Frequently Asked Questions

While most safari lodges and camps do not have doctors onsite, they are well-equipped with trained staff and emergency protocols. In Kenya, we partner with AMREF Flying Doctors, a reputable provider offering swift medical evacuation services. This ensures that, in the rare event of a medical emergency, you can be promptly transported to the nearest suitable medical facility. Additionally, many lodges are within reach of medical facilities, and some have arrangements with nearby clinics or hospitals.

With other destinations, it’s always advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.

Yes, many camps, lodges, and hotels offer laundry services, often included in the stay or available for a small fee. This can be very helpful if you want to pack light. If you have a busy itinerary with multiple stops, it’s a good idea to check in advance whether laundry can be done quickly enough to have your clothes ready before you move on.

Visa requirements vary by country, so we recommend checking Smart Traveller for the most up-to-date advice on your destination. It’s your responsibility to make sure your passport is valid and has the correct visas for your journey, whether that means arranging one in advance or paying in cash on arrival.

In most cases, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned return date, and you need a minimum of two blank pages for immigration stamps. If there’s not enough space in your passport, you may be denied entry, so this is something to look out for.

In some countries Yellow Fever is compulsory and inoculation certificates must be carried with you.

We strongly advise that you consult a medical professional before you travel.

There are a variety of destinations where one can remain stationary for reasonable periods of time, such as Cape Town or Makutsi Safari Springs located near the Kruger National Park. From both places one can do a whole variety of activities. However the best example of having a full safari holiday without the unpacking is the Shongololo Safari Train around South Africa or through to Victoria Falls and vice versa for 16 days. The vehicles for the day tours travel on the back of the train which travels overnight. Each morning you wake up somewhere new with your vehicle waiting to take you on a selection of tours – no packing nor unpacking!

It’s generally safest to drink bottled or purified water while travelling in Africa. Tap water is not always treated to the same standards as in some other countries, especially in rural or wildlife areas. Most lodges and camps provide bottled water for guests, and it’s a good idea to stick to this to avoid any stomach issues. Always check with your guide or accommodation if you’re unsure about the local water quality.

Yes, we specialise in creating tailormade itineraries that reflect how you like to travel; whether that means a slow, scenic journey, a wildlife-packed adventure, or something in between. You can start by exploring our brochures for inspiration, and from there we’ll work closely with you to design a trip that fits your style perfectly. There is also the option to join one of our small group tours if you prefer a shared experience compromising on quality or authenticity.

Yes, travel insurance is required when booking with us, and it’s best to arrange it before confirming your trip. This way you’ll be covered from the start, protecting you against unexpected events like medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage. Getting insurance early gives you peace of mind throughout your journey.

Absolutely. Africa offers great value for families, and many properties now make it easier to travel with young children. That said, some destinations and lodges cater better to children than others. For example, children under six are usually not allowed on game drives in most parks and reserves, and some lodges do not accept children under 12.

Many lodges have swimming pools, babysitting services, and even specialised children’s programmes to keep younger guests entertained. We can help you find the best options to suit your family’s needs, so please get in touch for personalised advice on planning your family safari.

Throughout the website we have given each tour or experience an Elephant, Gorilla, Palm Tree or Camel Rating for you to use as a guideline.

This rating system slightly differs from the international star rating system. After all, how can you compare a 5 star city hotel in Australia with a game lodge in the heart of the Masai Mara? In addition to the standard and service available at a property, these Bench Ratings also takes into account the mode of travel, the safari experience on offer, the exclusivity of the region or how much participation is involved.

Africa rewards early planning, especially for popular parks or seasonal events like the wildebeest migration. Six to twelve months out is ideal, but we’ll always see what’s possible.

The countries we work in across Southern and East Africa are considered safe for travellers, especially when journeys are carefully planned and supported by experienced local teams. We’ve spent decades building strong relationships with trusted ground partners, and we only work with guides and operators who meet a high standard of care and professionalism.

As with travel anywhere in the world, a bit of awareness goes a long way, particularly in big cities. It’s sensible to keep valuables out of sight, avoid walking alone at night, and if you’re planning to head out on foot, ask your hotel about areas you’re unsure of. Most travellers never encounter issues, but simple precautions help things go smoothly.

If you’re driving, plan your route ahead of time, keep doors locked, and don’t leave bags or belongings visible in the car. Passports and extra cash are best kept in the hotel safe.

On safari, you’ll be in the hands of skilled guides who are trained in wildlife behaviour and know exactly how to keep you safe. Whether you’re travelling independently or in a group, you’ll be well looked after every step of the way.

Malaria is present in many parts of Africa, especially in rural and wildlife regions. However, some areas, such as parts of South Africa (including Cape Town), Namibia, and Botswana, are considered malaria-free. These regions are popular choices for families with young children or pregnant travellers looking to avoid malaria risk while still enjoying a great safari experience.

If you have specific health concerns or are travelling with young ones, we can help you find suitable malaria-free destinations that match your needs.

Absolutely! Many of the tents on our tours are much larger than your average bedroom and usually set up on permanent sites with ensuite bathrooms, so you’ll have plenty of space and comfort. They are built to be perfectly secure, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy being close to nature.

In camps that are unfenced or open to animal traffic, you will be escorted to and from your tent after dark by an experienced ranger who knows the area inside out. Camps follow strict safety rules and the staff are trained to keep you safe at all times.

Sleeping in a tent lets you enjoy the magic of the outdoors, fall asleep to the sounds of the bush, and wake up ready for adventure all while feeling safe and cared for. It’s the best of both worlds.

The single prices listed on our website apply to solo travellers, meaning one person is travelling alone for the entire trip.

If two or more people are travelling together but one person wants their own room, a single room supplement will apply. This supplement is lower than the solo traveller price because some costs, such as transfers, guiding, and activities, are still shared.

If you or your client would like a quote that includes a single room supplement, please contact our consultants and we will send the correct pricing.

Well, you’ve probably heard of the Big Five: lion, leopard, African elephant, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros. But the term didn’t start with safaris. It was originally used by big game hunters to describe the five most dangerous animals to track and hunt on foot. It was about the difficulty and risk, not the size.

As tourism grew, safari operators adopted the phrase, and it quickly became part of the safari world. The name still carries weight today. In fact, after 1990, South Africa even printed each of the Big Five animals on different denominations of its Rand banknotes.

These five can be found in several countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Uganda and Zimbabwe. If you’re hoping to see a particular animal, it’s worth researching which parks give you the best chance.

For seasoned safari travellers, there is also the “Little Five.” These animals were chosen as a playful counterpart to the Big Five and include the ant lion, leopard tortoise, elephant shrew, buffalo weaver and rhinoceros beetle.

Pack light and keep it practical. For safaris, casual cotton clothing in neutral tones like tan or khaki works best. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent are essential. Bring a warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings, plus a lightweight raincoat in case of showers. Long sleeves and trousers are useful at night to protect against bites.

You’ll need sturdy walking shoes or boots for nature walks and something more relaxed, like trainers or sandals, for camp. Don’t forget swimwear, a torch, and a reusable water bottle. If you’re staying at a high-end hotel or taking a luxury rail journey like Rovos Rail, pack something a little smarter for the evenings.

Most camps offer laundry services, but if you’re moving frequently, check if items can be returned in time.

But don’t fret! We’ll send you pre-departure information when we receive your final payment, and further documentation prior to your departure, all of which contains more informative packing guidelines.

For safari photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens is a great choice. A lens with a reach of 200mm or more is helpful for capturing wildlife, especially animals that are further away. A wide-angle lens is also useful for landscapes or close encounters in open vehicles.

If you prefer to travel light, a good-quality bridge camera with a built-in zoom can be a practical alternative. It’s also worth noting that many smartphones now take excellent photos and videos, and are especially handy for quick shots or capturing movement.

Bring extra memory cards, spare batteries and a charger, as wildlife sightings can be unpredictable. A small tripod or a beanbag can help steady your camera in the vehicle, and a soft cloth is useful for wiping off dust.

Don’t worry, we will send detailled information about money and payments in your pre-departure pack after you pay your final invoice.

However, it’s worth noting that credit cards are not accepted everywhere, especially in remote lodges, so it’s best not to rely on them as your only source of funds. Let your bank know you will be using your card overseas, and remember that using a PIN is generally more secure than a signature. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card across Africa, with some larger places also taking American Express and MasterCard. Diners Club is rarely accepted.

The common currencies are United States Dollars, Euro, Pounds Sterling, and Rand in South Africa and Namibia. It’s helpful to carry small notes for tips and small purchases. Avoid large $100 bills, as they may not be accepted. ATMs and money exchange facilities are available in major cities, airports, and casinos, and some accept credit cards.

Safari activities vary depending on the location and lodge, but common options include game drives to spot wildlife, guided walking safaris to explore the bush up close, and boat cruises on rivers or lakes for birdwatching and viewing animals from the water. Some places also offer night drives, cultural visits to local communities, and hot air balloon flights for a different perspective. Many lodges provide photography tips, fishing, or even horseback safaris. The range of activities often depends on the season and location, so your Safari Specialist will help tailor your itinerary depending on what you’d like to see or do.

Africa generally has a well-established telephone, mobile, and satellite network. If your mobile phone has roaming, you can usually connect to cellular networks in bigger towns and popular tourist areas. You can also buy a local SIM card when you arrive.

That said, phone coverage may be limited in wildlife areas, and Wi-Fi is not always available at camps and lodges. This is part of the appeal for many travellers — a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature, the landscape, and the moment. Many find this digital break refreshing and an important part of the safari experience.

On safari, meals tend to be fresh, hearty, and designed to suit the setting. You can expect a mix of local and international dishes, often prepared with seasonal ingredients. Breakfasts are usually simple but nourishing, with options like eggs, fruit, cereals, and freshly baked bread. Lunch and dinner might include grilled meats, fish, fresh salads, and vegetables, often served buffet style or plated.

Many lodges and camps cater to dietary needs and preferences, so special requests like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals can usually be accommodated. Dining often takes place in beautiful outdoor settings, adding to the experience.

As a rule, we advise you do not eat anything purchased at the side of the road and wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating.

Health requirements vary from country to country, so we recommend speaking to your GP or a travel doctor for up-to-date information and advice, as requirements can change.

It’s best to take prescription medication with you. While cities and towns generally have drugstores and pharmacies equipped with everything you may need, South Africa has first-world infrastructure, but in more remote areas it may be more difficult to acquire specific medication. On safari, you will usually be quite remote from pharmacies.

In some countries, Yellow Fever vaccination is compulsory, and inoculation certificates must be carried with you.

Along with this, it’s wise to drink bottled or purified water, use insect repellent, protect yourself from the sun, and carry a basic medical kit. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is also strongly recommended.

Africa is a year-round destination, and the best time to go really depends on where you’re travelling and what you want to experience.

In Southern Africa, the dry winter months from June to October are popular for safaris. Wildlife tends to gather around water sources, the vegetation is thinner, and the cooler temperatures make for pleasant game drives. Roads are usually in good condition too. Just keep in mind that early mornings and evenings can be very cold, so pack warm layers.

East Africa follows a different pattern. The long rains usually fall from early April to early June, and the short rainsfrom late November through December. The most popular time to visit is from July to September, when the Great Migration moves between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. This is also when the region is busiest, and prices tend to be higher.

For those who prefer a quieter experience, travelling outside the peak months can be just as rewarding. The wildlife doesn’t disappear, and with fewer visitors around, you often have the sightings all to yourself. The green season brings dramatic skies, lush landscapes, and excellent birding, and it can be a lovely time to explore.

We can help you decide when to go based on the kind of safari experience you’re after, whether it’s high drama and big game, beautiful scenery and photography, or peace and space without the crowds.

With operations in Kenya and South Africa, we always have our finger on the pulse. Our dedicated teams visit camps regularly, work closely with local partners, and stay fully informed. This hands-on approach helps us respond quickly , ensuring your trip runs smoothly from planning through to your safe return home.

Bench Africa has the experience and knowledge of Africa to ensure that any holiday booked with us exceeds your expectations. We’ve been operating tours to Africa for over 55 years and we regularly send our staff to experience our product so that we keep up to date. Every member of the Bench family has a real passion for Africa and has travelled extensively throughout the continent, with many having also lived and worked there. Our advice comes from first-hand experience and we work hard so our clients can make well informed decisions and book their perfect holiday.

We know Africa inside and out. It’s the only destination we specialise in, and we’ve been crafting journeys here for over fifty years. Our team has explored the same paths, stayed in the same camps, and built lasting connections with local communities. We don’t offer cookie-cutter trips. Your journey is personal. Whether it’s the wild, the wildlife, or the tropics that call you, we build your trip around what truly matters… to you! With experience honed over the decades, we bring clarity and confidence to crafting travel that fits you — no clichés, just honest expertise.