Practical information
The good reasons to travel with Matakwa Safaris.
An independent agency!
Unlike most of our competitors, we are not part of any network that often operates multiple commercial brands. No multinational and no external capital in our “human-sized” company. We are an independent French agency based in Namibia. Our partners on the ground, rangers, game drivers, interpreters, and assistance are all Namibians and Safari professionals.
Small groups
Important for approaching a country without having a negative influence or attracting too much attention… It may seem like a detail, but traveling in a group of 8 max, sometimes 4 or sometimes 2, is not the same as traveling in a group of 18 or 20 (sometimes more…). The discretion of a small group will always be better appreciated by local populations, and contacts will be simplified and more authentic. The same goes for the wildlife, which can be approached more discreetly. Two guides per trip are present on our tours and will always be ready to show you more.
Responsible tourism
We have always supported local projects, associations, and employed local guides. A matter of principle that has never escaped us…
Safety on safari
Your guide will give you a safety briefing on safari. Always obey the instructions of your guide or local guides. Never feed animals or pick plants or flowers in the parks. Remember that ALL wild animals are potentially dangerous, so do not attempt to approach them too closely. In a safari vehicle, it is important to make as little noise as possible to increase the chances of approaching animals.
If you see an animal that your guide has missed, calmly and quietly inform them.
Passports and visas
It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the return date and that you have the necessary number of pages for obtaining visas/stamps.
You must have at least one blank passport page for each country visited. Visas for Southern Africa are obtained at the border, except for Mozambique, where the visa must be obtained before departure (a visa is required for Namibia for stays of less than 90 days). To avoid waiting times, it is possible to obtain them in Europe, but the process can sometimes be lengthy and more expensive.
In this case, we recommend using the services of a company specialized in obtaining visas that will take care of all the visas you need.
Ecotourism and wildlife
In the interest of ecotourism and wildlife, we ask you not to purchase any products derived from wildlife (ivory, skins…). Furthermore, remember that some of these products are illegal and could be confiscated by customs upon your return, subjecting you to a hefty fine.
Reservations
In Southern Africa, registering 8 months or more before your departure is not a luxury. Accommodation capacities at lodges and reserves are very limited and are often fully booked well in advance.
Airfare prices tend to increase rapidly in general, regardless of the airline.
Travel flexibility
We remind you that you are embarking on a journey in Africa… This means wonderful memories, but also sometimes a few more unexpected events than when traveling in Europe. Our trips are carefully planned, but this does not shield us from last-minute changes, road closures, or delays. In Africa, patience and a sense of humor are essential!
Meals
Breakfasts will be served at the lodges. If we need to leave the lodge very early in the morning, a breakfast box will be provided.
Lunches will be served at lodges, restaurants, and sometimes as picnics during transit.
Dinners will be served at the lodges.
Meals not included will be at your own expense.
Visits to local villages
We have always strived to protect villages from mass tourism. The villages where we stop are often villages with which we have developed, over the years, cooperative relationships. These visits are “by invitation” and therefore provide moments of genuine and sincere interaction.
Single room
Rates are based on double occupancy, so solo travelers will incur a surcharge.
Checklist
Equipment
- Hiking shoes
- Flip-flops
- Swimsuit
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen SPF 50
- Clothing for heat
- A sweater or jacket for cool evenings and mornings
- Hat or cap
- Thermos flask
- Binoculars
- International adapter or specific one for Southern Africa
- Camera or mobile phone
- Memory cards & batteries
Health
- No compulsory vaccines
- Check that your universal vaccines are up to date
- Recommended vaccines: hepatitis A and typhoid
- Malaria: recommended treatment especially in Northern Namibia and the Zambezi region (Caprivi Strip), Botswana, and Zimbabwe