FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We know you will have many questions when travelling to an unknown destination.Â
Below are our frequently asked questions to help answer those questions and ease your mind.
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If you have any further inquiries, you are welcome to email us at admin@cnpsafaris.com, and one of your staff will be happy to assist.
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Do I need a COVID-19 vaccination/test to travel?
Currently, none of our African destinations require COVID-19 vaccinations or tests to enter the country.
What medical aspects must I consider when travelling to Africa?
Most countries in the Southern and East Africa Regions are established malaria areas. Insect repellant should be used in conjunction with bed nets and appropriate clothing as preventative measures. When travelling to areas with a high risk of malaria, it is recommended to take antimalarial medication. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the best medication for your trip.
Kenya & Tanzania are regions of Africa where yellow fever can be found. Travellers entering or leaving yellow fever-affected countries must get vaccinated against the virus and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. This protects against yellow fever, malaria, and dengue fever. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is require by international law, which becomes valid after 10 days of vaccination. The certificate should be with you during the trip; failure may lead to you being denied entry.
Ticks are commonly found in the wilderness areas of Africa. it is recommended that guests going on bush walks take precautions to avoid getting bitten by wearing long trousers, socks and boots. Tick bites can result in tick bite fever. It is advisable to visit your doctor if you develop any symptoms of tick bite fever.
Travellers with allergies such as bee stings or asthma are reminded to pack the required medication.
Please alert your tour leader if you have serious allergies and note food allergies on your registration document.
Most lodges and CNP Vehicles have a first aid kit, but it is recommended that you bring plasters, travel sickness tablets, antiseptic cream, pain relief tablets, indigestion tablets, sunscreen, eye drops, medication for upset stomach, and after-sun moisturiser. Remember to bring your chronic prescription medications.
Do I need a visa to travel to Africa?
Most travellers from the USA and Europe usually do not require visas to travel to South Africa or Botswana, but for other destinations, visa requirements may vary depending on the country. We are happy to provide you with information about visa requirements based on your itinerary and country of residence, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct information and apply for visas where necessary. Keep in mind that visa requirements may change, so always ensure that you have the latest information.
It is crucial to ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months after your return from Africa and that you have at least two blank pages in your passport, or you may not be allowed to travel.
What documents do you require from me?
When booking a safari/workshop we require the following documentation:
· Registration form
· Personal Indemnity form
· Photographic equipment list
· Copy of Passport
· Copy of Flight tickets
· Copy of Travel Insurance
As part of your safari, you will need to provide your passport as proof of identification. We require it to book regional flights (if required or included in your safari) and to check you in at the hotels/lodges you will be staying at. Your tour leader will keep copies of your passport and other relevant documents such as your travel insurance, in case of any emergencies.
To assist you with any flight-related challenges such as delayed flights, missed connection flights or missing luggage, we need your flight details. Without the correct booking reference and passenger details, we will be unable to provide assistance.
All the necessary documents, including the Registration Pack (first three documents) and a Destination Pack for each safari destination you will visit, will be sent to you when you confirm your booking. These Destination Packs will contain essential information about the destination and other information like vehicle/boat etiquette, photographic guidelines and a photo rating system.
Do I need travel insurance?
 Yes, if COVID taught us anything, it’s that travel insurance is a must. All guests are responsible for taking out adequate medical and travel insurance for the full duration of your tour. Ensure that it covers changes to/or cancellations of your travel itinerary, medical cover, evacuation, and repatriation.
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Please provide us with a copy of your insurance policy.
What payment options do you have available?
Our secure online payment system is through PayGate, and we accept most major credit cards, instant EFT and direct bank transfer payments.
Note that Paygate payments will incur an additional processing fee of 3%.
Do I need cash during my safari, or are there card payment facilities?
Most lodges have card facilities available, but it is advisable to carry cash for staff gratuities and any emergencies that may arise.
What currencies do they use in the different African countries?
South African Rand – ZAR – R
Namibian Dollar – NAD – N$
Zimbabwe – USD – $
Kenyan Shilling – KES – KSh
Botswana Pula – BWP – P
What is SADC rates?
If you are a citizen of South Africa or one of the other 15 southern African countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and plan to travel to another member state, you may be eligible for discounted rates called SADC rates. These rates will save you money compared to standard rates. If you’re not sure whether you qualify or what the tariffs will be, please ask us. We’re happy to help.
*Note: The rates under the PAY NOW tabs on the website, will appear in ZAR – South African Rand or USD – United States Dollar, depending on the IP address of the computer you are using. To qualify for the SADC rate or Special South African rate a valid passport must be submitted.
How far in advance should I book my safari?
It is recommended that you reserve your space on our most popular safaris well in advance as they tend to sell out over a year ahead.
How do I secure my booking, and how long can you hold it?
Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of the completed registration pack and a non-refundable 35% deposit. Tentative bookings are valid for 14 days only.
What is a Single Supplement?
A single supplement is an extra charge that hotels or lodges apply when a guest occupies a double or twin room alone. This fee is usually 50% of the per-person sharing nightly rate, although it may vary depending on the destination.
Does my photography need to be on a specific skill level to join?
No. We are equipped to welcome guests of all photography skill levels, from beginners to experts. Even if there are varying skill levels within a group, our tour leader can provide individual assistance to each photographer. Novices can learn the fundamental principles and techniques of photography, while experienced photographers can be pushed to explore their skills and camera technology to the fullest.
Do you have a travel App?
Yes! We know that travelling can be stressful, so we’ve got you covered with our travel App, Vamoos. Each Safari has its very own personalised App, and we’ll send you the login details about a month before you arrive.
With Vamoos, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips! You can access your itinerary, travel documents, destination guides, maps, live weather updates, and even your flight details. We’ll even load your Destination pack onto the App, so you can have all the information you need before and during your trip, all on your phone!
What vehicles do we use on safari?
CNP Safaris takes pride in owning specialised photography boats and vehicles. Our specialised boats are used on the Chobe River, while we use our specialised photography vehicles in East Africa. We use standard game-drive vehicles in places where we cannot use our vehicles.
What is a private safari?
A private safari is tailored to meet your needs. You’ll have a dedicated CNP Tour Leader to accompany you throughout the tour. This type of tour is exclusive and private. Your tour leader’s primary objective is to ensure your photographic requirements are met and you take home everlasting memories from your bucket list trip.
What if non-photographers want to travel with me?
Everyone is welcome to join us on any of our photography tours, regardless of whether they are photographers. We make sure that non-photographic partners are always included as part of the group. In fact, many non-photographers have discovered a newfound passion for nature photography while on our tours.
When is the right time to go on a safari?
This depends on the destinations you will be visiting, but most safaris in Southern Africa are best enjoyed during the winter months, April to October. November to March is the rainy season.
East Africa experiences two seasons, which vary between the High and Low Seasons. The Predator season falls within the Low Season, which occurs in January, February, and June. On the other hand, the Migration season is part of the High season, which takes place in July, August, September, and October.
What do I pack?
Our Destination Packs include comprehensive suggested packing lists with all the information on what is needed to pack for each specific destination.
What equipment do I need to bring?
We welcome any camera and equipment brands. Our Destination Pack includes a suggested equipment list tailored to each specific destination. The list is merely a suggestion, and each client brings the equipment they have available. Should you wish to rent equipment, we can refer you to a reputable supplier.