Safari booked, but I've still got questions...
Mar 5th, 2007, 03:02 AM
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Safari booked, but I've still got questions...
Hi,
I’m off to Vumbura Plains and Savute Elephant Camp, for three nights each, and then Vic Falls for two, with my parents and sister at the end of June. I’ve learned a HUGE amount from reading these boards, and I’m very grateful for all the information you’ve all provided! However, I still have hundreds of questions, and I’d be very grateful if you could help with some of them please.
Weather – I know it’s variable, but how wet is it likely to be at that time of year? It’s not the rainy season, so do we need to take waterproof clothing? (I’ve no objection to getting wet at the falls, but I don’t overly want to sit in a safari vehicle for hours getting soaked, and my mother would hate it). And on the flip side, is Savute likely to be very dry and dusty? How cold is it going to be first thing in the morning?
Also, how wet are the falls likely to be (from the Zam side). All the articles talk about when it’s high, and low season, but we appear to be in the middle, so I’m hoping they’re not too full, or too dry.
Tipping – there’s loads of advice around on this (thanks). However, what currency’s best to tip in (everyone talks about USD, but I’m English, and getting hold of small denomination USD isn’t that easy as far as I know - Banks start at 10’s and prefer 20’s and 50’s). If we tip at the end of each camp, how do we know if we’re going to have the same guide the whole time (or so we just ask at the start)?
Camera’s and binoculars – since we’ll probably have four cameras between us, are there lots of places to recharge the cameras in the camps? Also, I know at Vumbura, we can download the photos onto CD, does anyone know if this service is available at Savute Elephant Camp? How strong do binoculars need to be? Are night vision glasses worth while (particularly as we won’t be able to go on night safaris in Savute)? What kind of power supply is provided – do we need adaptors?
Safari – as we’re 4, are we likely to have our own vehicle? If so, how much can we alternate the schedule? Do we have to drive out at x and back at y, or can we flex it (ideally, we’d probably like to be out all day, though I accept that’s wishful thinking). Do we need to take water bottles with us on the drives, or will we be provided with drinks? What do you carry in your bag through the safari? Would you recommend wearing a hat or a headscarf? How bumpy are the drives – do you need a cushion to sit on, or is it fine as is? (None of us have back problems, but equally, we don’t want to develop them while on holiday….) There’s a watering hole at Savute – is it likely to be very busy at that time of year?
Are we likely to do any walking safaris? And if so, do we need walking boots, or will a sturdy pair of trainers do?
Do all the camps have safes? I don’t fancy carrying passports and tickets, and all the cash with us everyday (though clearly we will if we need to).
I’m assuming that shampoo etc will be provided – is this correct? Is a torch also provided, and if no, do we need one? How bad are the bugs likely to be at that time of year (and what bugs are they likely to be?)
When we get to Vic Falls, if we want to go from the Zam to the Zim side (and back!), is it easy? And does it meant that we need to get a multiple entry visa (for Zambia), or are they so used to people crossing, that it doesn’t matter if you only have a single entry?
We’re flying in to Jo’burg, have a three hour wait, and then up to Maun. Last time I flew from Jo’burg to Bots (Gabs), we were advised only to check our bags as far as Jo’burg, and pick them up there, and re check-in to go to Botswana, as apparently bags frequently get lost. Is this still true? (I don’t have enough pages left in my passports to get a SA visa as well as a Zim visa). Are rucksacks considered soft enough for the planes, or do we need to get duffle bags?
And last but probably most important – can you recommend any good books, so we can learn a certain amount before we go?
Many thanks for any answers I get to any of the questions – your help is vastly appreciated.
Regards
Belle
I’m off to Vumbura Plains and Savute Elephant Camp, for three nights each, and then Vic Falls for two, with my parents and sister at the end of June. I’ve learned a HUGE amount from reading these boards, and I’m very grateful for all the information you’ve all provided! However, I still have hundreds of questions, and I’d be very grateful if you could help with some of them please.
Weather – I know it’s variable, but how wet is it likely to be at that time of year? It’s not the rainy season, so do we need to take waterproof clothing? (I’ve no objection to getting wet at the falls, but I don’t overly want to sit in a safari vehicle for hours getting soaked, and my mother would hate it). And on the flip side, is Savute likely to be very dry and dusty? How cold is it going to be first thing in the morning?
Also, how wet are the falls likely to be (from the Zam side). All the articles talk about when it’s high, and low season, but we appear to be in the middle, so I’m hoping they’re not too full, or too dry.
Tipping – there’s loads of advice around on this (thanks). However, what currency’s best to tip in (everyone talks about USD, but I’m English, and getting hold of small denomination USD isn’t that easy as far as I know - Banks start at 10’s and prefer 20’s and 50’s). If we tip at the end of each camp, how do we know if we’re going to have the same guide the whole time (or so we just ask at the start)?
Camera’s and binoculars – since we’ll probably have four cameras between us, are there lots of places to recharge the cameras in the camps? Also, I know at Vumbura, we can download the photos onto CD, does anyone know if this service is available at Savute Elephant Camp? How strong do binoculars need to be? Are night vision glasses worth while (particularly as we won’t be able to go on night safaris in Savute)? What kind of power supply is provided – do we need adaptors?
Safari – as we’re 4, are we likely to have our own vehicle? If so, how much can we alternate the schedule? Do we have to drive out at x and back at y, or can we flex it (ideally, we’d probably like to be out all day, though I accept that’s wishful thinking). Do we need to take water bottles with us on the drives, or will we be provided with drinks? What do you carry in your bag through the safari? Would you recommend wearing a hat or a headscarf? How bumpy are the drives – do you need a cushion to sit on, or is it fine as is? (None of us have back problems, but equally, we don’t want to develop them while on holiday….) There’s a watering hole at Savute – is it likely to be very busy at that time of year?
Are we likely to do any walking safaris? And if so, do we need walking boots, or will a sturdy pair of trainers do?
Do all the camps have safes? I don’t fancy carrying passports and tickets, and all the cash with us everyday (though clearly we will if we need to).
I’m assuming that shampoo etc will be provided – is this correct? Is a torch also provided, and if no, do we need one? How bad are the bugs likely to be at that time of year (and what bugs are they likely to be?)
When we get to Vic Falls, if we want to go from the Zam to the Zim side (and back!), is it easy? And does it meant that we need to get a multiple entry visa (for Zambia), or are they so used to people crossing, that it doesn’t matter if you only have a single entry?
We’re flying in to Jo’burg, have a three hour wait, and then up to Maun. Last time I flew from Jo’burg to Bots (Gabs), we were advised only to check our bags as far as Jo’burg, and pick them up there, and re check-in to go to Botswana, as apparently bags frequently get lost. Is this still true? (I don’t have enough pages left in my passports to get a SA visa as well as a Zim visa). Are rucksacks considered soft enough for the planes, or do we need to get duffle bags?
And last but probably most important – can you recommend any good books, so we can learn a certain amount before we go?
Many thanks for any answers I get to any of the questions – your help is vastly appreciated.
Regards
Belle
Mar 5th, 2007, 04:16 AM
#2
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Hi Belle,
Will try to answer some questions.....the others will answer ones i either missed or dont know the answer to:
1.) It will be cold end June (early in the mornings and at night)...i would be in botswana early thru mid june and i will be dressed as if, i was going on a ski holiday.....thick jacket, gloves, hat etc etc., (I'm from India...). Unlikely to rain...
2.) Savute wont be too dry and dusty until later in the season....your description of the waterhole sounds like the Wilderness savute camp? not the chobe one......
3.)Tipping- you can tip whatever amount of your choice in UK pounds...no problem there...
4.)Camera charging...no worries those camps you mentioned would be fully equipped to do so....
5.) Safe in the room- from memory, i do believe Wilderness camps have them....let's get more opinions from other fodorites, though.......
6.)4 to a vehicle...i dont know...the schedules are flexible to a certain extent. if you want a fully flexible schedule, best to book a private vehicle....at an extra cost....also, you are going to be at some very luxurious camps, so everything will be provided.
7.) It will be bumpy....you are in the bush and do go off-roading. Dont need to carry anything. Water etc etc., will be provided........
Hope this helps and guess the others will touch on the other questions......
Will try to answer some questions.....the others will answer ones i either missed or dont know the answer to:
1.) It will be cold end June (early in the mornings and at night)...i would be in botswana early thru mid june and i will be dressed as if, i was going on a ski holiday.....thick jacket, gloves, hat etc etc., (I'm from India...). Unlikely to rain...
2.) Savute wont be too dry and dusty until later in the season....your description of the waterhole sounds like the Wilderness savute camp? not the chobe one......
3.)Tipping- you can tip whatever amount of your choice in UK pounds...no problem there...
4.)Camera charging...no worries those camps you mentioned would be fully equipped to do so....
5.) Safe in the room- from memory, i do believe Wilderness camps have them....let's get more opinions from other fodorites, though.......
6.)4 to a vehicle...i dont know...the schedules are flexible to a certain extent. if you want a fully flexible schedule, best to book a private vehicle....at an extra cost....also, you are going to be at some very luxurious camps, so everything will be provided.
7.) It will be bumpy....you are in the bush and do go off-roading. Dont need to carry anything. Water etc etc., will be provided........
Hope this helps and guess the others will touch on the other questions......
Mar 5th, 2007, 04:24 AM
#3
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Hi Belle- i reread your post. VERY IMPORTANT....get extra pages onto your passport. You do need a SA visa and they demand two blank pages....for best advice contact your TA
Yes, that's what i do clear bags at JNB and re check for Air Bots flight....since you hv three hours, no worries there.......
Good luck!!!
Hari
Yes, that's what i do clear bags at JNB and re check for Air Bots flight....since you hv three hours, no worries there.......
Good luck!!!
Hari
Mar 5th, 2007, 08:46 AM
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I recall your safari from the planning stages.
Some of my answers repeat Hari’s. When you get multiple people writing the same thing, it starts to ring true.
Weather--I'm from a climate that gets very cold in winter so I'm used to it, but still appreciated my wool earband and gloves in the early July mornings in Botswana. When you are in a moving vehicle chilly turns into very cold fast. Vumbura will have ponchos for you to wear to help keep out the cold. You'll still need hats and gloves for ears and fingers. Check on whether Savuti Ele Camp has ponchos.
There should be no rain and I have never had a drop in Botswana in the dry season.
Tips--You will have the same guide for your days at Vumbura and then Savuti. When you tip at the end, then you no longer need so many little bills because you add up the days. I bring envelopes for the tips. I think Wilderness camps provide them. If for some odd reason you had a change of guides mid-stay, just make out separate envelopes for each guide. The manager could get the tip to the right guide if he had to leave.
Camera--The making of CDs is a "6-Paw Silver Service" amenity offered by Wilderness 6-Paw camps. Check with Savuti, but I doubt it's offered.
Binocs--Don't go out and buy night vision ones. If you have them, bring them. I have 10 x 42 and like them.
Safari—If you are in your own vehicle with no other guests, you can do whatever schedule you want, just let the manager and guide know in advance. The vehicle will be stocked with water bottles. You can check to be sure before departing.
In my bag, which is a standard rucksack—camera gear, sunscreen, torch for night drives, spare lip balm, Kleenex/toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bird book, paper, pen. In the morning no layers of clothes, but as the day goes on, the layers I’ve removed are put in there. You can also just sit on the removed layers.
Cushion—never used one, some people do. The wadded up clothes work too.
Hat—Absolutely, a wide brimmed hat to protect your face from sun is very important. I used a wool earband that would go underneath my Tilley hat. Warmth for ears, sun protection for face.
Walking—if you ask for a walk it could be arranged. It is never sprung upon you. Any comfortable shoes are good.
Shampoo—provided and I’ve always found a torch, but I bring my own just in case. Most safari packing lists include bringing your own torch.
Bugs—You might encounter a couple (mosquitoes) or possibly not a single one. They won’t be bad at all. You’ll be provided spray for yourself and your room.
I’ve gone Zim over to Zam side at the falls with no big deal, but check with your agent for current rules.
Bag checking procedures for Johannesburg to Maun are right.
Send in your passport for more pages today! My passport is undergoing the same operation right now as I write.
Rucksacks are fine for soft luggage.
Books—I love The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. Far from being vacation drivel reading, these books are informative on life in Botswana. Guide books: Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa. Richard Estes Behavior Guide to African Mammals. Though it takes place in the Kalahari part of the country, Cry of the Kalahari by the Owens was quite moving.
When are you going to be in the Jobrug airport? It's possible we'll cross paths.
Have a marvelous trip!
Some of my answers repeat Hari’s. When you get multiple people writing the same thing, it starts to ring true.
Weather--I'm from a climate that gets very cold in winter so I'm used to it, but still appreciated my wool earband and gloves in the early July mornings in Botswana. When you are in a moving vehicle chilly turns into very cold fast. Vumbura will have ponchos for you to wear to help keep out the cold. You'll still need hats and gloves for ears and fingers. Check on whether Savuti Ele Camp has ponchos.
There should be no rain and I have never had a drop in Botswana in the dry season.
Tips--You will have the same guide for your days at Vumbura and then Savuti. When you tip at the end, then you no longer need so many little bills because you add up the days. I bring envelopes for the tips. I think Wilderness camps provide them. If for some odd reason you had a change of guides mid-stay, just make out separate envelopes for each guide. The manager could get the tip to the right guide if he had to leave.
Camera--The making of CDs is a "6-Paw Silver Service" amenity offered by Wilderness 6-Paw camps. Check with Savuti, but I doubt it's offered.
Binocs--Don't go out and buy night vision ones. If you have them, bring them. I have 10 x 42 and like them.
Safari—If you are in your own vehicle with no other guests, you can do whatever schedule you want, just let the manager and guide know in advance. The vehicle will be stocked with water bottles. You can check to be sure before departing.
In my bag, which is a standard rucksack—camera gear, sunscreen, torch for night drives, spare lip balm, Kleenex/toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bird book, paper, pen. In the morning no layers of clothes, but as the day goes on, the layers I’ve removed are put in there. You can also just sit on the removed layers.
Cushion—never used one, some people do. The wadded up clothes work too.
Hat—Absolutely, a wide brimmed hat to protect your face from sun is very important. I used a wool earband that would go underneath my Tilley hat. Warmth for ears, sun protection for face.
Walking—if you ask for a walk it could be arranged. It is never sprung upon you. Any comfortable shoes are good.
Shampoo—provided and I’ve always found a torch, but I bring my own just in case. Most safari packing lists include bringing your own torch.
Bugs—You might encounter a couple (mosquitoes) or possibly not a single one. They won’t be bad at all. You’ll be provided spray for yourself and your room.
I’ve gone Zim over to Zam side at the falls with no big deal, but check with your agent for current rules.
Bag checking procedures for Johannesburg to Maun are right.
Send in your passport for more pages today! My passport is undergoing the same operation right now as I write.
Rucksacks are fine for soft luggage.
Books—I love The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. Far from being vacation drivel reading, these books are informative on life in Botswana. Guide books: Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa. Richard Estes Behavior Guide to African Mammals. Though it takes place in the Kalahari part of the country, Cry of the Kalahari by the Owens was quite moving.
When are you going to be in the Jobrug airport? It's possible we'll cross paths.
Have a marvelous trip!
Mar 5th, 2007, 07:20 PM
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How about the other end? July 5 I fly out in the evening from Johannesburg.
In 2008 I'll be flying out of Johannesburg about Aug 6, but I'll start the trip in Cape Town.
Several people have been mentioning gorillas in 2009, maybe we can cross paths in the Virunga Mountains, I'm thinking mid-July, then some time in Kenya.
Now 2010 is shaping up to look like Namibia, perhaps August.
Though 2011 is way out, I have to get to Kwando, like Sept.
2012 I'll be able to travel in February, spelled Tanzania Migration!
I'm getting a little carried away now.
In 2008 I'll be flying out of Johannesburg about Aug 6, but I'll start the trip in Cape Town.
Several people have been mentioning gorillas in 2009, maybe we can cross paths in the Virunga Mountains, I'm thinking mid-July, then some time in Kenya.
Now 2010 is shaping up to look like Namibia, perhaps August.
Though 2011 is way out, I have to get to Kwando, like Sept.
2012 I'll be able to travel in February, spelled Tanzania Migration!
I'm getting a little carried away now.
Mar 6th, 2007, 01:55 AM
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Brilliant! Thank you so much for your answers, they've helped enormously.
Sadly, I'm not in Jo'burg at the same time as any of you - we're there early on the 26th, and late on the 4th.
I looked up the books recommended - there's a specific 'Birds of Botswana' book, by Newman - is it any good, or should we stick to the 'Newman's Birds of Southern Africa'? There's also a
'What's That Bird?: A Starter's Guide to Birds of Southern Africa' and a 'Birds of Prey of Southern Africa: Raptorguide' - are either of these any good do you know?
Relating to my passport - I've got two double pages left, and three singles. I was hoping that I'd be able to use the two doubles for SA and Zam, and a single (if necessary) for Zim. Will that work? I'm travelling fairly consistently between now and June, and don't have much time to get a new passport (given how slow the British Passport Agency is). If I have to, I'll cancel a trip, but if you think there's sufficient room, I'd rather not.
Belle
Sadly, I'm not in Jo'burg at the same time as any of you - we're there early on the 26th, and late on the 4th.
I looked up the books recommended - there's a specific 'Birds of Botswana' book, by Newman - is it any good, or should we stick to the 'Newman's Birds of Southern Africa'? There's also a
'What's That Bird?: A Starter's Guide to Birds of Southern Africa' and a 'Birds of Prey of Southern Africa: Raptorguide' - are either of these any good do you know?
Relating to my passport - I've got two double pages left, and three singles. I was hoping that I'd be able to use the two doubles for SA and Zam, and a single (if necessary) for Zim. Will that work? I'm travelling fairly consistently between now and June, and don't have much time to get a new passport (given how slow the British Passport Agency is). If I have to, I'll cancel a trip, but if you think there's sufficient room, I'd rather not.
Belle
Mar 6th, 2007, 03:06 PM
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<b>Rockabelle</b>
I'd ask your travel agent about the numbers of pages in your passport. If you are traveling regularly between now and your Africa trip, won't those trips be filling up the pages?
If there is a Newman's Botswana bird book, I'd go with that one. I wouldn't buy it if I already had the Newman's Southern Africa bird book.
Sorry, we miss. Maybe you'll catch some other Fodorites.
<b>Tom,</b> My plans are also contingent on being alive.
I'd ask your travel agent about the numbers of pages in your passport. If you are traveling regularly between now and your Africa trip, won't those trips be filling up the pages?
If there is a Newman's Botswana bird book, I'd go with that one. I wouldn't buy it if I already had the Newman's Southern Africa bird book.
Sorry, we miss. Maybe you'll catch some other Fodorites.
<b>Tom,</b> My plans are also contingent on being alive.
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