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On Safari |
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Our safaris are traditional safaris in the old fashioned style of the ‘twenties and ‘thirties, except that we shoot with cameras rather than with guns. Some time is spent on foot – and occasionally on horseback - tracking and searching for game. On occasions, we sit quietly by a waterhole waiting for animals to approach, and at other times within view of leopard bait: a rare opportunity to observe and photograph these otherwise elusive cats.
The safari camps are exclusive, well-appointed and remote. Whether on the plains beneath shady acacia trees, in a grove of ancient baobabs, or beneath doum palms and tall tamarinds on a secluded stretch of river bank, each camp site ensures a completely private African experience. Your safari – which means ‘journey’ in Swahili - will take you through new habitat each day. Around every corner there is a chance of seeing a new species, a new horizon, or embarking on an unusual adventure, such as safari by camel back, or riding among zebra on horseback. Because we avoid beaten tracks, it will be rare for you to encounter other travellers during your safari. When planning your safari, we advise newcomers not to try and cram too much travel into too short a time, or to try and visit many popular parks. Slow down and breathe deep the magic of Africa. Ideally, on a two-week safari, you should plan on camping in a maximum of three well-chosen locations, spending the odd night in lodges between camps. Once in the bush, your daily activities are completely flexible, with no restrictions such as rigid meal times, or the rules imposed by national parks. In the private locations we explore, night game drives and walking safaris are allowed, which is not the case in many national parks. Many people are confined to a mini-van throughout their safari, and leave Africa thinking they had a good tour. But with our 4WD vehicles, and ability to drive off road and walk where we please, you will have a great safari, rather than simply a good one. You are our guest, and you dictate the pace of your daily safari life. We discuss your preferences long before departure, to see what physically and philosophically suits you, from visits to local villages to see authentic traditional people, to botany and bird watching, fishing for Nile perch or yellowfish tuna, or moonlit voyages among the mangroves of the Indian Ocean. STAFF
SAFARI CAMPS & EQUIPMENT: >To ensure privacy, tents are pitched some distance apart. There is an electrical socket in the mess tent and, if adapted to run on 240 volts, any electrical appliance can be plugged in. The camp staff are well accustomed to keeping an eye on video battery chargers. FOOD:Meals are of the highest standard, with such treats as chilled avocado soup, smoked sailfish, chicken kebabs with rice, baked mango with ginger. We use only the highest quality meat, (beef, lamb, venison, pork and fowl) fresh vegetables and masses of delicious tropical fruit. Provided we are notified in advance, our camp cooks can normally cater for special tastes or dietary requirements. Candle-lit Bush Banquets under the stars add yet more romance to an African safari. The large dining tent is insect proof -although there is very rarely any need to roll down the flaps - with a double roof for added coolness. >DRINKS: On some safaris, all spirits and all wines (except French champagne) consumed in camp are included in the cost of the safari. See Rates VEHICLES: Our safari vehicles are custom-built four-wheel drive Toyota Land Cruisers, each equipped with roof hatches for optimum game viewing and photography. Cushions are also provided, allowing you to sit on the roof in comfort. Built-in fridges ensure cold drinks on demand, and V.H.F. radios allow communication between all our safari vehicles, plus we have a satellite phone for medical emergencies. Our mobile H.F. radios enable us to communicate daily with our headquarters. Urgent fax and e-mail messages can be radioed through to camp. We are also able to communicate with other radio stations, including the Flying Doctor Service. Each Land Cruiser carries a comprehensive inventory of tools, a number of spare parts and at least two spare wheels. Most vehicles are fitted with winches, and tire chains are carried for exceptionally muddy conditions. Our safari trucks (lorries) are equipped with long range fuel tanks and also carry several days’ supply of clean water. All our safari vehicles are owned, maintained and serviced by Robin Hurt Safaris workshops. AIR CHARTERS: Because laundry is done in camp you can travel light. CURRENCY
AND TIPPING: It is customary to tip your safari staff, and while no specific amount is recommended, there is a suggested range. This can be discussed with your safari guide. Some people may also wish to tip their guide but this is left to the guests' discretion. In lodges and permanent camps, a staff tip box is usually provided in the reception office. The money collected is then distributed equally among the entire staff. If in town, at a restaurant, a 10% tip is the norm. CLIMATE AND SEASONS: HEALTH
AND THE FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE: A course of Malaria prophylaxis should be started two weeks before your safari and continued for two weeks after your safari. We enroll all our clients as temporary members of the Flying Doctor Society so that in case of an emergency we can call up one of their aircraft for evacuation from the nearest airstrip. We also maintain a comprehensively stocked medicine chest in camp, and all our safari vehicles carry First Aid kits.
African Safari Adventures throughout the East African Bush. |
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Whilst
the ‘mobile-luxury’ concept of our safaris goes back fifty years or more,
our equipment is the very latest and best available. In camp you will
find all the little luxuries that add to your comfort and enjoyment. This
is especially true of our top-of-the-line safaris. You will find refrigerators
with ice in camp as well as in your safari vehicles, and when it is cold,
hot-water bottles are provided to warm your toes in bed. All our tents
are spacious, insect proof and secure, and the larger sleeping tents have
attached dressing rooms and verandahs. Windows are of mosquito gauze and
have zip-up flaps. Beds are large, properly sprung with comfortable mattresses.
Double beds are always available on
request.
Tents are carpeted, amply furnished and with sufficient clothes-hanging
space. Immediately behind each tent, and likewise insect-proofed, you
will find a private shower unit and a toilet of simple, hygienic design.
It is even possible to have a hot bath in camp!
