Get expert answers to your safari questions—covering everything from trip planning and travel essentials to wildlife experiences and safety tips—for a seamless adventure.
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Planning Your Safari
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Booking Your Safari
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Common Safari Queries
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Destinations & Experiences
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Health, Safety & Travel
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Children on Safari
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Packing & Travel Essentials
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Our Kruger Safaris
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Common Safari Queries
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1. What are the Big Five and will I see them on safari?
The Big Five—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard—were once known as the most dangerous animals to hunt and are now among the most sought-after wildlife sightings for safari-goers. While spotting all five isn't guaranteed, the excitement of a safari lies in the unpredictability of the experience. Over 80% of our Kruger National Park safaris have delivered Big Five sightings!
The term "Big Five" originated from hunters who deemed these animals the most challenging to track and hunt. Today, they represent Africa's iconic wildlife and are at the top of many travellers' safari wish lists.
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2. Is it safe to go on safari?
Yes, going on safari is generally very safe when you follow guidelines and listen to your safari guide. Crime concerns are minimal in safari areas, and accommodations and camps are designed to ensure guest safety.
Safety is a top priority for us, and we only recommend destinations and activities that we consider safe for tourists. South Africa, Victoria Falls, and other safari destinations are as safe – or safer – than many other major tourist hotspots worldwide.
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3. Is it safe to visit South Africa?
Yes, South Africa is a safe tourist destination. Millions of tourists visit South Africa every year without incident, and by using common sense and avoiding high-risk areas, you can enjoy a worry-free trip.
South Africa often has a reputation for being unsafe due to news headlines and social media, which tend to focus on negative stories rather than the millions of tourists who visit safely every year. At Wild Wings Safaris, we've been conducting tours and safaris in South Africa since 2005 and have never experienced any incidents of violent crime during our safaris.
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4. How many people will be in the group?
Scheduled Kruger National Park safaris with Wild Wings Safaris usually have between 4 and 7 participants, with a maximum of 9 guests per vehicle. For larger groups, additional vehicles are provided, each with its own guide.
At private lodges, group sizes vary based on the lodge's capacity. Most safari vehicles accommodate 6 to 9 guests, while premium lodges often limit vehicle capacity to 4 or 6 guests for a more exclusive experience. Private vehicles or exclusive departures can be arranged to ensure a fully tailored safari experience.
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5. Should I be worried about malaria?
Don't let malaria keep you from experiencing the safari of your dreams. Malaria risk is low in sparsely populated safari areas and is easy to prevent and treat with proper precautions. The risk is even lower during the dry season and in remote regions where mosquitoes are less active.
Pregnant women, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems should consider malaria-free safari destinations, while others can reduce their risk by taking prescribed anti-malaria medication and preventing mosquito bites.
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6. Should I be worried about crime?
Safety is a top priority at Wild Wings Safaris, and we've never experienced crime-related incidents on our safaris. While crime exists in major cities worldwide, exercising common sense and avoiding known problem areas can mitigate risks.
We frequently visit and explore all the destinations we recommend to ensure they are safe for our guests. By staying vigilant and adhering to safety rules, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. For additional tips, check out our blog on "Safety Tips for Tourists."
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7. Is it safe to visit Victoria Falls?
Yes, Victoria Falls is safe to visit on both the Zambian (Livingstone) and Zimbabwean (Victoria Falls) sides. The region is calm, peaceful, and welcoming to tourists. As a trusted safari operator, we prioritise safety and would not recommend a destination we consider unsafe.
This iconic location is a popular highlight in many of our custom itineraries, and we’ve visited countless times ourselves. With its breathtaking beauty and thrilling activities, it's no wonder it's a favourite among our guests.
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8. What are the distances like in South Africa?
South Africa is a large and diverse country, covering 1,219,912 square kilometres (471,011 square miles). To put that into perspective, it's five times the size of Great Britain and three times larger than Texas.
Distances between major destinations can vary greatly—driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes around 13 hours, while flying takes just two. Popular safari destinations like Kruger National Park are more accessible, with a 5.5-hour drive or a short flight. Let us know your chosen destinations, and we'll provide personalised advice on the best travel options, including car hire, road transfers, and flights.
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9. Do you have guides that speak my language?
We understand the importance of language when enjoying a safari experience. While most of our Kruger National Park safaris are conducted in English, we do our best to accommodate requests for guides who speak other languages, including Dutch, German, and Flemish/Afrikaans, depending on availability. For languages such as French, Spanish, or Chinese, we recommend early requests as these guides are harder to source.
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10. Do you drive off-road during game drives?
Off-road driving depends on the location of your safari. In national parks and government game reserves like the Kruger National Park, off-road driving is not permitted, and vehicles must stay on designated tarred or dirt roads.
However, at private game lodges and on private safari concessions, off-road driving is allowed. On Wild Wings Safaris in Kruger, we follow park regulations and do not drive off-road but provide courtesy binoculars, bottled water, and blankets for your comfort.
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11. Does Wild Wings offer hunting safaris?
Wild Wings Safaris does not offer hunting safaris and never will. We focus exclusively on ethical, sustainable eco-tourism, prioritizing minimal impact and responsible wildlife viewing. Our safaris involve only photography and the utmost respect for wildlife, ensuring animals are never harmed, fed, or disturbed.
Unfortunately, there is a hunting outfit named Wild Wing Safaris (without the "s"), which has caused some confusion. We are not affiliated with them and proudly hold the trademark for Wild Wings Safaris. Rest assured, our commitment lies solely in creating unforgettable, eco-friendly safari experiences.
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