Frequently Asked Questions – Your Journey with Lerato Adventures
Planning a safari is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident and excited every step of the way. Whether you are wondering what to pack for the bush, how to navigate travel logistics, or how we tailor experiences for your family, we’ve gathered the most common questions here. Once you booked with us, you will get a FAQ list specifically for your trip and many more documents and personal contact so there won't be any unanswered questions before and during your safari.
1. Planning & Booking Your Safari
What is the process to book a safari?
-
Inquire: Contact us with your travel dates, group size, destinations, and budget. The more detail you provide, the better we can tailor your experience.
-
Consult & Design: A dedicated consultant will reach out to refine your ideas. We will then draft a custom safari itinerary, which can be adjusted until it’s perfect.
-
Book & Confirm: Once you approve the offer, we’ll send a provisional booking for your deposit. Please note that in case you requested us to book your flights, they must be paid within 24 hours of confirmation to lock in quoted rates.
-
Support: After confirmation, we handle every detail and provide all necessary travel info. Lerato Adventures remains your sole point of contact, supporting you before, during, and after your journey for a stress-free experience.
What is your payment policy?
We require a 50% deposit to confirm a booking. The balance will be due 60 days before travel. Payments are done into a South African Bank Account, either in CHF, USD, Euro or South African Rand.
Can you assist with flights and transfers?
It is up to you if you want us to book the international flights for you but generally, we'll handle everything. Your happiness and hassle-free travel is our primary concern from the moment you place an enquiry to the moment you return from your trip.
2. Travel Essentials & Logistics
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your destination and your nationality and Lerato Adventures will inform you about visa requirements when discussing the safari with you. While some countries require you to obtain an eVisa before arrival, others will give you a visitor’s visa upon entering the country. In general, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date and have at least 2-3 blank pages.
What about Malaria and vaccinations?
The answer to this question also depend on your destination. Many safari destinations are in malaria-risk zones. We strongly recommend consulting a travel clinic about prophylactics. Common required vaccinations include Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid. If you are traveling from or through a Yellow Fever zone, you will need proof of Yellow Fever vaccination to enter.
What kind of luggage should I bring?
To ensure a smooth journey, we highly recommend traveling with soft-sided bags (such as duffels or soft-shell suitcases). Hard-shell suitcases with rigid frames or wheels can be difficult to fit into the limited luggage compartments of bush aircraft and 4x4 vehicles. Traveling with a soft bag allows for much more flexibility and ensures your gear fits easily into every stage of your adventure. If your safari includes a bush flight, weight restrictions will apply. We will inform you about these well in advance so you can plan ahead.
What should I pack?
Once your safari is confirmed, Lerato Adventures will send you a variety of documents, one of which is a booklet that includes a packing list. Depending on your destination and time of year, the clothing might differ a bit but in general it would include:
-
Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
-
Light layers (mornings are cold, afternoons warm/hot)
-
Hat & sunscreen
-
Good binoculars
-
Camera with zoom lens
-
Closed shoes
-
Avoid bright colours and camouflage (illegal in some African countries).
3. The Safari Experience
What is a typical day like on safari?
This is just an estimate and times change over the season and location. A day on safari is not the same when you stay in a rest camp where meals are not included. No night driving is generally allowed in National Parks.
-
05:30: Wake-up call with tea/coffee
-
06:00: Morning game drive (animals are most active at dawn).
-
09:30: Hearty breakfast/brunch back at the lodge.
-
Midday: Relaxation, pool time, or "armchair safari" from the deck.
-
15:30: Afternoon tea followed by a sunset game drive.
-
19:30: Dinner, time around a campfire (Boma).
Will there be Wi-Fi and electricity?
Many lodges offer Wi-Fi, but it may be slow or limited. Some remote camps run on solar power and switch off electricity at night. But in general, think: digital detox with wildlife.
Can we hire a driver-guide if we prefer not to drive ourselves?
Absolutely. If you would rather sit back and soak in the scenery than navigate African roads, we can provide a professional driver-guide for your entire journey. This is a popular choice for those who prioritize safety and relaxation. Beyond handling the logistics of the road, your guide acts as a wealth of knowledge, sharing deep insights into local cultures, geography, and hidden gems you might otherwise miss. It turns every transfer into an enriching part of the adventure.
4. Languages & Translation Services
Do you offer tours in languages other than English?
Yes! We understand that experiencing the African bush is even more impactful when shared in your native language. We offer guided translated tours specifically designed for non-English speaking guests. Our experts can arrange for professional translators or specialist guides who are fluent in languages such as German, French, Italian, and Spanish to accompany your private safari.
How does the translation service work during game drives?
For a seamless experience, your translator joins you on game drives and around the campfire, providing real-time interpretation of your ranger’s wildlife sightings and bush lore. This ensures you don’t miss any of the fascinating details about animal behaviour or local history. These translated offers are part of our commitment to a stress-free and inclusive journey.
Can I request a translator for a private family safari?
Certainly. We highly recommend this for families traveling with children or grandparents who may prefer communicating in their own language. By including a translator, the whole family can fully engage with our 'Bush School' activities and junior ranger programs without any language barriers.
5. Family Safaris
Is a safari suitable for children?
Absolutely! Safari can be a life-changing experience for children, fostering a deep love for nature and wildlife. We specialize in designing family-friendly itineraries that balance exciting game drives with downtime. While many lodges have age restrictions (often 6+ or 12+ for certain activities), we hand-pick accommodations that offer 'Junior Ranger' programs, family suites, and swimming pools to keep everyone engaged.
What are the age restrictions for game drives?
Safety is our absolute priority. Most lodges allow children over the age of 6 on standard game drives. For families with younger children, we often recommend booking a private safari vehicle. This gives you total flexibility to return to the lodge early if the little ones get tired and allows your guide to tailor the experience specifically to your children’s interests without worrying about other guests.
Are there special activities for kids?
Many of our partner lodges offer incredible 'Bush Schools' where children can learn to track animals, identify birds, and even learn traditional bushcraft skills. From 'bug safaris' around the camp to stargazing and cookie-making with the lodge chefs, we ensure that the education is just as fun as the adventure.
What about safety in unfenced camps?
We only recommend lodges for families that meet our strict safety standards. In unfenced camps, children must always be under adult supervision. Lodges provide safety briefings upon arrival and professional escorts to walk you to and from your suite after dark. If you have very young children, we can prioritize fenced lodges or private safari villas for extra peace of mind.
What documents do I need for my children?
When traveling to Southern Africa (particularly Botswana, Namibia and South Africa) with minors, you must carry an original unabridged birth certificate for each child. If only one parent is traveling, a signed affidavit of consent from the other parent is required. We will guide you through the specific paperwork needed to ensure your entry is seamless.
6. Impact & Values
How does my booking support local communities?
At Lerato Adventures, we believe in 'Travel with Purpose.' We are a proud partner of The Small Village Botswana, a Swiss-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and children in Botswana. Their work focuses on essential healthcare, education, and entrepreneurial development – including training for future safari guides.
When you book with us, a portion of your safari investment is donated directly to their projects, such as the 'Level Up' workshops and feeding programs in Maun. By choosing Lerato Adventures, you are directly contributing to the well-being and future of the local communities that make your safari experience so special.
The Lerato Adventures Difference: Why Travel With Us?
Expertise Born on the Ground
We are a boutique agency with a team born in Africa, living there, or possessing years of experience as guides. This real, on-the-ground experience allows us to provide expert knowledge that you won't find in a brochure. We prioritize personal accountability, ensuring you have a single point of contact from your first inquiry until you return home.
Tailor-Made, Never the Same
We believe no two journeys should be identical. We tailor-make every experience from scratch, ensuring your itinerary is a unique masterpiece that reflects your specific interests. Whether you are looking for a classic game drive, an adventurous walking safari, a night under the stars in a sleep-out, or even a professional guide course, we design it for you.
A World of Choice
Our deep roots in the continent allow us to offer a huge variety of travel styles and accommodations. From flight-based (fly-in) safaris to traditional driving journeys, and from rustic mobile camps to ultra-luxury permanent lodges, we hand-pick and personally vet every property to ensure it meets our strict quality and ethical standards.
Guided Translated Tours
To ensure the magic of the bush is accessible to everyone, we offer specialized guided translated tours in Swiss German, German, French, Dutch and English. We arrange for professional translators or specialist guides to accompany your private safari, providing real-time interpretation of wildlife behaviour and bush lore in your native tongue.
Travel with Purpose
Choosing Lerato Adventures means giving back. We are a proud partner of The Small Village Botswana, a Swiss-based non-profit dedicated to empowering women and children in Maun. A portion of every booking is donated directly to their healthcare and education projects, ensuring your safari leaves a lasting, positive impact on the local communities.
Still have questions?
Planning a safari is a big decision, and we are here to make it seamless. Our consultants have lived and worked in the African bush and are ready to share their first-hand knowledge with you. Whether you want to discuss malaria-free zones for kids or need help choosing the right family villa, we are just a call or message away.