
A: We strongly advice that you remain vigilant on your choice of travel destination primed with up to date and trustworthy information.
We are entitled to vary or cancel any reservations or cancel any reservation or arrangement in relation to the visits at our discretion on the event of factors beyond the control of the company including and not limited to acts of God, explosions, floods, tempests, fires, accidents, war or threat of war, sabotage, insurrection, civil disturbance or requisition, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions or other outwards occurrences.
Payment of any refund by the company to you as result of non-performance caused by either one of the aforementioned instances, the company shall use its reasonable endeavors to reimburse you where possible.
Furthermore, the company draws your attention to the fact that there are certain inherent risks present when on Safari, or when engaging in any strenuous physical activity. It is your sole responsibility to obtain appropriate medical advice as to medication, immunization, and whether or not you are fit enough to undertake the trip, prior to departure. The company shall not be liable for illness, injury or death sustained whilst visiting the properties owned and managed by the company.

UTILITIES

Q: Is there electricity, tap water, cellular network and Wi Fi in Africa?
A: Since most safaris are taken in remote locations in the continent, the mentioned utilities readily are available within the premises of the lodges and camps where you will be spending your time.
Most lodges and camps use generators for electricity, and many do not operate their generators 24 hours a day; the power may be turned off during the day when most clients are out game driving and again late at night. Please inquire at check-in as policies vary with each lodge or camp.

Electrical sockets in Tanzania are a three-square pin, similar to the United Kingdom and the electrical voltage is 220V.

Q: Is it safe to drink the tap water?
A: You are advised to only drink the bottled water supplied by the lodges, camps and inside our tour vehicles. Drinking untreated tap water could potentially raise health complications.

Q: Will my mobile/cellular phone work on safari?
A: There is mobile or cellular coverage in many areas of the national parks and conservation areas, but reception may be inconsistent, and network signals are weak. In the remote areas of the Northern and Western Serengeti, there are no signals. However, many of the lodges and camps will have a telephone or email access on the premises (for a fee) to communicate with friends and family back at home.

Q: What to Wear and Pack
A: Casual, comfortable and easy to wash clothes are recommended. The goal is to pack lightly as most lodges and camps will do your laundry for a small fee. Safaris are informal, and there is no need to dress up. Do plan to dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes as early morning game drives can be quite cold depending on the time of year while daytime temperatures can get quite warm. Stick to neutral or khaki colors and avoid wearing dark blue or black clothes as these colors tend to attract tsetse flies. Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent are a necessity. After sunset, we recommend that you wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks and spray insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Recommended safari clothing:

T-shirts and tank tops
Long-sleeved shirts (for protection from sunburns)
Shorts
Light long pants or convertible long-short pants
Warm fleece pullover or jacket
Swimsuit
Cotton socks and underwear
Pajamas
One pair of comfortable walking shoes
One pair of sandals or flip-flops
Wide-brimmed hat
Bandana (for dust)
Heavy sweater, gloves, and toque if traveling in the cold season.
Clothing for Zanzibar – Please dress modestly when sightseeing in Stone Town or visiting anywhere outside of the beach resorts in Zanzibar. Women should not wear sleeveless or revealing tops and short skirts or thigh-high shorts (Capri trousers or at least knee-length shorts are fine). Men should wear shirts, pants or knee-length shorts.

GAME DRIVE & INTERACTION

 Q: Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?

A:  Our guides are very skilled, professional, well mannered and experienced dealing with a different variety of clientele.  Tips are not included in the tour price and is entirely at your discretion. However, be advised that a majority of Tanzanians who work in the tourism industry support many extended family members through the salaries they earn,  common in African culture, so please consider it a way for you to kindly and generously give back to the local people.

Given below are the industry standard minimums for tipping:

Safari Guide: $15 per person per day

Maasai Village Visit: $15 per vehicle

Transfer driver in Arusha: $10 per vehicle

Porters/Baggage Handlers: $1 to $2 per bag

***Tip Box:

At most safari lodges and camps, a tip box will be located in the reception area, and we recommend that you use the gratuity boxes rather than providing individual tips to the staff that directly assist you. There are many behind the scenes staff ensuring your pleasant stay (cooks, room attendants, housekeepers, security guards, etc.) and by using the gratuity box, your tip will be shared equally amongst all staff.

Q: Are the wild animals dangerous? 

A: Always follow the instruction of your safari guide. While the wildlife may seem harmless and almost tame, especially those that have grown accustomed to safari vehicles, they are still wild animals and must be treated as such.

Many of the safari lodges and camps are not fenced, and wildlife moves freely about. You are obligated to follow all safety instructions provided by the lodge or camp regarding walking to and from your room/tent after dark. If you have infants, do not let them out of your sight or left unguarded under any circumstances.

You are responsible for your own safety, if you are unsure of anything, please do not hesitate to ask your safari guide or lodge/camp staff.

Q: What are the age restrictions on your tours?

A: To travel independently in an undertaking of this size, we accept guests of at least 18 years of age. Children of 18 years or younger must always be accompanied by an adult. It is standard procedure to let us know prior to the trip regarding the number and ages of the people in your travelling party just so a proper corresponding party of guides will be assigned to you.

Q: How much do drinks cost in lodges and camps?

A: Approximate prices of beverages (depending on hotel/location):

Q: What can I expect to eat on safari?  

A: Food on safari is of a very high standard and you will find a good mix of African, European and international cuisine. Fresh vegetables, seafood and meats make it an exceptional culinary experience to travel here. Excellent South African wines are in all lodges, tented camps and hotels, and make an excellent addition to a filling meal after a tiring day out in the bush! There are also plenty of very refreshing local beers to try out, as well as imported ones.

Tap water is not portable in most areas, and only bottled water should be consumed. Many lodges will offer complimentary bottles of drinking water, and we supply plenty of bottled water in our safari cars to be drunk during the way.

Flights & Visa booking

Q: How do I get a visa to my travel destination?

A: All visitors require a return or onward ticket and a valid passport with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed. Visas are not required for visitors from some member countries of Commonwealth and other specified countries. Visas can be applied Online or obtained from any Diplomatic Mission or Consulate abroad, and at main entry points including international airports, sea ports and border posts.

Q: Are there any luggage restrictions?

A: For international flights, please check with your individual airline before your safari booking as check-in and carry-on luggage restrictions vary from airline to airline.  Excess luggage can be accommodated at the discretion of the airline, and additional charges will apply.

Q: What happens if my flight gets delayed? 

A: On instances where a flight is delayed or there is a flight schedule change, and we are required to change your accommodations, internal flights, transfers, the additional expenses incurred as a result of the delay or flight change will be your responsibility. We will not be able to obtain refunds from suppliers for unused accommodations, internal flights and other services already paid for.

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