International Flights

We do not hold an ATOL license so do not arrange or book international flights. The airline business is fiercely competitive, flight prices are seasonal, some of our clients fly in from abroad, some have substantial frequent flyer vouchers that they want to use and frankly you can usually get a better deal going direct or online yourself. We are happy to give advice and recommendations on routing options and we work with a fully ATOL protected flight booking agent who are licensed to sell flights with scheduled international airlines such as BA, SAA, KLM and Virgin.

Direct flights from the UK are possible to many of the countries where we arrange safaris and there are clear advantages to this in terms of time saved, comfort and convenience. With most safari countries there is only a +2 or +3 hour time difference, so jetlag isn't normally an issue. Direct flights vary from around 8 hours (Uganda) to 10 hours (Zambia) and a maximum of 12 hours (Cape Town, SA). Certain airlines and countries offer day or night flight options, at least on one of the legs, so it is worth considering the different options to suit your group.

Passports and Visas

British citizens require full 10 year passports for the safari destinations we feature and passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of return. Children must now have their own passport even if travelling with their parents (except for those included on their parent's passport issued before 5/10/1998: until they reach 16 or apply for a new passport).

For passport-holders other than British, contact us or your country's Embassy/High Commission for up-to-date requirements on visas and passports.

Check you have 2-3 blank pages for entry/exit stamps. Take a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a separate place in your baggage (so if your passport goes missing you at least have the details at hand).

Visas can normally be purchased in advance or on arrival in those countries that do require visas. Frankly, unless those countries make the process more convenient, rapid and friendly to obtain visas in the UK, it is worth leaving it until arrival. Visa requirements change from time to time so check the current status (with us or the relevant Tourist Office/High Commission) well before you travel. You will need to complete a form - which sometimes requires details and dates of previous visits - and have the necessary cash, photos and a destination address.

Currency and Money

Travel with some British ££ and especially US$ in small denomination notes. Most tourist items are priced in US$ and they are universally accepted in Africa. Try to exchange money early on arrival and get small denomination local currency for tipping, drinks, souvenirs and other incidentals.

Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels/lodges and all major currencies can be changed in city centre banks.

Traveller's cheques are widely used and safe but try not to have high value cheques as these can be difficult to change - especially in more remote lodges.

Exchange rates vary considerably and regularly. All major banks and currency conversion websites give daily rates (see our links).

Travel and Health Insurance

It is absolutely essential (and a condition of booking) that you are adequately covered by medical and personal accident insurance for the duration of your safari and receive all the required vaccinations.

Simply Safaris cannot be held responsible or liable for theft, loss or damage of money, luggage or personal belongings, nor can we be liable for personal accident, injury or illness. We recommend that you are insured as soon as you book your safari (as this ensures that your deposit is protected) and that your cover includes trip cancellation as well as accident/health insurance while you are on safari and repatriation back home.

If you are insured through your credit card/bank account do check that there is adequate cover and if you are undertaking pursuits such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, climbing or scuba-diving, make sure the cover is suitable.

Medical Matters

Simply Safaris do not give detailed health advice - you should consult your doctor or health clinic well before you are due to travel - but there are a few things you should consider. We also have a number of websites to direct you to that are experts in their field (see our links ).

Prevention is better than a cure. Avoid close contact with animals to eliminate the risk of bites, check sleeping bags/bedding/shoes just in case a snake or creepy-crawly has wandered in, cover up in the midday sun unless you want to fry and cover ankles/feet/arms at dusk to avoid bites from mosquitoes.

Malaria is the biggest problem. Anti-malarial tablets are highly recommended for travellers to all safari destinations plus insect repellant containing DEET. Use mosquito coil burners or electric mosquito plugs at night.

Treat water with caution. Most hotels/camps/lodges supply clean water in flasks for drinking and brushing teeth and bottled water is widely available for purchase. Otherwise avoid drinking water from taps, rivers or lakes unless it is purified or sterilized. Avoid ice where possible. The Bilharzia parasite is found in many lakes and rivers in Africa so it is best to not swim in them.

Immunisation and Vaccination. Seek advice from your doctor or specialist travel clinic. Check that you are up-to-date with tetanus, typhoid, polio, diphtheria and hepatitis A vaccinations. Cholera inoculation is not required but some countries may insist on a Yellow Fever certificate even if you have not recently travelled to an infected country. For long trips in remote areas you should consider rabies and hepatitis B vaccinations and meningitis immunization is occasionally required for certain areas.

Security and Safety

Your individual safety is our primary concern and certain procedures are explained when you arrive which should be followed while staying in remote camps in East and Southern Africa - most of which are unfenced. Much of this really is common sense. Armed nightwatchmen are normally on hand to escort you to/from your tent at night to stop you encountering any dangerous animals. While out on game viewing activities - particularly walks - always listen to the guide/ranger.

Children over 12, as well as being priced as adults, are welcomed in most lodges in East and Southern Africa and those between 6 and 12 in some, more family-oriented camps/lodges. Some properties have specific family accommodation and special child-based activity programmes. Check with us for further details.

Otherwise, the usual security precautions apply. Don't flaunt jewellery, money, cameras and expensive watches. Keep a tight hold on bags in built-up areas. Avoid walking in unlit places at night. Be polite but firm in refusing hawkers if you have no intention of buying from them.

Conditions

Upon booking, a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the safari cost per person is required. Final payment is due 8 weeks prior to departure. Full payment is due immediately for all bookings made less than 8 weeks prior to departure. Payment of deposit indicates acceptance of the following terms and conditions.

Exclusions
Our prices exclude international airfares, travel insurance, entry visas, airport/departure taxes, optional excursions plus all personal expenditure such as tips, laundry (where not included), telephone calls and souvenirs.

Cancellation Fees
More than 60 days prior to departure 25% (non-refundable deposit) is forfeited

21 - 60 days prior to departure 50% of the total price is forfeited

Less than 21 days prior to departure 100% of the total price is forfeited

You must ensure that you are adequately covered for cancellation and curtailment insurance.

Price Guarantee
Simply Safaris Limited guarantee the price of safaris booked upon receipt of final payment. We will endeavour to honour the prices quoted before final payment despite minor currency fluctuations, changes in park fees, increases in air charter prices and fuel costs and accommodation due to rerouting by ground operators and other factors. Airfares booked directly are subject to the prices and conditions imposed by airlines and are not guaranteed by Simply Safaris Limited.

Liability
Simply Safaris Limited will under no circumstances be responsible or liable for loss, damage, delays, accidents, injury or death to any person, luggage or property due to circumstances beyond our control. All safaris are subject to the conditions of the airlines, lodges, restaurants and other contractors involved. See full responsibilities and liabilities on our Booking Conditions.

Responsibility of Passengers
All travel documents (once issued), visas, vaccinations, international airfares and anti-malarial drugs are the client's responsibility. The client must also check that they hold a valid 10 year passport prior to departure. The client warrants that they will take out adequate medical, travel and cancellation insurance prior to commencement of travel.

Full Terms and Conditions will be sent along with the Booking Form when you make your booking.