GENERAL INFORMATION & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Travel with Embrace for many reasons!
• Experience Africa, backed by the experience of Embrace Africa Safaris, in business since 1993, as well as employees that are based in South Africa.
• Enjoy a more personalized approach to travel planning when you work with Embrace Africa, a family owned company, where we treat our travelers like our family.
• Choose from a selection of tours and we’ll get you there.
• You’ll have peace of mind with our comprehensive travel insurance and SATSA insurance.
• We take care of all the details, so an easy and hassle-free vacation awaits you.
• Enjoy the services of an Embrace tour guide who accompanies you throughout your trip.
• Give back to the community when you help us improve the lives of local adults and children in South Africa when you participate in our Ithaopa project.
Planning your dream vacation
• Decide which vacation is best for you
• Book roundtrip air, extra nights and/or tour extensions.
• Contact your professional travel agent to make your reservations for you.
• Choose your payment form—Credit card, Check or Wire Transfer
• Wait for your documents to arrive (e-tickets & booking confirmation will be emailed to you)
• Consult your travel doctor for any necessary shots
• Check that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your safari return date.
• Sit back and enjoy your vacation!
Groups
Small Groups and Carefully planned Itineraries assure you of the personal service you deserve and help you enjoy the African wilderness to
the fullest. No group itinerary operates with other guests – ensuring your exclusive and personalised tour.
Safari Services
Safaris and Tours are conducted throughout Southern Africa. Home from Home Service helps our guests feel confident and welcome, thousands
of miles from home in unfamiliar surroundings. You are met on arrival by a Embrace Africa guide, who will assist you with luggage and
transfers. On departure, friends are seen off in similar fashion.
Safari Vehicles
Privately owned Vehicle Fleet ensures that our guests always have access to a clean, well-maintained vehicle, appropriately sized and
equipped for your group and activities.
Safety and Security
Safety and Security issues are monitored on an on-going basis, and where appropriate, Embrace Africa staff members are available to assist
you with any safari difficulties on a 24-hour-a-day basis.
Medical
Medical Facilities in South Africa are extremely sophisticated, equipped with state-of-the-art testing and treatment equipment, manufactured
in North America. Should you require medical services in Africa, you can be assured that the most professional standards of care and treatment
are available.
Medical Evacuation Services gives guests in Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe the assurance that, in case of a medical
emergency in the bush, prompt medical attention by qualified personnel will be provided in so far as is possible by the Medical Evacuation
Service, including air transportation to the nearest medical facility. Log on to our Links for Medjet Services.
Meals & Drinks
Complimentary Bottled Water is included, important in regions with unreliable tap water and warm climates. We provide bottled water with all
meals and during game viewing excursions.
Hearty Meals and Mouth-watering full breakfasts/brunches and three-course,dinners are served in the accommodation facilities. Bottled water
and pure fruit juices are served with Breakfast/brunch and excellent South African wines and bottled water are served with dinners.
Smoking
Smoking Policy Our Smoking Policy requests that guests always be considerate of other safari participants. All rooms at the Mafigeni Safari
Lodge are non-smoking and guests are asked to smoke on the verandah. At the main lodge, we ask that guests refrain from smoking at the dining
room table and make use of the designated smoking areas.
Gratuities
Long-Standing Safari Custom dictates that gratuities to guides, trackers and camp staff be excluded from the cost of your tour. We believe,
and our guests confirm, that such gratuities are best determined by the personal relationship which develops between the safari professionals
and their guests and, as such, should be left to the individual discretion of each traveller.
Conservation
Conserving for the Future is an Embrace Africa priority and we work closely with conservationists to ensure that ethical values are served on
all of our programs. In short, we are dedicated to the preservation of wild animals and habitats.
Safari Estimates
No effort is spared in ensuring that you have a highly successful, memorable and enjoyable safari. On request, a “No Hidden Costs” quotation
will be given to you, which will include all safari costs, (daily rates, accommodation, meals, etc.) but will exclude drinks, souvenirs,
airfare and any accommodation before or after the safari.
Air & Ground Transportation
We know you are busy. That's why we belong to a program designed to take care of your air travel needs. When you purchase air arrangements
through FlyAfrica Travel Agency, a division of the Mafigeni Safari Company, you can expect the following:
* Booking of scheduled air service or charter flights for arrival to meet your safari timeously.
* Delivery of tickets to your specified address.
* Transportation from your arrival airport to the Lodge/Guest House/Hotel.
* Baggage delivery directly to your sleeping quarters.
* Booking guests wishing to travel together.
* Booking your preferred schedule and/or airline.
* Extended stays or early/late flight schedules before or after your safari.
With our air arrangements, you really don't have to worry about a thing! Any changes or cancellations of your air arrangements may be subject
to additional fees. We want this to be the best vacation of your life. So to make sure you have nothing to think about except having a good
time, we recommend trip cancellation insurance coverage.
Safari Videos
From arrival to departure, you can have it all on video! Contact Embrace Africa for more information.
Amenity Packages For Every Occasion
Whether you're honeymooning, renewing your vows or celebrating a birthday, Embrace Africa offers several special packages to enhance the
moment. In celebration of your wedding anniversary or just for a romantic surprise, why not recreate the most memorable day of your life by
renewing your marriage vows? All ceremonies are performed in an aesthetic bushveld setting, in traditional African style.
* Flowers for the bride and groom
* Wedding cake for two
* Photographer for the ceremony
* Traditional exchange of gifts
Email or call us for more information on Embrace Africa celebration packages.
Travel Documents
Make sure you have the proper forms of identification needed for your particular trip. Give yourself plenty of time to:
* Obtain or renew your passport (if necessary) - passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
* Make copies of your passport and store in different travel bags.
* Get all the required shots for the country that you are visiting.
Weather
The weather is generally warm during the day with mild mornings and evenings. During the winter months (Mid-May - August) it can get pretty
cool, so be sure to pack at least one warm fleece/jacket. Remember, we offer laundry services, so don’t over pack! Pack comfortable shoes -
one pair for hiking/walking/hunting and at least one pair for leisure (sandals/slops/et.)
Before You Board
Don't forget to pack your passport and other vacation documents in your carry-on bag; you'll need them to board your plane.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How do I make a booking?
You will need to contact us, acquire a safari estimate and available
dates. To confirm your safari reservation and receive a written
confirmation, you need to pay a deposit. This deposit will secure
your safari price, as well as your selected dates.
When is the balance due?
The balance of the daily rate (safari fees) is due 90 days prior to the
commencement of your safari.
How should I pay?
Personal Cheques
You may pay your deposit and daily rates (safari fees) with a
personal check made out to Mafigeni Safaris directly to your
Mafigeni Safaris representative or Mail a check to:
Mafigeni Safaris
Care Of: Crystal Burman
1412 N 26th St
Renton
WA 98056.
Personal checks will not be accepted in Africa to settle
outstanding amounts (additional costs incurred on safari)
Credit Cards
Mafigeni accepts Visa or MasterCard for both group and individual
bookings. The currency conversion will be calculated as per our inhouse
Foreign Exchange Rate of the day.
Travellers Checks
Mafigeni accepts travellers checks. Notify your bank well in advance
and order $1,000 denomination travellers checks, as well as smaller
denominations - $100, $50 and $20
Cash
US cash is also accepted.
Wire Transfers
Contact us for wire transfer details to South Africa.
Bill Pay
Contact us for Bill Pay banking details.
Revision Fees
A handling fee of $25.00 per transaction will be assessed for any change or revision made to a reservation. A change of departure date within 90 days of departure will be treated as a cancellation and cancellation charges will apply.
Cancellations & Date Transfers?
Cancellations of confirmed bookings and transfers to new travel dates will result in penalties and fees assessed by travel suppliers. If you need to transfer or cancel for any reason prior to safari departure, the following cancellation fees will apply:
• More than 180 days prior to departure—non refundable deposit will be retained
• 90-180 days prior to departure: 40% of total price
• 1-90 days prior to departure: 100% of total price
We do however strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance. You will be covered for cash reimbursement in the event of certain unforeseen circumstances up to the value of your safari. No refunds will be made if you don’t show up for your safari or if you interrupt or cancel your safari once it has begun.
What does the safari price include?
The safari costs include the services of a licensed guide, all your
accommodation, meals and drinks (as specified in your detailed
itinerary) during the safari period, as well as airport transfers. The
safari price is quoted per-person and is quoted in US dollars.
The safari cost does not include airfare, accommodations prior and
post the safari period and gratuities. The safari fares quoted do not
include Government tax, administration fees and any other applicable
surcharges. Above assessment is subject to change without notice at
any time.
What time of year should we travel?
Our season runs March through November. March/April being our Fall, May
through Mid September being our Winter and Mid September to November being our Spring.
Will the price change?
Embrace Africa Safaris reserves the right to increase published safari
rates and airfare supplement rates without prior notice. HOWEVER, once
Embrace Africa Safaris has received a full deposit from a guest, the
safari rates will not change, although the guest will remain liable for any
applicable taxes, fees or surcharges that may be assessed by any
governmental agencies.
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Will I need extra insurance?
Our Embrace Africa Safaris (a division of the Mafigani Collection)
liability for loss or damage is limited and we recommend that all guests
check their own insurance coverage. We recommend investing in trip
cancellation insurance, as well as medical insurance for the duration of
your safari. Check with your credit card company, as some cards
automatically offer this service when paying for your airline tickets and
safari fees with the credit card.
What about blow dryers, adapters & Laundry?
For the benefit of our guests, daily laundry services are offered at most
of the accommodation establishments. Most establishments also supply
hairdryers in the rooms and electrical adapters to charge camera batteries.
Do you cater for guests with special needs?
Embrace Africa Safaris welcomes guests with special needs and works
hard to assist them throughout their vacation. To receive appropriate
assistance, you must be sure to notify us at the time of booking of any
special medical or physical need and other relevant information,
including wheelchair characteristics. All guests must ensure that they are
medically and physically fit for travel and that such travelling will not
endanger themselves or others. Professional medical services are
available for a reasonable fee.
What medicines and shots will I require?
There are no mandatory shots for South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and
Botswana, however a Yellow Fever vaccination is required for Tanzania.
You will be required to present your yellow fever card at customs. The
Mafigeni Safari Lodge is in a low risk malaria area, however we
recommend that you consult with your travel doctor for anti-malaria
medication, regardless of where you’re travelling to in Africa.
Consumer Protection Plans
Embrace Africa Safaris, a division of the Mafigeni Safari Company, is a member of SATSA Bonded Scheme, a consumer protection scheme to provide guarantees against deposits held with SATSA members, which increases the focus on Responsible Tourism. The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) is the leading body representing the private sector of the inbound tourism industry. SATSA has established a reputation for integrity and professionalism by ensuring that members comply with strict criteria and a Code of Conduct. Embrace Africa Safaris is pleased to offer this additional protection to our clients.
General Disclaimer
Neither Embrace Africa Safaris, Mafigeni Safaris CC, it’s affiliated entities and its and their employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, person or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for these safari vacations. Because neither maintains an control over the personnel, equipment or operations of these suppliers, Embrace Africa assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any
• wrongful, negligent, willful or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the suppliers or other employees or agents,
• Any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment or instrument owned, operated or otherwise used by any of these suppliers, or
• Any wrongful, willful or negligent act or omission on the part of any other party not under the supervision and control of Embrace Africa Safaris.
Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes, theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, computer problems or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Embrace Africa Safaris reserved the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience or safety of the safari. Neither does Embrace Africa Safaris accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable
airline or other ticket to the tour departure city and return or otherwise. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owner at all times.
Participants may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Embrace Africa Safaris. Payment of the deposit to Mafigeni Safaris constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
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RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST
4-5 sets of casual clothes (the hotels/lodges do offer laundry facilities, sometimes for an additional fee)
4-5 sets of underwear and socks
Comfortable walking boots/shoes - tennis shoes ok
Casual shoes/slops/sandals for wearing around lodge/hotel
Jacket & gloves for cold mornings (between May and August,temperatures can drop to low 40’s)
Hat, Sunglasses & sunscreen (temperatures can rise to mid 80’s)
Binoculars
Camera and/or Video camera
Extra batteries for camera and video camera
Additional memory sticks and/or DVD’s to store photos
Personal medication and toiletries
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