Whether your top concern while traveling is cancelled flights, physical overexertion, wildlife, or crime, your safety and your peace of mind are our top priority. We arrange travel only to destinations that we know intimately and have the resources on the ground to keep you secure. We remain personally available to you 24/7, even while you’re in Africa. We work only with reliable partners who have spotless track records with regard to the safety of their guests. We require that all travelers have full medical and evacuation insurance. And finally, should an emergency arise, we have the connections, experience, and resources to successfully resolve the situation.
Please notify Piper & Heath of any medical condition you may have prior to your arrival, such as limited mobility or use of a CPAP machine. This includes any allergies or food intolerances.
Respecting Wildlife & Safety
Safety is of utmost concern to us, and we request you take note of the following general guidelines:
- Most of the safari camps are unfenced and dangerous animals can (and do!) wander through the camps. Please follow all manager and guide instructions when walking through or around camp.
- Many of the animals and reptiles you will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare, however, there are no guarantees that such incidents will not occur. Piper & Heath Travel and its subsidiary companies, their staff members, associates, agents, and their suppliers cannot be held liable for any injuries caused during an incident involving the behavior of wild animals.
- Observe animals with minimum disturbance and respect their natural behavior. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.
- Never attempt to attract an animal’s attention. Do not imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle, or throw objects.
- Please respect your guide’s judgment about proximity to all creatures. Do not insist that they take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle too close to wildlife can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.
- Do not litter. Litter tossed on the ground is unsightly and environmentally unfriendly.
- Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal. This is especially important near lodges or in camps where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
- Please note smoking may be prohibited, especially on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill animals.
Valuables & Cash
During travel, you should take basic safety precautions.
- Lock your luggage when flying, and do not leave your bags unattended.
- Do not check valuables (i.e. cash or cameras) or medication in checked luggage.
- Do not allow strangers to assist you at an ATM.
- Camps will have safes in the rooms or in the main lodge areas. Use these to store additional cash and important documents like passports.
Water
Drinking plenty of water is critical, especially during the warmer months. It is generally recommended that you drink at least a half-gallon of water per day to prevent dehydration.
Generally, water at the safari camps is safe to drink directly from the tap. However, bottled or filtered water is readily available, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated.
Dietary Requirements
If you have any specific dietary or religious (i.e. Halaal or kosher) requirements, please ensure that Piper & Heath is notified prior to arrival. We can accommodate most requests, but need advance warning to do so.
Insect Borne Issues
To avoid issues with insects in the bush, we advise wearing long pants and long sleeves, light colored clothing, and a generous amount of bug repellent. Many of these insects are limited to seasonal and geographic regions. The below information is only in support of that given by a travel clinic like Passport Health USA or a medical practitioner.
- Malaria is only transmitted by a very small percentage of female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are primarily active during the evening and night. Malaria transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November through April. Most camps are situated in remote areas with less mosquito prevalence; nonetheless, you should consider taking preventative measures. Speak with your doctor about using malaria prophylactic just before and during your trip.
- Tsetse fly bites can be sharp and stinging, as they have a long, defined biting proboscis. While on game drives or walks, be aware that they occur most often in wooded areas rather than on the plains. Generally, bites can be prevented by simply brushing the flies away. Infected tsetse bites can be treated by applying an antihistamine cream to the bite area. Tsetse flies can be especially bothersome in parts of Zambia and Tanzania.
- Ticks are a well-known nuisance. The most common species in the savannah regions of Africa are the “hard ticks,” which attach themselves to a host to feed before falling or being brushed off. Ticks can transmit “tick bite fever,” which presents symptoms after a 5- to 7-day incubation period and include fevers, headaches, malaise, and even a skin rash. However, effects can vary dramatically from person to person. A dark black mark usually results at the site of the infected bite and is a helpful diagnostic. The disease is easily treated with antibiotics, though this is not always necessary.
- Yellow Fever is a viral illness without a cure that is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is, however, an effective preventative vaccine. Proof of vaccination is required when visiting countries like Congo or Uganda. Most countries that do not have risk of yellow fever themselves require proof of vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Those who are pregnant, HIV-positive, undergoing chemotherapy, or have a suppressed immune system are exempt from the vaccine requirement. You should still visit a trusted travel clinic or medical practitioner for a consultation and to get an exemption certificate before travel.
