Is Africa a good family destination?

Africa offers outstanding value for families. However, some destinations and establishments cater more fully to the enjoyment of children. In Kenya, children five years and younger are generally not allowed on game drives in the parks and reserves, although they can stay at the lodges. Most lodges have swimming pools and baby-sitting services. Travel to Tanzania is not recommended for children younger than eight years old. In Botswana and Zambia many lodges do not take children under twelve years of age.
What are the entry requirements?

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas--it depends on the country you are visiting. It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country that you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements. The list below contains the current visa requirements applicable to most North American and European countries.

Botswana: A visa is not required for tourists.
Kenya: A visa is required and costs $50. The visa can be obtained through a Kenya embassy in advance of your trip or upon arrival at the airport.

Namibia: A visa is not required for tourists.
South Africa: A visa is not required for tourists.
Tanzania: A visa is required and costs $50. The visa must be obtained in advance of your trip unless you live in a country that does not have a Tanzania embassy.
Uganda: A visa is required and costs $50. The visa should be obtained through a Uganda embassy in advance of your trip.
Zambia: A visa is required and costs $40. The visa can be obtained at the airport and borders.
Zimbabwe: A visa is required and costs $30. The visa can be obtained at the airport and borders.

How did the "big five" get their name?

The "big five" are: leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. These animals constitute a wish list for many people on safari. The term is a reference that dates back to colonial trophy hunting. Hunters ranked African animals according to how dangerous they were to hunt. This is why hippo and giraffe--despite their stature-- are not among this elite, sought-after group.

What types of safari accommodations are available?
There are quite a wide variety of accommodations available while on safari. Depending on the country visited, the types of safari accommodations include: lodges, permanent tented camps, mobile camps, and basic camping. Following is a brief description of each:
Lodges--are essentially hotels in the bush. They accommodate between 100 and 200 people. They provide most of the amenities found in a hotel (e.g., restaurant, lounge, swimming pool, etc.). This is a good choice if you want to be comfortable and have certain creature comforts when you return from game viewing.
Permanent Tented Camps--provide accommodations ranging from comfortable to luxurious. Most consist of large walk-in tents on elevated wooden platforms, with beds, chairs, furniture, and an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold water and flushing toilets. Permanent camps accommodate a smaller size group (20-30 people) than lodges, allowing a more personal interaction with the natural habitat.

In a Mobile Camping safari the accommodation moves with you. There are three types of mobile camping safaris:

1. Luxury Camping Safaris: These safaris travel in the grand style of the great explorers. The accommodations are walk-in East African tents, with en-suite facilities and hot showers. A full complement of staff pre-erect and dismantle the camp and cater to your every need.

2. Semi-luxury Camping safaris: These safaris combine camping nights with lodge nights. Usually, the relocation of the camp is combined with one or two nights at a safari lodge before going back into the camp at a new location. The camps consist of sleeping, dining, kitchen, and staff tents, with toilet and hot water shower annexes. The sleeping tents are completely insect proof, with a high outer fly and small shaded veranda. They are furnished with comfortable beds, bedside table, and chairs. The camp cook prepares meals on an open charcoal fire.

3. Basic Camping safaris: All basic camping safaris are not equal. There are three different standards within this category:
a) Serviced Camping: Accommodation is in 2-person igloo style tents. Shower and toilet enclosures are separate from the tents and are communal. Cots, linen, bedside tables with light, are provided and no sleeping bags are necessary. The camp staff erects and strikes camp and prepares the food.
b) Limited Participation Camping: Accommodation is in 2-person igloo style tents. Shower and toilet enclosures are separate from the tents and are communal. Foam mattresses and all camping equipment are provided, with the exception of sleeping bags, which you can bring or hire. A limited participation camping safari requires that you put up and take down your tent. A camp assistant helps with general camp chores and duties.
c) Full Participation Camping: Accommodations are the same as above. However, a full participation camping safari requires that you assist in putting up and taking down the camp--including your tent--and preparing meals, etc.