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If your questions are not answered here, just send one of us an email. Interested in common (often humorous) misconceptions, » click here. Or, don't take my word on Africa, check out our » previous clients comments.
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The following questions, as is the rest of this site, are primarily written and answered by Aaron
- How much does it cost to go to Africa?
- Why should I use a guide to go to Africa?
- What's the difference between using a guide and going on safari?
- Why do you want to take people on tours in Africa?
- What is the food like?
- What is the weirdest thing you have eaten?
- I don't like bugs, and I don't want to deal with them. Are there lots in Africa?
- What are the places like that travelers can stay?
- Is it safe to go to Africa?
- Has anything bad ever happened to you in Africa?
- How are Exit to Africa guides qualified to organize tours in Africa?
- Don’t you have to get a whole bunch of shots?
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- Our previous clients comments / testimonials
- How much does it cost to go to Africa? (for our prices, click here)
It varies, greatly. If you would like to see a basic itinerary which included a personal safari cook for 4 days, 2 days camping safari, 2 days climbing an active volcano, and 2 days of city touring including shopping, museums, and custom tailored clothing, check out Ngozi’s pricing and trip. For each individual prices can range from $45/day/person (roughing it) to $500/day/person for a luxury tented safari (the pinnacle of safaris). Traveling in Greater Southern Africa* with Bed & Breakfast type accommodations can be about $100/day/couple, with at least one nice meal included. Self-catering Bed & Breakfast in the same area are very reasonable between $10 to $25/person (with little or no reduction in quality). Restaurants are very reasonable, even the more upscale venues, and can range form less than $1/person to $15/person for relatively nice restaurants. If you would like a 8 course meal, with live music, belly dancing, including drinks, $50/person should do. Renting a vehicle in Greater Southern Africa can cost about $20 to $35/day. Hiring local guides, tipping, and extra activities, besides just taking a look all incur extra costs. If you aren’t so interested in safari all the time, your daily expense will be dramatically less. Africa isn’t just safari, far from it. A major chunk of any trip to Africa is going to be the flight, usually between $1000 to $1500 if you hunt for prices, if not $1500 to $3000.
Our Fee: Of course, there are also Exit to Africa guide fees. This is something that we determine based on your trip. If you aren't interested in "paying as you go" for activities and expenses we are glad to price out a complete trip, inclusive of everything, upon request s. "Paying as you go" may offer a(the) traveler(s) a more real sense of being in Africa and is often recommended for those who like to be in the mix of things. Sitting back and letting us take care of everything is fine too! Top
- Why should I use a guide to go to Africa?
Needless to say, the average person does not want to get up on a plane and romp around Africa (or anywhere) without prior experience/knowledge of the place or someone to show them around; at the same time, many wish they could. Packaged tours and travel agencies provide a service, but are not personal. We want you to experience Africa in a completely different way than anyone else, your way. We know Africa and can help you experience what only interests you. Also, with a personal guide, you can do what ever you want, when ever you want, how ever you want. Top
- What's the difference between using a guide and going on safari?
The difference is basically going to a foreign place to see it as a stranger, which is great (i.e. going on safari) or going to a foreign place where you have family or friends who show you around, which in our minds is much, much greater. If you were to plan a trip to NY City, you would probably do the usual (i.e. big buildings, art museum, famous restaurant, walk down 5th, go to Central Park and wrap it up with a Broadway show). If you had a relative living there, it would be a totally different (better) and intimate experience. Similarly, the traditional idea of travel to Africa is on a safari. On a safari you will be blown away at the majesty and beauty of the animals and nature. You will be humbled at the size and power of the animals. The safari experience, including staying at the lodges or camping is amazing and always goes beyond the expectations of visitors. We love going on safari, but there is so much more to Africa than going on Safari. It is extremely difficult to do much else (besides safari) in Africa, unless you have someone with you to show you around. We also think that people are interested in seeing Africa in a different light. That is why we try to get to know what you interests are and develop an itinerary around that. If you are interested in cuisine, we will develop an itinerary based on eating. If you are interested in the animistic religions of Africans, we will focus on learning about that. Perhaps you are a school teacher or professor. We will arrange for you to meet with some of your African counterparts and tour schools and Universities, even arrange a guest lecture if you like. We go to Africa with you to show it to you. We do not hide any thing, explain everything, and believe the best way to travel is completely informed about your travel (be it biology, religion, art, history, politics, culture, or your won self-interests). Top
- Why do you want to take people on tours in Africa?
We love Africa. We want people to know how beautiful and amazing Africa and Africans really are. There are so many lies, misunderstandings and historical barriers (» check some out) in the world’s mind about Africa and we mean to change that. Yes, Africa has more than it’s own share of problems, but it also has a wealth of culture, history, biodiveristy, and spirituality completely unique in the world. If you travel or live in Africa, you will never be the same. Africa will leave an impression on you that you will never forget and the insight about life and yourself that you gain from being there will truly enlighten your soul. Top
- What is the food like?
The food in Africa varies greatly. For those who aren’t interested in trying new things, there are always the typical hamburgers, sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, and pizza. But for the more intrepid palate, there is a vast array of cuisine available. West African food tends to stress hot spices, meat and veggie stews, and rice. East African food often has few ingredients, but with strong flavors due to the heavy influence from Arabia and India. Southern Africans love BBQ meats. Big steaks from cow, kudu, eland, springbok. The Coast along the Indian Ocean is awash in amazing seafood including famous king tiger shrimp from Mozambique over 12", I kid you not. Northern Africa has a very distinct cuisine that is a mix from all over the Middle East, Europe and Saharan Africa. One of the best things about sub-Saharan Africa is the freshest fruits and veggies ever! Produce tends to be vine ripe and grown locally. Food often doesn't travel more than a few miles before it reaches your plate. And is so, so good. Top
- What is the weirdest thing you have eaten?
Please refer to Misconceptions for any questions regarding worms and insects. The weirdest things I have eaten or seen eaten was this small/medium sized deer looking thing. I have eaten crocodile, ostrich, kudu, spingbok, zebra, and hartebeest to name a few of the meats not normally eaten in the US. Zebra & kudu steak were probably the best meats I have ever eaten. Truly delish! Most of these animals though are grown on farms and if not, are surplus from legal hunting which provides a large revenue for protecting animals. We don’t encourage eating wild animals and there is actually a big problem with eating rare and endangered animals, especially chimps, monkeys, rhino, and cats. I have never even seen anyone eat other weird stuff like snakes, insects, or what-have-you, although I know some cultural groups do. For example the oldest girl in some Nigerian cultures gets the butt of the chicken. Also, I know that some cultural groups say that only men should get goat testicle stew. In Tanzania it is for women who want to be more fertile. In East Africa, some say that pineapples make women very sexually excited, too excited, and they should not eat it. I have on more than one occasion heard African men say that "ground nuts", commonly known as peanuts in the US, are a natural viagra. One old enthusiastic man told two female classmates of mine, "Give me two ground nuts and I am hard like stone!" Top
- I don't like bugs, and I don't want to deal with them. Are there lots in Africa?
It’s a huge misconception to think that there are hordes of huge, hairy, grotesque bugs or that they are a major (mechanical) nuisance to people. For the most part, the bugs that you do come across are the same bugs that you would come across in your backyard. The only time that you would have to deal with weird/gross bugs, is if you go looking for them or in rainforests. The insects that you do have to worry about are mosquitoes. However, your average American probably deals with more mosquitoes in their backyard than one would in Africa. The problem in Africa is not that there are so many more of them, but because they carry malaria. But, as long as you follow basic mossie protection procedures (avoid being outside at crepuscular times, wear long sleeves/pants, use mosquito repellents when applicable), you will be fine. Top
- What are the places like that travelers can stay?
Please take a look at our Accommodations page. There are so many ways of resting your head. Basically if you can imagine it, you can do it, provided you can pay for it. Top
- Is it safe to go to Africa?
Although no one ever asks me this question first, I have a feeling it is always the first on most people’s minds (These questions are in order of most commonly asked upon). This is a very valid question and one that is most important to engage. Travel to Africa, like any place, generates a certain amount of risk. I believe in being very straightforward about safety. I think the informed individual is a wiser, safer, and happier individual. If you know what your limits are, you are comfortable. I want my clients to feel safe. I don’t hold anything back when it comes to issues of safety and a good guide is one who is very intent on ensuring the safety of his clients, and their comfort level.
Level I. Whenever you travel, you should always take the nominal safety precautions like traveler’s checks, insurance, copies of identification, a non-expired passport, have an itinerary, let family know where you will be and how to contact you, and to take a couple extra underwear.
Level II. Where you live, you know how to deal with the "unsafe" issues because you live there. Don’t drive late at night on holidays or in college towns on weekend nights. Don’t go to New York with a T-shirt that says, "I’m from Hickville" and wear a straw hat. The list goes on. It is safe to travel in Africa, but it’s not safe to travel in Johannesburg, rebel war zones, or in tar pits. Similarly, it is safe to travel in the US, but not in gangster ridden parts of LA, Jasper TX (if you are black or other than white), or tar pits. In fact, it is probably safer in more destinations in Africa than most other major tourist destinations. Very few attacks on tourist occur in Africa, except perhaps north of the Sahara (Egypt). In the case of terrorism, it is less fruitful for a terrorist to perform an attack in Africa as less people travel there, there is less news coverage, and it is much further in the minds of Westerners than places like New York, London, Israel, the Caribbean, Europe, where much more "attacks" and theft goes on. Almost everyone I know that has traveled in Europe has been mugged, sleep gassed**, robbed, pick-pocketed, or worse. Few people I know that have gone to Africa have been robbed. I have been robbed in Europe, USA, and Asia, but never in Africa. I have been scammed in Africa though, but no less than elsewhere (over purchases of tickets, products, and food).
This is why it is good to have a guide, no matter where you go. Someone who knows the local norms and minds, and someone who cares about your welfare. Top
- Has anything bad ever happened to you in Africa?
Yes. I have been in a few scrapes. Here are a few. 1) Once I was in a car accident where I was a passenger in a extended van. It’s rear left wheel (from the axle) completely broke off on a highway at a speed of 80mph. It had roughly 17 passengers, luggage and was pulling a small trailer. It’s rolled over 4 or 5 times, down the embankment. I was the only one left in the car, still in my seat (upside down), when the vehicle stopped moving. Two or three people were killed. I walked away with a few minor scrapes and aches. 2) I once was trying to cross the border with a friend who failed to notice that his visa expired 10 days before hand. (My visa was good for 15 days, his for 5. We think that when we originally entered the country and bought visas, the entry border guard inadvertently forgot to put the 1 in front of the 5 on his passport (but he had on mine). On exiting the country, of the pair of border guards, one wanted us to go back to town and "you talk with police, big boss" or something. My friend didn’t speak Portuguese, and luckily I did enough, which impressed the border guy. We had heard stories about "uncouth" boarder guards who took advantage of the letter "i" dotted in correctly. He told us that he appreciated my attempt at speaking the local language, even if I was pretty bad. It was clearly a dicey situation in Mozambique, but at the same time, typically when someone bothers you, they are trying to intimidate you and if you remain calm, respectful and persistent it just becomes a good story. 3) Want to know some more, email me, no problem. Top
- How are Exit to Africa guides qualified to organize tours in Africa?
We have been to Africa on multiple occasions (or live there), have traveled on budgets or luxuriously, know many local nooks, sites of interests, places to eat, local guides and activities, roads, etc. More importantly, for ourselves or for others, we have organized trips to Africa and know how to do it, and safely. Traveling to Africa for us is an awesome sensation and we know how to ensure it will be for you. Top
- Don’t you have to get a whole bunch of shots?
No. There is only one shot that you have to take, and only few countries actually require this. The CDC has a very nice explanation of why/if you should take it and lists every country to requires you take it to enter or exit the country. Tanzania and South Africa are among those that require it of foreign travelers. There are many things that you may be interested in taking. Personally, I have been vaccinated for a handful of things, but it is because I am typically more at risk than your average traveler, as I spend large amounts of time in wilderness areas. It is always best to consult a physician (as easy as a phone call) and take their advice. Some vaccinations to consider are meningitis, hepatitis (it is good to be vaccinated against these in the USA too), rabies, cholera, typhoid, etc.
MALARIA: One definitely should take malaria prevention if traveling to malaria medium to high risk zones, but it is not required and it is not a shot. It is a pill taken orally depending on the prescription. Top
* Greater Southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zimbabwe (maybe), Mozambique (maybe)
** A common way for "Gypsies" (as the stereotype goes) to rob unsuspecting tourists on trains in Europe
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