Fly Drive Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Fly Drive Safari
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about your Fly Drive Safari to Africa. For even more information, please see our general FAQ’s. Also, feel free to contact us if you can’t find the answer to your questions.
How do the prices work?
Most rates are shown in South African Rand (ZAR). The currency converter provided on our website can be used as a guideline to show the currency you prefer. Once you book a tour, the South African Rand amount will be converted to EURO (or another major currency such as USA Dollar or British Pound if you prefer). We will use the average exchange rate of the last 7 days. For more information about this, have a look at the “Payment and Invoice” section in our Terms and Conditions.
What is the single supplement?
- When you book any Safari by yourself, the single supplement will be compulsory. You will then have your own private room before and after the safari in Arusha. During a lodge safari you will share a room with someone from the same gender and on a camping safari you will share a tent with someone from the same gender.
- If you wish to not share a room or tent during a safari (with someone from the same gender), you can request to pay an additional single tent or room fee and you will have your own tent or room during the safari.
How big are the groups?
- During a private lodge safari the group will only consist of the people you chose to travel with. Our vehicles can take a maximum of 7 people and should your group be bigger than that, more than one vehicle will be used.
- The same goes for a scheduled group safari… we limit the groups to a maximum of 7 clients per vehicle. When more than 7 clients book the same date, the group will be split up into 2 vehicles.
Where do clients come from?
- Our clients come from all over the world… more than 35 nationalities to date.
- On scheduled group safaris, all groups are international.
- The guides speak English.
Is there an age limit on Safaris?
There is no set age limit, but we discourage parents with children under the age of 8 to join these safaris due to the long drives and the fact that nights are spent in unfenced campsites. Nevertheless, if parents are convinced that their child/ children will be unfazed by the long driving distances and the travel time that goes with it, children are welcome to join the safari. But please keep in mind that the responsibility for each child lies with you as a parent at all times
Where will I sleep?
Lodge safaris: you will stay in hotels, safari lodges or permanent tented camps (with en-suite bathrooms). Safari lodges are solid buildings, whereas tented camps are permanently set-up, walk-in safari style tents that offer the same service as hotels and lodges.
What type of vehicles are used?
We only use specially converted 4×4 safari vehicles (i.e. Toyota Landcruiser) that are able to take on the harsh African road conditions. Each guest will enjoy a window seat and during game drives (safaris) the roof will open, ensuring unspoiled views.
Examples:
Are there any luggage restrictions?
Yes, there are. Due to the fact that space in the vehicle is limited, luggage is restricted to 15 kg in a soft bag or rucksack. In addition thereto, guests are allowed one small piece of hand luggage. Please refrain from bringing bulky suitcases as this can cause problems when storing the luggage. Furthermore, please do not forget to read up on your airlines respective luggage policy.
Are there ablution facilities at campsites (camping safaris)?
Yes, there are communal ablution facilities on all campsites. Most of them are very basic and not all of them have hot water.
Which meals are provided and what type of food can I expect?
Lodge safari:
Meals are included as stated in the itinerary and mineral water is also supplied during the safari. All other drinks such as soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are excluded and need to be settled by yourself.
- You will dine at the respective accommodations.
- For breakfast, a buffet is usually set up, whereas a three course menu is typically served for dinner.
- Lunch is mostly enjoyed en-route in form of pre-packed lunch (lunch-box) consisting of sandwiches, boiled eggs and fruits or grilled chicken thighs.
Camping safari:
The tour is run on a full-board basis and meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. Mineral water is also provided, whereas all other beverages (soft drinks & alcohol) are excluded and on your own account.
- Breakfast can include eggs, sausages or bacon and toast and jam. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are also provided.
- Lunch-boxes are provided for lunch and are enjoyed en-route at a picnic spot. These usually contain sandwiches, boiled eggs and fruits or grilled chicken thighs.
- Dinner is freshly cooked and meals consist of meat or fish and some sort of starch (pasta, rice, mashed potatoes etc.) and vegetables.
Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or food allergies and we will do our best to cater to your needs (only possible with advanced notification).
Should I bring some extra cash?
Yes, you should bring some extra money for tips, souvenirs and other personal expenses. If you are bringing USD, please make sure that the bills are printed after 2008 as any earlier printed ones will not be accepted.
What about tipping?
Tipping after a safari is customary and we recommend 15 – 20 USD per day per group for the guide.
Do I need a visa?
- Maybe/ Probably. Most travellers need a visa for Tanzania and Kenya. General rule of thumb: It is best to buy the visa well in advance, before travelling to Africa. Most travellers can get a free visa upon arrival in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
- Most travellers can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or when crossing the border into Tanzania.
- It is every traveller’s own obligation to check the latest visa regulations with their respective embassies.
- Every traveller is responsible to be in the possession of the required travel documents.
Please note: this information should be viewed as a guideline only!
What about vaccinations and malaria?
- In general, East Africa poses no higher health risks than many other destinations. Please consult your GP or a tropical disease institute regarding appropriate vaccinations etc. before your departure. For your own safety please inform us about any intolerances or allergies you may have against any medications or of any medical conditions (e.g. high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, heart conditions, etc.) when you book your trip. Please also inform your guide before the start of the tour.
- In theory, there is a possibility of contracting malaria in all East African countries. Malaria is caused by one-cell parasites and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Different medications can offer a prophylaxis but some need to be taken before you start travelling. You should consult your GP or the institute for tropical diseases to get medical advice. Our experience suggests, that medications which have been on the market for some time (e.g. Lariam) can lead to severe side effects and therefore may compromise your trip.
- Prevention is always better than cure; the best prevention is not to get bitten by wearing long trousers, socks, closed shoes and long-sleeved tops during the evening hours. The use of anti-mosquito sprays and creams can further help to reduce the risk of being bitten.