Safari Do’s and Dont's:
Jenman Safaris has extensive knowledge and experience in most African Countries. Throughout the many years we have learnt about a few "Do’s and Dont's" while travelling in and around Africa. We have therefore developed this list for you to read at your leisure. All tips are not always relevant to all the areas that you travel to – depending on your tour.
Due to a lack of transparent and credible regulation relating to ethically acceptable practices where captive wildlife is concerned, Jenman African Safaris has taken the decision not to support any activities that include physical contact with captive wildlife. We urge you to consider the ethical implications of taking part in any such activity that may be offered at your lodge.
Arrange Insurance
It is compulsory for all travellers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving your home country. Jenman African Safaris Pty has comprehensive passenger and public liability insurance.
Arriving for Safari
Get some rest on the first day of your arrival – you may need some time to adjust to a different time zone. Rather arrive a day early to rest and start off your tour refreshed and ready for adventure!
Currency
When you need to exchange your currency, avoid any exchanges on the street or in other areas that may seem suspect. Always note that even when people approach you with an, e.g., 50% premium exchange rate offer, this exchange is considered part of the black market and is illegal! Hotels, Camps and Lodges can change money, but sometimes the rate is slightly lower. We recommend that you visit an accredited Bureau de Change.
Credit Cards
Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most areas as well as at bigger hotels and lodges.
Hospitals and Pharmacies
The larger towns in Southern Africa have pharmacies and hospitals, but you should always make sure you have enough of your medicine in case the pharmacies/hospitals don’t stock them.
Your Health and Safety
Our guides are trained in basic first aid and our vehicles are equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.
Telephone
In most areas you can call internationally – however please note that some of the smaller areas may not have these facilities and international phone calls are costly. Also, built up areas and towns do have cell-phone reception!
Passports, Documents and Valuables
Please make sure that you keep your passport, documents and any other valuables with you at all times! We recommend that a copy of these documents should be made and kept in another safe place in case something happens to the originals. Never leave valuables alone and remember you are on safari, so expensive and valuable jewellery is not necessary.
Safety
Every area (any where in the world) can be unsafe at times. Please take common precautions at all times and never walk alone, especially at night or in run-down areas!
Packing
Remember to always check the amount of luggage you are allowed to take on the plane as well as on the Safari Vehicle – they may differ. We recommend that a soft bag is used instead of a hard suitcase as it’s preferable on safari. Most air flights allow for 20kgs and our small guided group tours are limited to 15kgs per person. These restrictions are essential because of the nature of the tour and for the safety of our clients. Because overloaded vehicles are inherently dangerous Jenman African Safaris insists that every client adheres to these luggage restrictions.
Don’t forget to put luggage tags on your suitcases (for the airplane and the safari).
Luggage and Medication
Please be advised that you should put any medication that you need (e.g.: diabetes medication) into your hand luggage, even with the strict regulations, airlines will allow that as long as you have a letter from your doctor.
What to wear:
You are on safari and out in the bush so make sure that you are comfortably dressed with comfortable shoes. Always have a mix of clothing including; summer clothes, light raincoat, warm top and a hat.
Punctuality
Please be on time when you meet your vehicles for the game drives. If you run late you may delay the rest of the trip or miss something wonderful!
Climate
Always remember that the African Sun may look gentle but it is strong and can be harsh. Too much sun can lead to headaches, dehydration, nausea and dizziness. Rather look after yourself by using sun screen and a hat versus trying to get a nice African Tan.
Safari Vehicles
Jenman African Safaris Pty uses Mercedes all-terrain vehicles with air-conditioning, comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing and a music system. All luggage is carried in the off-road trailer to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle.
Drinking Water
In built-up areas the water is safe to drink (mostly in South Africa) however, some areas it is not safe to drink the tap water at all! So we rather recommend that you drink bottled water at all times to prevent any illness. You may use the tap water to rinse your mouth when brushing your teeth! Ice is generally fine to consume, but sometimes it is better to be cautious.
Food and drink
Africa is famous for its fruit and fresh vegetables – which can be enjoyed all around Africa. Fruit and Vegetables should be peeled before eating. Drinks (including spirits) and cigarettes can be bought in most areas but are normally quite expensive.
On our guided group tours, you will be accommodated on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis and have dinner and breakfast in the restaurant of the lodges. Lunches are usually lunch packs or for own account en route to your next destination.
If you booked a Lodge Safari Package, all meals will be prepared in the Lodges’ restaurant.
Anti-malaria medication
A lot of areas in Africa are affected by Malaria – we strongly recommend that you take your anti-malaria medication. Take your medication exactly as its prescribed and directed, don’t skip any medication! At the end of your safari, if at any time you develop influenza symptoms please consult your doctor immediately.
Power and Electricity
Most places (hotels, lodges) have electricity. But we always recommend that you should take a flash light with you on safari. Always remember if you plug something in (e.g.: One of your appliances) there may be a different voltage! The usual voltage is 220-240 AC. If you appliance does not match this voltage you need to bring a converter with as some lodges may not have a converter for you to use…
Photos
There will be many amazing photo’s that you will want to capture along the way on your safari. But, you need to make sure you don’t take any photos of any people without their permission. Also, never take pictures of anyone/anything in the military, police force, armed forces, government, presidents or airports.
Animals
The animals in the bush and the ones that you may see on safari are wild and should not be approached! Animals may roam freely around so be observant and cautious when walking from place to place.
Spending Money on Safari
Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios and entertainment (alcoholic drinks, mineral water etc). US Dollars, Pound Sterling and South African Rand (ZAR) are the most practical and convenient currencies. There are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa to draw money.
Tipping
Tipping can sometimes be confusing, but it doesn’t need to be! While tipping is always at guests’ own discretion, it is a standard procedure in Africa when it comes to service providers. Tipping is not included in meals unless there is a service charge included in the bill – then you don’t need to tip. Normal tipping is 10% of the bill for drinks and food.
We’ve provided some guidelines on what is the appropriate amount to tip to the various people who play an important role in our guests’ safari.
- Transfer drivers USD 2 – 5
- Lodge guides USD 10 – 20
- Trackers USD 5 – 10
- Driver and trackers USD 15 – 20
Driver-Guide/Safari Guide
Your driver and guide is complete with experience, information and knowledge of all the areas that you will travel to. Be sure to ask them lots of questions and feel free to chat to them about anything.
We hope that our list of ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ have been useful and helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any more questions that we haven’t covered in the above list…
info@jenmansafaris.com
Evolution has occurred more or less in isolation on this remote island – located 400 kilometres of Africa’s east coast – with the result that much of its indigenous wildlife is found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar’s menagerie of weird and wonderful creatures includes the world’s biggest and smallest chameleons, the near-extinct elephant bird, and over 70 species of lemur – long-tailed primates endemic to the island. The Madagascan landscape is no less compelling than the resident wildlife, with terrain ranging from lush jungles and palm-fringed beaches to the knife-edged tsingys of Bemaraha National Park’s ‘stone forests’.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The official currency of Madagascar since 2005 is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), which has been reintroduced to replace the Malagasy franc. One Ariary (Ar) is divided into 5 iraimbilanja, which turns it to one of the two circulating currencies with a non decimal division in the world.
There are banknotes of 10,000 MGA, 5,000 MGA, 2,000 MGA, 1,000 MGA, 500 MGA, 200 MGA and 100 MGA. There are even coins from 1 up to 50 Ar. The one of 50 Ar is very beautiful and has baobabs carved on it.
Banking
Banks are normally open from 08h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 15h30 weekdays.
Credit cards (the most useful credit card is VISA CARD) are only accepted in large hotels, restaurants and some shops, mainly in Antananarivo. In the other big cities, you can get cash from Automatic Cash Machines (ATM) only with VISA CARDS. There’s now also an ATM at the airport in Antananarivo. Don’t rely on ATM machines only; they are often out of order. Keep some cash in Euro for emergencies.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air Madagascar
International Airports: Ivato International Airport
Road:
Tar roads: No
Gravel roads: No
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes/No
Local city bus networks: Yes/No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Madagascar’s cuisine is traditionally based on rice, that are served with some kind of dressings, vegetables, meat and spicy seasoning. Malagasy enjoy very spicy food, therefore many dishes are prepared with hot peppers or any other spices. The dishes are usually flavored with garlic, ginger, onion or curry, whereas desserts are flavored with vanilla.
Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Madagascar. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Most hotels have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: The average annual precipitation varies from 1,000 to 1,500 mm.
Average temperature: The average annual temperatures vary between 23°C and 27°C along the coast and between 16°C and 19°C in the central mountains.
Summer:
Average in highs: 27°C
Average in lows: 17°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 21°C
Average in lows: 11°C
Best time to visit:
April to October are generally the best months to visit Madagascar. This dry, cool season is when days are bright and usually warm to very warm and nights mild, perfect for either lazy leisure seeking or a thrilling outdoor adventure.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Wifi available at:
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: No
Cafes: No
Shopping malls: No
Public parks: No
Libraries: No
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: C and E
Voltage (V): 220 V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 Hz
*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
