GENERALLY ASKED QUESTIONS
These facilities are available in the park camp only. For cell phone reception you will need to purchase a local sim card for your phone prior to arrival in the park. You can purchase credits to top up your sim card at the Park Shop. There is also Wi-Fi at Skukuza Camp Site, Should there be an issue with this and you need emergency internet access our Guest Experience Manager will be able to assist you.
There is an ATM in the camp for Cash withdrawals. The Kruger Park Shop is open from 07:00 – 19:00 every day, there you will be able to purchase snacks, books, curios, souvenirs, bug repellent, basic toiletries, batteries, beverages and much more. The Shops does accept cash as well as Visa and MasterCard. You will be able to take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful campsite to the camp shop when not on game drive, and our Guest Experience Manager will be happy to assist you on site.
Unfortunately not, we recommend you exchange money at the airport / bureau de exchange before entering the park, if you are flying directly then you can ask your transfer guide to stop at your nearest bureau de exchange. Alternatively you can make use of your VISA and MASTERCARD card to make purchases and withdraw money.
Speak to us about arranging a direct flight into Kruger Park Airport / Skukuza Airport to minimize transfer time to and from the bush. We can also arrange accommodation outside of the park for the day prior and day after your safari experience to ensure we do not have to cut your game drives short due to arriving late or having to leave early to catch a flight.
Field Guides:
Catering and Guest Experience Coordination: City and Guilds Diploma in Professional Cookery and Food and Beverage Management, National Qualification (NQF) level 7. Certificate in Bread-making from Anchor, First Aid Level 2 Certificate, Basic Fire Fighting Certificate. More than 4 years experience in 4 star Hotel, and 3 years experience in catering and coordinating corporate, private a public events including the events for FIFA World Cup in 2010 and All Africa Games in Mozambique 2011.
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PACKING FOR THE TRIP:
Some of our trips are all inclusive. We do suggest you bring appropriate clothing to fit the season (please see what should I wear for details)
A good novel is a must as you do have free time as well as the items listed below:
Camera (charger, batteries, memory cards)
Binoculars (with bag for dust protection)
Lightweight Flashlight / Torch (LED is best)
Mosquito and Insect Repellent
Sunscreen (We recommend SPF 30+ as the African sun burns)
Day backpack (to carry snacks, water, books etc.)
Should be staying on a self-catering basis you have the choice of eating at the camp restaurant or you can bring in your own food that you can Braai / BBQ outside your bungalow or tent. There is a basic selection of meat, vegetable, tinned and dried food that you can purchase at the Camp shop.
Shinzelle Safari takes care of most of your needs each day of your Safari, and our Guest Experience Manager will be able to assist with requests should you require something during your stay.
The Kruger National Park’s climate remains quite warm and hot in the summer months (Nov – February) and fairly consistent through-out the year with temperatures only dropping in the early morning and late evenings, especially in the winter months (June – August). We suggest you pack light colored clothing, avoid white as it will show dirt faster here a pallet that will keep you cool on hot African days, fabrics like cotton is preferable in the heat.
3-4 Cotton t-shirts / blouses
3-4 Shorts (try to avoid denim and nylon)
Long sleeve shirt and trousers
Lightweight wind breaker waterproof jacket
Fleece jacket or jersey
A good pair of hiking shoes (especially of you plan to do bush walks)
A good hat / cap & Sunglasses
Swimming attire & Towel
Open sandals / shoes (preferably with rubber soles for walking in camp)
1 set of smart clothes ( in the event you want to attend a dinner or event)
TIPPING GUIDE FOR THE TRIP:
“Tips are not expected but appreciated – it is also dependent on how you feel about their service level”
Please see tip guide that we hope can act as a guideline when you are traveling in South Africa:
Restaurant and wait staff
Std 10% of bill
If they really blow you away 15-20 % of bill
Day tour / activities guides
Standard: R100-R350 per day
Great Guides: can be up to R500 per day based on your experience
Transfers/ drivers
R50-R100 depending on how long and how pleasant they are
If you are doing a safari with a guide and tracker then
Tracker R100-R300 per drive
Guide R200- R400 per drive
Hotel staff tips
R150-R300 per night
Cash is preferred as they cannot take card payments South African Rands/ foreign currency can be used and is up to you
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Yes, all camps that we operate in have game fences that are electrified from the outside. There are also Kruger Park Rangers stationed at the camp fence and gate at all times.
Yes, There is a full-time doctor in Skukuza Camp, in the unlikely event of any emergency your safari guides and hospitality teams are all certified in first aid and will ensure you remain stable and safe until the doctor or ambulances arrive.
Please remember to always pack your chronic medication like diabetes, heart, asthma, arthritis medications, When it comes to Malaria tablets there has been some cased where the side effects are severe and sometimes mask the early detection symptoms of Malaria, we suggest using mosquito repellent and this can be purchased in the park shop if you find your supply running low. There is no need for Yellow Fever shots when travelling to South Africa.
PAYMENT
We understand that you may not have a printer handy when you’re traveling so it is not necessary to have a printed copy. However, we require that you show ID / Passport matching your reservation and also the Reservation # that is immediately emailed to you after you make your reservation.
** We know that travelling can be scary but it is perfectly safe for you to keep your Passport/ ID on your persons in South Africa and there are safes that you can place your passports in.
No, we do not charge any extra fees or fuel surcharges. The invoiced price is the price you pay.
RESERVATION:
Yes. Reservations are required for guaranteed spots on all tours. Reservations help us determine the number of guides we need to ensure that our groups remain manageable and enjoyable, and they allow us to notify you of changes to the tour due to weather or anything that could disturb the tours.
Full day Safaris can be booked with a minimum of 12 hours notice, and Overnight Safaris with a minimum of 3 days notice.
WEATHER:
Absolutely! Our open safari vehicles are equipped with blankets and ponchos to ensure you stay warm and dry. The sides of the vehicle also drop down to resist strong wind and side rain, but do not hinder your ability to see and enjoy the bush in the rain. This will be a great opportunity to view the flowing river channels of the Kruger National Park. and our Catering team will adapt to serve you warm comfort food if raining in camp.
It is important to note that rainfall in southern Africa only occurs seasonally during the summer months, and the Kruger National Park expects a lower annual rainfall than other regions meaning 90% of the time you can expect clear and sunny sky’s on safari.