Frequently Asked Questions

 

You likely have lots of questions. We're going to answer the most common ones here. 

 

What can I expect in a normal day?

In the bush, there is no such thing as a ‘normal day.’ Each day is different, so even though we have a schedule, we also have to adapt to circumstances. Normally, summer days start at 6:30 (7:00 in winter) and end when everyone goes to sleep. Some nights we may track nocturnal wildlife as well. Weekends are free, yours to take advantage of and explore the areas surrounding the reserve.

 

What will the weather be like?

Weather in the Karoo goes from one extreme to the next, so pack layers. And unless you want to scare off all the animals, pack neutral colours. The idea is to blend in to the surroundings, not stand out.

 

Summers are hot (daytimes averages are in the 30s – Celsius, not Fahrenheit), with occasional thunderstorms; winters are cold (daytime average is 15, though we sometimes get berg winds that make winter days unseasonably warm), with occasional snow. Overall, it is a very dry climate, so bring lip balm and plenty of sunscreen. A hat is also a necessity. The sun here is intense, and we spend many hours out in it. Drink plenty of water!

 

Speaking of water ... is it safe to drink the tap water at the reserve?

The tap water on the reserve is completely safe to drink (and actually quite good), so yes, feel free to drink as much tap water while on Mount Camdeboo Reserve as you'd like. In fact, please make sure you do drink water, and plenty of it. Due to elevation, temperature and dryness, it's very easy to dehydrate out here.  

 

What level of fitness do I need?

You will need to be reasonably in shape, as there are times when we will be doing things like tracking wildlife on foot, repairing roads and vehicles, or hiking the perimeter fenceline to do fence checks. The hikes can be very long and the terrain is very rocky and hilly. The sun can also be harsh, particularly in summer, so remember to take water and a hat with you at all times.  

 

Is there internet access and cellphone reception?

There is no cellphone reception anywhere on the reserve. However, there are landlines (calls are at an additional cost) and there is limited WiFi; the conference centre also has DSTV. (But are you REALLY going to come to Africa and watch TV?)

 

How do I clean my clothes if I need to?

We provide free laundry services once a week. There are also washing lines if you want to handwash some of your clothes. 

 

What are the accommodations like?

Accommodations are in shared luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms. Each tent sleeps four people maximum, and has electricity, cabinets for clothes, and a deck overlooking the river. 

 

What is the camp like? 

There is a main meeting centre with a small gym and a communal kitchen for preparing meals. There is also a boma overlooking the river, equipped with a braai (bbq) for outdoor cooking.

 

Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?

Food is Should you have any dietary requirements, please let us know ahead of time. Though we will do our best to accommodate all dietary needs, we ask that you keep in mind that we are in a very isolated location, so sourcing certain foodstuffs may be a challenge.

 

What vaccinations will I need?

You technically don't need any vaccines to travel to South Africa. However, you will need the Yellow Fever vaccine if you are travelling to South Africa from a country with risk of Yellow Fever. Here is a link to countries with a risk of Yellow Fever: 

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever#4728

 

We are in a malaria-free zone at Mount Camdeboo, so while you WON'T need anti-malarials here, you MAY need them if you plan on traveling elsewhere in South Africa (or to other parts of Africa).

 

Other vaccines to get as a precautionary measure include Typhoid and Hepatitis A. 

 

What visas will I need?

If you have a US, UK, EU, Australian or New Zealand passport and are staying for 90 days or less, you will not need a special visa. If you plan on staying longer for 90 days you will need to organise a study visa through the South African Department of Home Affairs.

 

Please note: for all nationalities, passports must be valid for at least six months from the date you depart from South Africa. 

 

For anyone under 18, please check out these websites for more information - http://www.drivesouthafrica.co.za/child-visa-checklist/  

and

http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/information_for_travelers.html

 

What exactly is ecotourism?

Ecotourism is tourism that emphasises four main areas: conservation, education, traveler             responsibility and active community participation. For a more comprehensive look at this type of       tourism, check out this article from the Nature Conservancy: http://www.nature.org/greenliving/what-is-ecotourism.xml