We have taken note of some of the more frequently asked questions, and are always willing to answer any new questions that you may have, please feel free to direct these to: info@bushbreaks.co.za

What is the best time of year to go on a safari?

We are often asked this question. The answer really depends on what you wish to experience. Each month is different and special in its own way. Generally speaking, Namibia's prime safari viewing time is during its winter months, from May-October when the daytime temperatures are not as searing as during the summer months. Botswana's dry season is also favoured by travellers as a preferable time to visit, from April-October. This is due to the lack of water and lush vegetation, which draws the animals to the waterholes and allows for easier spotting. However wildlife viewing is always supreme in Botswana and apart from spectacular contrasting scenery and the lambing of many of the antelope species, excellent prices may be obtained during the so-called rainy season from November-March. South Africa's wildlife viewing is excellent year round with only the Eastern Cape experiencing rainy spells during May-September. The debate on when to go will always be a personal one; however we guarantee you no matter what time of year you choose every day on safari will bring you different wildlife surprise viewings together with the luck and skill of your guide.

What level of comfort can I expect on my safari?

The level of comfort will vary depending on the type of safari you choose. All our lodges and safari camps are chosen by us for their character, location and excellent guiding and most tend to be intimate and fairly small in size. South Africa and Botswana have some of the finest game lodges in the world, complete with luxurious furnishings, excellent cuisine, top class wine cellars and private plunge pools.

Can I travel with my children on safari?

There are quite a number of safari lodges in southern Africa that have an age restriction of 8 years for children. If you have young children, we would advise you to either plan a self drive or guided private safari which will allow you much more flexibility with your time and schedule ( very young children often cannot cope with a 3-4 hour game drive as offered by most safari lodges) OR contact us for our suggestions on safari lodges that cater for children and even have special children's game drives and activities on offer. Generally speaking malarial areas are not recommended for very young children, so many of our recommended safari lodges are located in the Eastern Cape or Northern province of South Africa. Another option if you are a large family or small group of 8-10 people, is to book the entire safari lodge for yourselves and then children of all ages are welcome.

What animals can I expect to see on my safari?

Africa's 'Big Five', the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo and elephant are usually high up on everyone's list of animals they would like to see whilst on safari in southern Africa. However; keep in mind that there are a wealth of other animals, reptiles and birds to discover whilst in the bush, most with their own fascinating behaviour patterns and characteristics, which your guide will share with you. There are some 370 different species of mammals and a mind boggling +900 bird species for you to discover whilst on your safari! If you are interested in a specific animal/bird species or would like to participate in a game capture activity, please let us know as we can see if anything can be arranged.

Are any wild animals dangerous?

One of the most thrilling and fulfilling experiences you may have on your safari is coming in close contact with wild animals whether it is on foot, by boat or in an open 4x4 vehicle. All wild animals are potentially dangerous; however under the safe guidance of your personal ranger and tracker who are experienced in reading the ways of the wild, you have nothing to fear. Most safari lodges in southern Africa, with the exception of South Africa, are unfenced, allowing wild game to roam at freedom in and around your camp. Again your ranger will advise you on certain precautions to take such as always keeping your tent closed at night and waiting for your accompanied guide to walk to and from your tent/accommodation after dark. We can assure you that being surrounded by nature and its wildlife is all part of your safari and you will treasure the experience as much as we do.

How safe is the water for drinking on safari?

Although the water in most of the regions of southern Africa is safe to drink, you may prefer the bottled water provided at all safari lodges for your convenience. It is very important that you drink plenty of water on safari especially during the warmer months. We recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres (4 to 6 pints) of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

Is there electricity in the safari camps?

This depends on where you are travelling to. Generally speaking, most South African and Namibian safari lodges have electricity with a few intimate bush camps opting for the romance of oil lamps. The Botswana safari lodges mostly operate with a generator system and the camps do not have mains electricity. General lighting is therefore from paraffin oil lamps. However each tent is provided with a battery powered reading lamp in the evenings with a flashlight.

Can I use my cellular phone on safari?

Telecommunications in the urban areas are easily accessible but please note that the safari lodges and camps you may be visiting could be located in very remote parts of Southern Africa and often do not have telephones.
Guests who travel with satellite phones are required to respect the other guests in camp. Satellite phones are only to be used to retrieve messages and to make calls from your personal tent. They are not allowed on game drives. Wherever you travel on your safari you will be able to communicate with the outside world if needed, either by telephone ( South Africa/Namibia) or by passing on messages via radio systems for emergencies ( Botswana/Zambia). All Botswana camps are linked with VHF radio with a backup HF radio system. There are staff assigned to monitor after hours communications in the event of emergencies.

Can my specific dietary needs be catered for on safari?

Yes, please let us know any specific dietary needs you may have at the time of your reservation. The food on your safari is generally of a very high standard and depending on the standard of safari lodge booked can rival some of the world's top class restaurants and hotels. The best part of eating on safari is the location which may vary from dining under the stars in a traditional African Boma to a surprise breakfast in the bush. Attention to details and luxury are never spared.

Can I use my credit card in the safari lodges?

Most safari lodges in southern Africa accept credit cards, the most common being Visa and Mastercard.

What if I forget an essential personal item behind?

If you have left behind or run out of an essential item, please ask your safari lodge manager who will have a supply of most essential items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving kit, deodorant and the like. If you require non prescription medicine just ask and depending on transport they should be able to get it to you.

What photographic equipment can you recommend?

The choice of the correct camera equipment and film will determine the quality of your photographs on the trip. For good photography of birds and animals, a good SLR camera and telephoto lens is necessary. A zoom lens can be extremely useful on safari and the minimum recommended size is 200mm. Consideration should be given before travelling with any lens bigger than 400 mm as most interesting shots are taken using hand held equipment. The new high-resolution digital cameras are outstanding and give great quality images, especially if you are using a digital camera body which takes normal camera lenses. Camera bodies like the Canon D60 and 1D are superb. The advantage of digital photography is that one can get instant feedback and adjustments can be made in the field to your techniques to ensure that your photographs are the quality that you would like. Colour reversal film (slides) will give far better quality than prints.  Safari guides have found that they are getting the best results using Fuji film. Fuji has brought out a good high-speed film that gives good colour with very little grain (less so than any of their competitors). This is especially useful when using a big lens in low light situations. The guides' personal preference is the slower film (either 50 or 100 ASA) as this gives almost perfect quality for normal light. However, you may consider going to 200 ASA for a larger lens in low lighting conditions. The new Fuji 400, we believe is giving great results too. The only disadvantage with the low ASA film is that you need a tripod for the early morning and evening shots

Do safari lodges stock photographic supplies?

The safari lodges do not generally stock much film. What they do have is generally of standard speed and size. The heat precludes the film from lasting too long. Please make sure that you stock up well in advance of your safari with plenty spare film and batteries. A handy place to store your spare and used film is in a small airtight cooler bag, to prevent it overheating.

What about charging my video recorder batteries?

Please ask the camp manager to arrange for charging of batteries for video cameras as this can be done. It is advisable to have a battery charged while out on drive, so try to keep a full battery on hand and one on charge to ensure continuity.

What is an open safari vehicle?

A modified four wheel drive vehicle designed to carry between 6 and 10 guests is used to bring you to within close proximity of the game. The vehicle does not have a roof or sides and allows for maximum all-round visibility. It should not alarm you getting close to big game as long as you observe the "rules" laid down by your ranger.