Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions. If your particular question is not answered below, please contact us with your query.
DO YOU DO LAND ONLY ARRANGEMENTS?
Our quotes are land only prices, and you will need to book your flights independently. South African Airways, Virgin and British Airways all offer direct flights.
DO YOU OFFER TAILORMADE ITINERARIES?
Yes. We can help you in putting together a superb tailormade itinerary to travel individually, with your partner or with a group of friends, to suit your exact level of comfort, wanderlust and interests. Let us know what you have in mind, and we would be pleased to put together a quote.


CAN YOU DO PRIVATE TRAVEL FOR SMALL GROUPS?
If you and a number of friends or family would like us to tailormake a trip we would be delighted to do this. Alternatively we can arrange a specific date to suit you and create your own departure. The choice is yours.


DO YOU DO FAMILY SAFARIS?
We offer fabulous family safaris, combining real learning about wildlife and nature and culture. They can be tailored to suit all ages and have activities that get children actively involved in learning about the wild and about other cultures.


CAN I TRAVEL SOLO AS A SINGLE TRAVELLER?
Yes of course. A lot of our group trips have a large proportion of single travellers both male and female. If you want your own room then single supplements do apply.


ARE ALL TRIPS ESCORTED?
Yes. All our small groups are fully escorted from the moment you reach your destination. All specialist tours will have a researcher who is also a qualified guide to oversee your trip.


WHAT TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION IS USED?
Our lodge accommodation is selected on the basis of high quality, personal service, boutique character and infinite charm. If you want to know more please call us and we can describe the accommodation in detail to you.


WHAT ABOUT VISAS?
Please check with your local embassy for details.


WHAT ABOUT HEALTH?
The northern Limpopo Valley is a low-risk malaria zone, so anti-malarial drugs are advisable, as well as repellent and long-sleeved shirts for the evening. The Travellers health line at MASTA in the UK is a premium health advice service. You can call them on 0906 8224 100. They will be able to offer expert advice.


DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
Yes. You will require a full passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel. Visas can take up to one or more full page of your passport so please make sure there is enough space.


DO I NEED ANY SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE ON OUR TOURS?
No prior skills, knowledge or expertise is needed for our trips, just a sense of humour and a willingness to get involved. Full orientation and any training needed will be given at the start of your visit.


HOW FIT DO YOU NEED TO BE?
All our trips are within the capabilities of anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy.


WHAT ARE THE GROUP SIZES?
Our own experience tells us that smaller groups of six to eight provides a small very personal close knit group of like minded travellers and is one of the most rewarding aspects of their trip.


WHAT WILL THE WEATHER CONDITIONS BE LIKE?
At South Africa’s northernmost reaches you should expect sunshine, long summer afternoons and dry days for most of your stay. Summers are hot with temperatures reaching the mid 40° Celsius. While rain is not common, when it does rain you know all about it! Winter is more tolerable with warm late mornings and afternoon but cold mornings and evenings. On drives we advise you dress warmly but expect to take off all your heavy clothing as the day progresses.


WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
We ensure high quality and healthy meals, enjoying delicious local foods, supplemented where necessary with western dishes. It is possible to cater for vegetarians and other diets on all our group and tailormade trips. Please advise us in advance of any dietary preferences.


WHAT CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED?
Essential kit includes day sack, binoculars, sun hat, cameras, weatherproofs, torches and good walking shoes or other footwear. A recommended clothing, equipment and reading list is sent to you once we have received your booking form, as part of your comprehensive trip dossier.

 

HEALTH & SAFETY
Travelling with GOshango is a wonderful chance to experience a stunning array of cultures, landscapes, ecosystems and activities. At the heart of this experience are the differences between our respective ways of life. You should understand that this means that standards of health and safety will not be the same as in the other parts of the world and may often be lower.



Electrical Appliances
Please exercise caution when using electrical appliances. When using your own appliances be sure to use relevant adapters and converters. Never use sockets or appliances where bare wires are showing and alert management in this event. Be wary of using locally-purchased electrical appliances such as phone or game chargers as these are often not up to UK or EU safety standards and fires have been known to occur.


Pre-existing Medical Conditions and Disabilities
Please make sure that GOshango is aware of any pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities which could affect your holiday. Please ensure that you travel with sufficient supplies of medication. When flying always pack enough medication in your hand luggage to tide you over should flights be delayed or your hold luggage go missing.


Access to Medical Facilities
During your holiday you are likely to be travelling in areas well away from medical facilities such as doctors, pharmacists and accident and emergency units. Your travel insurance must include sufficient cover for emergency medical evacuation, by air if necessary.


Travel Insurance
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your holiday. Take time to confirm that all activities, excursions and destinations are included. Ideally your cover would include, but not be limited to adequate medical, legal, cancellation, delay and personal possession cover.


Know Before You Go
Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel or call 0845 850 2829 to help you make informed decisions about your safety abroad.

 

GOshango Suggestions

In light of our dedication to the conservation of the environment, a fair economic benefit for local communities and the preservation of cultural values, we ask you to read GOshango’s suggestions before departing on your trip. We hope this will serve not only to ensure the sustainability of the areas you are visiting, but also to improve the quality of your experience overall.

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Before you travel, try to learn about the local culture and traditions. A little time spent researching the unique customs of the region you will be visiting can avoid embarrassment and offence, as well as providing a useful insight. Openness and a willingness to learn about the differences between foreign cultures and our own can open many doors, especially when combined with a tolerance of those differences.
   
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The notes in your itinerary are there to help you with specific information on the cultural sensitivities of your holiday destination. Try to remember that it is the cultural differences that will make your trip special. In many regions of the world it is considered offensive to take someone’s photograph without obtaining their permission beforehand. Please try not to be offended should they decline, even if you do not understand why.
   
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You can help to respect and care for the local environment in many ways, such as not picking wild flowers or plants, disposing of litter responsibly and aiming to recycle what you can. Ensure bottled water is locally produced and not imported. You may well have purchase additional items for your trip, remember to recycle any packaging that these came in before you travel and bring items such as batteries back to the UK to be recycled responsibly.
   
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When visiting national parks, stick to set paths in order to preserve the natural habitats and leave animals undisturbed. Keeping noise to a minimum also helps and allows you to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature or simply the peace and quiet.
   
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Ancient artefacts or products made from endangered animals or plants that are on sale were probably acquired illegally, so refusing to buy them. This is not only in the interests of the local people, the environment and travellers who follow you, but it will avoid any conflict with police and customs. Try to make time for a visit to IFAW (The International Fund for Animal Welfare) before travelling and be aware that some crafts encourage deforestation. Your local guide are always be able to advise you if you are in doubt.