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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Health, Safety & Travel
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1. 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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2. How can I prevent malaria?
Don't let malaria discourage you from experiencing a safari adventure—it's both preventable and treatable with the right precautions. To prevent malaria while visiting at-risk areas, use anti-malaria medication as prescribed by your doctor or travel clinic.
Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing protective clothing, and staying in accommodations equipped with mosquito nets and insect screens. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce your risk of contracting malaria.
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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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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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. Will there be mosquito nets?
Yes, most safari lodges and camps provide mosquito nets over the beds, especially in areas affected by mosquitoes. Some accommodations may not have nets but often compensate with mosquito screens on windows and doors.
Additional measures, such as electric ceiling fans and mosquito repellents, are typically available to ensure guest comfort.
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8. Do you have insurance?
Yes, Wild Wings Safaris is fully insured with comprehensive public and passenger liability insurance. Our UK office offers financial failure protection through ABTA membership, while our South African office is SATSA-bonded for financial security. We also recommend that you purchase personal travel insurance for added peace of mind.
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9. Do the vehicles have seat belts?
Yes, all our transfer vehicles are equipped with three-point seat belts for your safety, and we carry extensive passenger liability insurance. Our vehicles are well-maintained, and game drives are typically conducted in open safari vehicles with lap belts.
At private safari lodges, some vehicles may have no seat belts, as they are designed for slow speeds within the reserves to prioritise safety and optimal wildlife viewing.
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10. Do the vehicles have air conditioning?
Yes, all day tours and transfers are conducted in luxury air-conditioned vehicles for your comfort. Open safari vehicles used for game drives are not air-conditioned but may have canopies for sun protection.
To stay comfortable, bring sun hats for daytime drives and warm clothing for cooler evening drives, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal for the heat, while a jacket or fleece will keep you cosy when the sun sets or during early morning game drives.
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11. Do the rooms have air conditioning?
Most lodges and hotels offer air-conditioned rooms, but some safari camps, particularly tented ones, only provide fans. Many lodges feature both air conditioning and ceiling fans for added comfort.
When we send your quote, we'll specify whether the accommodation includes air conditioning, allowing you to select the option that best meets your comfort preferences. Please feel free to inform your dedicated safari expert of any specific preferences, and they'll be happy to assist you in making the ideal choice.
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12. What currency should I bring?
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR), which is also accepted in Namibia and eSwatini (Swaziland). For travel in other Southern and East African countries, US dollars (USD) are the most useful, especially for tipping and small purchases. Bring crisp, recent USD notes in small denominations, as older or damaged bills may not be accepted.
While cash is handy, most places accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), making it unnecessary to carry large amounts of money. ATMs are widely available at airports, shopping centres, and petrol stations, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to withdraw cash. Ensure your credit card is activated for international use before travelling.
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