Frequently asked questions.

Traveling to Africa is one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences you can have. At My African Concierge, we have a deep understanding of Africa, it’s nuances, it’s people and how it works often to the beat of its own drum. We also understand the questions and concerns you may face embarking on visiting this wild, beautiful and somewhat mysterious continent we call home. We endeavor to take care of you every step of the way, from the moment you begin planning to the moment you return back home after your inspiring trip.

Please download our handy Essential Travel Info pack, and take a look at our below for our responses to the most frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Africa?

We believe Africa has something to offer everyone throughout the year- it really depends on the experience you wish you have and what activities you would like to focus on. We will ensure you will not leave Africa without ticking off some memories off your bucket list!

For wildlife viewing, during the dry winter months, there is less vegetation to hinder your views and animals congregate near water sources making this time the most popular with safari goers. These months tend to be May to October which coincides with the Northern Hemisphere summer break making it more convenient to travel with children. The winter months also offer lovely warm days and cooler evenings which is preferable to the summer heat.

During the rainy summer season also known as the green season, most animals have their young and despite the denser bush, there is still lots of wildlife action to enjoy. These months (November to April) also offer better and more vibrant photographic opportunities as there is less dust in the air. Bird watching is better during the rainy summer months when birds are breeding and the migratory birds are present.

What to pack?

Most lodges and hotels offered by My African Concierge include laundry facilities and many well-thought-out amenities so we encourage you to pack light.
We have however narrowed down a list of the packing essentials:

  • Light rain gear for the summer months

  • Camera equipment and spare batteries and memory cards

  • Waterproof or dust proof bags or cover for your camera

  • Binoculars, night vision if you’d like for the night safaris

  • Personal toiletries

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • A good torch and spare batteries

  • Mobile phone and chargers

  • Reading head-lamp

  • Your sense of adventure.

  • Neutral colored clothing items such as t-shirts (long and short sleeves) shorts/skirts, long trousers/slacks

  • Preferably polarized sunglasses

  • Sun hat or cap

  • A light scarf for the hot and cold weather

  • A few more formal outfits for you’re a special occasion such as a luxury train ride

  • Good walking shoes

  • Sandals

  • Underwear and socks

  • Swimming costumes and bikini

  • Anorak, parka and scarf and gloves for the chilly winter mornings

How do we get there?

My African Concierge will book you the airline of your preference ensuring the safest and most convenient routes. If you would prefer to book your own flights, we recommend the following airlines:

  • KLM

  • Virgin Atlantic

  • Ethiopian Airlines

  • British Airways

  • Delta

  • Emirates

What about Malaria?

Malaria is not to be taken lightly but is certainly preventable. There are numerous factors that influence the risk of contracting malaria such as the area, time of the year and population in the area. We recommend speaking to your doctor before travelling and gauging whether to take malaria prophylaxis before your trip.

Whilst on your travels you can also lessen the risk by avoiding being bitten by wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evening and applying a good mosquito repellent at dusk and sleeping under a mosquito net or in an air-conditioned room. All luxury safari camps ensure mosquito nets and repellent are available for guests and special attention paid to ensuring children and the elderly are protected from possible bites.

What is the weather like?

As with most places in the world, depending on the area and time of the year, the weather may vary.

The Southern African region including Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa (excluding the Western Cape), expect hot and wet summers (November to March) with temperatures between 20 to 40 degrees Celsius (68 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit) and cool dry winters (April to October) with temperatures between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

The Western Cape region of South Africa offers a more Mediterranean climate expect hot and dry summers (November to March) and cold wet winters (April to October) with temperatures between 15 to 32 degrees Celsius (59 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer and 0 to 20 degrees Celsius (32 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter. This area is known for the varied weather in one day and it’s best to pack for all seasons when visiting the Cape.

Do we need vaccinations?

Again, depending on the area you choose to visit, you may need inoculations for Yellow Fever, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Cholera and Rabies. We recommend speaking to your doctor before traveling.

How safe is travelling to Africa ?

Africa is a large and varied continent and despite some bad publicity, the Southern African region is relatively safe. We do however encourage visitors to keep their wits about them, as you would in any less-developed country to avoid petty crimes or unnecessary incidents. You will, however, spend most of your time in exclusive and relatively remote areas on your safari where crime is very rare.

Do we need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is recommended for any international trips and My African Concierge will be happy to advise you on the best options or to organize it for you before your travels.