Safety
Is it safe to go on safari?
YES! Absolutely.
Our choice of destinations and travel routes have been thoroughly planned and tested to explore safe areas and avoid not so safe zones.
You need to be aware that we are in Africa where there are dangerous animals. At night we strongly urge you to use a torch to keep an eye out for snakes and scorpions.
If you find any creature in your room that you are unsure of, your guides will be staying a few doors down from you and will be easily accessible at any time of day and night if there's any issues or concerns.
At every accommodation there will be a safe where you can store your valuables.
You will be accompanied by Erin and Heather throughout your journey who will help and advise on any concerns you have.
Do I need travel insurance?
YES!
It is a condition of booking that the sole responsibility lies with the guest to take out their own correct comprehensive personal travel and medical insurance. We advise taking this out immediately after the deposit is paid.
The insurance should include coverage, but not limited to, the following eventualities : emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, cancellation, repatriation expenses, and damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods.
Please note that many insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying your initial deposit to cover any pre-existing medical conditions and certain other occurrences.
Medication
We will be travelling to Malaria zones. We strongly recommend taking malaria tablets and using anti-mosquito spray, bands or body wash to aid in preventing you from being bit in the first place.
We also recommend seeing your local GP and/or travel clinic who can advise on any vaccinations you may need for the areas we are visiting. This information can change over the years so even if you have visited Africa before, we strongly advise getting an up to date consultation from your GP or travel clinic.
Our area of operation is the North East of South Africa.
Water and food
At some of the places where we are staying the tap water is drinkable. Please check on arrival at every lodge what the status of the drinking water is as it can change throughout the year.
Equally bottled water will be available to purchase at every accommodation.
As part of your package you will be provided with a personalised 'Landela Safaris' reuseable water bottle and coffee mug.
Throughout the journey we will be purchasing large bottles of water which our guests can use to top up their Landela Safaris water bottles daily. Onboard our vehicle we will have facilities to keep your bottles cool throughout the trip.
Hydration is very important and often an underestimated issue. Please be sensible and drink lots of water, it is critical to keep hydrated.
Some meals will be included in your safari package. Check chosen safari package itinerary for details.
Please advise us of any dietary requirements you have when booking.
Accommodation
Where am I staying?
Safari Plus - You will be staying at three different lodges during the trip. Blyde River Canyon Lodge, Skukuza rest camp and finally Khaya Ndlovu Manor House.
Safari Standard - You will be staying at four different accommodations. Mariepskop View backpackers, Mopani rest camp, Skukuza rest camp and the final night at Khaya Ndlovu Manor House.
These are subject to change but are the top choices. You will be informed of any lodge changes before the start of the trip. All accommodations have laundry facilities and pool.
Some places you stay at will have wifi but please be aware it may not be a fast connection.
What should I take?
Please keep in mind your luggage allowance. At every accommodation you will have access to laundry service.
Sunglasses - ideally polarized.
Sun cream
Hat
Binoculars
Short and long sleeve shirts
Plug adaptors
Good walking shoes (trainers or hiking boots)
Sandals/flip flops
Shorts, skirts, dresses, light clothing
Swimming outfits
Underwear and socks
Trousers
Personal toiletries and personal medication
Malaria tablets
Insect repellent
Basic first aid kit
Visas, tickets, passports, money
Light rain gear for summer months
Camera
What are they like?
Every lodge you stay at is a sharing room. Either twin or double depending on your requirements. We welcome single guests but please be aware you will be sharing a twin room with another guest. If this is an issue please get in contact and we can try to make a plan.
Each room is en-suite. There will be a swimming pool at each accommodation along with daily laundry services and occassional wifi access.
Visit the 'OUR SAFARIS' page and click on your chosen package. You will see the website link to the chosen accommodations.
When to visit
Spring/Summer - October to March
Summers in Africa signal the arrival of the rains. Giving it the common name of 'rainy season'. Rains usually fall dramatically in an afternoon thunderstorm, preceded and followed by stunning sunshine. The rains are a welcome break from the intense heat. The smell of the rains falling down in Africa is a lifetime experience and one that is never forgotten.
For game viewing, this season is known as the 'Emerald season', due to the fact that the landscapes are lush and green from the arrival of the rains. If you're a keen photographer this is a wonderful season to experience. The array of colours surrounding you from the vegetation create a beautiful landscape for photographs. Spotting game in this season can be more difficult than in the dry season as the vegetation is more thick, the grass is higher and the animals are further spread out as there is more water supplies readily available due to the rains.
Rivers and waterholes are full, the herbivores are happy with all the fresh green leaves, the predators are happy with the full bellied prey and the birding is fantastic with all the migratory birds flocking in for the season.
End of November and start of December is the baby season. Many prey species such as impala and wildebeest have been waiting on the arrival of the rains to drop their little ones. This is an amazing sight to take in as you watch the many babies learn to find their feet. The predators also enjoy this time of year.
Summer temperatures can be incredibly high, often reaching up into the 30 degree celsius mark and peaking in the lower 40s.
This is a higher risk season of contracting malaria because of all the water around from the rains. The risk in Kruger is low, but it is still present. Check with your GP and travel clinic specialists for advice on medication to take and how to avoid getting bit at all.
Autumn/Winter - April to September
Winter time signals the dry and cold season. This is Africa cold though with daytime temps averaging low 20 degree celsius. Nights can be very cool sometimes dropping down to single digits. You will need a warm jacket, hat and gloves for early morning and evening drives.
This is known as the best time of year for game viewing. With the lack of rains the bushveld dries out drastically. Many trees lose their leaves, grasses die down making it possible to see much further into the bush which makes it easier to spot game compared to the Summer months.
As the dry season progresses, it reaches its peak in September/October. Game viewing is also easier at this time of year as animals become a lot more heavily congregated at watering holes. As there is no rains there is very limited water sources so you can be sure there will be a lot higher density of game at the few areas which still have water. Where there is a high density of game, the predators will not be far away.
This is low risk time for malaria as the mosquitoes become dormant during this time of year.
Cost
What does my trip include and exclude?
Includes -
Qualified and registered Advanced field and tour guide
English speaking guides
Local knowledge
Accommodation as specified in chosen safari package
Activities as specified in chosen safari package
Meals as specified in chosen safari package
Vehicle maintenance and fuel
Airport transfer to and from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
Conservation and park fees
Personalised Landela Safaris reusable water bottle and other merchandise
Excludes -
International flight to/from South Africa
Domestic transfer to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
Drinks and meals as specified in chosen safari package
Personal travel and medical insurance
Gratuities
How much cash should I bring?
This is a difficult question to answer as everyones spending habits are different and it depends on what package you have chosen
We recommend bringing £300 cash spending money for drinks, snacks, meals, souvenirs, gratuities, extra activities. You can keep tabs at the lodges for drinks and pay for meals with cards.
There are optional extra activities at some of the lodges we stay at. Please let us know beforehand if you want any extras and we'll book you on at an extra cost. eg bush walks, evening safaris & night drives in Kruger National Park. At Khaya Ndlovu game drives & bushwalks are run by Khaya guides.
