It is our greatest delight to share the wild places of Africa with you in a responsible manner. These remote areas provide a means of reconnecting with our natural spirit – something often neglected and forgotten in the modern, fast-paced world in which we live. Our aim is to give you the opportunity to share this magnificent journey and to enjoy the wilderness for what it is – an untamed African journey.
Trip Planning
When you are seeking an expertly planned journey, Wide Africa Safaris has the experience and the connections to craft your ideal getaway. We approach each client and destination with a unique perspective and eye for detail, and our travel trips are based on your individual needs and interests. We do not just book flights and reserve hotels, we create unique journeys with services that include:
24-hour support via phone or e-mail
Exclusive guided excursions and access to our savvy tour guides and ground specialists in each location
Restaurant, spa, shopping and transportation reservations
COVID-19
Please note that our associated operators & hotels will allow postponement of a booking for up to 12 months if travel is cancelled with a deposit prior to arrival due to a WHO-recognised pandemic directly impacting the guests’ ability to travel (eg lockdown, no flights, guest not allowed to board a flight, guest falls ill due to a pandemic and unable to travel). This is based on latest WHO-recognised conditions and we would recommend travel insurance that is able to fully cover cancellation of travel fewer than 60 days prior to arrival.
Malaria
Anti-malaria tablets are strongly recommended for many of the regions we travel to. This is a personal assessment and is intended to help you make informed choices, not to replace medical advice. You can also reduce the chance of being bitten by using insect sprays and wearing long-sleeved tops and long pants. In the dry season, from May to September, there is less mosquito activity; happily, this is also the best time for game-viewing.
Yellow-fever inoculations are essential when travelling to certain countries. Contact us for information.
Passport & Visa Requirements
Before you travel with us, please do confirm what your travel-document requirements are if you are not any of the passport holders discussed below. Note that visa requirements may change at any time and that it is your responsibility to check current requirements with the relevant embassy or high commission or contact us for information before travel.
If you are an EU passport holder, you need a full passport valid for six months after your date of return in order to travel to Africa. South Africa, Botswana and Swaziland have no visa requirements for most EU passport holders on holiday, although you do need THREE spare BLANK pages in your passport for the entry stamp into South Africa and one page for every additional country that you visit in Africa.
If you are a US or Canadian passport holder, you need a full passport valid for six months after your date of return. South Africa has no visa requirements for US and Canadian passport holders on holiday, although you do need THREE spare BLANK pages in your passport for the entry stamp into South Africa and one page for every additional country that you visit in Africa.
KAZA UNIVISA will be valid for 30 days as long as you remain in Zimbabwe and Zambia and clients can cross into Zimbabwe/Zambia as frequently as they like within the 30 day period. (If the UNIVISA is obtained at Victoria Falls and you cross over to Zimbabwe at Kariba or Chirundu or vice versa the visa shall be valid)
Holders of other passports should check with the relevant embassy or consulate, or contact us for information.
Travel Insurance
We cannot overemphasise the importance of your taking out adequate holiday insurance against any cancellation charges, unexpected restriction, medical expenses, repatriation, emergency air evacuation and personal liability claims against you. We make this a condition of accepting your booking.
What to bring
Your suitcase packed properly will ensure that you have everything you need for the ultimate African experience. Cotton clothing is a must, as are layers of lightweight crease-resistant clothing that can be taken off and on. Essential items include comfortable walking shoes and a pair of sandals, long trousers and shirts, plus a swimming costume, a hat, sunglasses and, of course – most importantly – sun block. It is essential that a windproof jacket forms part of your wardrobe. Formal wear is not required.
On safari, neutral colours are recommended. Our seasonal weather guide is as follows:
October-April: The weather is warm during the day and cooler in the evenings with rain about. We recommend casual summer clothes and a warm jacket.
May-September: These months include our autumn and winter and temperatures tend to be mild during the day with cold mornings and evenings with rain; a warm fleece and jacket are essential.
Please note that Cape Town can have all four seasons in one day and is a Mediterranean-style climate.
Safety
As in most countries worldwide, crimes against people and property are a fact of life in some parts of the countries featured here. Take particular care to avoid possible threats to your personal safety and the incidence of crime. Whilst we try to bring any concerns that we have to your attention, we also advise that you check the latest advice issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit on fco.gov.uk/travel/ or the State Department on travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html
People are generally friendly and helpful in rural and tourist areas. We do, however, suggest that you avoid downtown districts at night, driving at night in unfamiliar areas and walking at night. Do not leave valuables on show or luggage unattended and do make use of hotel safety deposit boxes. Ask for – and follow – the advice of our local office, our local agent or your hotel manager.
