From booking your safari to what to pack, here you’ll find answers to the most common questions travellers ask before exploring Africa with Jenman
You can book directly through our website, email, or with one of our destination experts
Once you’ve tailored your preferred safari, our consultants will confirm availability, create a personalised itinerary, and handle logistics like transfers and add-ons
Scheduled departures run on set dates with small groups (4–12 guests).
Private safaris are tailor-made for your family, friends, or special interest group.
Yes, our tailor-made safaris allow you to customise destinations, lodges, and activities across Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, Madagascar, and Saint Helena Island
Dry season (May–Oct) = great wildlife in Kruger, Hwange & Etosha.
Green season (Nov–Mar) = lush landscapes, birding, fewer crowds, and great value.
Some lodges accept children 6 +, others 12 +. We’ll match the property and pace to your family’s ages and interests.
For popular seasons (June–Oct & Christmas/New Year) book 6–9 months ahead; shoulder or green seasons can often be confirmed 3–4 months out.
Our Southern Africa safaris often combine multiple countries, such as South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Eastern Africa safaris include Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, while Saint Helena Island can be combined with South Africa. Our Madagascar safaris focus exclusively on exploring Madagascar’s diverse regions.
Private guided safaris, fly-in safaris, self-drive tours, and lodge experiences.
Dry season (May–Oct) = great wildlife in Kruger, Hwange & Etosha.
Green season (Nov–Mar) = lush landscapes, birding, fewer crowds, and great value.
Some lodges accept children 6 +, others 12 +. We’ll match the property and pace to your family’s ages and interests.
The group size is usually 4 to 12 travellers for better wildlife viewing and a personal experience.
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Kenya, and Saint Helena Island are safe to visit. Adhere to the basic principles of navigating any large city anywhere in the world: do not carry valuables in plain sight, keep cameras hidden and do not walk alone at night. Make use of hotel safety deposit boxes.
Travellers with tour operators are the least at risk and self-drive clients are advised to plan in advance what routes they wish to travel, and to get all of their destination information ahead of time. If travelling by car, make sure the doors are locked at all times and that no bags or purses left on passenger seats and in the bush the only danger you will encounter are wild animals.
African culture is gracious and hospitable and will take care of you to its full capability.
It is safe to drink the tap water in most African countries. Tap water in hotels and at other lodges in Southern and East Africa is also safe to drink, but bottled water is available in shops if you prefer. If you are ever in doubt, stick to bottled water. Bottled water is supplied at all the main camps and lodges.
Pack your prescription medication. Cities and towns all have pharmacies (drugstores) with everything one requires from aspirin to Xanax and Zambuk. Bear in mind that South Africa has a first-world infrastructure, but the further north one travels the more difficult it may be to get medication.
There is a risk of malaria in several African safari regions, but it is generally seasonal and preventable. The highest risk occurs during the rainy summer months from November to April, when mosquitoes are most active. The dry winter months (May to October) carry a much lower risk.
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite mainly at night. Travellers should wear long sleeves and trousers after sunset, sleep under mosquito nets or in screened rooms, and use a good repellent.
Before you travel, speak to your doctor about anti-malaria medication. With the correct prophylaxis and precautions, your risk is very low.
Areas such as Kruger National Park (South Africa), northern Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have a moderate risk, while regions like the Eastern Cape and much of Namibia are considered malaria-free.
Please advise us in advance, we cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs.
Yes, our small-group tours are perfect for solo travellers who want to meet like-minded adventurers
Yes, many. But once again, the further north in Africa you travel, the fewer doctors and medical facilities there are. South Africa has many private hospitals, excellent specialists and state of the art equipment and facilities, including emergency rescue and air ambulance. Government facilities are overcrowded and should be avoided
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended and required for most Jenman African Safaris tours. Your insurance should include:
Africa is a vast and remote destination, and some safari regions are far from major hospitals or airports. Having the correct insurance ensures peace of mind in case of unexpected illness, delays, or emergencies while travelling.
We also recommend carrying digital and printed copies of your insurance documents during your safari.
For detailed visa information for each of the individual countries, please see our visa section.
Commonly 6+ months validity beyond return and 2–3 blank pages per country is advised; check your government travel site for exact rules.
Yes, once booked, we send a tailored pre-departure pack covering visas, health notes, currency tips, packing, and local contacts.
Rand (ZAR) in South Africa & Namibia; Pula (BWP) & Dollars (USD) in Botswana; Kwacha (ZMW) in Zambia; USD in Zimbabwe; Ariary (MGA) in Madagascar; Shilling (TZS) in Tanzania; Shilling (KES) in Kenya; Shilling (UGX) in Uganda; Pound (SHP) in Saint Helena Island; and Metical (MZN) in Mozambique
We accept Visa and MasterCard for your safari deposit. A deposit of 30% is required to confirm the booking. A 4% surcharge will be added. For more information, please see Point 2 on our Terms & Conditions page.
Yes, tipping is customary for guides and staff. We recommend around US $15–20 per guest per day for your guide, and a communal lodge tip jar for staff.
We accept secure credit card payments or bank transfers. A deposit confirms your space; final payment is due before departure.
Through our Grow Africa Foundation we fund education, skills, training and conservation projects that benefit the areas we travel.
Yes, we partner with lodges that use solar power, water recycling and community employment, and we travel in small groups to reduce impact.
It creates lower environmental impact, supports local guides directly, and offers a more authentic experience than large bus tours.
Choose eco-certified lodges, pack reusable items, offset flights when possible, and respect wildlife and local customs.
