Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Age
Q. What age do you have to be to volunteer?
A. Adventurers of all ages are welcome.  Families find volunteering together a rewarding and memorable experience. We can provide chaperones for unaccompanied minors if required.

Airport transfers
Q.  Will I be met me at the airport?
A. Yes, you will be met either by your safari guide, private driver or a representative from BenefacTours. Most trips include arrival and departure transfers in the country you originate the tour in. 

Baggage
Q. What sort of baggage should I take?
A. Soft sided luggage or travel packs work well. If camping or taking a budget tour, you may 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, on small aircraft, often restrict the baggage allowance to 15 kg (33 lb).

Booking
Q. How do I book a volunteer tour or safari in Africa with BenefacTours?  
A. It is very important that you read the booking conditions prior to making a reservation.  We will send you a booking form to be completed when booking.  A deposit of 50% is required when booking a private tour and the balance is due 60 days prior to the start of your trip. We accept Visa, Mastercard, cash or cheque for payment.

Camping
Q. Is it possible to take a camping or budget safari?
A. We can arrange group camping or budget scheduled holidays that include wildlife and cultural activities. Contact us for more information.

Flights to Africa
Q. How do I arrange a flight to Africa?
A. For airfare information, check www.kayak.com, www.klm.com or contact the airline of your choice.  Best connections are through London or Amsterdam. You can often fly into one city in Africa and out of another.  

Flights within Africa
Q.  Can I fly within the country or from other African countries?
A. Some trips cover great distances and may include a flight to a city or game park. We can arrange these for you as an option. Consult your itinerary for details and be aware of baggage restrictions.

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 of western and international fare, usually buffet style. 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.

Group Size
Q. How many people will I be travelling with?
Private safaris are designed for 2 or more people and are customizable to whatever activity or location you would like. 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. 

Inclusions
Q. What is included in the price?
A. Each trip is different and has its own inclusions. 
Included in every tour:
Accommodations
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).

Insurance
Q. Where can I buy travel insurance?
A. BenefacTours recommends medical, cancellation/trip interruption, and baggage insurance to Canadian travelers, except for residents of Saskatchewan, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance for travellers from other countries.  Go to Travel Guard or contact us for more information. Note that insurance for Cuba is not covered under Travel Guard's plan.

Packing
A. What things should I take?
Q. You will be provided with a recommended packing list at time of booking.

Single Supplements
Q. Are there single supplement fees for those traveling alone?
A. Private safaris are designed for 2 or more people and normally allow for double occupancy. You may choose to have a single room, where available, and will be charged a single supplement.  Volunteer placements are typically single occupancy.

Spending money
Q. How much spending money will I need in Africa?
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, unless you dine in an upscale restaurant where prices can be much higher.

Visas
Q. Do I need to get a visitor visa prior to arrival?
A. Normally you can obtain your visitor visa upon arrival in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania or Uganda, whether travelling by air or by road.  You will need cash for this in a hard currency ie USD, Euro or GBP. Consult with your own country's consulate for the country to be visited. See Canadian Government's Travel Reports for additional information.