Proudly a For Wildlife (Non-Profit Trust) Member:
For Wildlife exists because of the need to engage the private sector in providing resources necessary for wildlife conservation.
For Wildlife abides by 3 basic yet imperative principles:
• Scientifically relevant conservation outcomes
• Tangible impact
• Internal economic efficiency
For Wildlife is a non-profit Trust is based in Johannesburg, set up to provide resources for conservation outcomes by way of providing product, services or cash. It is positioned to attract funding mainly from the private sector offering all the relevant advantages.
In order to achieve this, we use innovative, creative ways of attracting funds. Our conservation mandate is innovative while staying scientifically relevant, addressing the causes of conservation problems and acting in line with donors wishes to provide tangible results.
Email: info@forwildlife.org to become a member and supporting worthy causes that matter to us all.
Tel +27 82 852 9236
Fax +27 86 552 4800
Website: http://www.forwildlife.org
Address:
For Wildlife
16b Henry Road
Edenburg 2128
South AfricaBottom of Form
Southern Africa Climate:
Winter – (June – September) – Dry season: Generally warm days, cold evenings. Temp. 0 – 25 Degrees C.
Spring – (September – November) – Semi-dry season: Warm – Hot days and cool to warm evenings. Temp. 10 – 35 Degrees C.
Summer – (November – March) – Rainy season (Thunder Showers): Hot days and warm evenings. Calving of Wildlife, Temp. 20 – 40 Degrees C.
Autumn: – (April – June) – Semi-dry season: Hot – Warm days and warm to cool evenings. Temp. 12 – 35 Degrees C.
Bookings and Payment
Upon booking, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the tour cost is immediately payable to African Safari Guru with the final payment balance due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Full payment is due immediately for all bookings made less than 60 days prior to departure. Full documentation can only be released upon receipt of final payment.
EFT Transfer (Bank Transfer) & Credit/Debit Card Payments – Are all done through our trusted partner – www.exchange4free.com.
- EFT – Free money transfers and no banking surcharges and clears in 3-5 working days.
- Credit/Debit Cards – There will be a small surcharge fee of 2.5% the total package amount for example – R1000.00 Divided by 0.975 (2.5%) = R1025.64 and clears in 3-5 working days.
- ACH Transfer is used whereby a Credit Card as per certain countries is not accepted by our trusted partner Exchange4free and clears in 6-9 working days
Telegraphic transfers can be made direct to our South African account if you do not want to go through www.exchange4free.com however all transaction charges are the responsibility of the sender so please make sure we receive the full total amount invoiced however we do not accept credit cards unfortunately. All payments to be accompanied by emailed scan confirmation of payment documents as soon as the transaction has been initiated by your bank.
Please get your bank to quote our invoice reference number as is shown in the document section of the invoice. This is necessary for us to locate funds sent as DOLLARS, Pounds or Euro and received in ZAR to help us maintain an efficient booking confirmation process.
No quotation issued and/or accepted, or booking made (whether provisional or final) shall be binding on African Safari Guru unless and until a final invoice has been issued, full payment has been received as set out above and African Safari Guru has confirmed the necessary in writing to complete the transaction.
Travel changes of Booking:
If after booking a Travel Package with African Safari Guru, our clients decide to make a change to their Travel Package dates either to a later or earlier period, African Safari Guru advises you to contact us urgently to enquire as to see if we can accommodate your requirements elsewhere. If we are unable to meet your request, you will either have to get a replacement or cancel your booking with African Safari Guru. T & C’s Apply
Travel Cancellation Procedures:
It is very important that a cancellation letter be sent by email to African Safari Guru in writing if you wish to cancel your booking with us due to illness, personal matters and we will declare the outcome with our travel partners. If a booking is cancelled more than 91 days prior to departure, only the full deposit will be retained by African Safari Guru.
If a booking is cancelled 90-61 days prior to departure, 50% of the total Travel Package tariff will be payable by the client should your booking be cancelled.
60 days prior to arrival, the client will be expected to lose the full payment, 100% of the Travel Package. Should you fail to arrive on time for your Travel Package, or only connect after departure, or leave prior to your Travel Package is completed, there will be no compensation whatsoever made by African Safari Guru or its partners.
NB.
It is highly recommended that you take out comprehensive travel insurance including full medical cover, as well as cancellation and curtailment cover.
Our Partners for medical and travel insurances:
http://www.aig.co.za/
https://www.hollardti.com/
Or find your own personal travel insurers
Insurance and health requirements
The client warrants that he/she will take out adequate Medical and Travel insurance for his/her travel arranged through African Safari Guru and will receive all vaccinations and inoculations as may be required.
Safety Precautions:
We encourage our guests to take Malaria precautions however most areas we operate in are not high-risk areas but there still have been cases of Malaria contracted. During the months of June to October the chance of ever contracting Malaria are really nonexistent but safety always comes first.
Minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin and you will never have a problem. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity.
Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects – please test before you depart.
Amendment and Administration Fee
Where any alteration or amendment is made to a confirmed booking, an administration fee shall be levied and all costs, including cancellation fees incurred as a result thereof, shall be for the client’s account.
Prices
African Safari Guru will do their utmost to honour prices quoted and published. However, where increases are as a result of currency fluctuations, airfare increases, hoteliers’ increases, taxes, fuel increases and other factors beyond African Safari Guru control do arise, surcharges will be made to cover such increases. It is essential that the client checks there have been no changes in price, prior to making final payment. Any prices quoted on by African Safari Guru shall not be binding on it unless and until a final invoice is issued on which payment must be made.
Price guarantee
Only the price/s reflected on a valid African Safari Guru invoice shall be final and binding, unless an obvious or innocent mistake has been made, in which event African Safari Guru shall replace the invoice in question and notify the client accordingly.
Upon receipt of final payment, further to it having issued a final invoice, African Safari Guru will guarantee the price of land arrangements, including accommodation and road transfers (if required).
Domestic flight bookings we unfortunately do not book for our clients but we do assist with accurate Flight Booking No. and the times needed to book at each individual airport accordingly.
Liability of African Safari Guru
The client / passenger accepts any and all risks associated with his or her intended excursion / travel plans to the venue in question, and whilst at such venue as a guest of the principal.
As agent – African Safari Guru act only as booking agents for the principals and accordingly accept no liability for any loss or damage which any client or passenger may suffer, as a result of the failure of such principals to fulfil their obligations, whether in relation to travel arrangements, medical care, accommodation, facilities, package features or otherwise. For damages – Neither African Safari Guru nor any person acting for, through or on behalf of African Safari Guru, shall be liable for any loss, damages, accidents, delay, death or inconvenience to any person or his or her luggage or other property, howsoever caused or which may arise as a result of the negligence or any act or omission on the part of African Safari Guru or its principals.
African Safari Guru does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information posted on its website, in respect of any principal’s or third party’s offering, and accepts no liability in this regard.
It is the client’s responsibility to confirm any package inclusions or restrictions as per the final documentation presented by African Safari Guru once final payment has been made.
However, we will do our upmost in assisting and going the extra mile as always to help where possible.
Cancellation by African Safari Guru
African Safari Guru reserve the right to and shall be entitled to cancel any tour or product sold prior to departure, and in such case African Safari Guru shall be obligated to refund all amounts received by it to the client/passenger, who shall have no further claim of whatsoever nature against African Safari Guru arising out of such cancellation.
General Information:
Gratuities:
Tips to tour guides, drivers, waiters, hotel staff, baggage handling and game rangers/field guide, trackers are not included and are at the tour participant’s discretion and in Southern Africa it is deemed part of package and parcel so it is always a pleasure for your kindness in offering a fee for your experience.
Guide Line to Tipping:
Field Guides/Rangers: R200.00 – R250.00 per couple (2 persons) per day
Tracker: R75.00 – R100.00 per couple (2 persons) per day
All staff together at Hotel/Lodge: R75.00 per couple (2 persons) per day
Tour Guide: R200.00 – R250.00 per couple (2 persons) per day
Driver (long distance): R200.00 – R250.00 per couple (2 persons) per road transfer
Waiters: 10% the total bill amount.
Luggage handlers: R10.00 per couple
Local currencies, and where can you exchange currency:
South Africa:
The currency unit is the rand (ZAR), with 100 cents making up one rand (ZAR). Foreign currency can be exchanged at your local bank, South Africa ATM or a bureau de change here in South Africa at any of the Airports.
Credit Card – Almost all hotels, shops, restaurants and activity operators accept credit cards; Mastercard and Visa only to play safe and very few for Diners Club or American Express. However as with everywhere occasionally a card machine won’t work so it’s always best to have a reserve of cash in these instances. Consult African Safari Guru about more information.
Botswana:
The currency is the pula, in which notes are issued. The coins are thebe. Major hotels generally have foreign currency exchange facilities, and most shops and lodges will accept traveller’s checks. Foreign currency can be exchanged at your local bank, Botswana ATM or a bureau de change when arriving in South Africa at the Airport before connecting.
Credit Card – Almost all hotels, shops, restaurants and activity operators accept credit cards; Mastercard and Visa only to play safe – No Diners Club or American Express. However as with everywhere occasionally a card machine won’t work so it’s always best to have a reserve of cash in these instances. Consult African Safari Guru about more information.
Zambia:
The official currency is the kwacha, with 100 ngwee making up one kwacha. Foreign currency can be exchanged at your local banks and Zambia bureaux de change, ATM or you can exchange when arriving in South Africa at the Airport before connecting.
Credit Card – Almost all major hotels, shops, restaurants and activity operators accept credit cards; Mastercard, Visa and American Express only to play safe. However as with everywhere occasionally a card machine won’t work so it’s always best to have a reserve of cash in these instances. Consult African Safari Guru about more information.
Zimbabwe:
The official is the USD, things are no longer priced in Zimbabwe dollars as it does not exist. So, if you are given a bond note as change make sure you spend it whilst in the country.
Credit Card – Almost all hotels, shops, restaurants and activity operators accept credit cards; Mastercard and Visa only to play safe – No American Express Cards. However as with everywhere occasionally a card machine won’t work so it’s always best to have a reserve of cash in these instances. Consult African Safari Guru about more information.
Mozambique:
The official currency in Mozambique is Meticais pronounced as meticash. Banks and foreign exchange bureaus in Mozambique will change all major currencies into Metical the local currency, South African Rand and US dollar are also widely accepted, ATM’s are spreading across the popular locations but traveller’s cheques are difficult and expensive to exchange
Credit Card – Almost all major hotels and activity operators accept credit cards; Visa only to play safe – No American Express Cards, Diners Club and Master Card is in very few places. However as with everywhere occasionally a card machine won’t work so it’s always best to have a reserve of cash in these instances. Consult African Safari Guru about more information.
Changing Currency on The Streets:
Throughout Southern Africa, you will be offered currency exchanges by local people on the streets. While it is ever so attempting to avoid these conversation commissions this practice is completely illegal and is best avoided. Jail is not a nice place you would like to visit.
Baggage:
On Wing Safari, you will be permitted one soft-sided bag, which should weigh between 12 kg and 20 kg, depending on type of aircraft and destination. Your tour documents will advise the appropriate weight limit. Excess baggage should be stored at passenger’s expense. Luggage and personal effects are at the owner’s risk throughout the travel program.
Tour Planning:
Tour planning, preparation, marketing and operational costs ARE included in the tour price. These prices are based on tariffs, taxes and rates of exchange in effect at the time of printing. African Safari Guru reserves the right to increase tour prices due to fluctuations in tariffs, taxes or foreign rates of exchange that is beyond our control.
Responsibility of Passengers
Travel documents and visas
All travel documents, visas, package inclusions and exclusions and all contact details are the client’s responsibility and must be checked by the client prior to departure to ensure accuracy and validity. It is the responsibility of the client to contact the principal in regard to collections / transfers to and from any venue, and African Safari Guru will not be liable for any delays, late pick up or drop off. The client shall be responsible for all costs, should visas or travel documentation not be accepted.
So please ensure you have the correct documentation with you ready for check-in, security clearance and the boarding gates. For international travel, government regulations require all travellers over 16 years old to be in possession of a valid (return) air ticket, a passport and visa and health documentation (if required). Travellers without the necessary documents will be not be allowed to board to avoid flouting immigration rules.
Are children allowed on Africa safaris holidays?
Most African Safari Lodges set specific age limits for children. For many safety reasons, children five and under will not be allowed on Big 5 game drives in the open game vehicles and older children and teens must be accompanied by an adult. There are a few African Safari Lodge though specifically designed just for families, providing an exciting and educational experience for all involving children with Kiddies activities, child mind carers while parents can carry on with their ultimate wildlife experience too. Alternatively book a private and exclusive African safari holiday at an additional cost.
VERY IMPORTANT – These rules apply to children who are entering or departing Southern Africa. Therefore, the required documents should be retained in all circumstances throughout the stay of the child in Southern Africa.
The Southern African regulations use the term “unabridged birth certificate.” The exact contents of unabridged birth certificate vary among the different jurisdictions that issue birth certificates (countries, states, counties, cities, etc.), but the key distinction between an “abridged” and “unabridged” birth certificate is that an unabridged birth certificate identifies the parents of the child. All documents must be original or copies certified as a true copy of the original by a commissioner of oaths or the equivalent commissioning authority.
Where BOTH parents are travelling with a child, parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child.
In the case of ONE parent travelling with a child, he or she must carry an unabridged birth certificate and:
- Consent in the form of an affidavit (issued no earlier than 3 months prior to travel dates) from the other parent registered as a parent on the birth certificate of the child authorizing him or her to enter into or depart from Southern Africa with the child he or she is travelling with.
- Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child;
- A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child, if he or she is the parent or legal guardian of the child;
- Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered as a parent of the child on the birth certificate
Where a person is travelling with a child who is NOT his or her biological child, he or she must produce:
- A copy of the unabridged birth certificate of the child;
- An affidavit (issued no earlier than 3 months prior to travel dates) from the parents or legal guardian of the child confirming that he or she has permission to travel with the child;
- Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child; and
- The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child,
(Note: Where the parents of the child are both deceased, and the child is travelling with a relative or another person related to the child or the child’s parents, the South African authorities have the discretion to approve such a person to enter or depart South Africa with the child.)
An unaccompanied minor must produce:
- Proof of consent from one or both his or her parents or legal guardian, as the case may be, in the form of a letter or affidavit (issued no earlier than 3 months prior to travel dates) for the child to travel into or depart from South Africa. In the case where one parent provides proof of consent, that parent must also provide a copy of a court order issued to him or her in terms of which he or she has been granted full parental responsibilities and rights in respect of the child (see sample affidavit of consent);
- A letter from the person which is to receive the child in South Africa, containing his or her residential address and contact details where the child will be residing;
- A copy of the identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive the child in the South Africa; and
- The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child.
Our Visa and Passport Travel Partner:
Visa Unlimited – https://visasunlimited.co.za/
Amendments by the client
No waivers, indulgence or amendment hereto shall be binding on African Safari Guru, unless reduced to writing and signed on behalf of African Safari Guru by one of its authorised members.
Unscheduled extension/breakaways
All expenses (hotel accommodation, cancellation fees etc.) in relation to unscheduled extension caused by flight delays, bad weather, strikes or any other cause which is beyond the control of African Safari Guru, will be for the client’s account. Extra expenses incurred as a result of a breakaway shall be for the clients account, and unused services will not be refunded.
Disputes
The client consents to the jurisdiction of the magistrate’s court where any legal dispute arises, notwithstanding that the amount in issue may exceed the limits of such jurisdiction. African Safari Guru shall be entitled to proceed to the High Court for any urgent or other relief as it may deem necessary.
SUGGESTED CLOTHING LIST:
- Good quality sunglasses
- Wide brim bush hat/cap
- T-shirts and one or two long-sleeved cotton shirts
- Shorts / skirts, long trousers
- Underwear & socks
- Jersey / sweater or tracksuit for evenings in winter time
- Warm jacket (e.g. parka) for early mornings, evenings in cooler months and at higher altitudes
- Good walking shoes (running or tennis shoes will suffice)
- Thongs / flip-flops thick enough so that the acacia thorns cannot penetrate
- Bathing suit
- If you wear contact lenses, we recommend you bring along a pair of glasses in case of dust irritation
- Binoculars (vital really)
- Personal toiletries
- Malaria prophylactics (consult your pharmacist or travel doctor in this regard)
- Sun protection cream
- Insect repellent e.g. Tabard/Peaceful Sleep
- Basic medical kit – aspirin, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine etc.
- Tissues and ’Wet-wipes’
- Good torch (Head Torch), spare batteries
- Recommended animal and bird guides – most of the lodges have these
- Camera lenses and double the amount of film you think you will need and dustproof cover for the camera
- Visas, tickets, passports and copies of each
- Small amounts of cash and credit cards (limited use in some places)
- Immunization certificates where relevant
- Clothing should be neutral in color (avoid bright and white) and laundry can be done at most hotels and lodges.
- Rechargers for use in vehicles on safari (South Africa) should fit the cigarette lighter.