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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Age
Q. What age do you have to be to volunteer?
A. Adventurers of all ages are welcome. Unaccompanied minors are welcome and we can provide optional chaperones if required.
Included
Q. What is included in the price?
A. Each trip is different and has its own inclusions.
Included in every tour:
Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
Transport as listed in the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Game park entry fees as indicated in itinerary
Excursions as indicated in itinerary
Not included:
International flights, taxes, meals that are not included in your itinerary, excess baggage fees, passport and visa fees, insurance, drinks, medical expenses, vaccinations, tips, or camera fees (some countries charge fees in order to take photos of certain sites).
Flights to Africa
Q. How do I arrange a flight to Africa?
A. For airfare information, check www.kayak.com or contact the airline of your choice. Best connections are through London or Amsterdam. You can often fly into one city and out of another.
Booking
Q. How do I book a trip with BenefacTours?
A. It is very important that you read the booking conditions prior to making a reservation. We will send you an application form to be completed when booking. A deposit of 50% is required when booking and the balance 60 days prior to the start of your trip. We accept Visa, Mastercard, cash or cheque for payment.
Insurance
Q. Where can I buy travel insurance?
A. BenefacTours can provide travel medical insurance in Canada and trip cancellation/interruption insurance for any other travellers. Go to Travel Guard or contact us for more information.
Group Size
Q. How many people will I be travelling with?
Private safaris are designed for 2 or more people. Scheduled group safaris are available for single travellers or those who wish to join a group. Volunteer packages are typically designed for 1 or more. All trips are customizable.
Baggage
Q. What sort of baggage should I take?
A. Soft sided luggage or backpacks work well. You will be carrying your own bag, so please ensure it is light. Check with your airline as to baggage restrictions with size and weight. Flights within Africa may restrict the baggage allowed.
Camping
Q. Is it possible to take a camping or budget safari?
A. We can arrange camping or budget scheduled holidays that include wildlife and cultural activities. Contact us for more information.
Spending money
Q. How much spending money will I need?
A. You will need funds for meals that are not included, drinks, water, tips, optional excursions, and souvenirs. You will be provided an information package once you have made a booking as to type and quantity of currency that is best to bring. 1 litre bottles of water run usually $.50 - $1.00, local meals $1 - 2, and western meals $3 - 10.
Packing
A. What things should I take?
Q. You will be provided with a recommended list of items to bring at time of booking.
Food
Q. What kind of foods will I be served?
A. Food inclusions vary according to the trip you choose. Safari lodges offer a wide variety or western and international fare. When volunteering, plenty of local and western foods are available. If you are staying with a local family, you will be treated to the local fare, normally fresh and organically grown. Please consult your itinerary and let us know if you are vegetarian or have other nutritional needs.
Domestic Flights
Q. Can I fly within the country or from other African countries?
A. Some trips may cover great distances and may include a flight. Kenya and Tanzania have many local flight destinations, including to several game parks. We can arrange these for you. Consult your itinerary for details and be aware of baggage restrictions.
Airport transfers
Q. Will I be met me at the airport?
A. Most trips include arrival and departure transfers in the country you originate the tour in. You will be met either by your safari guide, private driver or a representative from Benefactours.
Single Supplements
Q. Are there single supplement fees?
A. Safaris normally allow for double occupancy. You may choose to have single accommodation, where available, and will be charged a single supplement. Volunteer placements are typically single occupancy.
Warning
Q. Are there any dangers to be aware of?
A. Travellers are advised to not carry valuables or wear expensive jewellery when walking in large cities. Always use a money belt worn inside your clothing. Uganda and Rwanda are quite safe so usually there is no problem walking after dark. Cities in Tanzania and Kenya, however, do report muggings so best to take taxis after dark. Homosexual activity is considered a criminal act in many African countries, and may be punishable by prison or worse. See Canadian Government's Travel Reports for additional information or contact the High Commission in your country.
For more information, see booking conditions.
Benefactours Inc. ™
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