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FAQs

The questions we’re asked most.
The answers you need to know.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Is it safe to fly in light aircraft on safari?

Many of the trips we offer include multiple interconnecting flights, ranging from conventional wide-body aircraft to smaller light aircraft. Light aircraft are the primary means of reaching many of Africa’s most remote and rewarding safari destinations, and the safety standards governing their operation are consistently high.

Aviation companies operating in safari destinations are monitored by national civil aviation authorities and must adhere to international safety standards. Operators we work with are carefully selected, and air safety forms part of our broader assessment of every logistics partner we recommend.

If you have concerns about travelling on small aircraft, please let us know at the planning stage and we will design your itinerary accordingly. There are many safaris where light aircraft travel can be minimised or eliminated entirely without compromising the quality of the experience.

Are we safe from animal attacks while on safari?

Your safety around wildlife is a natural concern for first-time safari travellers, and one we take seriously. Through decades of carefully managed, minimal-impact wildlife viewing, animals in established safari areas have become accustomed to the presence of vehicles and the sounds and smells of humans at close proximity. When visiting a lodge or camp within our network, you will be in the hands of highly trained, experienced guides and trackers whose primary responsibility is your safety.
Serious injury on safari is exceptionally rare. The safari industry operates under a well-established code of conduct designed to protect both guests and wildlife, and every lodge we work with will provide a thorough safety briefing on arrival. It is essential that you follow these guidelines at all times.

If at any point you feel you have not received an adequate safety briefing, please raise this with the lodge manager or your guide. If a resolution is not found, contact us directly. You should never feel unsafe in your surroundings.

Liability waivers
At most lodges, you will be required to sign a liability waiver. By signing, you acknowledge any risks and take responsibility for exposing yourself to those risks. It’s important to note that if you refuse to sign such an indemnity, the implication is often that you will not be able to stay at that lodge.

If this is a concern, please ask us to get copies of the relevant liability waivers before you book so you can read through them in advance. Please note that your trip may be liable for cancellation and/or a change in fees depending on how you choose to proceed.

What are the safety protocols on safari?

The highest level of risk is usually encountered on a walking safari. It is essential that you only undertake this activity in the company of a professionally qualified walking guide. Resident walking guides at any lodge have gone through a rigorous training and qualification process. Follow the instructions of your guide at all times to ensure your safety.

In most areas, these guides will be armed, although this is not always the case. Some park authorities do not permit camp guides to carry weapons, but you can request to take an armed park ranger along when on a walking safari. These rangers are employed by the national parks or conservancies and are not under the employment of the lodge or camp.

Around camp
It is possible, although rare, to have an encounter with animals whilst in and around your camp or lodge. In locations where the risk is considered to be higher, it is common for guests to only move around the camp in the company of a guide or guard, especially in the dark. It’s important you stick to the camp rules, which will be explained to you during your arrival briefing.

What costs are involved when I go on a safari?

Every safari we plan is built around your specific needs, travel style and budget. We work across a wide range of lodges, camps and transport providers, which means we are never limited to a single price point or a fixed set of options. Our ability to modify dates, durations and components gives us genuine flexibility to find the best possible combination for you.

Price guarantee: There are no planning fees for our services. We are remunerated directly by the safari operators we work with, which means the cost of our expertise and planning time is not passed on to you as an additional charge. This is part of the holistic service our guests enjoy, and it means our incentive is always to find the best option for you rather than the most expensive one.

The best way to determine the price of a trip is to make an inquiry with us. Planning is much easier if we are involved during the formative stages of a trip. We don’t need detailed information at this stage. We will then provide you with a selection of itineraries showing a range of options and prices.

Payments: Upon confirmation of your safari, we are required to take an upfront fee in order to secure accommodations in lodges. Our payment guidelines are below:

35% upon booking
65% 90 days from travel
If booking within three months of travel, we ask for 100% payment on confirmation of booking.

We offer a broad range of payment options to minimise the charges you pay us and bank fees.

Payments can be made by credit/debit card or by direct bank transfer. Please note that we are not permitted to accept any payments in cash.

All trips are priced in South African Rands (ZAR) and/or United States Dollar (USD).

Wire Transfers: USD bank wire transfers will incur no charges from us. Please be aware that your bank may levy an international transaction fee.

Credit Card Facility: We have a credit card payment facility. There is a transaction fee when paying with a credit card. Your bank may also levy an international transaction fee.

What happens if I want to cancel my safari?

Upon booking your safari, we will provide documentation outlining our cancellation policy. This occurrence, while always unfortunate, is sometimes unavoidable, and therefore, the necessary procedures are in place to assist as best we can. The most common reason for cancellation is the ill-health of those travelling or a family member. Under such circumstances, charges can usually be claimed back from your travel insurance.

Our cancellation fees are as follows:

Within 0 to 60 days of travel: 100%
Within 60 to 90 days of travel: 55%
90+ days before travel: 35%

Please note: Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits are 100% non-refundable.

We strongly recommend that all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking, as cancellation costs can in many cases be reclaimed under appropriate cover. Please see our Travel Insurance section for further guidance.

Are specific dietary requirements catered for on safari?

The lodges and camps we work with take considerable pride in the quality of their food, and their chefs are well practised at accommodating a wide range of dietary requirements.

Upon confirmation of your safari, we will ask you to detail your dietary needs and requirements. This information is passed on to your accommodation so they can plan and cater for you.

Commonly recognised diets:

Gluten-free (Celiac)
Wheat-free
Lactose and Dairy-Free
Vegan and Vegetarian
Low Carb, High Fat (LCHF)
Keto

Commonly recognised allergies:

Peanut
Wheat
Gluten
Eggs
Dairy
Fish and shellfish
Seeds and spices

This is not a comprehensive list. Please inform us of your dietary requirements so we can ensure your needs are met.

Can I go on a safari even if I have a disability?

It is possible for guests living with a disability to enjoy the safari experience as much as an able-bodied person. We ensure that lodges are prepared and can accommodate any special requirements, so everyone is able to enjoy the same experience.

If you are concerned that a disability might restrict your ability to travel, chat to one of our specialist planners about suitable options. Please be explicit about your circumstances, and we will work with you to build an itinerary that gives you the fullest and most rewarding experience possible.

What are the passport or visa requirements when I book a safari?

Most African countries require visitors to have at least six months between the date of entry into the country and the expiration of their passport. You will also need to have sufficient empty pages in your passport for stamps and visas. We recommend at least six empty pages to guarantee a smooth travel experience.

Visa requirements across African countries change regularly. While we will advise you on current requirements as part of your itinerary planning, we recommend verifying the most up to date entry requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate prior to travel. Most African countries allow guests to attain an entry visa upon arrival. Some are at no charge, but others do come with a small visa cost.

Because child trafficking is an unfortunate reality in Africa, many countries require children under the age of 18 to travel with the original copy of their birth certificate, listing the details of both parents. Another requirement is for both parents to be present when the child enters a country. Should one parent not be travelling, we will ensure that the correct paperwork is in order prior to travel.

What should I tip during my safari?

Tipping is a custom across Africa; how much, when and who to tip can be unclear at times. This is why we provide you with all the relevant information regarding tipping procedures in the country you’re visiting.

Keep in mind that a gratuity is not expected by staff, but rather a gesture to individuals who’ve made your stay memorable. This could be anyone from guides to lodge staff, butlers, porters, polers, pilots and more. Tips can be given in local currencies or USD, GBP and EUR, so be sure to carry small denominations with you on your safari.

Do I need medical or travel insurance while on safari?

Travel insurance is the responsibility of each guest to arrange independently prior to travel. While we are unable to arrange this on your behalf, we strongly advise that all international travellers have comprehensive cover in place before departure. At minimum, your policy should include the following:

Medical evacuation and emergency repatriation, which is the most critical element for safari travel. In the event of serious illness or injury in a remote area, medical evacuation by light aircraft is often the only option and can be extremely costly without adequate cover. Emergency medical treatment, including hospitalisation in the event that evacuation is not immediately possible. Trip cancellation and curtailment, which allows you to reclaim costs in the event that your trip cannot proceed as planned. Cover for the specific activities you will be undertaking, including game drives, walking safaris, gorilla trekking and any other adventure activities included in your itinerary.

We recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking rather than closer to departure, as this ensures you are covered for cancellation costs from the moment your safari is confirmed. If you are unsure what level of cover is appropriate for your itinerary, please ask us and we will advise accordingly.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Should I be concerned about Malaria?

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite transmitted when bitten by an infected female anopheles mosquito. Symptoms are typically flu-like and include fever, headaches, nausea and aching limbs. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, including much of sub-Saharan Africa, with the exception of most of South Africa and Namibia.

Almost all travellers visiting Africa on short to medium-length safaris are prescribed anti-malaria pills by their doctor, which do provide a high level of protection. However, other practical measures can be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

Sleep under a good mosquito net.
Use a DEET-based insect repellent and apply thoroughly, paying particular attention to areas where clothing meets skin, especially the ankles. Peaceful Sleep is one of the most widely available brands in southern Africa and is effective.
Wear long trousers and sleeves at dusk and dawn (when mosquitoes are most active) to cover your skin.
Avoid leaving lights on in your suite/room/tent as this will attract mosquitoes at night.

Should I be concerned about Ebola?

Ebola is a rare but serious viral disease that has periodically affected parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is important to note that outbreaks have historically been confined to specific regions, primarily parts of West and Central Africa, and have not affected any of the established safari destinations we work with.

The risk of encountering Ebola on a safari with Escape Safari Co. is effectively zero. We monitor health advisories from the World Health Organisation and relevant national health authorities closely, and we will always advise guests of any developments that could affect their travel before departure.

For the most current information, we recommend consulting the WHO website or your national travel health authority prior to travel.

Should I be concerned about Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease, transmitted by the bite of female Aedes Aegyptii mosquitoes and other species. The only known hosts of the virus are primates.

In most cases, the disease presents itself with fever, nausea, and pain that generally subsides after several days. In rare cases, a toxic phase follows in which liver damage with jaundice can occur and lead to death. Countries that require a yellow fever certificate of vaccination are:

Kenya
Rwanda
Uganda
Tanzania*
Zambia*

Yellow fever entry requirements change regularly. We recommend verifying current requirements with the relevant embassy or a travel health clinic prior to departure, and always carry your proof of vaccination with you whilst travelling (or a certificate stating you are medically unable to have the vaccine).

*The question of whether or not yellow fever is endemic in Tanzania and Zambia is in dispute due to border control issues. Therefore, it is compulsory to have a vaccination certificate when travelling to these countries.

What vaccinations do I need before I go on a safari?

At least a month before your trip, visit your doctor or a travel clinic to check whether you need any vaccinations. The official advice for vaccinations changes regularly, so even if you have travelled through Africa or the tropics recently, you should check in again with your health professional.

These are the most common travel vaccinations:

Coronavirus:
Entry requirements related to COVID-19 have largely been lifted across Africa’s safari destinations. However, requirements can change, and we recommend checking current entry conditions for each country on your itinerary with the relevant embassy or consulate prior to travel.

Hepatitis A:
Under brand names such as Havrix, Monodose and Avaxim, the vaccine comprises two injections given about a year apart. It can be given close to the time of departure and lasts for about 25 years.

Tetanus, polio and diphtheria:
Now often given as a single all-in-one vaccine, Revaxis lasts up to ten years.

Tuberculosis:
Most people will have had the BCG injection as a child. It is in doubt whether it works in adults, so advice from clinicians varies considerably.

Typhoid:
The newer injectable typhoid vaccines, such as Typhim Vi, last for three years and are about 85% effective. Oral capsules such as Vivotif need to be taken over the course of a week and give up to five years’ protection.

Yellow fever:
This disease is endemic in most countries of western, central and eastern Africa. A certificate of vaccination is required at many borders. Read more about yellow fever here.

Preventative medicines
In addition to travel vaccinations, it’s likely you will need to take malaria tablets. Please visit your local GP for advice related to Malaria prior to travel. Read more about malaria here.

The following vaccines are less commonly required, but may be necessary for your trip:

Hepatitis B:
Usually only required for trips of two months or more, particularly when involving children or contact with blood. Three injections are needed, which can be given over a three-week period.

Meningitis:
This vaccine is usually recommended for longer trips, but increasingly for all travellers. Ideally, it should be the version containing strains A, C, W, and Y.

Rabies:
This is only usually recommended for travellers on longer trips and to remote areas from healthcare facilities, especially for people working with animals.

What do I need to know about Ticks?

Ticks are small spider-like insects which usually inhabit areas of long grass and jump onto larger mammals as they pass. They feed by sucking the blood of the host mammal. Ticks are present in many areas across Africa.

Sicknesses:
Remarkably, tick bites experienced in the tropics are generally less dangerous than those in more northerly regions, with Lyme disease being much more common in North America and Europe. Ticks can transmit other illnesses (most notably tick bite fever in South Africa), but these can usually be easily treated with antibiotics.

Prevention:
The best way to avoid ticks is to avoid walking through long grass. However, a more practical option is to cover your skin by wearing long trousers, gaiters and long-sleeved shirts.

Treatment:
Ticks need to be removed from the body as soon as possible. If you are in an area where ticks are prevalent, it is recommended that you do a full “tick check” at regular intervals.

Disclaimer:
Always consult a health professional when seeking any medical advice.

Are there medical facilities nearby?

Medical facilities vary considerably across Africa’s safari destinations, and it is important to travel with realistic expectations and adequate preparation. We have medical evacuation procedures in place to ensure that guests can access the necessary treatment if needed, and we work with established evacuation providers across the continent to ensure a rapid and coordinated response in the event of an emergency.

In major cities and towns, private medical facilities are generally of a reasonable standard. In remote safari areas, facilities may be limited or unavailable, which makes travel insurance with comprehensive medical evacuation cover essential.

In the event of a medical emergency in a remote location, evacuation by light aircraft to the nearest appropriate medical facility is the standard procedure. Africa has a well-established network of medical evacuation providers, most notably AMREF Flying Doctors and Rescue 911 in southern Africa, who operate across the continent and are experienced in responding to emergencies in remote areas. Many safari lodges and camps have a direct relationship with these providers and will coordinate evacuation on your behalf in an emergency.

We strongly recommend that all guests confirm their travel insurance includes medical evacuation cover before departure. If you have a pre-existing medical condition that may require specific consideration, please discuss this with us at the planning stage and we will ensure the lodges and camps on your itinerary are appropriately informed and prepared.

For non-emergency medical needs, most lodges and camps have basic first aid facilities and a qualified first aider on site. Your guide will always be your first point of contact in the event of any health concern in the field.