Southern Africa Tours and Safaris - Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the Kruger Park from Johannesburg?
The Kruger Park is about 6 hours by road from the Johannesburg International Airport.
What to wear?
Dress code on tour is casual and lightweight, though a sweater may be needed during the evenings and early mornings. During the winter months (May to August), when it can get really cold on the open vehicle game drives, a warm sweater and wind-proof jacket is a must.
What is a restcamp?
The word "restcamp" is a bit deceiving as it has nothing to do with "camping".The accommodation used in the Kruger National Park are brick or stone cottages or bungalows, usually with a thatched roof.These bungalows or cottages all have private en-suite facilities (WC, shower and wash basin) and air-conditioning.
Will we be staying in tents?
We never make use of tented accommodation inside the Kruger Park, unless this is specifically requested. Some of the private game lodges do have tented accommodation, but these are luxury East African safari-style tents, luxuriously furnished, with private bathroom facilities and usually on an elevated wooden deck.
What type of vehicle is used on tour?
General touring is done in a closed, air-conditioned vehicle, appropriate to the size of the group. The open vehicle game drives are done in specially adapted open 4X4 vehicles seating a maximum of 10 (at the private game lodge) or 20 people (in the Kruger National Park itself).
Can we draw cash? Where?
There is an extensive network of automated cash machines (ATM’s) throughout South Africa. There are ATM’s at all major airports, in all cities and even in the smallest of towns.
What about crime/security/safety?
While crime is a very real concern in South Africa our tours and safaris are designed in such a way that you will never be exposed to high-risk areas or situations. On our fully escorted tours your experienced tour guides will know exactly which areas to avoid, while on a self-drive tour these areas will be pointed out to you during the detailed route description and discussion that precedes every such tour.
How many people on tour with us?
Our fully escorted tours operate with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of7 people in the group.
Can you arrange additional days/accommodation before/after the tour?
Yes, we will gladly assist with arranging pre- or post-tour accommodation.
What is the difference between the Kruger National Park and a private game reserve/lodge?
The Kruger National Park is a vast area of publicly owned land that lies on the border of South Africa and Mozambique. The area was set aside for conservation more than 100 years ago and has for the past century been a refuge for the wild creatures of Africa. Within the borders of the Park are a number of fenced-off “restcamps”, where affordable accommodation is available to the public. Spread throughout the Park is a vast network of well-maintained roads, suitable for normal vehicles. Animals and birds are viewed from the safety and comfort of your air-conditioned touring vehicle. In the Kruger Park itself you can expect to see numerous species of antelope, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, elephant, buffalo, and with a bit of luck also rhino and lion.
The private game lodges, situated in privately owned game reserves adjoining the Kruger National Park, are more luxurious, intimate and personal than the Kruger Park rest camps.Their main advantage is however the enhanced game-viewing opportunities.The game drives are done in small groups of no more than 8 – 10, using specially adapted open 4x4 vehicles, and frequently involves "off-road" driving in order to get as close as possible to the animals. When combining the Kruger Park with a day or two at a Private Game Lodge, the chances of seeing more game (including the "Big Five") increase dramatically.
Best time of the year to travel/what will the weather be like?
For general travel the best months to travel in South Africa are during spring/early summer (September/October), or late summer/autumn (March/April). During these months temperatures throughout the country should be mild to warm, with only a small possibility of rain.
For game viewing purposes the winter months (May to August) are undoubtedly the best. In winter, with limited water sources available, animal activity is generally concentrated around water holes and the bush is dry and thin, which makes visibility better and game spotting easier.

Tourist Centre	Summer	Winter
Bloemfontein	29.0°C	18.5°C
Cape Town	24.0°C	22.6°C
Durban	25.5°C	22.6°C
Johannesburg	24.7°C	18.0°C
Kimberley	32.0°C	20.0°C
Nelspruit	28.5°C	23.0°C
Pretoria	27.5°C	21.0°C
Skukuza	30.5°C	27.0°C

What about malaria?
In the Kruger National Park and adjoining private game reserves, precautions against malaria must be taken throughout the year.Malaria can be prevented by taking anti-malarial drugs, please consult your doctor, pharmacy or travel clinic in this regard.Insect repellent on exposed skin and flying insect spray in the room where you sleep should also be used. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts, should be worn, especially after dark, when insects are most active.In the Kruger Park, all doors and windows are protected by insect-screens.

All travelers to malaria-risk areas in Southern Africa are advised to take anti-malarial medication as prescribed by a doctor, pharmacist or travel clinic.
Any vaccinations required?
No vaccinations are required.
Do you arrange international air tickets?
No, as inbound tour operators we are unfortunately not able to issue tickets for international flights. Please contact your local travel agent in this regard. We will however gladly assist with the arranging of domestic flights.
Baggage allowance?
There is no specific allowance for luggage on the overland portions of any of our tours. However, should your tour include domestic or regional (Victoria Falls) flights the normal airline allowances will apply.
Payments schedule?
We require a 25% deposit to secure the booking, with the balance due 30 days before the start of your tour. Click here for our detailed terms & conditions, including cancellation policy.
Payment options?
The preferred method of payment is by bank transfer. We also accept credit card payment should a bank transfer not be possible. We accept all major credit cards (Master, Visa, Amex, Diners)

The owners and directors of Southern Eagle Tours are South Africans of many generations standing, who have all travelled widely throughout the world and have an excellent understanding of the needs and requirements of visitors to our subcontinent.

At Southern Eagle Tours, YOU are special. YOU are considered a valued friend and guest, not just another tourist. YOU receive our knowledge and understanding of our subcontinent and we design all our itineraries with YOU, our guest, in mind.

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries."
~ Aldous Huxley ~