FAQ

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of most EU countries, the USA, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa in advance to enter Southern & East African countries. Your tourist visa is issued to you in the form of a stamp in your passport at the border of entry and valid for up to 90 days. However, African visa regulations can change daily without prior notice and it is very important for the client to check in advance with the relevant embassies or consulates prior to travel to clarify visa requirements.

Can I customize my itinerary?

Absolutely! Our specialty lies in crafting custom experiences tailored just for you. Visit our Custom Experiences page to learn how we can design a safari that aligns perfectly with your interests and desires.

Do you include international airfares in your tour cost?

No. If you want us to quote on international airfares we do that separately.

Who should travel with The Fly in Safari Company?

  • Anyone with an interest in conservation and the Natural World; wilderness areas, national parks & reserves, lakes, beaches, islands, African Wildlife, deserts, mountains, rivers etc.
  • The traveller looking for the more intimate, flexible and personalised experience in a small group or as a private guided safari or tour.
  • Experiential Travel rather than mainstream travel.
  • Exclusive and fully inclusive rather than ‘budget’ or ‘best deal’.
  • First time or return travellers to Africa looking for an authentic African experience.
  • Travellers looking for new and life-changing travel experiences.
  • Those looking for a tour conducted in a responsible manner that support conservation efforts, local communities and are educational.
  • Traveller looking for a specialist guided experience.
  • Traveller looking for an exclusive manner to travel; private aircraft etc.

How can I pay for my safari or tour?

Payment can be made via an Electronic Bank Transfer or Credit Card.

What is a Fly in Safari?

A Fly in Safari is where we make use of light aircraft as the main mode of transport between safari destinations. You will fly to landing strips in remote locations and then get transferred by 4×4 to your safari lodge or luxury tented camp. You will then explore the region on 4×4 game drives, scenic drives, boat cruises, walks etc. before flying to the next destination. The uniqueness of a fly in safari is that one can reach remote and unspoilt wilderness destinations that are hard to reach otherwise and the travel time between destinations is short but very scenic. It is exclusive!

What are the benefits of a Fly in Safari?

A fly-in safari allows you to access remote and stunning locations quickly, maximizing your adventure while minimizing travel time. This option offers a unique perspective of the landscape and wildlife, ensuring an unforgettable experience. The biggest advantage is that the majority of your precious holiday time is spent at the destinations, and not getting there. The light aircraft flights between destinations are a highlight on its own and on average range from 15 – 45 minutes.

What safety measures are in place?

Your safety is our top priority. We adhere to the highest industry standards, and all our guides are trained in safety protocols to ensure a secure safari experience. Rest assured that our team is dedicated to your well-being throughout your journey.

How do I prepare for my safari?

Preparation is simple! We provide a comprehensive guide after booking your safari that covers everything from packing essentials to what to expect during your tour. We aim to equip you with all the information you need for a seamless experience.

What should I expect from a guided tour?

With a guided tour, you can expect an immersive experience led by our knowledgeable guides who bring the beauty and intricacies of Africa to life. They will enhance your journey with local insights and ensure you don’t miss out on any hidden gems.

Can I find testimonials from past clients?

Yes! We encourage you to visit our Testimonials page to read about the incredible experiences of our past clients. Their stories reflect our commitment to excellence and the unforgettable adventures we provide.

What is the typical aircraft you make use of on a Fly in Safari?

We make use of a variety of aircraft depending on the distance, landing strips, group size etc. Aircraft used varies between single and twin engine, turboprop and business jets.

What kind of suitcase or bag should I use for a Fly in Safari?

Only soft sided bags are allowed on our Fly in Safaris. There are strict luggage restrictions on our light aircraft as packing space is limited. Each guest is allowed a maximum of 15kg’s including hand luggage. No hard sides or edges and no wheels allowed. If you have too much luggage and there isn’t enough space, we will have to charter an extra seat. This extra expense will be the clients’ responsibility. Luggage dimensions should not exceed 25cm (10 inches) wide, 30cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long. Keep in mind that laundry services are included at most lodges, so you won’t need more than 4 sets of clothes as you will be able to have washing done every couple of days or so. A lightweight soft sided bag with the perfect dimensions can be purchased from us upon request.

What kind of suitcase or bag should I use for your other safaris?

Only our Fly in Safaris have luggage restrictions.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our tours & safaris due to the remoteness of the destinations you typically visit. Unfortunately, medical and travel insurance while traveling is an added expense, but you will be grateful when you have it when you need it. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage, repatriation, and emergency rescue insurance. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation (cancel for any reason if possible), curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

It is important to read the fine print when selecting a travel insurance provider. When traveling in rural Africa there are 2 kinds of insurances to look at:
– Travel Medical Insurance that reimburses medical expenses (must include evacuation).
– Trip Cancelation Insurance.

This insurance can have fine print and must be thoroughly checked before selecting, so make sure you have the coverage you need. ‘Cancel for any Reason’ is the most comprehensive, but comes at a much higher price. Most travel insurance providers require that travel insurance be purchased 2 – 3 weeks after the first payment for your trip was made. Make sure to double-check this to ensure you are fully covered.

What clothes should I pack?

We recommend that you pack as light as possible. Light cotton clothing in earthy colours is recommended as the natural colours blends into the natural environment while on game viewing activities. Bright colours will decrease your chances of seeing wildlife. Good hiking shoes or trainers and flip flops are recommended. A general guideline includes; some shorts, long pants or jeans, casual evening trousers, quick dry T-Shirts or hiking shirts, socks, underwear, swimwear, waterproof jacket or fleece, hat, beanie hat, comfortable shoes.

What is included in my trip?

Unless your itinerary is tailor made and you decide what you want to include, we otherwise offer fully inclusive tours and safaris in most cases. We strive to make our tours and safaris as fully inclusive as possible, so the client only needs to pay for a souvenir here and there if they please. By fully inclusive we mean guides, accommodation, transport & transfers, activities, most meals and beverages, park & conservation fees, airport taxes etc.

What are typical activities included?

Guided game drives, sunset boat cruises, game viewing boat cruises, walking safaris, sailing, wildlife tracking, wine tasting, visiting scenic places, visiting indigenous tribes, sunset drives, scenic flights etc.

Will I have access to internet?

It is very common to have Wi-Fi access at different lodges, hotels or guest houses across Africa. In very remote areas internet might not be available, or very sporadic.

Will my mobile phone work in Africa?

Africa has excellent mobile phone coverage around urban areas, national roads etc. Very remote locations might not have coverage. If you intend to use your phone in Africa remember to ask your personal service provider to unlock your phone to international roaming. Keep in mind international roaming charges can be extremely high, so enquire with your local service provider about international data packages for travel purposes. While at lodges or hotels you can connect to Wi-Fi.

Do you have a recommended checklist?

Yes we do. The following handy and important things to consider;

  • Binoculars, camera, phone, chargers, spare batteries
  • Photocopies of travel documents. Passport with multiple clean pages.
  • Zip-lock bags
  • International travel adapter
  • Money belt
  • Personal prescriptions and medication, Malaria Prophylaxis
  • Sunglasses, reading glasses and contact lenses
  • Toiletries, wet-wipes / hand sanitizer, mosquito spray / cream
  • Swimming towel
  • Vaccination certificates
  • Credit cards

What about money?

  • ATM’s, banks and exchange bureaus are frequently found in all major African cities and towns. If on one of our guided tours, then our guide will advise on this as you travel.
  • We recommend that you travel with some cash (Rands, US Dollars or UK Pounds) and Credit & Debit cards. Master Card and Visa widely accepted.
  • It is advisable to travel with notes of mixed denominations; small ones and bigger ones. This ensures that you don’t struggle with receiving the correct change when purchasing from local markets etc.

What about tipping?

It is customary to tip in Africa for services received but not compulsory. As a tour operator we have noticed over the years that often, even though we prepare our clients about tipping, they are unsure about how much to tip, or even find the situation uncomfortable if not used to it. From past experiences, guests tip their local guide anything between USD5 – USD20 per person per day. Most lodges and hotels have a common tip box where guests can leave a tip when checking out, normally anything from USD5 – 20 per stay. Tips are not compulsory and not forced upon anyone, it is simply a good gesture if happy with the services received, and any amount is welcome as its considered a gift.