Simply fill in the contact form you can find here. We will get back to you within 24 hours and assign your file to a dedicated travel designer who will send you a first quote.

Definitely. Your dedicated travel designer is available via e-mail, WhatsApp or phone anytime. He knows you file and will assist you with any change you might want to make.

Yes, we offer travel advice free of charge. Please just let us know beforehand so that we do not open a file for you, which might result in unnecessary follow ups and could irritate you. Simply forward your questions or enquiries to info@kamaroutes.com and let us need which areas of your trip you need help with. Even if you decide to travel, you are under NO obligation to use our services to book hotels and activities.

Refunds are processed once we receive your written request. Please note cancellations BEFORE the trip are subject to the contract we send you with your itinerary and are more specific. For refunds taking place after your trip (for instance if a service didn’t take place as planned). The procedure is simpler. Whatever the case may be, contact you designer regarding your refund and he/she will gladly assist you.

This will depend on the country you will visit and the period of the year. Your designer will advise you once the itinerary is finalised and you have set your dates. In general:

if game drives are included in your programme, warm sweaters (e.g. fleece) and layering of clothing (e.g. vest) are recommended. Sunglasses and a hat are also a must, since game drives in some reserves will be conducted in 4x4s vehicles with an open roof.

Revealing clothing is usually not appropriate and offends local customs, and swimwear should be reserved for the beach and pool only.

Light cotton clothing and shorts are suggested in the warm lowlands. While in the highlands, medium weight clothing with a warm jacket (e.g. fleece) is appropriate. As mentioned, we recommend layering of clothing on safari as temperatures can vary through the day.

During the rainy season, a light raincoat (e.g. cagoule) and a sweater is best for the evenings. Most camps will provide an umbrella and waterproofs when required.

As medical advice changes from time to time, your doctor and local travel clinic should be consulted about current information on health requirements and regulations.

General
The incidence of HIV is much more common in Africa. Please be aware of this and take the necessary precautions.

Malaria
Travellers to most parts of sub-Saharan Africa are strongly advised to take anti-malarial medication according to prescription recommendations, and to use insect repellents. Malaria is a serious disease, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. You must take preventative medication and we strongly encourage you to seek the advice of your doctor.

Most properties are extremely good at catering to all sorts of allergies and dietary requirements, but it important that you let us know of any requirements in advance, so we can make the necessary arrangements.

An adaptor is always included in your Kamaroutes goodies bag, but if you have many appliances to charge at the same time, you can choose to bring an extra adaptor with you.

In some tented camps and lodges power is only available in the early mornings and evenings, and some do not have power in the rooms/ tents. There are also a few properties that do not have electricity in either the rooms or the tents. Torches are sometimes provided, but it is highly recommended that you bring your own. As most camps run on solar or a small generator, items like hair dryers cannot be used on safari as they will overload the system. If you need use of hairdryers we can provide further information of facilities on your specific itinerary.

Kamaroutes created the Kamaroutes Index, a 6 level rating scale below for its partner properties, based on their star grading, facilities, reviews from past travellers and their rates.

BASIC: This rating is for campsites and backpackers hostels. Here, only the camping spot or bed is included; clients take care of their meals and activities. A communal kitchen and ablution facilities are usually available. These properties are ideal for camping enthusiasts and travellers on a very tight budget.

STANDARD: This rating is for accommodations like restcamps in national parks, “luxury” backpackers hostels and glamping (glamorous camping) grounds. No meal or activity included, but your room, kitchen and bathroom are private. Star grading for this type of accommodation is usually 2 stars and is ideal for travellers on a tight budget but who need their privacy.

COMFORT: Here breakfast is included by default but can be removed if clients request it. You get a private and well-furnished room/apartment with amenities like air conditioner, bar fridge, coffee station and TV. This type of accommodation is usually 3 stars and is ideal for travellers on a budget but looking for above-average services.

SUPERIOR: This category is best described as “ charming with a touch of luxury”. All meals and activities included here ( city tours, game drives etc…). This type of accommodation is usually 4 stars and is ideal for travellers who want to experience luxury without breaking the bank.

LUXURY: The rate here is typically from 500 Euros per person sharing per night. These are hotels and lodges with a distinctive architecture and impeccable service. This type of accommodation is usually 5 stars and is ideal for travellers who want only the best.

HIGH END: Exclusive hotels which can only welcome a very small amount of guests at once. High end hotels in out selection are priced from 1000 Euros per person per night and must be booked at least a year in advance. This type of accommodation is ideal for special occasions and once in a lifetime experiences.

This is up to your own and your doctor’s discretion. We recommend visiting non-malarial areas, of which there are many options in Southern Africa. If you have the medical go-ahead, let us know and we can design something around a non-malarial safari dependent on the age of the baby and the rules of the camp.

Many properties do have Wi-Fi, while some do not for reasons that vary between their remoteness and their desire to not distract from the safari experience. Please ask your designer for individual camp or lodge information.

Tipping of your driver/guide/staff and other guides or helpers is not compulsory but is customary and will be left to your discretion. However, tipping can be an awkward area, so we have outlined what we think is suitable. Please remember that tipping amounts should be viewed in a local context and your average camp staff will probably earn about US$ 200 per month. Generally tipping breaks down into four main areas:

1. General Camp Staff
As a rule of thumb 10 USD per person per day to cover all camp staff is acceptable. Lodges will normally provide you with an envelope for camp staff gratuities. This should be handed in on departure. Smaller camps and lodges have a small communal tip box where you can leave your tips for the manager to sort out later. If they do not, then please give the tip to the manager, in full view of other members of staff, upon departure.

2. Your Guide
Again, 10-20 USD per day for your guide is acceptable. Lodges will normally provide you with an envelope for guide gratuities. This should be tipped at the end of the safari and is dependent on how well you think that he or she has done his or her job.

If you are a small group or family, we suggest tipping no more than a total 50 USD per day to the guide.

3.. Restaurants and the like take the usual 10%. For porters and other minor assistance, 2-3 USD would be very generous. Occasionally you might be escorted by an armed park ranger, particularly if you are walking. A one-off US$10 tip would be well received as park staff are invariably poorly paid.

NB: Please view the above guides as an acceptable minimum if you have received adequate service.

By its very nature, wildlife is wild and so nothing can be guaranteed, but it is highly likely since the African wilderness is one of the best areas in the world for wildlife sightings.

Please take a look at this page ( link to we give back) where we detail some of the initiatives and organisations we are working with. We also encourage you to visit one or all of them during or at the end of your trip.