Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for Guests Considering Booking with Great Guide Safaris
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The best time for wildlife sightings across these destinations is generally from February to mid-December, with peak season running from April to October.
Hwange National Park: Best visited in the dry season (April –October). Wildlife congregates around waterholes, making it a great time for elephant sightings and predator activity. The vegetation is thinner, making game viewing easier.
Mana Pools: The dry season (April –October) is also the best time here. It’s when animals gather along the river, and cooler temperatures make for comfortable walking safaris. During the wet season, it’s lush, but harder to spot animals.
Chobe National Park: Great year-round, but for the best experience, visit during the dry season (April –October), when elephants and other wildlife are concentrated near the river. The wet season offers fewer crowds and lush landscapes but dispersed wildlife.
Khwai River: The dry season (April –October) is best, with animals frequenting the river for water. This period offers great predator sightings and comfortable safari conditions. The wet season is ideal for birdwatching, though access can be challenging due to floods.
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A walking safari is an immersive wildlife experience where you, guided by Kaz and his team, explore the bush on foot. This gives you the opportunity to connect with nature up close, learn about tracks and animal behavior, and see the landscape from a different perspective.
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Your safety is our top priority. Walking safaris are an incredible way to connect with the wilderness, and we take every precaution to ensure that you feel secure while enjoying the experience.
Here’s how we ensure your safety:
Expert Knowledge: Kaz Dube has spent a lifetime in the bush, honing his understanding of animal behavior and the environment. This expertise allows us to predict wildlife movements and avoid any potential risks while respecting the animals’ space.
Clear Guidance: Before each walk, we’ll provide a detailed briefing on what to expect and how to stay safe. We’ll teach you how to move quietly, remain alert, and handle wildlife encounters calmly.
Preparedness: Safety is non-negotiable. We carry essential equipment, including a firearm, as a precaution. However, our approach is always rooted in skill, respect, and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife.
Thoughtful Planning: Each walking route is carefully chosen based on Kaz’s deep understanding of the land and the wildlife. Our paths are designed to give you the best experience while prioritizing safety at every turn.
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This safari is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers. Children should be at least 16 years old to participate in walking safaris. The experience is tailored for a wide age range, with activities suitable for younger guests while also offering deeper experiences for adults.
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Kaz Dube's safaris are designed for adventurous travelers of all ages, from families with children to solo explorers. The experience is flexible and tailored to suit various interests, ensuring everyone can enjoy the journey, whether you're looking for excitement or a chance to unwind.
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You don't need to be super fit, but a reasonable level of mobility is required, especially for walking safaris. While the safaris are designed to be accessible, guests should be comfortable walking short to moderate distances over uneven terrain and occasionally standing for longer periods to enjoy wildlife sightings.
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Walking safaris typically last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the terrain and the group’s pace. The focus is on a slow and immersive experience, where you’ll learn about the environment, animal tracks, and local flora while taking in the landscape.
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Yes, we offer both walking and driving safaris. While walking safaris offer an immersive, up-close experience with nature, our driving safaris allow you to cover more ground and access diverse wildlife and landscapes. You’ll be accompanied by expert guides who provide insightful commentary throughout your journey.
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You will sleep at whichever of the camps and lodges you have booked. Please consult our list of Camp & Lodge options for more detail.
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Meals on safari are hearty, wholesome, and designed to keep you energized for the day's adventures. The focus is on simple, delicious dishes often prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Breakfast:
Start your day with a light breakfast before your morning activity. Options usually include fresh fruit, yogurt, muesli, toast, and spreads, alongside tea, coffee, or juice. After the morning safari, enjoy a cooked breakfast featuring eggs, bacon, sausages, and sometimes local specialties like maize porridge.Lunch:
Lunch is typically a relaxed affair, often served buffet-style. Expect fresh salads, sandwiches, quiches, cold meats, and fruit. It’s a chance to cool down and refuel before the afternoon activities.Afternoon Tea:
Before heading out for the afternoon activity, you’ll often enjoy tea, coffee, and light snacks such as scones, muffins, or biscuits.Dinner:
Evenings are all about gathering around a campfire or at the dining table for a multi-course meal. Menus might include hearty stews, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and freshly baked bread. Dessert could be a fruit crumble, chocolate pudding, or a local treat.Special Notes:
Dietary Preferences: Most camps, including Kaz Dube’s mobile safari setups, can accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice.
Family-Friendly Options: Kid-friendly meals like pasta, burgers, or simple grilled dishes can also be prepared.
Drinks: Soft drinks, beer, wine, and sometimes gin and tonics are available to accompany meals.
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For travel to Zimbabwe and Botswana, no specific vaccinations are required for entry, but travelers should ensure they meet visa and health entry requirements for each country. Please check with the respective embassies or consulates for the latest visa regulations.
Both countries are malaria areas, so it is recommended to take appropriate malaria prevention measures, such as prophylactic medication and mosquito protection, particularly if you plan to visit during the wet season (November–April).
As always, we advise consulting your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist well in advance to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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We recommend lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for safari walks, a good pair of walking shoes, and a hat. Don’t forget your camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. For walking safaris, comfortable, breathable clothing is essential.
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Binoculars are an essential part of your safari experience. High-quality optics allow you to observe wildlife in sharp, clear detail while maintaining a respectful distance to avoid disturbing natural behavior. This ensures a more authentic and rewarding encounter with the animals.
We recommend investing in the best binoculars you can afford, as they will significantly enhance your ability to appreciate the finer details of the wildlife around you. For optimal performance, we suggest the 8 x 42 Swarovski binoculars, known for their crisp image clarity, brightness, and durability.
If you're unsure about what to purchase, feel free to reach out for advice, and we’ll guide you toward the best option for your needs.
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You don’t have to book the full 15-day itinerary. We offer flexible tour options, and the trip can be arranged according to your preferences. Whether you're looking for a shorter adventure or a tailored experience, we can customize your safari to suit your needs. See our tour options here.
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We keep our groups small for a more personalized and intimate experience. The minimum group size is typically 4 guests, and the maximum is 12. This ensures that everyone gets the attention they deserve while maintaining a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
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While you can book a private tour for just you and your group, we do offer shared safaris with other guests depending on availability. If you prefer a more private experience, just let us know, and we’ll make arrangements accordingly.
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You arrange your own flights to Victoria Falls airport. Great Guide Safaris will arrange all transport from Victoria Falls, including flights to and from Mana Pools.
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Fly into Victoria Falls Airport (International flights)
Fly to a nearby airport near Mana Pools (approx. 90-minute flight)
Drive to Hwange National Park (approx. 2 hours drive)
Drive to Chobe National Park (approx. 1-hour drive from Victoria Falls)
Kaz ensures all logistics are smoothly managed for a seamless experience.