When should we begin planning our safari?

It is highly advisable to start planning your safari at least one year in advance. The reason being is to ensure the availability of the personal guides and accommodation at the camps/lodges/hotels that you will be staying at. During the peak and festive seasons, at times, the properties get fully booked months in advance, so to avoid disappointment, it is ideal to plan in advance.

What is the best time to come on safari?

There is actually no best time to visit Africa but usually the busiest times are during the Christmas-New Year break, during the great migration (June-September) and during the school breaks.

In India, the best time to visit the tiger reserves would be between the summer months (February - May) and after the monsoon season (October - January).

When does the great migration take place?

The annual migration of wildlife from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place between July and November. The migration of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and other species (Thompson’s Gazelle, Grants Gazelle, Eland and Topi) is one of nature’s greatest spectacle on earth.

In February, the pregnant females give birth to approximately 400,000 calves on the short grasslands of Ndutu (border of Southern Serengeti and The Ngorongoro Conservation Area).

Are your safaris escorted?

Yes, our safaris are escorted by either Aatish and/or Aashit as your personal safari directors and photographic guides as long as you have requested for us to be present prior to the safari (this option is at an additional cost). In the case you have not requested to be escorted by Aatish and/or Aashit, rest assured that you will be in safe hands as you will be accompanied by one of our highly trained, professional safari guide(s). These individuals have all been carefully selected to be representatives of Apex Photo Safaris.

However, on all of our upcoming/scheduled photographic safari(s) - all groups will be personally escorted by Aatish and/or Aashit as your personal Safari Directors and photographic safari guides.

Do I require a visa for all the destinations you offer?

Yes, you do require a visa for all the respective destinations and we would highly recommend obtaining a visa prior to your arrival.

How much does a visa cost?

Visa prices for certain destinations vary depending on your country of origin. Kindly refer to the website or directly contact the consulates located in your respective home country.

What do I bring on safari?

The main aim on safari is to be as comfortable as possible and below is a list of the bare essentials that you will require:

Clothing

While on safari, it is important to carry some warm clothing such as fleeces, jumpers and jackets as it does get quite chilly during the early hours of the morning and evening. During the middle of the day, it can get very hot and light clothing is recommended. It is advisable to carry a hat/cap with you at all times to shade yourself from the heat.

Medication

It is very important to carry malaria medication with you while on safari and if you do suffer from allergies or any other medical conditions, it is advisable to carry the recommended medication prescribed by your doctor with you. Rehydration salts/tablets are also highly recommended.

Other Essentials

• High powered torch for night times (although most camps we use provide these in all their tents).
• Sunscreen.
• A good DSLR camera to capture the perfect moments (for visitors using film cameras it is advised to bring plenty of film with you).
• Spare batteries and memory cards for your camera.
• A good pair of binoculars.
• Voltage and plug adaptors for your chargers (although most camps and lodges provide these upon request). • Camera, phone and laptop chargers.

What vaccinations should I get before my safari?

A health certificate is not a requirement for travel to Africa unless traveling from a Yellow fever zone. It is highly recommended that travelers take precautions against Malaria. The best choice in vaccines for your trip depends on many individual factors. Please consult your doctor on specific information regarding your health needs prior to departure.

It is highly recommended that all guests do get a Yellow Fever vaccination before travelling to East or Southern Africa

No vaccination is mandatory to travel to India but we would recommend taking your doctor’s advice on the same..

What is the weather like while on safari?

NAMIBIA:

The cold Benguela current keeps the coast of the Namib Desert cool, damp and free of rain for most of the year, with a thick coastal fog. Inland, all the rain falls in summer (November to April). January and February are the hottest months, when daytime temperatures in the interior can exceed 40ºC (104ºF), but nights are usually cool. Winter nights can be very cold, but days are generally warm and pleasant.

BOTSWANA:

Botswana’s climate is mainly temperate. Summer, October to April, can be very hot, but daytime temperatures typically average around 30ºC (86ºF). The rainy season lasts from January to March. Winter, May to September, brings cooler weather with an average temperature of 25ºC (77ºF); early mornings and evenings may be very cold.

ZIMBABWE:

Although located in the tropics, temperature conditions prevail all year as the climate is moderated by altitude and the inland position of the country. The hot and dry season is from August to October, and the rainy season from November to March. Nighttime temperatures can become very cold during the winter months.

KENYA:

Kenya’s climate is mainly temperate. Summer, July to October, can be very hot, but daytime temperatures typically average around 30ºC (86ºF). The rainy season lasts from March to May (long rains), and November to December (short rains) brings cooler weather with an average temperature of 25ºC (77ºF); early mornings and evenings may be very cold.

TANZANIA:

Tanzania’s climate, like Kenya is mainly temperate. Summer, June to October, can be very hot, but daytime temperatures typically average around 30ºC (86ºF). The rainy season lasts from March to May (long rains), and November to December (short rains) brings cooler weather with an average temperature of 25ºC (77ºF); early mornings and evenings may be very cold.

INDIA:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) designates four climatological seasons:

• Winter, occurring from December to February. The year's coldest months are December and January, when temperatures average around 10–15 °C (50–59 °F) in the northwest; temperatures rise as one proceeds towards the equator, peaking around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) in mainland India's southeast.
• Summer or pre-monsoon season, lasting from March to May. In western and southern regions, the hottest month is April; for northern regions of India, May is the hottest month. Temperatures average around 32–40 °C (90–104 °F) in most of the interior.
• Monsoon or rainy season, lasting from June to September. The season is dominated by the humid southwest summer monsoon, which slowly sweeps across the country beginning in late May or early June. Monsoon rains begin to recede from North India at the beginning of October. South India typically receives more rainfall.
• Post-monsoon or autumn season, lasting from October to November. In the northwest of India, October and November are usually cloudless. Tamil Nadu receives most of its annual precipitation in the northeast monsoon season.

The Himalayan states, being more temperate, experience an additional season, spring, which coincides with the first weeks of summer in southern India. Traditionally, North Indians note six seasons, each about two months long. These are the spring season, summer, monsoon season, autumn, winter, and prevernal season.

Do I need insurance?

It is highly recommended that all clients have comprehensive insurance before travel (both health & travel). The flying doctors insurance cover is available in Africa. The flying doctor service provides air evacuation service in medical emergencies as well as air ambulance transfers between medical facilities. It also covers first aid but not medical evacuation back to home countries.

It is also advisable to get insurance cover for your camera equipment and other valuables you might decide to bring on safari.

What is the security like?

Like many other cities in the world, security is of significant concern. Although the major cities are generally safe, we advise clients not to drive or walk in 
dark alleys or unlit streets. If one has to leave the hotel at night, the hotel reception staff will be of great help to obtain a taxi for you. Do not carry a lot of money with you. Just have enough money for what you wish to buy. The rest of the money and other valuables can be kept in the hotel safe. A receipt will be obtained for the same. It is recommended that you do not bring expensive jewelry or watches.

Are the internal flights reliable?

The airlines used by our clients are reputable both locally and internationally and have a good track record.

What is the maximum baggage allowance on internal flights?

There is limited space available in safari vehicles and internal flights, so it is highly recommended to bring soft-sided luggage. On domestic flights, luggage is strictly restricted to 15 kilograms per person in East Africa and 20 kilograms per person in Southern Africa & India. Any luggage exceeding the mentioned limits will be subject to a surcharge. Excess baggage costs vary depending on the country and is subject to change; hence it is highly advisable to travel light and to carry only the bare essentials while on safari. It is highly recommended that all visitors arrange for travel insurance for their luggage.

What are the road conditions like?

All main roads connecting the major towns of the country are well tarmacked and have relatively easy accessibility. However, some short stretches of roads leading to national parks/reserves can be fairly rough or bumpy.

What sort of vehicle will we be using while on safari?

All vehicles used while on safari are entirely safari modified land rovers and land cruiser 4x4s that are custom built to deal with the harshest of terrains and also to ensure your comfort and safety. They are capable of carrying up to a maximum of 5-7 PAX, but we recommend only 5 PAX per vehicle to ensure the utmost satisfaction, easy wildlife observation and photography. All vehicles are also fully equipped with roof hatches to improve all round game viewing and offer you a 360-degree panoramic view of your surroundings.

In India, the safari vehicles are in the form of open sided jeeps that can accommodate up to a maximum of 6 PAX.

Is water provided for while on safari and is tap water safe?

It is advisable to use bottled water for drinking. Water from taps in the rooms can however be used for brushing teeth and bathing. Bottled water is available in all lodges and Camps during your safari.

Are laundry services provided while on safari?

Laundry services are provided at all hotels/lodges that you will be staying in. A laundry list will be provided in all rooms, indicating the various clothing types and their charges.

Are the lodges/hotels eco friendly?

Most of the hotels/camps/lodges used by Apex Photo Safaris are eco friendly.

Will I be able to use my electrical equipment while on safari?

Electrical outlets in East & Southern Africa are 220 volt, 15 amps and have three round/rectangular pins (the same as the old UK style plugs). Adaptors can usually be purchased at all major cities and international airports. It is possible to recharge batteries at most lodges, tented camps, and guesthouses, and you are welcome to bring an adaptor to recharge batteries using the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket (if available). If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate. Major hotels usually provide hair dryers, irons and other electrical amenities upon request.

The voltage supply at most of the hotels across India is usually 220 volts. Most of the plug-in pins in India are different from western made plug-in pins. It makes sense to carry an international adapter.

Can I use my credit card while on safari?

Most top hotels and lodges accept Visa and MasterCard. In addition to credit cards, clients should bring US dollars and traveler’s checks. Diner’s Card is not generally accepted.

What is the minimum age for children?

Our family safaris are made for children, and other safaris can usually be tailored to accommodate any age.

What if I require urgent medical attention while on safari?

There are good quality medical facilities in Nairobi. In more remote locations of East Africa, you are assured of the services of the Flying Doctors—a group of well-qualified physicians who travel by aircraft throughout the bush to provide treatment and transportation in East Africa. Similar emergency medical evacuation services are available in Southern Africa and select lodges in Botswana. This assures all guests of prompt medical attention and air transportation in the unlikely event that an emergency should arise.

Are the evenings formal?

No the evenings are not formal, unless you desire them to be. Casual, comfortable clothing is encouraged.

Will someone meet me at the airport?

Yes. As our valued guests, it is our pleasure to welcome you on safari. After passing through customs at your arrival airport, you will be greeted by one of our staff members, who will take you as swiftly as possible to the comfort of your hotel.

Is there internet access at the lodges/camps?

Yes but please note that Wi-Fi is not available at all camps, but it is complimentary wherever it exists.

There are no “business centers” at bush lodgings — it’s rare to find a camp or lodge offering a computer for guest use, though computers with internet are available in many hotels in the major cities.

Can I use my cell phone while on safari?

Most smart phones can be used internationally, but guests should be aware of the expensive data roaming fees that can accumulate while travelling.

If you have one of the newer phones it may work in parts of Africa, depending on your service provider it will generally work in urban areas such as Nairobi.

Remarkably, there is even cell service in many remote areas of the bush of East Africa. Coverage in the more remote parts of Southern and East Africa can be spotty, however, as well as in the area around Victoria Falls.

International roaming service is not automatically enabled on cell phones, even if subscribing to one of the services above. You will need to contact your service provider and ask them to activate the international feature. Also visit the web site of your carrier to get up-to-date information on coverage and options.

How many people travel in a group?

We always try and ensure that your safari is a private affair: we will customize your safari as per your requests just for your family and friends — as per your time constraint, group size etc. In fact an array of options are available with our Custom and Private Classic Safaris.