TRAVEL INFO

Why book with us?

It all boils down to experience, really. Together, we've got more than 40 years’ of it - that's four decades spent working in the travel industry, putting together safaris and making sure you have incredible journeys across Africa. We understand safaris inside out which saves you a lot of time, which is just as important as the money we'll save you too!


We don't do standard itineraries or packages. We do special. And unique. That's because you're a one-off - there's not another you anywhere else. So we make sure your safari is perfectly crafted to fit you and only you. Like a couture gown or Savile Row suit. Perfection. Usually in khaki.


​We understand that we can't always do house calls, but with all of wonderful technology on tap day and night, we can Zoom, WhatsApp and FaceTime to your heart's content, working with your time zones if you're far away or on the other side of the planet to us!


Zafaris is located in Cape Town, South Africa, so when you're off on your safari you'll be on the same, or very similar time zone as us, which makes it very easy for you to contact us while travelling should you need to, even if just to tell us what a truly amazing time you're having.

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Travelling around Africa

The parts of Africa we work in are much more accessible than you think. For the most part. Thankfully there are still far-flung, remote areas that are still a challenge to get to - but you can get to them, which is the point of a safari, after all!


We'll make sure all your travel logistics are well taken care of, from private charter flights, road transfers and boats to luxury trains, self-drive car hire and scheduled domestic and regional flights. We do it all for you. No matter how complex your itinerary is. In fact, it's our job to simplify it as much as we can to make it easier for you to enjoy the journey!


We try to make use of the most affordable options but also the most reliable ones too. Sometimes it's a challenge, but one we're always up for! Give us the dates you're looking at and we'll make it happen if we can! 


We'll tell you all about the nitty gritty like luggage restrictions, vaccinations, masks, no masks, visas, and all of those niggly little bits of red tape that inevitably come into play when you travel these days. So just leave it all to us. It's what we do. And what we love.

Connecting countries in Africa

Now that you know Africa is very accessible, we do our utmost to make sure you can maximise your valuable time while on holiday and spend very little time in airports or in transit.


Most locations can be connected with on the same day, especially when travelling throughout Southern Africa. We never recommend trying to combine both Southern and East Africa in one itinerary as it is costly and often you may need a dead night or two which cuts into your travel time.


Of course, at Zafaris anything is possible, and we'll always go the extra mile to make sure you have the trip of a lifetime. 


Examples of same-day connections:


Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls and Botswana;

 Namibia, Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town;

 Cape Town, Kruger National Park and Mozambique;

 Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Cape Town;

 Zambia and Malawi

Connectivity | Phones | Wifi

We know. It's a fact of life in the digital age. We have to stay in touch, connected, in range, online, posting, tik-toking... Where we send you, most areas close to main cities have good connectivity, wifi and cellphone signal. Most of the game reserves will have limited connectivity when it comes to cell phone signal (and data).


There will also be limited wifi in remote locations and some places have no wifi at all (yes, there are places where wifi does not exist - black holes in the digital firmament!) But please do not worry as there is always an emergency option for contacting friends or family, either via the lodges themselves or us. And if you find yourself in paradise with no signal of any kind, just put the phone down, take a deep breath and enjoy the sensation of being off grid!

Travel documentation

We'll provide you with some of the most comprehensive travel documentation from start to finish. All our itineraries and final travel documents are available online or from your cellphone, mobile device or tablet. For those not so tech savvy (we feel you), we will happily provide you with PDF or Word documents that you will be able to view on your desktop or laptop or even print, if you want to.

We email your final detailed itinerary, vouchers and e-tickets at least a month prior to your departure. We have partnered with a brilliant flight team who will send your boarding passes to you 24 hours prior to departure. So all we need is your contact number so that we can WhatsApp or send them to you on your cellphone.


There are times when the airline will not allow online check in and we will advise you directly. All you will do is use the e-tickets that we send to you and collect your boarding pass at the airport directly. Simple!

We make sure that we provide you with some of the most comprehensive travel documentation from start to finish. All our itineraries and final travel documents are available online or from your mobile or tablet. For those not too tech savvy, we will happily provide you with PDF or word documents that you will be able to view on your desktop or laptop.

For all our guests, we will email your final detailed itinerary, vouchers and e-tickets at least 1 month prior to your departure. We have partnered with a brilliant flight team who will send your boarding passes to you 24 hours prior to departure so, all we will need is your contact number so that we can Whatsapp or send them to you on your mobile. There are times when the airline will not allow online check in and we will advise you directly. All you will do is use your e-tickets that we send to you and collect your boarding pass at the airport directly. Simple!

Safety in Africa

Despite all the negative press that Africa often receives, we do our utmost to send you to the safest parts of our continent. Like anywhere else in the world, be vigilant and please don’t walk around with cameras, diamonds and thousands of $$$$ dripping off you. Cities are where you are most at risk so please use some common sense.


For any activities in and around the cities we like to recommend the use of a private guide. Private guides are also a great way to experience a place because of their excellent local knowledge which really enhances your safari. If you'd rather explore on your own and enjoy a bit of freedom, please check with us first so that we can advise you of any potentially unsavoury places or no-go areas.


Self-driving around Southern Africa (South Africa and Namibia) is generally very safe and we'll recommend routes for you where we can. Self-driving is certainly one of the best ways to explore but should you not feel comfortable there are many ways to get you from Point A to Point B!


No matter how remote the lodges and camps we send you to, we make sure that they are fit for purpose and as safe as they can be. All your lodge managers and guides will make 100% sure that your safety is not compromised in any way, but do remember that you are in the wilderness and the animals you encounter are wild, so please give them the respect they deserve!

Visa Information

Please ensure that you verify visa requirements independently with the relevant embassy, high commission or consulate as Zafaris cannot be held liable for any errors or alterations to visa requirements. Please feel free to ask us questions and we'll absolutely do our best to advise you accordingly. Visas are not our area of expertise, but we know enough to offer you basic guidelines. Most nationalities can purchase visas on arrival at the main ports of entry but as we say, please check, cross check and counter-check as sometimes things change, especially in the strange and challenging times in which we live! Give us a shout before you leave if there is anything you are not sure of. 

Travelling with children

We specialise in creating family friendly safaris for people with young children but travelling with toddlers or kids under six can be a challenge. So chat to us and tell us all about your little ones and we'll recommend places where you can go on safari with them, that are geared to having kids in the wilderness and that will make sure everyone has an amazing time.


If you have younger kids, we do recommend having a private game vehicle and safari guide as this offers a lot of flexibility where activities are concerned without impacting other guests. Many of the camps and lodges we use have dedicated programmes for children, meaning you can get some R & R in while the rug rats are kept busy.


We'll advise you on things like malaria areas, the perfect family destinations and things to do and see that will blow your little ones' minds and make them fall in love with Africa. And travelling with mum and dad. And whoever else you bring with you! In fact - bring the extended family! Then you've got built-in babysitting services!


We'll also keep you informed on the documentation you'll need to travel with kids and the red tape and other bits and bobs that need to be taken into account.

Packing for Africa

If it’s your first time travelling to Africa, packing for an extended itinerary might seem a bit daunting. But the great news is, you already own most of the essentials. On safari it’s easy to feel comfortable, keep it laid back and to look great. Our packing guides are all about practicality. Should you manage to pack really well, there may even be a little space for a few gifts for the loved ones back home. 

His

Warm jacket for morning and evening game drives

Gloves (winter months)

Beanie hat (winter months)

Sunscreen/insect repellant

Binoculars

Kindle/ipad/book

Camera gear

Buff/sun hat

Socks, pack extra as they can get dirty when on safari

Sunglasses

Comfortable walking shoes

Cotton t-shirts/shirts neutral colours

Shorts/cargo pants/long pants

Jersey/scarf/thermals (winter)

Smart-casual clothes and shoes for dinner

Swimwear and flip flop sandals for around the pool or lodge areas

Hers

Warm jacket for morning and evening game drives

Gloves (winter months)

Sunscreen/insect repellant

Binoculars

Kindle/iPad/book

Camera gear

Comfy shoes, walking shoes, sandals

Cotton tank tops or vests in neutral colours

Socks, pack extra as they can get dirty when on safari

Sunglasses/sun hat

Jersey/thermals (winter)

Beanie/buff/ lightweight scarf, pashmina or sarong, great for layering

Yoga pants/cargo pants/long trousers/shorts

Mini day bag for essentials like lip ice, sunscreen, cellphone etc

Comfortable sports bra as the roads in Africa are bumpy

Swimwear and flip flop sandals for around the pool or lodge areas

Money matters

We have both a South African bank account for ZAR payments as well as USD global account for our USD payments.


All transactions can either be done via bank transfers or online payment links, whichever suits you best.

Terms and conditions

Once Zafaris have confirmed to you that your required dates are available, you will be required to lay down a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total itinerary cost as well as full payment of your flights within seven days in order to confirm your reservation.


Failure to pay this deposit within the seven days of confirmation will result in your reservation automatically being cancelled. Please note that due to peak travel dates, our suppliers may demand a higher deposit and therefore you will be notified accordingly. It is the client’s responsibility to inform and instruct their banking institution that the net invoice amount must equal the funds clearing into the Zafaris bank account and that all the bank charges are for the client’s bank account.


The balance of your payment must be made eight weeks (60 days) prior to the date of your departure. Failure to comply with the deposit and balance payment requirements may result in an automatic cancellation of your reservation.


Bookings made within eight weeks (60 days) prior to your departure are subject to full payment of the entire itinerary amount at the time of confirming the reservation.


Payment can be made by credit card direct into our South African Bank account with a credit card fee attached, alternatively a bank transfer in either US Dollars ($) or South African Rands (ZAR). Proof of bank transfer payment must be e-mailed to the Zafaris sales team as soon as the transfer is complete, in order for us to confirm your booking.


It is strongly advised that you take out travel insurance to cover the possibility of cancellation. Most of the properties we use insist that guests have travel insurance.

Our cancellation and refund policy

Cancellation of a confirmed itinerary will result in the following cancellation charges, payable by you:


  • Cancellation prior to eight weeks of travel: Your full 20% deposit is forfeited.
  • Cancellation eight-four weeks prior to your departure: 50% of the total cost is forfeited.
  • Cancellation less than four weeks prior to departure: 100% of the tour cost is forfeited.


No refunds will be made for any portions of the itinerary unused due to a cancellation or change made by participants themselves whilst travelling.

Privacy

Zafaris treats all personal information you give to us as strictly confidential and no personal information will be made available to third parties, unless obliged to do so by law or legal processes.


When you forward personal information including your name, e-mail address and mailing address to us, Zafaris will never make this information available to third parties neither will we ever sell it to third parties for any reasons whatsoever.

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