Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DOES IT WORK?

How Tales from Africa's unique tours and experiences work

PAYMENTS AND COVID-19

What are the Payment Terms & Conditions?

We try to utilise suppliers who work the same way as we do (i.e., do not require a deposit), but it is possible that may have to use suppliers who may demand payment of a deposit, nonetheless. In such case, we will provide you with the terms the deposit.

Immediately after you receive our email with the official confirmation of your booking, you are liable to immediately pay the fee of US$ 150 for the work we do, plus any deposits for providers and/or flights that you have agreed to beforehand.

What is your Refund and Cancellation Policy?

If, for whatever reason you need to cancel your booking, please note cancellation conditions below. Please make sure you have relevant travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances causing cancellation.

Covid-19 related cancellations

For Covid-19 related cancellations up to the day of departure of your home, you only pay a handling fee of US$ to cover our costs, plus any deposits for providers and/or flights that you have agreed to beforehand. Rebooking to another date is included in the handling fee.
Covid-19 related cancellations are either personal (if you or a member of your traveling party is not allowed to travel because they have tested positive for Covid-19), and/or governmental (if you are not allowed to travel due to a change in regulations from either the government in your country of departure, or the country of your destination).
You will need to furnish us with a copy of medical proof and/or proof of change of regulations (that can be a link to a website with the official rules).

11.2 Cancellation for any other reason

If your tour is cancelled, either by you, due to circumstances beyond our control, for any reason other than Covid-19 related, or any ‘Act of God’ (see clause 12 below) that impacts the booking, the following cancellation fees will apply:

All prepaid costs for the fee of US$ 150 to cover our costs, plus any deposits for providers and/or flights that you have agreed to beforehand, plus:
Up to 45 days before departure: the above costs only;
Between 45 and 15 days before departure: 60% of the tour costs;
14 days or less before departure: the total tour cost

Please click here to view our booking conditions.

PREPARATION

What is the best time to visit Southern Africa?

Southern Africa is an all-year-round destination due to its varying regional climates. Between November and February, The Cape has beautifully hot and dry summers, while the best time for whale watching is between July and November. The northern regions can be rainy from November to February, but on the other hand, it can be marvellous for birding. The cooler winter months (May to September) are best for spotting amazing wildlife. So, it really depends on what you want!

If you decide to visit Southern Africa between December and February, keep in mind that it’s also school holidays here, so it can be very busy.

Do I require vaccinations for my tour?

Vaccination against yellow fever is only required if you stayed in a yellow fever country in the 7 days before you visit Southern Africa. No other vaccinations are obligatory. In summer, Malaria prophylaxis is advised for certain areas around Kruger Park.

Since we’re not medically certified, these are just guidelines, so please contact your doctor for medical advice.

Note: any obligatory or voluntary Covid-19 vaccinations are not included in this information since these depend on your country of origin.

How safe is it to travel in Southern Africa?

You’ve undoubtedly read about safety in Southern Africa. Yes, there is crime, however, if you take normal sensible precautions, the risk is not substantially higher than in other parts of the world.

When you are travelling in an unknown country, you always watch your steps a little bit more than you do at home. If you don’t do things that you shouldn’t do back home, you will have an amazing time. There are a few things that you have to keep in mind;

Don’t walk alone at night, always take a taxi (that’s what the locals do)
Never take too much cash with you
Don’t wear jewellery that is too obvious
Keep your valuables in the in-room safe
And listen to local advice

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, a travel insurance is mandatory and needs to include a comprehensive cancellation policy. Ask your insurance agent about the terms and conditions.

When and how will I receive my travel documents?

We will send you the travel documents after full payment after receiving full payment prior to your travel departure via email.

What do I do when I need Tales from Africa Travel whilst travelling?

Please contact us immediately if there is something you require assistance with or if you want us to know about what’s going on.

WhatsApp is the best, otherwise phone or email us:

E-mail: info@tfatravel.com
WhatsApp: + 27 (0) 76 404 8864
Cell: +27 (0) 76 404 8864 (24 hrs emergency phone)

RESPONSIBILITY

What is responsible/sustainable tourism?

When you travel responsibly/sustainably you make sure that your holiday doesn’t harm the country you visit nor its people and their cultures, but benefit or even create opportunities. Nature and cultural heritage is too precious to not be safeguarded. Our future generations should also be able to enjoy it.

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint describes the sum of all carbon dioxide emissions that are produced as a result of an activity by a person, company or product. Our everyday actions at home or at the office consume energy, which produces carbon emissions.

What is CO2 compensation?

The greenhouse gases we emit on a daily basis are causing global warming. Therefore it’s our responsibility to understand our personal impact and off-set our carbon footprint by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide saving somewhere else. This can be done by planting trees, sourcing food locally, using public transportation, using renewable energies …

Why should I travel responsibly?

We believe that travellers care about having a positive impact on their destination and that their visits benefit the local communities and nature. With a responsible holiday you are also able to support local income generation by visiting locally owned shops and restaurants. Travelling responsibly empowers fair share, democracy, respect, reliability, transparency and sustainability which we adhere to.