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Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Travel To Africa?
The Truth Is...
We live in a wonderful world but unpredictable. It is our governments responsibility to let us know about any situations that might endanger us as U.S. citizens in anyway. Many times they do 'over warn' us - but this, they feel, is for our own protection. One must put these warnings, etc., that are distributed by the press in perspective. Did you ever wonder what the world says about travel to the United States. An interesting exercise is to see Australia's or other countries websites about their citizens traveling to our country. Take a moment to view the travel advisory for Australian citizens wanting to visit the United States: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/United_States_of_America We are not making light of any situation, we just need to understand the world we live in. Born Free's priorities are for your safety, comfort and enjoyment.
One of our most important lines that we draw in the sand is how the local people feel about Americans, about tourists. Are there any actions taken in tour areas or against travelers? What we can say is that even the travelers who were in East Africa at the time of the recent problems said that the local people where warm and friendly - always trying to assist to make them safe and comfortable. In general, East and Southern Africans do like Americans and are warm and receptive to us visiting their country. In addition, Africa consists of 54 different countries, different governments and it lies on a huge land mass. On the African continent you can place the land masses of Europe, Australia and the United States. What happens in one country, even a bordering country, does not necessarily affect another country.
Born Free and our associates keep abreast of all situations political and non-political. If a situation occurs we have 24-hour hotline. We also do our best to find safe alternatives that are in the travelers best interest. Most of our vehicles are equipped with emergency telephones. We have the ability to change itineraries at the last minute and would certainly cancel a trip if we knew you would be in harms way. If you have any questions at any time regarding your destination, do not hesitate to call. Your safety and comfort in traveling to any area is our foremost concern.
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What Is The Africa Experience?
You can expect one of the best trips of your life. A combination of varied and beautiful scenery, exciting game, cultural experiences and depending on your trip, exciting activities. Africa travel offers a high degree of comfort, excellent service and delicious food.
A safari is exhausting and exhilarating. An average day begins at dawn with tea and a sunrise game drive. You are back to the lodge in time for a wonderful breakfast with fresh baked breads, local coffee and your choice of items such as eggs, pancakes and fresh fruit. During the heat of the day when the wildlife is at rest you may wish to relax too. In the afternoon when the wildlife again comes alive, you go out on an afternoon game drive. In certain areas full day game drives and bush walks are planned with picnic lunches. In some areas we can arrange for night drives and other activities such as a village visit. In the evening, everyone gathers to exchange stories while enjoying beverages. Sometimes there is a roaring campfire and stories that last long into the night. Retire - sleep well as the sounds of the bush put you to sleep˙ We do not know what tomorrow will bring, but we can assure you it will be another exciting day!
When you travel to a safari country such as Kenya, Tanzania or Botswana your main goal is to see the wildlife. Born Free tries to mix this experience with varied scenery, cultural interactions and time to get out of the vehicle and do a bit of walking or other activity. When heading to South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, West Africa and North Africa your experience will include visits to historic sights, cities and interactions with local people.
It is important to realize how large Africa is and to understand how much travel you will have to do when visiting multiple countries. If you are visiting Kenya, Tanzania, Victoria Falls and South Africa, you are reaching areas that would cover a distance from the United States to the tip of South America. Born Free does have trips that do visit multiple countries, we just like to be sure you fully understand the amount of time that is spent in transit. Our African Kaleidoscope is a well planned over view of the African continent.
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Will I Be Incovenienced When I Travel To Africa?
The Truth Is...
There are not many inconveniences but there may be a few. Roads can be rough. We always suggest flying on the longer legs. However, there are times planes may not run as scheduled. It is not uncommon for even the best vehicle to break down. The inconveniences will also depend on which safari you select. The food is wonderful and all dietary needs can be met. Lodges and tented camps will vary from the world-class award winning properties to the basic accommodations. The most important thing is to let us know your comfort level. Discuss it with one of our safari professionals and we can then direct you to the right safari. Most people come back from safari raving about the food, the accommodations, the service and the overall comfort level. It is higher then most people can imagine.
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Is There Anything To See Other Than Wildlife?
The Truth Is...
Africa is a diverse continent with many things to see from the Pyramids of Egypt to the wine country in South Africa. All of Born Free Safaris & Tours combine a variety of sites and experiences.
We highlight the most beautiful and varied terrains with the best wildlife viewing areas. In East Africa we will fill the days with game viewing and some trips cultural interactions. Depending on the safari that is booked some trips will also include walks, night drives, boat safaris and more. In South Africa a trip usually comprises of a visit to the beautiful cosmopolitan coastal city of Cape Town where you step back into history of pre-apartheid - Visit the fabulous wine country, experience a cage shark dive or travel up the coast on your own. South Africa is also the gateway to Victoria Falls and safari country. The Born Free Safari Planners will discuss your interests and direct you to the type of trip that will best fit your interests.
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Africa Is Expensive.
The Truth Is...
Land costs have risen dramatically, primarily due to demand but with this the comfort levels have also become world-class. Airfares are very high as well but if you have mileage and can book a year in advance you maybe able to save on this sector. Our policy is that you should do quality rather then quantity. Quality in not necessarily a premium property but premium locations and cut out the fluff areas such as Mt. Kenya Safari Club where there really are no animals to be seen. Have one of our professional safari planners gear you to the best of the best for when you can go. There are certain things you should never give up such as the quality of game drives and the number of guests in each vehicle.
If you must pay for an air ticket consider a starting point of $6500 per person for a 12 days trip, then up from there. With Born Free this will provide an excellent basic safari visiting major game reserves. If you are going to a single destination and are okay with a part camping - part lodge adventure level safari, you maybe able to drop that price point to $5500. We would suggest saving for another year if these numbers do not work in your budget. You do not want to do safari destinations or West Africa on the cheap. South Africa can be done for less due to the larger buses on tours and segments that can be done on your own.
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Should I Join A Group Or Private Safari?
Myth - Private Safaris Cost More Than Group Safaris.
Private safaris dont have to cost more. Most group costings are based on four guests.
The advantage of the group safaris is the chance to socialize and meet others with similar interests. A private safari has great advantages for those who are seriously photographers, are taking children, or have their own ideas in creating a safari. Private or customized trips are successful because the participant plays an active role in planning the trip, as their ideas are incorporated with our professional knowledge of the areas.
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Africa Is Rugged And The Food Is Bad.
The Truth Is...
The most common concern we hear from the prospective traveler is that bugs and snakes will be crawling all over them - Or there will be no running water and they will get sick from the food and loose weight!! In fact, Africa possesses some of the worldˇ¦s most luxurious accommodations, with a level of service that goes well beyond the norm. The variety of types of accommodations is part of the experience. You can combine a few high end lodges with unique tented camps that all have proper beds, toilets and hot showers. On the other side of the coin there are those accommodations that are less expensive, simpler and less costly. There is what we call an Adventure Standard that is for the experienced rugged traveler. Of course this is less costly and can be provided in most areas. Comfort level is always one of the first subjects that Born Free delves into with the traveler. The comfort level and budget will set the baseline of the trip.
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Are The People Friendly?
The Truth Is...
They are wonderful and love Americans. East Africans have a special affinity for the children and are as interested in them and their lives as most of the children are about them. There is nothing unusual about an instant soccer game, an exchange of jokes or a spontaneous dinner at a local home.
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A Single Traveler May Be Uncomfortable.
The Truth Is...
Africa is very conducive for the single traveler - male or female. We are finding more and more single travelers wanting to go to Africa. All travelers are always met by a local host, checked in to the hotel and escorted to their locations. If requested, we will try to put single travelers together. During meals single travelers can join group tables, in lounges everyone joins in. For the single traveler who prefers private services, the guide becomes your tour escort.
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Africa Is Not A Place For Independent Travelers.
The Truth Is...
Independent does not necessarily mean unguided. In South Africa it is easy for a visitor to rent a car and drive up the Garden Route or take day tours out of Cape Town. Born Free will assist with routings, maps and suggestions. In the safari areas, it is in your best interest to have a guide. Roads are unmarked and if one is not a professional, they will not know what to do when an elephant blocks the road. Born Free will organize a trip to be as independent as possible. Due to high volume, reservations are a must in the game areas.
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I Was Told I Shouldn't Go Because Of Stomach Ailments And Various Diseases.
The Truth Is...
We hear of less stomach problems in Africa than to other destinations. Food is made carefully and with the highest health standards. Fruits and salads can be enjoyed at the better lodges and camps. Water, of course, is to be avoided - but bottled water is easily available.
Africa does have HIV/AIDS but there is no more risk for a traveler to get this feared disease than if they travel to anywhere else in the world. If one engages in risky sexual behavior, then one would be at risk. As far as transfusions, hospitals are known to have a very high standard of cleanliness and some of the highest standards of testing for blood.
The disease to be most concerned with is malaria, communicated through the bite of an infected mosquito. The threat of dying from malaria is almost eliminated by using a prophylactic such as Malarone or Doxcylin. Mosquito repellants containing Deet, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and travelling outside of the wet season provide additional protection. Africa also hosts an array of tropical diseases and a travel health specialist should be consulted at least two months prior to travel.
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