Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Maybe it's a frequently asked one.

How safe is travel to Zambia or Malawi? Green Safaris In 2020 Zambia was ranked the 44th safest country in the world according to it's Global Peace Index. Malawi was only a little behind as the 59th safest.

For context: France comes in at 66 and the United States at 128...
How do I get to the properties? Green Safaris Check out our interactive map on this website, or get in touch with our reservations team for a helpful itinerary specific to your needs.

The main international airports you are likely to find useful when connecting to our properties are in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lusaka, and Lilongwe.
Should I be taking a malaria preventative? Green Safaris Some of our properties are in Malaria areas. Please consult your health care professional regarding prophylactics for malaria at least 6 weeks before your trip or as early as possible.

We take every precaution to ensure guests are not bitten by mosquitoes. We employ regularly maintained, amply sized and custom-made mosquito nets, fans, and supply repellent. However, we also suggest that guests cover up in the evenings.
How much luggage can I bring? Green Safaris Your luggage allowance will most likely be determined by the smallest carrier on your route. Please be aware that many charter flights (small planes) will only allow 12 kg per person. Luggage allowance on International flights (from Johannesburg for instance) will be anything between 20 and 30 kg on Economy tickets. What if I get sick? Green Safaris Many of our staff members are 1st Aid trained. Please ensure your medical insurance is up to date - should serious medical attention be required Speciality Emergency Services will attend to guests. For Covid-19 specific information please head to our Covid-19 information page. What if I’m travelling with children? Green Safaris A luxury safari in Africa is an unforgettable experience for the whole family, and our teams are experts in keeping you all safe and entertained. We have special rates for children and family rooms at most properties. Our age limit ranges from 9 to no limit, depending on which property you visit. What is the best time to go on safari? Green Safaris The most popular months are between May and September when the weather in Southern Africa is cool and dry, and the wildlife is easily visible in the thinner vegetation. Depending on the floods, Chisa Busanga is only open from June to November. However, the Green Season is an incredible time to spot baby wildlife, unforgettable sunsets, and Africa’s scenery in a burst of colour you don’t get for the rest of the year. We also have special Green Season rates.
How to get to Tongabezi? Green Safaris Tongabezi is nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River just 12kms upstream of Victoria Falls. Several airlines have regional flights to
Livingstone, Zambia (approximately 25 minutes by road) Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (about 75 minutes by road) Kasane, Botswana (about 90 minutes by road and boat) Please contact Tongabezi to arrange your transfer....
How much luggage can I bring? Green Safaris Your luggage allowance will most likely be determined by the smallest carrier on your route. Please be aware that many charter flights (small planes) will only allow 12 kg per person. Luggage allowance on International flights (from Johannesburg for instance) will be anything between 20 and 30 kg on Economy tickets. How long should I stay at Tongabezi? Green Safaris 93% of our guest questionnaires recommend a minimum 3-night stay. Tongabezi has a large menu of inclusive activities and Livingstone also has an immense range of other experiences. A 3-night stay ought to allow for at least 6 adventures. Should I be taking a malaria preventative? Green Safaris This is a Malaria area and Tongabezi takes every precaution to ensure guests are not bitten by mosquitoes. We employ regularly maintained, amply sized and custom made mosquito nets, fans and supply repellent. Our guests are advised to cover their arms and legs as much as possible and certainly early in the mornings and late in the afternoons.

Please consult your health care professional regarding prophylactics for malaria at least 6 weeks before your trip or as early as possible.
What is the local Currency? Green Safaris The local currency is Zambian Kwacha. Some nearby activities do accept US dollars. Kwacha can be drawn from ATMs at the airport or in town. At Tongabezi we accept all major credit cards for payment of activities and gifts from our shop. There is a charge of 3.5% on credit cards.

For up to date exchange rates: www.xe.com/ucc
Do I need a Visa? Green Safaris Visas are required for most passports. If you are interested in a day trip to Zimbabwe or Botswana, we would suggest you research the Kaza visa before you land. Most visas can be purchased at the airport or border - please confirm with your embassy whether it is advisable for you to apply for a visa before departure. What if I get sick? Green Safaris Many of our staff members are 1st Aid trained. Please ensure your medical insurance is up to date - should serious medical attention be required Speciality Emergency Services will attend to guests. For Covid-19 specific information please head to our Covid-19 information page. What is the weather like? Green Safaris The highs fluctuate between 25°C and 35°C throughout the year and the lows between 2°C and 5°C.

During summer: The months from August - April are warm (high 20°C's) with temperatures reaching their upper limit for the area during October (around 35°C).
The rainy season: Victoria Falls is prone to short, spectacular thunderstorms (usually late in the afternoon) and our rainy season generally starts towards the end of November/December and continues until around mid - March, but this does vary from year to year. Temperatures are still warm.
An African winter: May - July and into August. Winter is typically cool at night and in the mornings although you can expect it to be lovely and warm during the day. In winter months it is advised that you do bring warm clothes especially for the mornings and evenings.
Is there internet connection? Green Safaris WiFi is available in the Hangout lounge of the lodge. Can I book private dinners? Green Safaris Absolutely! ALL meals can be booked exclusively. Tongabezi has a number of decks as well as The Lookout and the Sampan and guests can also choose to enjoy meals in the privacy of their rooms. Can we bring our children? Green Safaris We love hosting families and even have some fantastic discounts for children. However, our age limits vary depending on which room you are looking at. The Garden House and Dog House are best for families at the main Tongabezi Lodge, but Tangala House is the only property with absolutely no age limitations (and two adorable dogs!). We would suggest getting in touch directly for more details. What about our laundry? Green Safaris Laundry is complementary and done daily weather permitting. Will we have a private vehicle? Green Safaris If you require a private vehicle and guide, this can be arranged for you at an extra cost and is subject to availability. Should you decide not to take this option you may be travelling on activities with other guests, but of course we take social distancing into account. What can I bring for the Tongabezi Trust School? Green Safaris Tujatane has a wish list online which you can find at: https://tujatane.com/support-us or alternatively contact Emma at emma@tujatane.com for further information. Is there disabled access? Green Safaris Tongabezi is built on many layers in order to ensure that every room (except the Garden House) has a magical view of the Zambezi River and the sunset. River Cottage 2 is the most accessible room, but the main Tongabezi areas are also often raised. Please get in touch if you have mobility issues and we will be happy to send through more details and see how we can best help you.
How do I get to Sindabezi? Green Safaris Sindabezi is a 15-minute boat ride from the main Tongabezi lodge area.

Tongabezi is nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River just 12kms upstream of Victoria Falls. Several airlines have regional flights to Livingstone, Zambia (approximately 25 minutes by road) Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (about 75 minutes by road) Kasane, Botswana (about 90 minutes by road and boat) Please
How long should I stay at Sindabezi? Green Safaris 93% of our guest questionnaires recommend a minimum 3-night stay. Tongabezi has a large menu of inclusive activities and Livingstone also has an immense range of other experiences. A 3-night stay ought to allow for at least 6 adventures. What wildlife can we expect? Green Safaris Sindabezi Island is famous for its birdlife. Over 300 species of bird feel very at home in this little paradise. You can also expect to see hippos in the water, and occasionally our friend Horace the Hippo on land, and elephants, buck, and other wildlife on the opposite river banks. If you are extraordinarily lucky you might glimpse lions coming down to the Zambezi for a drink, but you are more likely to hear them at night. Should I be taking a malaria preventative? Green Safaris This is a Malaria area and Sindabezi takes every precaution to ensure guests are not bitten by mosquitoes. We employ regularly maintained, amply sized and custom made mosquito nets, fans and supply repellent. Our guests are advised to cover their arms and legs as much as possible and certainly early in the mornings and late in the afternoons.

Please consult your health care professional regarding prophylactics for malaria at least 6 weeks before your trip or as early as possible.
What is the local currency? Green Safaris The local currency is Zambian Kwacha. Some nearby activities do accept US dollars. Kwacha can be drawn from ATMs at the airport or in town. At Tongabezi we accept all major credit cards for payment of activities and gifts from our shop. There is a charge of 3.5% on credit cards.

For up to date exchange rates: www.xe.com/ucc
Do I need a Visa? Green Safaris Visas are required for most passports. If you are interested in a day trip to Zimbabwe or Botswana, we would suggest you research the Kaza visa before you land. Most visas can be purchased at the airport or border - please confirm with your embassy whether it is advisable for you to apply for a visa before departure. What if we get sick? Green Safaris Many of our staff members are 1st Aid trained. Please ensure your medical insurance is up to date - should serious medical attention be required Speciality Emergency Services will attend to guests. For Covid-19 specific information please head to our Covid-19 information page. Is there electricity on the island? Green Safaris The island is run on solar power in order to minimise our negative impact on the environment. The solar runs lights, hot water, and plugs for charging, but please don't use hairdryers. Is there wifi? Green Safaris There is no internet on Sindabezi, but guests can relax in the main Tongabezi areas during the day and catch up on their work or with their families from the comfort of the Hangout or the Lookout. Is there a pool? Green Safaris Sindabezi has its own gorgeous plunge pool, but guests staying on the island can also use the two main Tongabezi pools during the day. How much luggage can I bring? Green Safaris Your luggage allowance will most likely be determined by the smallest carrier on your route. Please be aware that many charter flights (small planes) will only allow 12 kg per person. Luggage allowance on International flights (from Johannesburg for instance) will be anything between 20 and 30 kg on Economy tickets. Is there disabled access? Green Safaris Sindabezi is a sandy island and only accessible by boat. The rooms are also raised in order to remain above the Zambezi when the water rises in the rainy season. Guests need to be comfortable with a couple of steps and walking on sand in order to feel at home here.
Where is Ila Safari Lodge? Green Safaris On the Kafue River, Central Kafue, within the Hook Bridge area, near Chunga Head Quarters. How do I get there by air? Green Safaris There are direct flights from Johannesburg/Nairobi/Dubai to Lusaka, which is approximately a three-and-a-half-hour drive away. Flights per seat are also available to the Chunga Airstrip (40 minutes away) from Livingstone, Lusaka and other parts of the Kafue. Is there road access? Green Safaris The drive from Lusaka to Ila Safari Lodge is approximately 3.5 hours.

The Chunga Airstrip is a 40-minute drive away from Ila. Chisa Busanga Camp, one of our other gorgeous properties hidden in the Busanga Plains is a 5-hour drive through the National Park from Ila Safari Lodge.
Should I be taking a malaria preventative? Green Safaris This is a Malaria area and Ila Safari Lodge takes every precaution to ensure guests are not bitten by mosquitoes. We employ regularly maintained, amply sized and custom made mosquito nets, fans and supply repellent. Our guests are advised to cover their arms and legs as much as possible and certainly early in the mornings and late in the afternoons.

Please consult your health care professional regarding prophylactics for malaria at least 6 weeks before your trip or as early as possible.
What is the weather like? Green Safaris The highs fluctuate between 25°C and 35°C throughout the year and the lows between 2°C and 5°C.

During summer: The months from August - April are warm (high 20°C's) with temperatures reaching their upper limit for the area during October (around 35°C).

The rainy season: Zambia is prone to short, spectacular thunderstorms (usually late in the afternoon) and our rainy season generally starts towards the end of November/December and continues until around mid - March, but this does vary from year to year. Temperatures are still warm.

An African winter: May - July and into August. Winter is typically cool at night and in the mornings although you can expect it to be lovely and warm during the day. In winter months it is advised that you do bring warm clothes especially for the mornings and evenings.
Is there disabled access? Green Safaris Accommodation and main building have ramp access and game drives can take place from the lodge where the client is made comfortable in the front of the vehicle so no steps or ramp is required. Family tents have ramp access and open showers/toilets. Shower chairs are also available. Boat access only if the client is carried by our willing staff. Can I use a Credit Card? Green Safaris Master and VISA only. Do I need a Visa? Green Safaris Visas are required for most passports. If you are interested in also visiting Zimbabwe or Botswana, we would suggest you research the Kaza visa before you land. Most visas can be purchased at the airport or border - please confirm with your embassy whether it is advisable for you to apply for a visa before departure. What if I get sick? Green Safaris Many of our staff members are 1st Aid trained. Please ensure your medical insurance is up to date - should serious medical attention be required Speciality Emergency Services will attend to guests. For Covid-19 specific information please head to our Covid-19 information page. How much luggage can I bring? Green Safaris Your luggage allowance will most likely be determined by the smallest carrier on your route. Please be aware that many charter flights (small planes) will only allow 12 kg per person. Luggage allowance on International flights (from Johannesburg for instance) will be anything between 20 and 30 kg on Economy tickets. What wildlife can I expect? Green Safaris Four of Africa’s Big 5 are found in Kafue (rhino is absent), with large numbers of buffalo and elephant seen near the Kafue River that has plenty of hippo and crocodile. Africa's highest population of wild dog find refuge in Kafue as does another endangered predator species, the cheetah. Is there internet connection? Green Safaris WiFi is available in the main lodge areas. Can I book private dinners? Green Safaris Of course! Speak to our team for any requsts for private experiences and they will be more than happy to arrange something magical. How long should I stay at Ila Safari Lodge? Green Safaris Guests consistently recommend a minimum 3-night stay, but if you live closer to home we do have a number of people coming from Lusaka for the weekend. Is there cell service? Green Safaris You can generally find Airtel and MTN signal.