reservations

Etosha National Park

When is the best time to plan your African Safari? Anytime! Each season has its special merits. In general, most regions of southern Africa experience one or two rainy periods each year, but even these do not preclude you from viewing wildlife (the rains are intermittent), and they bring wonderful lush landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and an abundance of baby animals.

The general rule is that the cool, dry winter months (April to October) are best for wildlife viewing safaris. During this time, the absence of surface water causes wildlife concentrations around the few remaining sources of drinking water. The short grass and absence of foliage makes for easier sightings of animals. During the warmer summer months (November to March), dramatic afternoon thunderstorms transform the bush into a lush green paradise. Wildlife is more dispersed, and dense green foliage makes them more difficult to see. October through April are pleasant months to visit the coast and beaches, especially the Cape coast of South Africa. Three species of whales visit various points along the coast between June and October to breed and calve in natural bays, providing for some of the best shore-based whale watching in the world. The unique flowering of the desert in Namaqualand takes place after the scanty annual rains, typically during August and September. And rare leatherback turtles, the largest species of turtle in the world, visit the northeast coast of South Africa between November and March.

Keep in mind that in the off season there are fewer visitors, and prices are often lower! Africa's seasons are reversed from the winter/summer seasons of the northern hemisphere. Generally, the coldest months are June and July, and the warmest months are November and December. And no matter what time of the year you are considering, remember that because of the small size and exclusive nature of the region's best camps and lodges, it is often essential to book your safari long in advance.

The price of your trip does not include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage delay and loss protection, or emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Magamba Safaris offers an optional insurance package, available through CSA Travel Protection. With CSA, you're protected against unforeseeable trip related expenses such as: * Trip cancellation, interruption and delay * Emergency medical treatment or evacuation * Lost, stolen or damaged baggage or travel documents * Luggage delay
We highly encourage you to purchase trip insurance. Based on our experience, trip cancellation due to unexpected medical circumstances is quite common. Additionally, keep in mind that evacuation and medical expenses in remote areas could easily become VERY expensive. We think that CSA Travel Protection provides peace of mind for a reasonable fee.

All visitors to southern Africa are required to carry a passport which is valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay. US tourists are not required to obtain visas for entry to Botswana, Namibia, or South Africa. Visas are required for entry to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Check the U.S. Consulate Consular Information Sheet (http://travel.state.gov) for the latest visa information. You can avoid the hassles of getting your own visas. Zierer Visa Service (http://www.zvs.com) will purchase them for you! We can send you the necessary forms in your pre-departure package. You must apply 45 to 90 days before departure.

• Botswana
  
  
  Yes! We offer a group travel discount for four or more people traveling together.
  
  
• Kenya
  
  
  Only if you want to make someone really happy! We think the gift of adventure is a fantastic statement for any special occasion — especially for honeymoons and wedding anniversaries, or as incentive awards for top sales achievers or marketing teams!
  
  
• Madagascar
  
  
  Adventure travel works best with a certain-sized group of people. In order to keep your group small, our scheduled trips are priced according to the number of clients on a full trip. In determining the number of clients for a full trip, Magamba Safaris staff, trip doctors and other discounted travelers are excluded.
  
  
• Mozambique
  
  
  We require a trip deposit at the time of your booking. Payment can be made by PayPal or personal check. Prices are quoted in US dollars, and all payments must be made in US dollars.
  
  
• South Africa
  
  

  Items included in our trips:

  
  Professional guides, accommodations, all meals (except where noted in the itinerary), airport transfers, sightseeing as noted in the itinerary, items of a reasonable personal nature, including laundry, sodas and alcoholic beverages, all park entrance fees and permits, and ground transportation.
  
  

  Items not included in our trips:

  
  International airfare, regional/domestic airfare, charter flights, meals not noted on itinerary, optional gratuities for your professional guides and local staff, excess baggage charges, airport departure taxes, cost of medical immunizations, and insurance of any kind,. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
  
  
• Tanzania
  
  
  You may alter your itinerary, or transfer to another trip without penalty, up to 90 days prior to the scheduled trip departure. We recommend that you purchase the travel insurance package to protect yourself.
  
  
• Uganda
  
  
  We recommend that you purchase the travel insurance package when you book your trip, to protect yourself against unforeseen events.
  
  At the time we receive written notice or a fax that you must cancel your trip, the following fees will apply:
  
  
• Zambia
  
  
  You may alter your itinerary, or transfer to another trip without penalty, up to 90 days prior to the scheduled trip departure. We recommend that you purchase the travel insurance package to protect yourself.
  
  
• Zimbabwe
  
  
  You may alter your itinerary, or transfer to another trip without penalty, up to 90 days prior to the scheduled trip departure. We recommend that you purchase the travel insurance package to protect yourself.
  
  

Trip members have certain responsibilities to Magamba Safaris and to other trip members. Trip members are responsible for understanding the conditions implied in the Trip Itinerary, and for selecting a trip in consultation with Magamba Safaris that is appropriate to their interests and abilities. Trip members are responsible for preparing for their trip by studying the Trip Itinerary and supplemental Trip Information sent by Magamba Safaris.

Screening for fitness for trips rated as "moderately strenuous" will be made by our professional guides at the time of booking. At the discretion of the trip leader, a member may be asked to leave the trip, if the leader feels that the person's further participation may be detrimental to the other trip members, or to the individual.

It is vital that people with medical problems make them known to us well before departure. The trip leader has the right to disqualify anyone at anytime during the trip if he or she feels the trip member is physically or mentally incapable and/or if a trip member's continued participation will jeopardize the individual involved or the group. Refunds are not given in such circumstances.

Hospital facilities for serious problems are often unavailable and evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Magamba Safaris assumes no liability regarding the provision of medical care. Trip members will receive appropriate health information. If you are age 65 or older, a Medical Certificate must be signed by your physician. Once you have been confirmed on a trip, normal cancellation penalties apply if your doctor does not approve the Medical Certificate.

This is only a partial list of conditions. Your participation is contingent on the full list of terms specified in the Participant Information Form, which will be sent to you after we receive your deposit for your trip.