Africa Holidays

If your holiday follows a route that is exclusive to South Africa, there is no need to obtain a visa. Other African nations that do not require British citizens to have a visa for stays under 90 days include Zambia, Namibia and Botswana. Travellers to Kenya need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) ahead of arrival, while visitors to Tanzania need a visa, which we recommend obtaining in advance for ease of travel.

Please consult your doctor for any specific health advice based on the latest recommendations and your travel plans and health conditions before embarking on an African safari. Typically, health authorities advise vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus and updating your routine vaccinations. Additionally, because of the prevalence of mosquito-borne illnesses in Africa, your provider may prescribe a vaccination for yellow fever or malaria medication.

While clean, potable water may be available in the major cities of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, you should drink bottled or filtered water if there is any question of safety. Further, opt for bottled or filtered water when travelling to remote destinations and smaller villages, where clean water is not available.

Check with your mobile service provider to see if they offer coverage for your route through Africa and if international roaming rates apply. While cell phone service may not be available in remote regions, select hotels, restaurants and trains, such as the Blue Train, offer Wi-Fi, which you can use to communicate via messaging apps.

Should you need to contact emergency services during your travels, the number to call changes by nation. Services may also be limited by your location.

• In South Africa: 112 connects you to an emergency operator
• In Botswana: Dial 997 for an ambulance, 999 for the police, or 911 for medical rescue
• In Tanzania: Emergency services are available in Dar es Salaam by dialing 112 but may limited elsewhere
• In Kenya: Call 999 for assistance from an ambulance, EMS or fire department
• In Namibia: To reach an ambulance, call 10111, the fire department, 999, and the police 112
• In Zimbabwe: Dial 999 to be connected to an emergency operator in urban areas or the police station in rural regions

Mainland Africa is divided into four time zones, with much of the country falling under the West Africa Time Zone (WAT), which is UTC +1 or the Central Africa Time Zone (CAT), which is UTC +2. The East Africa Time Zone (EAT) encompasses regions like Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar and is UTC +3. Most safari holidays fall in the CAT or EAT. Be sure to adjust your watch and devices accordingly upon arrival.

Africa's climate varies across the continent; however, due to its positioning, most of Africa enjoys a tropical climate with four seasons, including a mild winter, making it a year-round destination. Its southern hemisphere countries see spring from September through November, summer from December through February, fall from March through May and winter from June through August. The most important distinctions, though, are that of the wet season and dry seasons.

While the wet and dry seasons vary by location, in most safari regions of Southern Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, the dry season typically lasts from April to October, while the wet season takes over from November to March. In eastern African locations, the wet and dry seasons have a narrower window, with the dry season peaking between July and October. Each of these seasons brings its own wildlife viewing opportunities, with the dry season's limited water sources forcing animals together and thus providing a higher frequency of viewings and the wet season's births.

Every safari provides a unique experience, even when following the same route. Animals are free to roam their parks and preserves as they please, though certain times of day lend themselves to different viewing experiences. Heading out on early morning wildlife viewing trips allows you to see big cats returning from their nightly hunts and some nocturnal animals before they settle in for the day. Late afternoon safaris showcase animals as they graze and look for water. While there is no guarantee, some animals you may see include the 'Big Five' - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalo - giraffes, hippopotamuses, cheetahs, zebras, and many other species of mammals, reptiles and birds.

Our itineraries are thoughtfully designed with stays in highly rated hotels with central locations in cities and in well-known lodges or hotels near preserves and parks where safety is of the utmost importance. While out on safari, each expedition is led by qualified rangers and trackers who dedicate their lives to the safety of both the animals and park visitors. Should you have any safety concerns while you are on a Great Rail African safari holiday, the Tour Manager is always available.

Though it seems cliché to pack a bag full of olives, tans, khakis and whites, experience shows that these are the best colours for animal viewing. The point of any wildlife spotting experience is to blend in with your surroundings, fading into the backdrop as animals go about their lives. Africa's terrain is filled with these muted hues, and if you are wearing bright colours, you will stick out and could be seen as a threat by the animals. This means they may hide or run away, limiting your viewing opportunities. Wearing black, while not bright, could cause you to overheat while under the African sun.

To accommodate adventures at different times of the day, pack items that can be layered; sweaters and light jackets are an important addition to any suitcase. Comfortable walking shoes and pants that you are comfortable sitting in for long periods are also recommended. Other items to bring along include a backpack or collapsible back to bring along on safari, sunglasses with a lanyard, a hat, a camera, binoculars, sunblock, mosquito repellant and a mobile phone lanyard so you do not accidentally drop your phone while navigating rugged terrain.

The currency varies by country in Africa, and many of our safari holidays feature time in multiple nations. While some countries accept US dollars (USD), Euros (EUR) or British pounds (GBP), South Africa requires the use of its own currency, the Rand (ZAR). The Rand is often accepted in other countries, as well.

For your journey, bring along a mixture of cash and credit cards, checking with your financial institution for foreign transaction fees and ATM fees before departing. While credit cards can be used in many major cities and at hotels, cash is often required in more remote areas and for tipping. Exchange only the cash you will need in each destination during your trip, as most currency, aside from the Rand, cannot be exchanged back into GBP, EUR or USD.

While tipping is not required during an African safari, it is customary and always appreciated. Consider tipping drivers and safari guides, specifically. Any hotel, train or lodge staff member you feel goes above and beyond can also be tipped. Further, when dining out independently, it is customary to leave a tip of at least 10% of the cost of your bill.

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.