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Seasons
In the southern hemisphere, summer time is our winter and vice versa. When
is the best time to go? The answer is: it's always a good time to go! For
diving, at different times of the year you may see different migrating
animals ranging from Whale sharks to Turtles, as well as an abundance of
'usual' reef inhabitants. For safaris, the animals are around all year and
the experienced trackers and rangers will be able to guide the game drives
to get the most out of your trip. See our
dive calendar
to give you an idea of what animals are around at different times of the
year.
Diving
Some of the dive areas we
offer are challenging and you need to be suitably qualified. We will
inform you of the requirements prior to booking.
Recompression Chambers
South Africa has
well-developed medical facilities including recompression chambers at Cape
Town, East London and Durban. Mozambique is less developed and diving
casualties have to be evacuated to South Africa for treatment. The
Seychelles has 1 chamber in Mahé,
Mauritius has 3 including a mobile one run by the coastguard. Zanzibar has
a chamber on the island supported by several dive centres. Ensure your diving insurance covers this or think about joining an
organisation like DAN (Divers Alert Network).
Security
Travelling through
southern Africa holds no risks if you are sensible. Many people seem to
get a 'holiday head' when they go abroad, being careless with their
personal belonging and themselves. In general, do not keep large
quantities of cash in your wallet/purse (credit cards are widely accepted
and bank machines are available so you do not need to take that much cash
with you); split cash up and keep it in several places in your luggage; do
not wear a lot of expensive jewellery; use lodge safes where available otherwise
keep valuables locked in your luggage; don't tell strangers your room
number and don't invite strangers into your room; keep to well populated
areas, especially after dark.
A rule of thumb is 'don't
do anything you wouldn't do at home'!
Malaria
Malaria is probably Africa's foremost widely spread disease
and in most regions of Africa you should take protective and preventative
measures. Particularly when visiting Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia during
the rainy season it is advisable you take some form of prophylactic drugs.
Always get the latest advice from your doctor or a
Tropical
Diseases Hospital at least a month before travel. Whilst there,
cover up and use a mosquito repellent between dusk and dawn, and a mosquito
net at night.
Travel Insurance
Always
ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you
for repatriation home and if you are diving ensure it
covers you to the depths you anticipate diving to. Remember to take
copies of your policy together with emergency contact telephone numbers.
Money
GB£, US$, €, SA Rand are
widely accepted or exchanged in the countries we feature, and most major
credit/debit cards are accepted. It is not advisable to purchase large
amounts of other currencies (such as Mauritian or Seychelles rupees) and
in some cases local currencies are restricted meaning you can only get
them in the country (Mozambique meticais, Zambia kwacha).
Special requests
We endeavour to fulfil every
special request but if this is not possible we will inform you prior to
travel. In general vegetarian options are available at lodges and hotels.
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