FAQs – Dream Africa Tours

WHAT IS THE WEATHER/CLIMATE LIKE IN AFRICA IN WINTER AND IN SUMMER?

AFRICA mostly enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and south west parts of the continent. There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning.

WHAT CREDIT CARDS CAN I USE IN AFRICA?

Credit Cards : Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
American Express – not so much! For up to date rates of exchange click on the following link. www.xe.com

WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

Most dietary requirements (kosher, vegetarian hindu etc) can be organized provided we request them well in advance.

WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE IN AFRICA?

English, French, Swahili and Arabic are the main languages in Africa.

WILL I BE ABLE TO DO LAUNDRY DURING MY AFRICA TOUR?

Laundry service is available at most hotels and lodges throughout AFRICA. Prices will vary per hotel/lodge

WHAT ARE THE LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS FOR A SAFARI?

RULE OF THUMB – IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN DO NOT PACK IT IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS! Medications, eye glasses, sunglasses, wallets, passports, computers, iPads, cell phones, cameras, binoculars, jewelry etc should be carried with you at all times. Do not take anything with you that is not replaceable or anything that you would be devastated to lose! Maximum weight 15kg (33lbs) for local flights. This weight allowance includes hand luggage. NO HARD SUITCASES WILL BE ALLOWED! Luggage restrictions vary between airlines / countries and aircraft. Please check with your travel consultant with regard to weight restrictions and quantity / size of bags permitted.

SHOULD I TAKE A CAMERA? SHOULD I TAKE BINOCULARS?

Yes, You are going to a photographer’s paradise wherever you go in Africa so take plenty of memory cards to record your trip. Yes, A good pair of strong binoculars is a must on safari, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A KEEN BIRDER OR “TWITCHER”. Trust us, we know.

WHAT IS THE ELECTRIC CURRENT IN AFRICA?

230/240 volts (US & Canada 110/120) If you are taking electric hair styling tools in any shape or form flatirons, curling irons, hair dryers etc. or any other electrical appliances, you should make sure they are dual voltage and remember to change the voltage if necessary when you get to AFRICA.

Due to their remote locations, many camps/game lodges in AFRICA generate their own electricity by means of generators. Generators run for about 6-7 hours per day providing power in the rooms for lighting and possibly ceiling fans. Not all camps provide plug points in the rooms so if you have equipment that requires charging such as camera batteries the hotels/lodges will often have charging facilities in the main areas.

WHAT ARE THE TIPPING AND GRATUITY GUIDELINES FOR A AFRICA SAFARI?

It is useful to tip porters & waiters approx. US$ 3.00 for two suitcases or in local currency. When you are happy with your driver/guide we recommend a tip of approx. US$20 – $25.00 per day total for the vehicle. US dollar notes issued before the year 2006 are not accepted anywhere in the hotels or lodges.

DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS FOR AFRICA? IS AFRICA A MALARIA FREE AREA?

YELLOW FEVER: It is imperative that you obtain a YELLOW FEVER vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival in a yellow fever region.

MALARIA :We highly recommend that you take precautions against MALARIA. Your physician will be able to assist you with a prescription for prophylaxis for MALARIA prior to your arrival in the MALARIA infested area. Tips on avoiding malaria : Take a prescription antimalarial drug Mosquito repellent cream for the evenings (mostly mosquitoes come out in the evenings) & AntiSeptic cream to put on any insect bites

DO I NEED A PCR TEST ON ARRIVAL?

Travelers who are fully vaccinated will be exempted from the requirements of a PCR test. Unvaccinated travelers arriving at any point of entry shall be subjected to a rapid antigen test at their own cost of 30 usd, anyone who tests positive will be subjected to a PCR tests at their own further cost of 50 USD & self-isolation

CAN I DRINK TAP WATER IN AFRICA?

Although tap water may be fine in most areas for bathing and brushing teeth, we recommend that you drink bottled water at all times.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR A SAFARI?

RULE OF THUMB – DON’T PACK TOO MUCH

For your safari, pack light casual wear in neutral colors (try to avoid white, black and blue) and a warm jacket for evening game drives.Please bring warm pullovers for early mornings & late evenings and comfortable walking shoes.