Frequently Asked Questions

HOW MANY PEOPLE IN A GROUP?

Between 6 and 8 with two guides.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I TAKE?

For “open" Journeys, 2. If you would like more, you would need to book a custom trail.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

You will receive a comprehensive list of what to pack once a Journey has been confirmed. The items you will need are for personal use only and will not exceed what can be packed in carry-on luggage.

WHAT WILL BE SUPPLIED TO ME?

Standard Journey kit consists of a mattress, sleeping bag or bedding, eating utensils, water bottle and backpack.

WHAT WEATHER CONDITIONS CAN I EXPECT?

Most journeys are run outside the summer season so cold to cool nights with warm to hot days are expected. Rainfall is not normally anticipated, but there is always the outside chance of this.

WHAT DO I EAT?

The menu will consider (within the limitations of local availability) your dietary requirements.

WHAT WILL I DRINK?

Once out in the bush, we only carry water, tea and coffee. Carbonated drinks or alcohol are not considered part of the fare. The river water in the Okavango is potable and safe to drink, but river or spring water on the Makuleke will be purified as a precaution (purification drops are supplied).

HOW FAR DO WE WALK EACH DAY?

As far as the whole group is comfortable with. 

WHAT IS THE STANDARD OF TENTS ON A TENTED JOURNEY?

Our Botswana journeys utilise two-person 2m x 2m ripstop canvas dome tents with sewn-in groundsheets, insect netting and canvas flaps.

WHERE DO I SLEEP ON NON-TENTED JOURNEYS?

Campsites are selected with good visibility and/or suitable cover, and the entire party sleeps around the campfire. 

AM I SAFE SLEEPING OUT IN THE OPEN?

A night-watch roster ensures that there is always one member of the group awake in order to keep watch and maintain the campfire. Any unexpected encounters are managed by the guides.

HOW DO WE WASH? 

We wash in the rivers we drink from.

WHAT ABOUT ABLUTIONS?

Toilets consist of the tried and tested shovel, and gravity operated hole in the ground technique.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE ENCOUNTER ANIMALS? 

Listen to your wilderness facilitator.

ARE THERE SNAKES?

Yes.

IS THERE ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY?

There is a limited generator or solar powered electricity at our base camps, but no access whatsoever out in the bush. Your electronic devices should be left at the lodge or base camp.

IS THERE ACCESS TO A MOBILE CONNECTION OR WIFI?

As we operate our journeys in remote wilderness, no wifi, mobile connections or landlines are available.

IS THERE SOMEWHERE FOR ME TO LEAVE LUGGAGE?

Yes. The charter company or lodge will take care of it for your return.

CAN I TAKE A CAMERA?

No. Your facilitator will have a camera for pictures before and after the wilderness immersion begins and we will share these photos with you.

HOW CAN I BE CONTACTED WHILE ON TRAIL?

You can’t receive any incoming messages while in trail. In emergencies, it is possible to get a message out of wilderness: the relevant lodge or base camp and the Wild.Life office will manage this. Due to the remoteness, however, this process can take some time.

WILL THERE BE A SATELLITE PHONE? 

No. Given the terrain, we are in they don't always work. We do carry an emergency radio to contact local authorities, however.

DO I REQUIRE VACCINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO SOUTHERN AFRICA?

European or USA travellers do not require vaccination certificates, but we suggest that you confirm this with your relevant health office in good time before the journey departure.

WHAT MEDICAL BACK-UP IS AVAILABLE?

The guides carry a functional first aid kit (this does not include an Epipen) and are trained first aid responders. We do however suggest that you bring along any personal medications required.

WHAT DISEASES ARE THERE?

Low risk of malaria & tick-bite fever (rickettsia).

WHAT DO I TAKE FOR MALARIA?

Consult your travel medical professional. The seasons we operate in are generally low risk and here is a link to what is advised locally:

South Africa

Botswana

WHAT DO I DO FOR MALARIA & TICK-BITE FEVER?

You can take an organic insect repellent.

WILL THERE BE AN EPI-PEN? 

No. If you have a particular allergy that requires this, please bring one and let your facilitator know. They are first-aid qualified.

WHAT HAPPENS IN AN EMERGENCY?

A call is made to a regional emergency command & control centre where a doctor on duty will assess the situation. If there is a threat to life or limb, an evacuation by helicopter will be arranged to the nearest hospital.

WHAT DOES YOUR INSURANCE COVER?

Our cover includes evacuation but not in hospital expenses. Please ensure your policy provides adequate protection. Should you like more details, you are welcome to read our insurance policy document.