Frequently Asked Questions

Why book with Game Ranger Wayne safaris

Game Ranger Wayne safaris is not a business - it is a hobby run by two friends. The goal is not to make money, it is to share our passion. The vision is to share Africa and only Africa. As a result, all hosted safaris are targeted to Africa and are cost-efficient.

How far in advance should I book my safari

For peak seasons (the August/September), African safaris sell out a year in advance. Do not delay to avoid disappointment.

How many guests are there on GRW's hosted safaris

Usually 6 guests where you will be joined by two hosts depending on the trip.

What is the best time to go on safari in Africa

In general, the dry winter months of June - October is the best time to go on safari in Africa. There are exceptions to this, for example if you wish to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve then you may consider visiting in March - April which is particularly good for the CKGR because of the particular ecosystem.

What are the target dates for hosted Game Ranger Wayne safaris

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: Flexible
Kruger National Park: July - August
Botswana: September - October

What temperatures can I expect on a hosted GRW safari

April is very warm in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve / Kruger National Park. In August / September, even though it is winter, the temperatures during the day are very warm (sometimes over 30 degrees) and dry. In Botswana, especially in August, the nights can be cool getting down to single figures but in September nights will generally be warmer than New Zealand in summer.

The dominant clothing choice for both periods is summer wear but be sure to bring a couple of warm items of clothing for evenings or mosquitos.

Where is the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve

In the North East corner of South Africa.

Where is the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park

Both reserves are found in Northern Botswana roughly between the towns of Maun on the southern edge of the Moremi Game Reserve and Kasane on the Northern border of the Chobe National Park.

What is the closest airport to the Kruger National Park

There is an airport located within the Kruger National Park, called Skukuza Airport. It is a domestic airport. When coming from New Zealand, you will fly into Johannesburg's international airport, O.R. Tambo. From there you can connect to Kruger or Sabi Sand.

What is the closest airport to the Moremi Game Reserve and the Chobe National Park

The closest airport to the Moremi Game Reserve is in Maun, where the Botswana safari starts. After flying into Johannesburg's international airport, O.R. Tambo, you will get a connecting international flight to Maun.

The closest airport to the Chobe National Park is in Kasane, where the Botswana safari ends. You will fly from Kasane back to Johannesburg after your safari.

Is South Africa and/or the Kruger National Park safe

There are two facets to this question: danger from crime or wildlife.

Crime

When you are on a Game Ranger Wayne safari, you will not leave the Kruger National Park. We cannot think of a better security system than countless numbers of 240kg lions. Can you?

Wildlife

Certain African animals are extremely dangerous. At the commencement of your trip, your host will brief you of what to be careful of during your safari. That said, it is unlikely that you will ever come face-to-face with animals putting your safety at risk.

What about malaria

Both the Kruger National Park and Botswana are high risk malaria areas.

Malaria is a dangerous disease, but if you take your anti-malarials, your chances of getting it are extremely slim. Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes carrying the disease and as the insects are more active at night, it is recommended that all travelers wear long-sleeved trousers and sleeves at night time; sleep under mosquito netting where possible and take along mosquito repellent.

Please see your medical advisor about obtaining anti-malarials for your African safari before you leave on your safari.

Will I need any vaccination shots to travel to South Africa or Botswana

Depending on your inoculation history, it is possible that your medical advisor will advise you to get shots. We advise that you speak to your doctor.

What medical supplies are there on safari

South Africa has a first world infrastructure and the Kruger National Park will have basic medication in the shops at the Rest Camps. That said, it is best to bring any prescription medication with you and enough for the entire safari.

When in the bush in Botswana you are far away from any city and so bringing your own medication applies equally. Maun and Kasane will have basic medication.

Your host will have a first aid kit to deal with any basic injuries that arise.

What about travel insurance

Game Ranger Wayne safaris is not a business it is a hobby by which we share our passion with you. Travel insurance is mandatory to join a Game Ranger Wayne safari. There are many companies offering travel insurance but please contact us if you would like a recommendation.

Do I need a visa

Please check international visa requirements:

What are the accommodation facilities like on hosted GRW Safaris

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: Accommodation is 5 star.
Kruger National Park: accommodation is 2-3 star 2 sleeper bungalows with en-suite bathrooms and kitchens / braai facilities or what is called a "guest house" which has all rooms under one roof. The accommodation is modest but adequate and is serviced / cleaned daily.
Botswana: Apart from the first and last night, your accommodation is a tent on top of your 4x4 vehicle. The accommodation in Maun and Kasane is 2-3 stars. It is modest but adequate given the short times you will be there.

What activities are available on safari

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: Game Drives are included in the Sabi Sand lodges. Other activities include bush walks, yoga, spas, photographic studios.
Kruger National Park: game drives or bush walks organised by the Rest Camps you are staying at. These are not included in the GRW Safaris and are an optional expense.
Botswana: scenic flight over the Okavango Delta from Maun, mokoro trips in the Moremi Game Reserve, river cruise along the Chobe (included), day trip to the Victoria falls. These activities are not included in your Game Ranger Wayne safari.

If you would like to include any of these activities, please speak with your host before or at the start of your trip and she/he will arrange this for you, subject to availability.

What currency does South Africa use and will I need cash

South Africa uses the Rand, and it would be advisable to have some cash on you in case there are activities you wish to do, like go on game drives or other activities, or make purchases.

What currency does Botswana use, and will I need cash

Botswana uses the Pula, and it would be advisable to have some cash on you in case there are things you wish to buy in Maun, or Kasane. In the Moremi Game Reserve and the Chobe National Park, there are "tuck shops" and you may wish to have some cash for any supplies you need. However, the GRW Safaris Hosted Botswana is designed so that once you leave Maun, you are fully stocked and will not need to purchase anything before you arrive in Kasane.

Do hosted Game Ranger Wayne safaris have an age-limit

All Hosted Game Ranger Wayne safaris are aimed at adults.

It is possible to join Hosted Sabi Sand or Hosted Kruger with a family. Please discuss with before booking and we can work with you to arrange accommodation to suit a family.

From personal experience (!!) it would be inadvisable to do a safari with children under 5 or those that struggle to sit still for long periods. Malaria is also a consideration here as most medical practitioners advise against anti-malarials for children under 5.

Sub-adult children are not able to join Hosted Botswana.

What vehicles do you use on GRW Safaris

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: N/a
Kruger National Park: the vehicle is likely to be a van as this has a higher vantage point for better game viewing.
Botswana: You will be using a modified 4x4 such as a Toyota Hilux or similar.

Are there laundry facilities on safari

No.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why book with Game Ranger Wayne safaris

Game Ranger Wayne safaris is not a business - it is a hobby run by two friends. The goal is not to make money, it is to share our passion. The vision is to share Africa and only Africa. As a result, all hosted safaris are targeted to Africa and are cost-efficient.

​

How far in advance should I book my safari

For peak seasons (the August/September), African safaris sell out a year in advance. Do not delay to avoid disappointment.

​

How many guests are there on GRW's hosted safaris

Usually 6 guests where you will be joined by two hosts depending on the trip.

​

What is the best time to go on safari in Africa

​

What are the target dates for hosted Game Ranger Wayne safaris

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: Flexible

Kruger National Park: July - August

Botswana: September - October

What temperatures can I expect on a hosted GRW safari

The dominant clothing choice for both periods is summer wear but be sure to bring a couple of warm items of clothing for evenings or mosquitos.

​

Where is the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve

In the North East corner of South Africa.

​

Where is the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park

Both reserves are found in Northern Botswana roughly between the towns of Maun on the southern edge of the Moremi Game Reserve and Kasane on the Northern border of the Chobe National Park.

​

What is the closest airport to the Kruger National Park

There is an airport located within the Kruger National Park, called Skukuza Airport. It is a domestic airport. When coming from New Zealand, you will fly into Johannesburg's international airport, O.R. Tambo. From there you can connect to Kruger or Sabi Sand.

​

What is the closest airport to the Moremi Game Reserve and the Chobe National Park

The closest airport to the Moremi Game Reserve is in Maun, where the Botswana safari starts. After flying into Johannesburg's international airport, O.R. Tambo, you will get a connecting international flight to Maun.

The closest airport to the Chobe National Park is in Kasane, where the Botswana safari ends. You will fly from Kasane back to Johannesburg after your safari.

​

Is South Africa and/or the Kruger National Park safe

There are two facets to this question: danger from crime or wildlife.

Crime

When you are on a Game Ranger Wayne safari, you will not leave the Kruger National Park. We cannot think of a better security system than countless numbers of 240kg lions. Can you?

Wildlife

Certain African animals are extremely dangerous. At the commencement of your trip, your host will brief you of what to be careful of during your safari. That said, it is unlikely that you will ever come face-to-face with animals putting your safety at risk.

​

What about malaria

Both the Kruger National Park and Botswana are high risk malaria areas.

Please see your medical advisor about obtaining anti-malarials for your African safari before you leave on your safari.

​

Will I need any vaccination shots to travel to South Africa or Botswana

Depending on your inoculation history, it is possible that your medical advisor will advise you to get shots. We advise that you speak to your doctor.

​

What medical supplies are there on safari

South Africa has a first world infrastructure and the Kruger National Park will have basic medication in the shops at the Rest Camps. That said, it is best to bring any prescription medication with you and enough for the entire safari.

When in the bush in Botswana you are far away from any city and so bringing your own medication applies equally. Maun and Kasane will have basic medication.

Your host will have a first aid kit to deal with any basic injuries that arise.

​

What about travel insurance

Game Ranger Wayne safaris is not a business it is a hobby by which we share our passion with you. Travel insurance is mandatory to join a Game Ranger Wayne safari. There are many companies offering travel insurance but please contact us if you would like a recommendation.

​

Do I need a visa

Please check international visa requirements:

South Africa

Botswana

​

What are the accommodation facilities like on hosted GRW Safaris

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: Accommodation is 5 star.

Kruger National Park: accommodation is 2-3 star 2 sleeper bungalows with en-suite bathrooms and kitchens / braai facilities or what is called a "guest house" which has all rooms under one roof. The accommodation is modest but adequate and is serviced / cleaned daily.

Botswana: Apart from the first and last night, your accommodation is a tent on top of your 4x4 vehicle. The accommodation in Maun and Kasane is 2-3 stars. It is modest but adequate given the short times you will be there.

​

What activities are available on safari

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: Game Drives are included in the Sabi Sand lodges. Other activities include bush walks, yoga, spas, photographic studios.

Kruger National Park: game drives or bush walks organised by the Rest Camps you are staying at. These are not included in the GRW Safaris and are an optional expense.

Botswana: scenic flight over the Okavango Delta from Maun, mokoro trips in the Moremi Game Reserve, river cruise along the Chobe (included), day trip to the Victoria falls. These activities are not included in your Game Ranger Wayne safari.

If you would like to include any of these activities, please speak with your host before or at the start of your trip and she/he will arrange this for you, subject to availability.

What currency does South Africa use and will I need cash

South Africa uses the Rand, and it would be advisable to have some cash on you in case there are activities you wish to do, like go on game drives or other activities, or make purchases.

​

What currency does Botswana use, and will I need cash

​

Do hosted Game Ranger Wayne safaris have an age-limit

All Hosted Game Ranger Wayne safaris are aimed at adults.

It is possible to join Hosted Sabi Sand or Hosted Kruger with a family. Please discuss with before booking and we can work with you to arrange accommodation to suit a family.

From personal experience (!!) it would be inadvisable to do a safari with children under 5 or those that struggle to sit still for long periods. Malaria is also a consideration here as most medical practitioners advise against anti-malarials for children under 5.

Sub-adult children are not able to join Hosted Botswana.

​