Questions before you start your planning?

Why David Rogers Travel?

We’ve worked in the travel business for a long time – as guides, photographers, marketers, travel consultants, you name it. We’ve been to the places we send our clients, we’ve built relationships over time and have hand-picked the establishments we feel deliver the best service. We have literally spent our lives figuring out how to help people have better travel experiences.

Do you plan all the logisitcs, arrange local guides, transfers, and that sort of thing?

Yes. We always arrange hotels and typically arrange all transfers (by air, land and/or sea) from the moment you arrive at your destination until the moment you leave. Additionally, we coordinate local guides, activities, excursions, special events, restaurant reservations, and anything else you’d like our help with. That said, every traveller is different, some want an African holiday that is planned to the minute and involves a vast number of arrangements, while other trips and safaris are more flexible and free-flowing, with a moderate degree of support. It’s up to you.

Can I book some of my African safari directly?

We prefer to manage your full holiday itinerary, that way we can ensure that transitions are smooth, and in truth, by using us you NEVER pay more than market value. When things go wrong, having a warm body to speak to makes the world of difference!

Do you book international flights?

We have a preferred booking agent who manages all the international and domestic flights on your behalf. We can include these in your itinerary, but often we put you in touch with them directly so flights can be done by credit card. Flights are usually only held provisionally for 24 hours, so paying by CC is usually best and that way you can also take advantage of any included travel insurance. Passports copies are always needed to reserve flights.

How long does it take to plan an African holiday?

It depends on a variety of factors (i.e. how far in advance of the trip you contact us, hotel availability, complexity of the itinerary, and changes you may decide to make along the way). We’ve planned trips in as little as a week, while others have taken months to finalize. One thing you can be sure of is that we share your enthusiasm for finalizing the details as quickly as possible. The more advance notice we have, the faster and easier it is to plan a trip. And the more likely it is that you’ll get exactly the trip you want. Africa should ideally be planned way in advance (think 12-18 months prior to departure) due to limited availability at safari camps.

How does your pricing work?

Each custom African itinerary has a single trip price, which includes all hotels, transfers, guides, and activities. The trip price is fairly comprehensive and typically covers the bulk of what you’ll spend while on your trip. That being said, there are some things that are generally not included in your trip price, such as tipping, travel visas, shopping, some meals, drinks and your flights to/from the destination.

How much should I budget for my trip?

We recognize that it’s very hard to know as there are many factors involved. However, we would ask you to carefully consider overall price from the outset. Think about flight costs. Think about what elements of the trip are most important to you (length of trip? hotels?). And think about those little costs like shopping, meals and tips. The more specific you can be about your budget, the better we’ll be able to work to it. If you want more help outlining a budget for your travel, please ask us.

What are your payment terms?

We require a non-refundable deposit of 25% of your trip price. Full payment is required 90 days prior to travel. Our Terms & Conditions below outline the pricing and payment details.

How do I pay for my trip?

Payment is preferrably done by electronic bank transfer so that there is no need to add on credit card fees. For full pricing and payment details, please read our Terms & Conditions.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please read our Terms & Conditions for complete details. Our cancellation fees are not negotiable

Questions about the planning process:

Where do we start?

Every trip starts with a phone call, email or Zoom session. We get to know you, you chat to us and we get a feel for your interests and your holiday aspirations.

When, where, how?

To start, we address the big questions. When do you want to travel? Do you know where you want to go exactly, or don’t you have a clue? Maybe you know exactly what you want right down to the safari lodge of choice. Either way, we will be listening, giving you some suggestions and sharing our thoughts – but mostly we will be listening to you.

Starting a rough sketch

We will begin by outlining a high-level sketch of your trip, with very broad ideas and outlines. We will give you enough information to navigate your options while focusing on the big picture. What country, region, style, experience etc. We will offer you a rough quote that gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Building the bones

Once you are happy with our ideas and the price range, we roll up our sleeves and start building the nuts and bolts of your trip. We book accommodation, seek out the best local guides, manage the logistics, book flights and buy permits. We will finalise your quote, inclusive of all details. We will send you a link to your digital itinerary, and a quote – for final acceptance. 

Then what?

When you are ready to pull the trigger, we will send you an invoice, outlining the required 25% deposit that is generally required to secure your itinerary. This is the point that we suggest you also secure travel insurance. 

What happens then?

Now you sit back and relax until it is time to do your second payment. There is an opportunity then to finalise and do small amendments/additions to the itinerary. Generally final payment is done 90 days before you depart, giving time for funds to clear, and for us to pay over to suppliers.

Getting your documents:

Once we have done with all the payments, we will send you your final itinerary. This is in the form of a link, that shows both a summary and detailed version of your day-to-day itinerary. You will not require vouchers, as everything will be on your phone/tablet. 

Questions when you are about to travel 

Do I need shots or inoculations?

It depends. Every country has different suggestions and requirements. It’s always best to check with a travel health clinic.

Do I need entry visas?

It depends. Every country has different rules and requirements. These seem to change on a regular basis, so it’s always best to check with the relevant embassy or consulate, although we will attempt to guide you to the best of our ability.

Is tipping included, and if not how much?

Tipping is not typically included in your trip price. Gratuities are a very individual thing, highly dependent on the situation. However, in your final travel document we provide tipping guidelines to help you quantify appreciation in various situations.

What to pack?

  • Valid passport (International arrival)
  • Valid visa – if required (see section pertaining to your trip)
  • One other picture ID (e.g. driver’s licence)
  • Photocopy of passport page to carry in wallet
  • Air tickets
  • Expense money
  • Recommended inoculations
  • Travel insurance

Packing for Your Safari – Clothing and equipment:

Travel light. If you are flying into your safari destination, your luggage must be packed in a soft tog or duffel bag, and limited to 12 kilograms. You should also bring a day pack to carry any essentials you might need whilst actually on safari.

Dressing for Safaris

On safari most people wear shorts and a T-shirt during the day and put-on long-sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening for warmth as well as protection from mosquitoes. Should you be particularly sensitive to the sun a loose cotton shirt is essential during the day. Beige and neutral coloured clothing is recommended.

A fleece or sweater and a windbreaker is also essential for game drives, because it is highly possible that you may go out on a hot day but be faced with a chilly evening on your return.  Some areas have a steep temperature gradient, i.e. Very hot days and very cool nights.Remember that layering your clothing will keep you warmer than relying on one thick item.

Clothing To Pack

  • 2 pairs khaki cotton pants (jeans are rather hot)
  • 2 pairs sturdy shorts
  • 2 long sleeved shirts (for sun protection as well as warmth)
  • 1 light sweater or sweatshirt
  • 1 lightweight, waterproof windbreaker
  • 1 or 2 pair sturdy walking or hiking boots or running shoes
  • 3-5 short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
  • 5 changes underwear and socks
  • 1 hat with a brim (baseball caps might cover your nose but not your ears and neck)

Essentials

  • Toilet kit including shampoo and soap
  • Large towel and washcloth; thin, quick-drying

Equipment Requirements

  • Good quality sunglasses plus protective case
  • Handiwipes or ‘Babywipes’
  • Stuff-sacks or plastic packets; to compartmentalize items within your travel bag
  • Repair kit: needle and thread, nylon cord, rip-stop tape
  • Personal first aid kit; see further down this list

Optional

  • Camera and film or memory card. And batteries. Film and batteries can generally be obtained at the rest camps, but at a price of course, so please be sure to have sufficient supplies for your needs.
  • Binoculars
  • Paperback reading and writing material (keep weight at a minimum)
  • Bird and animal checklist
  • Snacks; trail mix, nuts, hard candies
  • Extra sweater
  • Wool or leather gloves (if you really feel the cold)
  • Down vest or jacket (if you really feel the cold)

Definitely Required

Sunscreen or block. The sun can be very strong so a #10 or higher screen will be needed for the first few days if you are pale; #4 or 5 may be adequate thereafter. The African sun is harsh most of the year and sunburn on safari, in the heat, is not fun.

  • Aspirin or Tylenol for mild pain or headache
  • Moisturizer, lip balm
  • Imodium for diarrhea
  • Topical antibiotic (e.g. Neosporin), for cuts, bites or sores.
  • Insect repellent. The principal active ingredient is N, N-Diethyl-Metatoluamide (DEET), an effective repellent will have 75% content or higher. Liquid drops are best for skin application unless your skin is sensitive, sprays may be taken for clothes.
  • A-Fil Sun Sticks are best for lips and nostrils.
  • Moleskin or Second Skin adhesive pads for blisters.

Personal First Aid Supplies List

Bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience and preferences will influence your choices. If you take prescription medicines, bring a supply for your entire trip, as these are not available on safari.

Please note that you may be very far from any medical facility. For detailed and/or definitive medical advice, please consult your physician. Your medical requirements are your responsibility.

Personal Choice

Cold capsules and/or allergy capsules . Diarrhea prophylactics: Vibramycin, Ampicillin, Bactrim, Tetracycline, all prescriptive drugs, may decrease or prevent diarrhea when taken in small daily doses. Please consult with your physician. Eye drops, foot powder, spare glasses or contact lenses, personal drugs, properly labeled, with prescriptive forms.

Feminine protection: may not be readily available for purchase.

Travel Documents

A valid passport is required for your trip; be sure to check the expiry date. It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of the photo page and the entry stamp page of your passport as an additional piece of identification.YOUR PHOTO-COPIES SHOULD BE STORED IN A DIFFERENT PLACE TO YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. If your passport is in a hotel safe, or in an embassy for visas, or if you were to lose your passport this precaution would prove invaluable.

Visas

While we endeavour to provide the correct Visa Information, it is impossible to track political fluctuations daily.
Please check with us, as well as your own Internal Foreign Affairs Department, passport office, or local travel agent as to what visas you require.

Travel Insurance

It is your responsibility to provide for your own travel insurance. It is imperative that you accomplish this prior to your arrival in Africa, since you will be unable to participate in any travelling activities without it.

Photography

Africa is an extrememly photo-opportunistic continent. From panoramic scenery, wildlife and birds to people and vibrant ceremonies. Rich colour and good low lighting conditions abound. Always carry enough film, memory sticks, batteries etc, as it is difficult to get in some remote places. Keep your cameras in a dust resistant, padded case and out of the midday sun.A 200 mm (or longer) telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari. In African culture it is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking them first.

Personal Medical Conditions

This is important, so please check the health notices and malaria information for the countries you plan to visit.Should you have any particular ailments requiring specialised medication, you should ensure that sufficient stocks are carried by you, during your stay.If you are carrying prescription medicine, you must carry a copy of the prescription with you.

Also bring any reading material for your free time while on safari.

Have a wonderful safari!

Our terms and conditions

Note: by sending us your initial deposit (or any subsequent payment) toward your trip price, you are confirming your acceptance of the terms & conditions here.