I have been working with a safari tour company called Discover Tanzania (offshoot of Discover Kenya) for a trip I'm making in Oct. They have told me they have gotten most of the confirmations on my bookings, but when I asked to have printed confirmations from the lodges, they said they have their voucher "stamped with confirmations" from the lodges and that they would scan this voucher in and e-mail it to me. They say they do not receive the printed "service voucher" from the booking office until 2-3 wks. before.

Is this normal? They say they have been in business for 40 years and have been in good standing with clients, etc... Also confounding to me is that they have not taken payment from me yet! I'm wondering how they can attain confirmation without my payment?

I believe a stamped voucher is a common confirmation procedure between tour operators and lodges. Perhaps they haven't asked you for payment yet because all of the lodges haven't been confirmed? My tour operator requests a deposit after accommodations have been confirmed. Did you just give them the go ahead to book recently? If so, they'll probably ask for payment shortly.

Thanks Patty, I was hoping this was common procedure. I think you're right they may be waiting till all lodges are confirmed before requiring payment/deposit. I didn't want to be skeptical, but at the same time, wanted to make sure this was not unusual.

I never got vouchers, just a sheet of paper on letterhead that listed all my lodges. The actual paperwork my guide had upon meeting him and he kept it, including paperwork on all the parks we paid for. I would imagine that once lodges are confirmed you'll be charged a deposit but I'd still ask. You might be able to email lodges directly if it worries you.

Some lodges and tour operators are going electronic with confirmations, even in Africa, so if you are with a reputable operator their voucher would be sufficient. Best advice if you are concerned is as above: call the lodge to confirm.