YOUR COSTS TO CONSIDER:

THE KITTY
Each trip forms a central fund called the group kitty. This payment is made in Africa at the start of the safari. It covers two meals a day and accommodation when eating and sleeping as a group as opposed to when you leave the truck such as the excursion to Zanzibar Island. For lunch we encourage you to get out and mix with the local community, shop in the markets or try a local cafe. The kitty also covers the core game parks of the safari and other additional highlights. Each listed safari details what the kitty covers for that specific trip. Operating a kitty on each safari gives the group greater control over its expenses and lifestyle. The kitty is the groups money and any remaining funds are yours and are returned at the end of the safari.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Each listed safari details the relevant optional extras.

PERSONAL SPENDING MONEY
Do take some spending money with you, mainly to cover lunch, drinks and souvenir shopping. We are currently recommending £70 - £100 a week spending money for all listed safaris on top of the money you take for optional excursions.

How much spending money you actually need is very individual and often depends on how much you drink, eat and shop during the trip. Many campsites also offer the opportunity to upgrade so you can sleep in a bed in a dorm style context or a simple chalet. If you wanted a break from camping during your trip then again adjust your spending money budget accordingly. Other times spending money is needed is if you elect to stay back on the occasional overnight excursions or safari such as if you chose not to go to the Okavango Delta safari your spending money would then be needed to cover camping and meals if the majority of the group are away from the truck at that stage. This way the kitty payment is used fairly across the group. Spending money also covers occasional small costs coming under £10 e.g. canoe hire and village walks, as well as personal expenses such as communication home and toiletries. If Zanzibar is on your itinerary spending money also covers evening meals during your island stay so you can choose from the wonderful array of seafood menus available.

AIRFARES
We are happy to advise on flight costs and departure taxes to coordinate with safari departure dates. Do remember to allow 2 days overrun on safaris when booking flights.

INSURANCE, VISAS, VACCINATIONS
Insurance is essential when travelling in Africa. Make sure your insurance has comprehensive cover for personal accident and medical expenses and includes repatriation home. Insurance should be considered at the time you book your safari and flights. If you need assistance with insurance we are happy to help. All relevant visa and vaccination information is also available.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT - WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:
A sleeping bag and roll mat
Personal eating utensils
Small personal medical kit including antimalarials and mosquito repellent
Any visas that you need to get ahead of time
Yellow fever certificate
Your passport. This should be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure with adequate pages for the required visas.

YOUR PREDEPARTURE PACKAGE
Upon booking you will be given a predeparture package including information on your visa and immunisation requirements, what to bring on the safari and how to join the trip. Detailed personal budget information, further itinerary details, information on the weather conditions, campsites, life on a truck and health and safety issues are also included. We are also happy to advise for both before and after your safari on excursions....to Kenya's beach resorts, diving packages, trips into the Masai Mara, treks climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, pony trekking in Lesotho or touring the Garden Route on the Baz Bus.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSFERS - BEFORE AND AFTER THE SAFARI
All required information re transfers and accommodation for both before and after your safari is available in the predeparture package. We are happy to reserve accommodation for you prior to departure. For further information have a look at our pre-safari page on the web.

YOUR SAFARI
Our aim is to provide an exceptional safari at a budget price. Please note it is not always possible to follow departure and arrival dates nor the routes set and itineraries are provided as a guide only. We reserve the right to change vehicles on a safari at any time without notifying passengers. We also have no control over local operator's prices. Safaris in Africa are always an adventure and your crew carefully consider the most favourable route in consultation with the group.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Don't hesitate to contact our office if you want to know more. We are always happy to talk on the phone. We are also on email and fax. Please feel free to visit the office to look at video footage and photos of past safaris or just to ask questions and discuss your trip. tel: 020 8742 0226 email: absaf@absoluteafrica.com