If you read this post, you will see that I listed 10 common reasons why people complain when they are in camp (ie. while they are at their safari lodge).
In this post, I am going to answer them here.
10 common complaints received from travellers in camp are:
- They don’t get along with the other people in the safari vehicle
- It’s summer and there’s too many bugs
- It’s summer and it’s too hot
- It’s winter and it’s too cold
- The camp doesn’t have enough vegetarian options at dinner
- The camp doesn’t have Grey Goose Vodka
- The room is too far from the main area
- The room is too close to the main area
- They aren’t happy with their guide
- There aren’t any steps to get on and off the safari vehicle
You Don’t Get Along with the Other People in the Safari Vehicle
We are all human, and we don’t all get along with everyone. That’s just a fact of life.
To solve this, let’s first look at what is usually included in the rate at a safari camp (every lodge is different, so you need to do your homework and check).
** Accommodation, all meals, local drinks, teas & coffees, light laundry, and scheduled game activities.
Depending on the camp and country, scheduled game activities can include game drives, guided walks, boat trips, canoe excursions, mekoro trips, and maybe fishing.
Scheduled game activities also mean SHARED game activities.
That means you are going to be doing activities with other people.
Some people enjoy this as they get to meet other people and make lifelong friends.
But, sometimes, and only sometimes, you might be allocated to a vehicle with other people, and you simply don’t get along.
The other people might be too chatty, too rude, ask too many questions, want to look at all the buck, want to stop for every bird.
Now, you might think this is unrealistic, but if it’s your 4th, 8th or 10th safari camp or even game drive, you actually don’t want to hear ”newbie” questions again (and I get that, you can probably answer them yourself!) and you probably don’t want to stop and look at every bokkie (South African word for cute little buck), and if you’re not a birder, you probably don’t want to stop and look at every bird.
I get that.
Don’t call your agent, rather, speak to your camp manager.
Remember, when these managers are planning the logistics and the vehicles and the guides and the staff and ordering food and so on and so on, they don’t know you, and they don’t know the other guests that are coming.
They will quietly make changes without causing a scene, without embarrassing anyone, as they are trying to ensure that everyone has the best experience.
IF there is availability, they will put you into your own vehicle (please note that this one is NOT guaranteed as there is a limit to vehicles available, and if you do want a private vehicle, you do need to prebook and pay for one before you travel to guarantee this).
It’s Summer and There’s Too Many Bugs
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard this …
The fact is, it’s summer and there are too many bugs. You’re in the bush. No-one can control this. if you really don’t like bugs, then don’t travel in summer.
But, if you didn’t do your homework, and you’re in camp, there are a few things you can do.
- Your tent will have fly-screens over the windows. Keep your windows and doors closed at all times.
- Bug spray is provided in your tent
- Mosquito spray (for your body) is provided in your tent
Annoying bugs are usually more prevalent in the morning and in the evening, so take a head wrap with you to cover your nose and mouth during game drives.
If you’re really finding it a problem, you can request to have dinner in your room which you have kept shut the whole day, or you can stick it out and dine with the others and enjoy the safari atmosphere. But you choose.
It’s Summer and It’s Too Hot
Well, it is summer. But southern Africa does get very hot. October and November are usually the hottest months on safari.
From December the summer rains start. But they are short showers and are refreshing.
The main problem here is that the camps are so remote that they are off the grid and only operate off solar power. Which means there aren’t air conditioners in the rooms.
There are fans but for some people this isn’t enough.
If you do have to have air-con, let your agent know at the time of booking so they can find camps that aren’t off the grid, and that do have air-con.
They do exist but the downside is that you are not going to be staying at a camp that is remote, and there is just something special about being ‘disconnected.’
Otherwise, plan to travel when its slightly cooler.
Here are some practical tips you can try if you’re feeling the heat:
- Pack lightweight clothing
- Definitely take a hat or cap
- Take your swimming costume to cool off in the pool at the camp
- Take a bottle of Vichy mineral spray with you
- Pack in a small, portable hand-held misting fan
- Try the bush ‘air conditioner’
It’s Winter and It’s Too Cold
During winter, nights and early mornings are very, very cold in the bush.
The days are usually sunny and gorgeous but once the sun sets, it’s the complete opposite.
July and August are usually the coldest months in southern Africa, and again, most camps are remote and off the grid so there isn’t any electricity for heaters and electric blankets.
So, what can you do?
- Pack appropriately – think in layers that you can peel off as the day warms up, and put back on as the sun sets
- Keep the flaps of your tent down to trap in the daytime heat
- You will be given a hot water bottle and blanket for the game drives, if you want more, just ask
- You will be provided with extra blankets and hot water bottles for your room. Again, if you want more, just ask
- Try putting the blanket UNDER the duvet. So, it’s you, the blanket, and then the duvet (and another blanket on top if you want)
Winter is the best time to go on safari, but just be prepared for the cold.
The Camp Doesn’t Have Enough Vegetarian Options at Dinner
Firstly, did you tell your agent and complete the booking form to let the camp know of your meal and dietary requirements?
Food and provisions are usually trucked into camp, based on a variety of things including dietary requirements for upcoming guests.
There aren’t any shops that the camp staff can quickly run down to, so if you didn’t let anyone know, it might be a bit tricky, but they will do their best to assist you.
If you are not happy, speak to your camp manager.
The Camp Doesn’t Have Grey Goose Vodka
Firstly, did you tell your agent and complete the booking form to let the camp know of your drinks preferences?
Camp bars are generally well stocked but if you have a special request, this request should have been made months before your arrival.
Provisions are trucked into camp on certain days, or certain weeks, of the month.
If you didn’t make a special request, then, well, who’s really to blame?
If you did make a special request, you should have been advised of its availability before you left home. If it isn’t available, then it isn’t available.
If it is available to purchase in the country you are travelling to, and you did request it, the camp staff will do what they can to try and get it for you.
I once had a guest request a particular whiskey – he told me long before he travelled and I checked with all of the hotels and safari lodges that he was going to (about six places), and it turned out that not one company in Kenya was importing that brand, so it wasn’t available in the country.
He knew this before he travelled, and there were no complaints.
Note that the above does NOT include premium brand drinks – these can be arranged if given notivce, but usually at a cost to you, which you will be told of before you travel, and have the decision to say yes or no.
This is because premium brand drinks are NOT included in your room rate and do cost extra.
The Room is Too Far from the Main Area
Some people prefer this. They want to be away from the main area.
They enjoy the thought of the animals walking around their tent (most camps are unfenced so you can get wildlife anywhere).
But some people want to be closer to the main area for the feeling of security, or because they can’t walk far distances.
If you arrive and find you’re in the furthest room from the main area and want to change rooms, speak to your camp manager.
If you can be moved, you will be.
If they camp is full, they can’t move you.
But they will try and move you as soon as they can, and they will assist you with moving from your room to the main area. Just speak to your camp manager.
Did you advise your agent that you don’t want a room far from the main area when you made the booking?
The Room is Too Close to the Main Area
This is literally the opposite to the previous complaint.
Some people say it’s too noisy, but generally it actually isn’t. Some people just want to move and look for a reason to move, and this is often the complaint we get.
People generally want to move away from the main area so they can feel as if they are more ‘alone’ in the bush and can be in peace with their surroundings.
If you’re not happy, speak to your camp manager and they will do all they can to assist you.
Again, did you mention this to your agent when you made the booking?
You Aren’t Happy with Your Guide
There may be various reasons you aren’t entirely happy with your guide.
Maybe they don’t stop at some of the sightings that you would like to have stopped at. Speak up at the time.
Perhaps you feel they talk too much, but they actually just want to share their knowledge with you.
Maybe they are too softly spoken or talk too fast, and you just can’t understand then.
Maybe they don’t tell you enough.
Whatever the reason is, if you feel that you can’t speak to your guide to calmly discuss the issue, then speak to your camp manager.
You are paying a lot of money for your safari, but there is also an adult way things should be handled without causing embarrassment or ridicule to anyone.
There Aren’t Any Steps to Get On and Off the Safari Vehicle
A safari vehicle isn’t like a ‘normal’ vehicle you find at home.
Only the driver and passenger doors open, the rest don’t. You’re really just grabbing poles and climbing up and over to get inside. (Maybe a push from a friend behind will help!)
If you struggle, ask for the steps if they haven’t been provided.
Rather do that than risk falling and injuring yourself (it’s happened). It’s not a big deal.
The Answer is….
Speak to your camp manager. That should always be your first port of call.
They are right there with you, and if they need help in sorting out the problem, they will get help.
But also, take it easy. Realise where you are and that you’re probably very remote and some things can’t happen instantly, and some just might not be possible.
Understand that the camp manager needs to try and make sure that ALL guests are happy.
The onus is on you to make sure that you provide your booking agent with your special requests, dietary requirements and so on.
Tell them when you make your booking, and make sure you fill in the booking form that should be provided to you.
