Is it safe to go to Africa?
One always hears about political strife, riots and health problems?
First of all, the areas where safaris are undertaken are completely safe, and free of political strife. We only conduct safaris in countries which are politically stable, and where it is safe for our clients. The chance of you being the victim of crime is very remote... When it comes to cities, one always has to remember.... "a city is a city is a city..." Of course, crime cannot completely be ruled out, but when you go out at night, try to avoid sleazy areas, go out in a group, and avoid areas your guide or hotels recommend. In short, apply the same principles you otherwise would have done back home, or in any other larger city in the world.

What about the risk of AIDS?
We believe that our American travelers are aware of the sources of transmission of AIDS. There is no greater risk of exposure on a safari than there is at home. Mosquitoes do not transmit AIDS. While no one can be certain of the purity of the blood supply at home or abroad, there are blood screening facilities in Johannesburg and Nairobi. These hospitals are staffed by South African, American and European trained doctors, nurses, and technicians and have high standards of medical care.

Are we safe from the animals?
Our hand-picked rangers and trackers ensure that close encounters with wildlife are exciting, informative and safe. Rangers undergo extensive selection and training, and are engendered with a code of ethics and a reverence for all life. All are armed with rifles on game viewing drives and bush walks, and trained guards patrol the camps. In case of an emergency, medical rescue services are on standby to airlift anyone to the best medical facilities in South Africa.

What about snakes and bugs?
This aspect is very exaggerated. You will rarely see a snake, but if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the romantic ambience... Bear in mind that malaria is a threat in most wildlife areas, and it is essential to consult your physician for advice before embarking on your safari.

When should I go?
Go now! The proverbial "winds of change" are blowing in Africa constantly! Africa has changed tremendously during the lifetime of just one generation. In some countries, wildlife has just about disappeared... and their infrastructures destroyed, which to a large extent can be blamed on guerrilla wars... (Mozambique and Angola are classic examples.)
However, wildlife is also disappearing to a large extent due to modernization. Think of the peoples and tribes who were displaced due to building of man made lakes like Lake Kariba (Zambia / Zimbabwe) and the Cahorra Bassa Lake in Mozambique... Primitive cultures are disappearing due to Western influences... a lot has changed in Africa since World War II. Visiting the continent of Africa is not an experience one should postpone to "someday". Currency exchange rates are very favorable, and a little bit of money goes a long way!
Eco-tourism plays a very important role in the sustaining of wildlife and other natural resources - your "tourist-dollar" in fact contributes tremendously to the maintaining of jobs and wildlife conservation.

What will I see on safari?
The greatest profusion of animal, bird and plant life on earth. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Cape Buffalo and Leopard (the so-called "Big Five"). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelle, Giraffe, Baboon and Hippo. The bird life is fantastic - in some areas up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and the hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! The acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine. Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow when the clouds clear.
And oh!... The romantic evenings, around a camp fire, with a star-filled sky like you have never seen before!

What about barriers?
Although more than 2000 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa, in many cases it being the official .

What kind of accommodation can I expect?
In the major cities of the African safari destinations, you will stay at Hotels or Country Lodges as you would anywhere else in the world. In the wilderness areas or National Parks, you will stay at Safari

Lodges and Camps.
Real Adventures Africapresents a wide selection of the different types of accommodation in Africa’s safari destinations. The lodges and luxury tented camps we use in Africa meet the standards of the most discriminating traveler. All camps and lodges are very carefully selected, and all maintain the highest standards, which will ensure your ultimate comfort during your stay. Universally accepted hotel and lodge ratings are not applied to the different types of accommodation, but they generally fall within first-class to luxury range.

Lodges are permanent structures (mostly under thatch) which have been aesthetically designed to blend into the landscape and retain a rustic ambiance, providing luxurious and modern facilities. Most lodges also have swimming pools.
Camps are relatively small and may be permanent, semi-permanent or mobile camps. Whatever the nature and structure, the camps are fully catered (you do not have to participate in any chores) and generally apply a staff ratio of 3 to 1. Camps are either thatched chalets or permanent and luxuriously furnished walk-in tents. Tented camps are luxurious, most have en-suite bathrooms, beds with fine inner-spring mattresses and conform to all the modern conveniences which will ensure that your stay will be very comfortable and enjoyable. As each property is indeed quite unique, we invite you browse our Camps and Lodges pages, and discover their individual features and find the ones best suit your needs.

What is the difference between a mobile and a permanent tented camp?
Around the turn of the century (until the 30's and 40's), mobile tenting was the only option, and "camp as you go" was the standard practice. Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile tenting safari has increased. By the same token, one can understand that the cost to have a "luxury hotel" following one around in Africa is expensive. However, most people settle for tented camps which are permanent. Because they are "permanent" they can be equipped with flush toilets and traditional bathroom fixtures and conveniences. Don't be misled by terminology - a permanent tented camp offers the comfort of a 5-star hotel but with the romance and adventure of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa.
(If you went to Africa, and did not stay in a tented camp, you were on vacation - not on a safari!)
-If you prefer to be accommodated in a mobile tented safari, we can design an itinerary for you, but bear in mind that the cost is about 50% more than a permanent tented camp safari.

How is the food on safari?
You will find the food exquisite! Breakfasts are substantial in the true colonial tradition, offering a selection of fresh fruits or juices, hot or cold cereal, eggs, sausage or bacon, toast and fresh baked bread, and coffee or tea. For lunch you can choose from an elaborate buffet which includes a variety of hot and cold food, and a chance to try some African cuisine. You can expect your evening meal to match the standards which you would find in any high quality restaurant in the world. If you have a sweet tooth you will certainly enjoy the specially prepared desserts.

Is the water safe to drink?
The water in Nairobi, Johannesburg and Windhoek is perfectly safe. While out on safari, however, only drink the purified water provided by your lodge, or drink bottled water.

Are children welcome on safari?
Generally speaking, yes. Remember, a safari is a family experience! Some of the lodges in South Africa require that children be at least eight years old. Some of the camps and lodges will restrict activities to exclude small children, but that is purely due to physical limitations. Children will enjoy the wildlife and meeting the tribal people, and during their free time they can relax in the swimming pool.

What about traveling single?
Sure! A safari is the ideal trip for the independent traveler. Go new places - meet new people! Just be aware that many of the lodges and camps apply a single supplement. If you prefer to travel with a group, please review some of the safaris we offer which have set departure dates. If you are unsure about this, please feel free to contact us and we will gladly assist with the information you may require.