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| What is the climate like in Southern Africa? |
for South Africa: www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=South+Africa
for Namibia: www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Namibia
for Botswana: www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Botswana
for Swaziland: www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Swaziland
for Zimbabwe: www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Zimbabwe
| How far in advance would you suggest I book? |
At least 4 weeks before start of tour in order to avoid cancellation fees. See Terms And Conditions for information on cancellation rules.
| How far in advance would you suggest I book? |
At least 4 weeks before start of tour in order to avoid cancellation fees. See Terms And Conditions for information on cancellation rules.
| What are the passport, entry and visa requirements for travel in South Africa? |
Visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for at least six (6) months in order to accommodate your travelling time. Visas can be obtained through the foreign affairs offices in your country of residence if applicable.
| Is travel in South Africa safe for tourists? |
Our travel destinations are selected to take care that
we do not place travellers in dangerous areas. We monitor each areas safety
status on an ongoing basis and exclude areas that could possibly be unsafe
for our guests.
You can become a victim of crime anywhere in the world - it is always
wise to take precautions when travelling. In general, keep travel documents,
large amounts of cash, airline tickets and valuables in a safe if provided
in your hotel or lodge room. Otherwise store in a safe place in the room.
Take care not to flash money, expensive cameras and jewellery in public
places. Never leave your luggage and personal items unattended especially
at airports. Do not walk alone on deserted roads or lonely beaches and
streets, especially after dark. Never pick up hitchhikers when travelling
by car, and finally always adhere to the advice provided by your tour
guide.
| Who will meet me at the airport on my arrival? |
Your tour guide will meet you. You will receive, along with your itinerary, the name and contact numbers for your guide and after hour’s assistance for our offices in the event of an emergency.
| Will I travel with a group? |
Yes you will and dependant on which tour you choose the group size may vary.
| What baggage restrictions apply when travelling? |
The normal baggage allowance per person is 20kg, plus hand baggage. However, consult with the airlines with whom you will travel. The full 20kg is allowed per person on our tours except where otherwise specified (see tour description).
| What is the climate like in Southern Africa? |
As different the landscapes are in Southern Africa,
as different is the climate.
A general rule: We offer tours in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland
only between September (spring) and April (autumn). The exception is the
Comrades Tour in June.
During that period you can find the day temperature range between 20 –
35 degrees centigrade (up to 40 in January & February), and night
temperatures between 10 – 20 degrees centigrade.
Tours in Namibia are only offered between May (autumn) and September (spring).
During that period you can find the day temperature range between 20 –
30 degrees centigrade, and night temperatures between 5 – 15 degrees
centigrade.
Southern Africa has a wonderful climate with ample of sunshine and clear
clean air. Rain is falling mainly between October (spring) and March (late
summer). The exception is the south western part of the country. The area
around Cape Town receives its rainfall mainly between May (autumn) and
August (winter).
| What clothing and personal items would you recommend I bring? |
As the day/night temperature difference is quite big
you need light short clothing during the day and a jersey and long pants
for the evening. Even when travelling during the hot summer months a rain
jacket and long clothing should be part of the baggage.
For the bike tours a helmet, cloves and cycling pants are recommended.
You can bring your click pedals and shoes along. For the adventure and
hiking tours hiking boots which reach above the ankle are important and
the runners should take more than one pair of running shoes along.
You can leave your electrical world travel adapter at home. It only works
in Botswana. For 2 US$ you can get a local one. Most hotels have them
in their rooms, or one can get them at reception.
Spare glasses / contact lenses
Sun glasses
Binoculars
Torch
Rain jacket
Photocopy of passport and airline tickets (to be kept separately from
the originals)
Travel insurance
| What foreign currencies will I need for travel? |
For travelling in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho or Swaziland you will need South African Rand (ZAR). It is also advisable to bring your credit card along with you for unforeseen expenses such as souvenirs, drinks and meals where not provided by African Bikers Tours.
For tours that run through Zimbabwe please make sure you have the recommended amount of US$ as stipulated by African Bikers Tours as local currency is not accepted here.
Your credit card can be used in most places along our routes, however, cards such as Diners and American Express is not accepted at certain hotels and lodges. We will advise this along with your itinerary.
In most medium (or larger) sized towns banks will accept Travellers Cheques like Tomas Cook and American Express
| How much of my tour can be pre-paid? |
All hotels, lodges, camps, meals as stipulated according to itinerary and bike hire where applicable will be pre-paid by African Bikers Tours. Please check your itinerary carefully to check where we do not provide meals.
| What medical services are available? |
There is no general answer to this question. Our tours take you through many places that have excellent medical services and also to remote areas with more limited services. If you have any “conditions” enquire with African Bikers Tours whether it is advisable to select certain tours. Note that it is very important that we know of any medical conditions before hand.
| What medical precautions should I take? |
Dependent on which tour you select, some countries do have pre-requisite for certain inoculations or vaccinations and require proof on entry. We will advise you of this when making your booking.
| Can I refill my medical prescriptions when travelling? |
If you are on any prescribed medication we advise that you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay. Matching your prescription at a Southern African pharmacy may not be possible. Also ensure that you have copies of any prescriptions when travelling. You may be asked to show proof of this at certain ports of entry.
| Is the water safe to drink? |
While tap water is frequently purified and safe to drink in many of the destinations we visit, seek the advise of your tour guide and/or hotel, lodge or camp manager. Bottled water is always available from supermarkets if you prefer this to tap water. Never drink water from pools, streams and rivers without purification.
| Am I safe from wild animals when game watching? |
As long as you follow the instructions from your tour guide and/or ranger you will be fine. Stay in the vehicle if you have been instructed to and if you always demonstrate good judgement you have nothing to be concerned about.
| Is it safe to swim in the ocean and the rivers? |
Always swim in areas demarcated as safe for swimming. Never wander away too far from the group and do not swim at or after sunset. Again, follow the advise of your tour guide.
| What is the difference between a lodge, rondavel, cottage and house in terms of accommodation? |
A lodge usually refers to an upmarket accommodation venue, built generally out of rock or wood and made to fit in with its surroundings. Luxury and service are the main aims, often the same or even better than a hotel.
A rondavel is a round dwelling often with a thatch roof. Most of South Africa’s traditional people in the homeland live in rondavels.
A cottage is a rectangular building, very much like a bachelor flat, with one bedroom, kitchen and living room.
A house is a larger form of a cottage, having more than one room and a separate lounge, dining area and kitchen.
| How long is African Bikers Tours operating? |
The company has been found in 1994. The company registration number is ck 95/113/80/23.
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