Question: What medical precautions do I need to take?
Answer: Your travel itinerary will determine which countries you will visit in Africa, and which regions within each country. Some countries require advance inoculations (vaccination) and will ask to see certified proof on entry - we will advise you of these when making your booking.

Malaria is also present in many parts of Africa - we will again advise you if you will be visiting a malaria area. As a general rule, our safari destinations fall within malaria areas. Anti-malarial medication is essential when visiting these destinations - please consult your doctor or a local health department to prescribe the appropriate prophylactics and the latest health precautions. Medication needs typically to be started a week before you travel into these areas.

Question: Am I safe from the wild animals when on safari?
Answer: When on safari, you may typically be tracking and viewing wild animals in an open 4x4 vehicle - herds of elephant, buffalo, lion, rhino, leopard and many others. You may feel very exposed, but the wild animals are mostly accustomed to the vehicle and will usually ignore it. You will always be accompanied by an experienced (and armed) ranger and your safety is the highest concern. Please however always follow the advice given - remain in the vehicle at all times; don't stand up; and observe silence when requested. Wild animals are unpredictable and deserve a high degree of respect.

When on a foot safari, the ranger will not track carnivores or the larger, more dangerous species. However, such encounters can occur. Once again, follow the instructions of the ranger for your own and the group's safety. Never turn and run. Your ranger is armed and is there to protect you when necessary.

At night, back at your lodge or camp, you will be personally escorted to your accommodation. Do not wander the paths alone, since it is not uncommon for wild animals to roam through the premises at night.

Follow instructions and demonstrate good judgment and you need not be concerned about your safety.

Question: Is it safe to swim in the ocean and the rivers?
Answer: Always swim in areas demarcated as safe for swimming. In some coastal areas, there is a need for bathing beaches to be protected by shark nets. Never swim at or after sunset. There are countless pristine, safe, sandy beaches - among the most beautiful in the world.

In general, do not swim in rivers. Hidden dangers are frequently submerged objects, currents, pollution - and in the remoter areas, due to parasite infection, crocodiles and hippos!

Follow the advice of your guide when white-water rafting and canoeing.

Tourist attractions, safaris and activities

Question: What are the main attractions and activities?
Answer: Pristine beaches; the most scenic coastlines in the world; dramatic mountain ranges; exotic and luxurious resorts and casinos; scenic wine lands and wines to appeal to the most discerning palette; deserts and savanna; luxury safari lodges and camps; and vast areas of land, rivers and wetland populated with elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, antelope, hippo, crocodiles, primates, birds and more. Then there are the adventure sports - shark diving, mountaineering, white water rafting, base and bungee jumping, canoe safaris and so much more. Last but not least, are the people of Africa, their music, song and traditions. See our slideshows and brochures.

Touring

Question: Who will meet me when I get there?
Answer: Abroad & Beyond will arrange and manage all your pick-ups and transfers, with our professional and reliable partners throughout Africa. You will be provided, before departure, with a complete and detailed itinerary for your entire trip booked through us. You will know when and by whom you will be met; you will have their local contact numbers and address; your ground transfers will be prepaid - with vouchers provided as proof of payment. You never have to rent a car or catch a cab or bus on your pre-booked itinerary.

Question: Will I travel with a group?
Answer: We specialize in select and luxury travel for singles, couples, families and groups of friends or business associates. Abroad & Beyond is not a group travel operator. You may by coincidence travel on the same flight or transfer with another client of ours. However, we are able to arrange private charters, pick-ups and private vehicle transfers, if this is your preference.

Our most selective safari destinations offer luxury accommodation with your own personal safari vehicle and ranger at your disposal.

Question: Can I travel alone?
Answer: Our travel itineraries are safe and convenient for the single traveler. Our safari destinations are small and personal (usually 8 - 24 guests), so you will enjoy good company and make new friendships.

For single accommodation, you will often have to pay a single supplement, additional on the 'per person sharing' rate quoted at resorts and safari destinations. Hotels usually charge on a 'per room' basis.

Question: What baggage restrictions apply when traveling?
Answer: When traveling out to Africa, you may take the full baggage allowance permitted by your international airline. When traveling on safari, however, you will be limited to 22-26 lbs (10-12 Kg) per person - packed in a soft-sided case - for travel in the light aircraft used to transfer guests between destinations.

We can arrange storage of your excess baggage at a convenient and secure location while you are on safari.

Laundry services are provided at select lodges and camps. Dress is casual, so you will not have to carry formal clothing while on safari.

Financial matters

Question: What foreign currencies will I need, for travel?
Answer: If traveling in South Africa, you will need to carry local currency ('Rand') and your major credit card. You will need both for incidental expenses, souvenirs, hotel meals and drinks, tipping and drinks purchased at safari destinations (meals are inclusive at our lodges and camps). All pre-booked travel, accommodation, tours and transfer expenses are otherwise prepaid before departure.

Ensure that you carry sufficient cash when on safari to cover tips and incidental purchases, since you will not have access to banks and ATMs. Your Abroad & Beyond consultant will provide guidelines on tipping.

In Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, carry cash in US dollars - it is always readily accepted or exchanged when necessary. Our safari destinations accept payment by major credit card, although some will not accept payment by Diners or American Express.

ZIMBABWE
Note that Zimbabwe will not exchange Zimbabwe dollars back to other currencies; and Zimbabwe dollars have no value outside that country. Do not therefore exchange more US dollars into local currency than you will need. Zimbabwe banks and stores offer extremely poor financial exchange rates if you pay by credit card. Important precautionary note: hotels and vendors of adventure activities will not accept payment in Zimbabwe currency from foreign tourists. If it is essential that you acquire local currency, then your local transfer operator will advise you where to do this. Our travel consultants will provide you with more specific information.

Suggestion: Pre-book and pay for adventure and recreational activities at time of booking, to reduce the amount of USD banknotes carried on your person during travel. Caution: Ensure that you have at least US$20* in cash per person for airport departure tax when leaving Zambia and Zimbabwe. Local currency and credit card payment is not accepted. (*Amount may be subject to change at time of travel.)