Questions & Advice

Yes you can sometimes find a better deal from the country you are travelling to instead of looking only in the States. We suggest always compare and you may find that if you buy a ticket, for example, from the USA to South Africa or Kenya and then do the internal flights in Africa through an African agent like ourselves, it could work out cheaper. For more information please contact us at pooja@rickshawtz.com

On: 25 February 2013

If you know your route already and have not booked your international flight yet it may work out more affordable to book some of the internal African flights as part of your international fare. Most of the international carries from the US have the option to add on internal flight at a lower cost than booking the internal African flights individually. However looking at our destinations you will need to book some separate internal flights and these can either be done through a good agent who can book the flights for you or nearly all the airlines offer online booking options using a credit card so you can book them yourself from the US. Outside of the main airlines (British Airways, South African Airways, Kenya Airways etc.) there is a network of low cost carries (Mango Airlines, Kulula etc). There are also number of good private airlines so it’s worth getting advice from a African specialist operator or agent as the choice can be confusing and schedules change regularly depending on the time of the year. Most agents and operators will be happy to give you a quote that you can compare against what you find online. If you send me your proposed route I can send you advice on the best way to book your flights and which airlines to use with a US Dollar price. Otherwise check the ATTA directory for other African specialists. Hope this helps. Ingram ingramc@toescapeto.com

On: 25 February 2013

Hi Sabrina, If your personally handling your flight bookings then it's advisable to book them from the USA which in most cases turns out to be very affordable; however to guarantee the best value for money I would recommend using your ground handling operator to book the regional flights for you when they are quoting you for your holiday/safaris, and you can be left to take care of your return international flights. Ps. Some ground operators equally handle International, regional & local flights over and above tours and travel operations. You will need to find out which ones do.

On: 25 February 2013

Dear Moira , Jambo and warm greetings from East Africa ! Trust this message finds you well and in the best of spirits. We have cultivated a culture amongst our team members to protect the enviroment hence ensure we pratice the recycle and reuse motto not only in our palce of work but in the field. We have also provide carbage bags in our vehicles to stop clients from throwing any rubbish or items they will not use again. We also support local communties and offer cultural safari programs to various clientele. We continue to support local vilages in their projects by funding or raising funds in collaboration with our partners. Thank you. Taher Adamji.

On: 15 February 2013

Several companies do this: tourism and conservation are becoming closer than ever before in Kenya and many safari companies (expecially the ones who also own lodges and camps) are deeply involved in the protection of land, wildlife and culture. There is an organization, called Ecotourism Kenya (http://www.ecotourismkenya.org) that groups and ranks them. I would like to add a personal opinion: my company - like other companies - believes in the involvement in private conservancies where the focus is on protection of land, wildlife and culture through the involvement of the communities who own the land. Most of the wildlife in Kenya (and in Africa) still is outside the boundaries of national parks and responsible, high quality low impact tourism is now focused on private land. So, in the Masai Mara we are part of Mara North Conservancy ( http://www.maranorth.com) and in Samburu we are part of Northern Rangeland Trust (http://www.nrt-kenya.org) The future of wildlife and the protection of local communities and local culture lies without any doubt with organizations like these, whose projects are really successful. Conservation is expensive, though, and we need everybody's support to help us and be part of these exciting projects. So please choose carefully your destinations and your tour operators! Thank you, Riccardo

On: 15 February 2013

Hi Moira, Thanks for your question. Most tour operator's will have a responsible travel section on their website. Acacia Africa offer varied overland expeditions, small group safaris and voluntours (including, the Masai Mara Conservation and Wildlife Safari) covering Kenya. You'll find the tour operator's responsible tourism policy at acacia-africa.com (click on "about us"), and a list of all the specific environmental and cultural organisations they represent. The company was also nominated for a responsible travel award in relation to Kenya.

On: 15 February 2013

Dear Moira, Thank you very much for your question - what a coincidence, as we have just sent out a letter from Stefano Cheli, the founder and director of Cheli & Peacock about 'How to choose the right safari operator?' - and I think his viewpoint strongly relates to your question. Please click the following link to read the blog and I hope you find it interesting: http://chelipeacock.com/blog/ We always recommend our clients to book their safari through an Africa Specialist, through consultants who travel to Africa frequently and have been to the places and properties they sell. An African Safari can be a hefty investment and therefore we always encourage clients to do extensive research about their destination, their safari operator, the properties they will be staying at etc. It is important to ask how long a company has been established, what is the companies mission, how do they operate, have they been awarded any Responsible Tourism Awards and are their properties eco-rated? Do they have solid examples of their community and conservation work, backed up by facts and figures? Cheli & Peacock is one of the longest established safari operators in Kenya. Starting in 1985 as a small mobile safari company, Cheli & Peacock has grown and expanded over the years to become one of Kenya’s leading safari operators and a frontrunner in Sustainable Tourism. We specialize in personalized high-end safaris and promote off-the-beaten-track destinations that are true wilderness areas; pristine, wild and private! C&P also represents an award winning collection of 8 boutique safari camps and lodges: “The C&P Portfolio”. Each property has its own character & style, yet a common theme: small, unique & elegant properties in extraordinary destinations and with outstanding environmental credentials. To read more about our conservation story, please go to: http://chelipeacock.com/conservation/ http://chelipeacock.com/awards/ I hope this helps and please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further queries. All the best, Cheli & Peacock Safaris

On: 15 February 2013

Dear Moira, Thank you for your question, well received. Kicheche Camps are situated in local Conservancies; as we believe this is the best way not only for future wildlife protection, but also for the local communities. We provide financial security and support for the communities on whose land they have been created through employment, community projects and lease fees. At Kicheche we have an environment policy known as “the R’s” R ... Reduce, Reuse, Repair and Recycle …. Efficient resource management is critical in remote bush locations. RRRR endeavors to return to nature - as much as possible - that which was taken earlier on in the production chain. All our camps use solar in order to reduce pollutants and carbon footprint. Kicheche Camps have Silver Certification under Ecotourism Kenya, an organization which promotes and certifies responsible tourism practices within the tourism industry. The certification scheme for tourism accommodation facilities is based on environmental and social criteria. This entails encouraging the adoption of best practices in the use of tourism resources, working with local communities and managing waste and emissions. Our mission is to encourage the preservation of the environment whilst improving the welfare of the community through improved health and education facilities. To read more about us, please go to: http://kicheche.com/the-kicheche-community-project Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further queries. Thank You, the Kicheche Team

On: 15 February 2013

The sea is Freeeezzzing in Cape Town on the Atlantic seaboard in particular (12 – 18 Degrees). However you don’t have to drive too far to get to warmer water. If you drive East along the coast there are several seaside towns on the way to Hermanus then to the foot of Africa that offer warmer swimming. In fact Arniston Village near Cape Aghullas sits on a shallow sea shelf that offers some of the warmest waters in the area. Further afield Plettenberg on the Garden Route (6 hours’ drive from Cape Town) offers fantastic beaches and warm water and a favourite with South African’s for their own beach holidays. However if you want truly tropical water look no further than the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal (North of Durban to Mozambique). This stretch of coast line offers long wild beaches and year round warm Indian Ocean swimming (I spent Christmas and New Year here and the water temp was 28 – 30C drops to 20 – 24C in the winter months). Thonga Beach Lodge and Rocktail Bay are two remote beach lodges that I’d recommend however send me an e-mail if you want any other recommendations ingramc@toescapeto.com

On: 16 January 2013

Hi Linda, Yes the sea is cold in Cape Town, but it is a very beautiful and vibrant city, and if you are looking for a cosmopolitan sea holiday I would suggest Cape Town. Further up the East Coast, in the Eastern Cape there are many stunning sea holiday destinations, the sea is warmer and if you are looking for a more rural sea holiday I would suggest the Eastern Cape in the old Transkei - somewhere like Coffee Bay. Kwazulu Natal has by far the warmest water and you can even do a beach holiday in the winter here as the weather in Durban is stunning - if you don't like humidity however, avoid in the summer as it gets very hot and muggy. Durban as a city is not nearly as pretty as Cape Town, but further north of Durban are interesting things like wetlands, and inland are the beautiful Drakensberg mountains. I hope this helps? I hope this helps!

On: 16 January 2013

Hi Linda The answers above are all very good and valid, yes certainly the north coast of KZN makes for a great beach holiday and the remote areas are great. If you prefer something less remote, consider the areas around Umhlanga Rocks or Ballito. (very busy during the holidays though) But dont discard Cape Town as it is a beautiful city with so much to do and see, the beaches are beautiful but the water is cold (For us South Africans anyway) A further option is the eastern Cape, around Port Alfred, stunning area and the water is warmer than that of Cape Town Whatever you decide, enjoy

On: 16 January 2013

There are plenty of swimmable beaches in SA. Close to Cape Town is Hermanus where the water is warmer; you will find as you move east up the coast the water gets warmer and warmer. Plettenberg Bay is one of the most popular beaches with wonderful swimming and surfing as well as some very attractive and well priced accommodation. South of Durban the are also a few lovely beaches as well as right up north on the Mozambique border. So you have plenty of options. Do contact me if you need any further help. Kind regards Sandy Wood Pulse Africa

On: 16 January 2013

Hi Linda, I can only echo the above answers. I would just like to add that if you want to go swimming in or near Cape Town, the sea on the False Bay side of the Peninsula is not as cold as on the Atlantic Ocean side. Also, on this side there are quite a few tidal pools that are much more pleasant for swimming than the open ocean. Let us know if we can be of further help. Enjoy your South Africa adventure! Warm regards, Louise de Waal

On: 16 January 2013

I recently spent the day in Koolbaai, which is after Gordon's Bay along the R44, then onto Faure Marine Drive along the coast; it's a beach between Gordon's Bay and Rooiels. Sensational. Water is much warmer (Fals Bay). Great surf spot and now under shark spotters watch. Highly Recommend. Note: Pack a picnic basket with lots of water, take umbrella and loads of sunscreen.

On: 16 January 2013

The sea on the False Bay side of Cape Town are at least 2 degrees warmer than on the Atlantic Ocean (Camps Bay) side, so those beaches are more popular for swimming at this time of the year. The sea gets gradually warmer as you go up the coast, so the Eastern Cape has a reasonable sea temperature. The sea very seldom gets colder than 22 degrees off Durban. So if it is the sea temperature you are worried about, the best area for a beach holiday in South Africa is north of Durban.

On: 17 January 2013

Durban is definately the place to go for a beach holiday. Depending on what you are looking for, the North Coast is very trendy and vibey whereas the lower South Coast areas are a lot quieter and remote

On: 30 January 2013

Hi Laura, yes it is possible to a self drive or hire a car on a European license. Don't miss Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO world heritage site as well as Uluguru Mountains. Let us know if we can help in any way. Contact us at your convenience. Regards Veronica

On: 13 December 2012

Dear Laura, if you are travelling to the South of Tanzania you definitely shouldn't miss the Selous Game Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this reserve is the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Africa and is widely accredited as being the most pristine wilderness and one of the “secrets of Africa”. Elephants, lions, black rhinos, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and more than 400 different birds can be seen among many other wildlife. And if you are looking for a beautiful and romantic camp "The Retreat Selous" might be your option. www.retreat-africa.com Please let us know if you need any further information. Regards Jochen

On: 19 December 2012

Dear Laura, if you are travelling to the South of Tanzania you definitely shouldn't miss the Selous Game Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this reserve is the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Africa and is widely accredited as being the most pristine wilderness and one of the “secrets of Africa”. Elephants, lions, black rhinos, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and more than 400 different birds can be seen among many other wildlife. And if you are looking for a beautiful and romantic camp "The Retreat Selous" might be your option. www.retreat-africa.com Please let us know if you need any further information. Regards Jochen

On: 19 December 2012

Dear Laura, I would agree with the other comments, you should strongly consider visiting the Selous which is spectacular. The roads in the Selous are quite challenging but that is part of the adventure of what you have come to see, real raw Africa! The Selous is very uncommercial and you will see very few vehicles in the reserve which gives you very private game viewing. For a slow classic safari we think it's the best part of Tanzania. Amara is a luxury tented lodge, all suites with stone bathrooms with outside showers and plunge pools, we have some great offers please see www.amara-tanzania.com Best wishes and good luck with your planning, Simon

On: 20 December 2012

Hi Laura, You can self-drive a Tanzanian vehicle with a European driving licence. My recommendations would vary depending on where you plan to go and how much time you have. If you are really planning on seeing a lot of southern Tanzania, remember that very few stretches have tarmac road. Basically there is the main highway to Zambia, the stretch from Makambako to Songea, and a new bit south towards Kilwa. So make sure you have a good reliable 4WD with jack, good spare tyres and tools, and that you can lock it up, as things disappear with ease in Tanzania, even in remote places. Many car hire companies will hire a vehicle with a driver. This can have the advantage, if he is also a mechanic, as he can look after the vehicle and its contents. If you decide to do this, maybe go for a test drive with him, as some drivers drive recklessly. The Selous would indeed by wonderful to visit, and so would the Udzungwas (if you like hiking, and birdlife), and above all Ruaha, which is a real gem. Do not miss Ruaha!!! When you arrive in Tanzania I recommend that you buy "A Guide to the Southern Highlands of Tanzania" by Liz de Leyser. It is excellent. If you also like scuba diving consider eco2 diving near Mtwara. If you have less than month, don't plan on doing too much. Tanzania is a big place, and the poor roads mean getting around can take time. It is a wonderful country. Have a great time!

On: 21 February 2013

Dear Linette, A bongo sighting takes good timing in the Republic of Congo's Nouabale-Ndoki National Park. I have seen them fleeing into the forest there on a few occasions. Sightings of bongo can be better during the dry season (Feb/March)further up the Sangha River from Nouabale, in Dzanga-Ndoki National Park in the Central African Republic. Bongo are known to frequent a clearing there called Dzanga Bai. LN

On: 07 December 2012

Dear Linette, A bongo sighting takes good timing in the Republic of Congo's Nouabale-Ndoki National Park. I have seen them fleeing into the forest there on a few occasions. Sightings of bongo can be better during the dry season (Feb/March)further up the Sangha River from Nouabale, in Dzanga-Ndoki National Park in the Central African Republic. Bongo are known to frequent a clearing there called Dzanga Bai. LN

On: 07 December 2012

In the Congo and also in Aberdare National Park in Kenya. But you have to be very lucky.

On: 11 January 2013