How do I Charge my Digital Equipment.
To charge your ipod, MP3 player, camera, laptop and mobile phone you will need a DC 12 volt adapter the type that can be used from a cigarette lighter in your car.
Some digital cameras can only be charged by mains AC 220-240 volts. Normally with these type of camera the batteries are charged independently of the camera via the mains. If this is the case you are best to then bring a multiple/universal adapter as in Africa you will find a range of different power sockets on the routes.
Warning: When charging appliances or video camera's power from the mains (AC) is fed directly into the equipment. Do then make sure the power source is protected from power surges by a voltage regulator as failure to do so may result in you equipment being damaged. It is advisable to bring a spare set of batteries for your equipment for back up.
How do I store my digital photos ?
You will not find many places in Africa that can burn your photos from your memory card or stick so be prepared to bring along extra memory cards. It is possible to use your ipod as a hard drive for storing photos if you have one.
Can I listen to my music on the truck ?
Apart from being able to charge your ipod & MP3 Player you will also be able to connect it to our music system allowing your sound to be heard through the truck's speakers.
If I book on a gorilla safari will I see the gorillas ?
Absolute Africa pre-purchases gorilla permits for our gorilla safaris.
If booking on a gorilla safari you will be billed for your permit ahead of time. Once you have a permit it is 99.99% certain you will view the gorillas whilst there can never be 100% guarantees as the gorillas are wild animals and the trek is in their natural habitat. The trek to the gorillas can take from 3 to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are. The total time you spend with them is no more than 1 hour so the gorillas are not stressed by your presence and to minimise any risk of the transmission of disease as they are so genetically close to humans. If you have any transmittable ailment that could infect the gorillas like the flu you are also not allowed to trek.
Do I need to get visas prior to going?
Most visas are easily obtained while on safari payable on the borders in USD cash so it is not necessary to get them prior to your trip. This advice applies to most passports including Australians, New Zealanders, British and most European passport holders.
Do check with our office if you are unsure about the visa requirements for your particular passport.
Do I need to take malaria pills?
Some form of malaria prophylactic (pills) is usually regarded as essential. We strongly recommend that you visit a travel clinic or your GP to get the latest advice.
How do I bring my money?
We regularly travel to remote regions on our routes and keep busy day to day. There are still only few ATM machines where we travel and these usually only provide local currencies.
Many of the costs you meet also need to be paid in USD cash.
You are best to then take a percentage of your money in $US cash with some travelers cheques.
Upon booking you will receive a pre-departure pack with information on how to bring your money including suggested amounts and denominations etc. It is important that your $US dollars are post 2002 and not ripped or torn. Please remember banks are few and far between in some parts of Africa.
How do I stay in touch with friends & family?
You will be able to send and receive emails from internet cafes on the way usually on a weekly basis.
There is also now good mobile phone coverage along most main roads.
If you have a roaming agreement it will be possible to make and receive calls and text message whilst on the trip.
It is though very expensive to make and receive calls on mobile phones either with a local sim card or roaming agreement and with the latter you will be paying for the international incoming call. If your phone is not blocked you will be able to buy a pay as you go sim card for each country that you travel through allowing people to ring you without paying for the international call sector.
Remember though that you are on a safari and we do not want phones ringing all the time while in Africa spoiling the ambience and peace, as most people like the idea of getting away from modern communication for a while travelling in Africa.
Where can I find out about power and plugs for the countries I'll be visiting?
Please visit the 'WORLD ELECTRIC GUIDE ' website, there's a link to it in our Links section.
When is the best time to view the migrations?
Have a look at the click option on the home page for a detailed overview of the migration's constant movement month by month.
The prime time to visit the Serengeti is usually regarded as being from late November through to March when the big herds of wildebeest, Thomson's gazelle and zebra head on to the southern plains of the Serengeti.
To get the best viewing on the other hand in Kenya's Masai Mara July through to September are usually regarded as the best months.
