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When
and where to visit first (or next!)
With 11 countries to choose from, there is an area at its best whenever
you want to travel. One of the joys of Africa is the space. If solitude
is for you, avoid visiting popular spots such as Cape Town, Knysna
and the National Parks during the Christmas holidays. If you are restricted
to the school breaks, then consider the Easter, Autumn half-term and
the second half of the summer holidays; these are less busy and there
is no seasonal increase in airfares. If you pick wisely, the weather
can be as good as in traditional high season. We give a brief climate
and weather guide on each country. See the travel
calendar and weather chart for more. |
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African
Conditions
We are sure that you will have a memorable holiday in Africa especially
if you travel with patience, tolerance of widely differing ways of
life, and realistic expectations. Due to political and cultural differences,
as well as generally tougher physical conditions, travel to Africa
involves risks other than those that we may take in our daily lives.
Please bear the following in mind:
Health and Hygiene – Local safety standards
and regulations of the countries you visit will not necessarily conform
to your own countries’ health and safety standards. It is important
that clients make themselves aware of the risks involved, and are
responsible for the suitability of their travel plans. Countries rich
in the larger wildlife are always rich in smaller wildlife as well
– insects, spiders and mosquitoes are common and their presence
does not necessarily indicate a lack of cleanliness but rather is
a fact of life.
Malaria – Some areas of South and East Africa
are designated malaria-risk areas, especially in the summer between
October and April, so you need to take anti-malaria tablets and reduce
the chance of being bitten with insect sprays and long sleeved clothing
and pants. In the dry season from May to September, there is less
mosquito activity. Happily, this is also the best time for game viewing.
Babies and very young children should avoid malaria areas.
On Safari - Although every precaution is taken by
game lodges and organisers to ensure the safety of their guests, it
must be accepted that there can be a small risk as one is travelling
in areas where wild animals wander freely. Some game lodges, safari
operators and adventure sports operators will ask clients to sign
an indemnity form in advance of travel or on arrival. Bear in mind
that electricity and water may be erratic in very remote areas, and
this may be beyond the control of the safari lodge. Expect travel
in the dry season to be dusty and roads in the wet season to be muddy
and occasionally flooded.
Safety - As in most countries worldwide, crimes against
people and property are a fact of life in some parts of the countries
featured here. Particular care should be taken to avoid possible threats
to personal safety and the incidence of crime. Whilst we will try
to bring any concerns that we have to your attention, you are also
advised to check the latest advice issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth
Office Travel Advice Unit on www.fco.gov.uk/travel/
or the State Department on http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
People are generally friendly and helpful in rural and tourist areas.
We suggest that you avoid downtown districts at night, driving at
night in unfamiliar areas and walking at night. Do not leave valuables
on show or luggage unattended and do make use of the hotel safety
deposit box. Ask for, and follow, the advice of our local office,
local agent or your hotel manager. |
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Accommodation
We do not have ties to any hotel group or safari lodge so we are free
to recommend without commercial bias. Our rating of accommodation
is impartial but subjective, reflecting our view of the level of facilities,
décor, comfort and service. It should be considered alongside
the description we give. Every care has been taken to ensure that
the particulars shown on this website are accurate, but facilities
may be added, suspended or withdrawn by our suppliers and we reserve
the right to change any particulars if necessary.
We may refer to a ‘suite’, meaning spacious accommodation
that includes one or more private sitting areas. In an environment
where open-plan indoor-outdoor living is the norm, it rarely means
two separate rooms. Triple occupation of a room is not common in Southern
Africa and may not be available at your preferred hotel or lodge.
If you require a triple room, the extra bed may be a rollaway type
and could make the room seem crowded.
Hotels have to be refurbished periodically and in any developing destination,
building works or enhancements to the infrastructure are not an unexpected
feature, often starting without prior warning to Tour Operators. Whilst
we will endeavour to advise you before your departure of any significant
activity, it must be borne in mind that it is extremely difficult
to foresee the extent, nature and effect of any such activity. |
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Travel
Insurance
We cannot overemphasize the importance of your taking out adequate
holiday insurance against cancellation charges, unexpected curtailment,
medical expenses, repatriation, emergency air evacuation and personal
liability claims against you, and we make it a condition of accepting
your booking. If you are resident in the UK, see Cedarberg Travel’s
competitive fully inclusive travel insurance.
If you are travelling from outside the UK or if this policy does not
meet your needs, contact
us for an insurance quotation. |
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