Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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How much luggage can I bring? Green Safaris Your luggage allowance is typically determined by the smallest carrier on your route. Most charter flights (small planes) allow 15 kg per person in a soft-sided bag. International flights, for example, from Johannesburg generally permit between 20 and 30 kg on economy tickets. We recommend confirming your allowance with each airline before travel, and packing light where possible. Do I need a visa? Green Safaris For Zambia, most nationalities do not require a visa; entry is granted on arrival. For Malawi, a visa costs USD 50 and is payable on arrival. Please bring a new, clean USD 50 bill as they accept cash only. We recommend confirming current requirements with your embassy before departure, as regulations can change. What vaccinations do I need? Green Safaris Yellow fever vaccination is no longer required when transiting through South Africa. Malaria is present throughout Zambia and Malawi, so we strongly advise consulting your doctor at least six weeks before your trip to discuss appropriate prophylactic medication. All our properties provide mosquito nets and insect repellent, and we encourage guests to cover up, especially at dawn and dusk. What is the local currency? Green Safaris Zambia uses the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW), and Malawi uses the Malawian Kwacha (MKW). USD cash is widely accepted at most properties. Please ensure notes are printed in 2016 or later. What should I pack? Green Safaris Neutral, earth-toned clothing is ideal for game drives; avoid bright colours and white. Layers are essential, as mornings and evenings can be cool even in summer. A warm fleece or jacket is particularly important for winter (May August). Comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and personal insect repellent are all recommended. If you are visiting Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi, light beachwear and aquatic gear are a must. Is the internet available? Green Safaris Connectivity varies by property and is detailed in each lodge's FAQ section below. As a general rule, our camps are remote by design. We encourage guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in the wilderness. That said, most properties offer Wi-Fi, though coverage varies: some camps have connectivity in rooms only, while others extend to main areas as well. Please refer to the individual lodge FAQs below for specifics. Can I use my credit card? Green Safaris Visa and Mastercard are accepted at all Green Safaris properties, usually with a handling fee ranging from 3% to 4%. American Express and Diners Club are not accepted. We recommend arriving with some USD cash for smaller purchases, tips, and any activities or souvenirs not settled as part of your package. What is the tipping etiquette? Green Safaris Tipping is entirely at your discretion but is warmly appreciated by our guides, trackers, and camp staff. A common guideline is USD 10 per guest per day for guides, and USD 5-10 per guest per day for general camp staff. A communal tip box is usually available in each camp. Will I have cell phone signal? Green Safaris Cell phone coverage varies significantly between our properties. Some camps have a good signal on all local networks, while others have no cell service at all. Please refer to the individual lodge FAQs below for details, and we recommend letting family and friends know in advance that you may be off-grid. Can I bring children? Green Safaris Children are welcome at most Green Safaris properties, though age restrictions vary by camp due to the nature of activities and terrain. Please refer to the individual lodge FAQs below for specific age policies and any applicable child rates. Is disabled access available? Green Safaris Access varies significantly between properties due to the natural terrain. Some camps involve steps, sandy paths, elevated walkways, or long distances between rooms and common areas. Please contact our reservations team directly with your specific requirements, and we will do our best to advise and accommodate. What happens if I get sick? Green Safaris All Green Safaris staff are first aid trained. For serious medical situations, emergency evacuation services are available, and guests will be transferred to the nearest appropriate medical facility. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel and medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation coverage before your trip.
How do I get to Tongabezi? Green Safaris Tongabezi is nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River, just 12 km upstream of Victoria Falls. Several airlines operate regional flights into Livingstone, Zambia (approximately 25 minutes by road), Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (about 75 minutes by road), and Kasane, Botswana (around 90 minutes by road and boat). International connections are available via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa. Please contact us to arrange your transfer. How long should I stay? Green Safaris We recommend a minimum of three nights, and 93% of our guests agree. Tongabezi has a generous menu of inclusive activities, and Livingstone itself offers an incredible range of experiences, from the Victoria Falls and white-water rafting to cultural visits and scenic flights. Three nights comfortably allow for at least six different adventures. What activities are included? Green Safaris Tongabezi offers a wide range of activities, many of which are included in your stay. These cover game drives, guided nature walks, sundowner cruises on the Zambezi, and visits to local communities, as well as a trip to Livingstone Island. Is there Wi-Fi? Green Safaris Yes, Wi-Fi is available in the main Hangout lounge, as well as in the dining room, gym, and select rooms throughout the lodge. Can I book a private dinner? Green Safaris Absolutely. All meals at Tongabezi can be arranged exclusively. There are several stunning locations to choose from, including private decks, The Lookout, and the Sampan our floating dining experience on the river. Meals can also be served in the comfort and privacy of your room. Are children welcome? Green Safaris We love hosting families and offer some wonderful discounts for children. Age limits and suitability do vary by room type; the Garden House and Dog House tend to work particularly well for families. Please get in touch directly so we can match you with the best option. Is there disabled access? Green Safaris Tongabezi is built across several levels to give every room a magical view of the Zambezi. River Cottage 2 is the most accessible option. The main areas are also partially elevated. Please contact us with your specific needs, and we'll do everything we can to make your stay comfortable. Do you have a private vehicle option? Green Safaris Yes, a private vehicle and dedicated guide can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability. Without this option, guests may join shared activities with other guests. We are happy to discuss what works best for your group. What about laundry? Green Safaris Laundry is complimentary and done daily, weather permitting. Allow at least 24 hours for items to be returned, as everything is air-dried. Can I bring contributions for the Tongabezi Trust School? Green Safaris Yes, and we love that you want to! Tujatane has a wish list available at tujatane.com/support-us. Alternatively, reach out to Emma directly at emma@tujatane.com for more information on what would be most helpful.
How do I get to Sindabezi? Green Safaris Sindabezi Island sits just a short boat ride from Tongabezi Lodge on the Zambezi River, upstream of Victoria Falls. The most convenient way to reach us is to fly into Livingstone (approximately 25 minutes by road), and we will take care of the rest, including your river transfer to the island. International connections are available through Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa. How long should I stay? Green Safaris We recommend a minimum of two to three nights on Sindabezi. As a five-chalet island camp, it offers an incredibly intimate escape, and Sindabezi has a large menu of activities to keep you well occupied. Time here tends to disappear gently, which is rather the point. What is included in my stay? Green Safaris Sindabezi operates on an all-inclusive basis. Activities, meals, selected beverages, and laundry are all covered. Activities include: sundowner cruises, guided walks, canoeing, and the Livingstone Island experience. Is there Wi-Fi? Green Safaris Yes, internet connectivity is available on Sindabezi Island. Are children welcome? Green Safaris Children are welcome at Sindabezi (at 9 years or older), and we can advise on the most suitable chalets and activity options for families. Please get in touch with our reservations team, who will help plan the best experience for your group. What is the maximum number of guests? Green Safaris Sindabezi is a genuinely intimate escape. The camp accommodates a maximum of 10 guests across its five open-air chalets, making it ideal for private group bookings or those seeking a truly personal safari experience. Is there disabled access? Green Safaris The island camp involves uneven terrain, sandy paths, and some steps. Please contact our reservations team in advance with specific requirements, and we will advise on accessibility and do our best to accommodate. What about laundry? Green Safaris Laundry is complimentary and collected daily. Items are air-dried, so please allow at least 24 hours for return. Service is weather-dependent.
How do I get to Ila Safari Lodge? Green Safaris Ila Safari Lodge is located in Kafue National Park, on the banks of the Kafue River near Hook Bridge. The easiest way to arrive is by a short charter flight. Connections are available from Lusaka (approximately 1 hour), Livingstone (1 hour 20 minutes), and other points across the Kafue. International flights connect through Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa into Lusaka. Ila is also accessible by road from Lusaka in approximately 3.5 hours. A note for those combining with Chisa Busanga Camp: the drive between Ila and Busanga is approximately 5 hours. How long should I stay? Green Safaris We recommend a minimum of three nights to fully absorb the Kafue. With twice-daily game drives, e-Boat cruises, walking safaris, spa treatments, and community visits on offer, three nights allow you to settle in and genuinely connect with the landscape without feeling rushed. What activities are included? Green Safaris Included activities at Ila comprise twice-daily game drives (sunrise and evening, returning around 90 minutes after dark), e-Boat cruises at various times of day, including sunset, and walking safaris from May to November (maximum 6 guests, minimum age 12). Fishing can be arranged on request. Guests may also visit the Green Safaris Community Farm, a 1.5-hour drive each way, and the Chunga Community, both offering meaningful insight into the people and conservation work connected to this landscape. Are children welcome? Green Safaris Children of all ages are welcome at Ila Safari Lodge. Children aged 6 and above may join game drives. Younger children may join game drives only if a private vehicle is available. This can be arranged at the lodge, subject to availability. Families are particularly well accommodated in the family tents, which sleep up to four guests. Is there Wi-Fi? Green Safaris Yes, Wi-Fi is available in the main areas and in all rooms. Is there disabled access? Green Safaris Please contact our reservations team directly with specific requirements, and we will advise on the best options. Ila's layout involves some uneven terrain, but we are committed to finding solutions wherever possible. Is there a gym or spa? Green Safaris Yes to both. Ila is home to a fully equipped gym and a unique floating sampan spa on the river, one of the most unusual (and wonderful) places to have a treatment in Africa. What about laundry? Green Safaris Laundry is complimentary on all-inclusive packages and collected daily. Items are air-dried, so please allow up to 24 hours for return. Service is weather-dependent. How is Ila powered? Green Safaris Ila was one of the first lodges in Zambia to embrace solar power, and it remains largely solar-powered today. Rubbish that cannot be composted is sorted and recycled where services are available. All water is provided in refillable glass bottles.
How do I get to Kaya Mawa? Green Safaris Kaya Mawa is located on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, and is accessible only by air or boat; there is no road access. The nearest international airport is Lilongwe (LLW). From Lilongwe, guests take a charter flight to Likoma Island (approximately 50 minutes), followed by a 15-minute road transfer to the lodge. International connections to Lilongwe are available via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa. Do I need a visa for Malawi? Green Safaris A visa is required to enter Malawi and costs USD 50, payable on arrival. Please bring a new, clean USD 50 bill. Only cash is accepted. We recommend confirming the latest entry requirements with your embassy before travel, as regulations can change. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official Malawi High Commission website at malawihighcom.org.uk or the Malawi Immigration portal at immigration.gov.mw. What is the currency in Malawi? Green Safaris The local currency is the Malawian Kwacha (MKW). Kaya Mawa accepts all major cards, and a handling fee of 3% to 4% applies depending on the card. USD cash is also accepted, provided notes are printed in 2017 or later. There is an ATM on Likoma Island. The lodge management can assist with exchanging USD into Kwacha. How long should I stay? Green Safaris We recommend a minimum of three to four nights. Kaya Mawa is the kind of place that rewards those who slow down. There is always more to discover, whether on the lake, around the island, or simply from your private deck. It lives up to its name: "Maybe tomorrow" is always a reasonable answer. What is the weather like? Green Safaris Lake Malawi enjoys a pleasant climate for most of the year. Autumn (March May) brings highs around 25°C with some chance of rain. Winter (June August) is cooler and drier, with highs around 22°C. Spring (September November) sees highs around 28°C with very little rain. Summer (December to February) is the rainy season, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C. What activities are available? Green Safaris Included activities at Kaya Mawa cover snorkelling (with masks, fins, and snorkels provided in every room), kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing on the Topper Topaz and Topper Taz, guided island walks, visits to the Katundu Workshop and St Peter's Cathedral, and the eDhow experience, a serene electric dhow journey along the island's shoreline. For those who want to go deeper (literally), Kaya Mawa offers a full range of PADI diving courses, from Discover Scuba through to Divemaster level. Water skiing, wakeboarding, and ringo sessions are also available at an additional cost. Is there Wi-Fi? Green Safaris Yes, Starlink Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and main areas throughout the lodge. Are children welcome? Green Safaris All ages are welcome at Kaya Mawa. The lodge has a lovely family-friendly atmosphere, and the lake setting is a natural playground. Please note that some rooms are better suited to families than others. Our reservations team will be happy to guide you to the best fit. Is there disabled access? Green Safaris Kaya Mawa’s terrain includes steps, sand, and varying distances between rooms and the main areas. Some accommodations are more accessible than others. Please contact our reservations team with your specific requirements, and we will do our best to advise and accommodate. What if I get sick on the island? Green Safaris There is a hospital on Likoma Island for basic medical needs. For anything requiring specialist attention, guests would need to be flown to Lilongwe. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel and medical insurance before your trip. How is Kaya Mawa powered? Green Safaris Kaya Mawa is proudly one of Malawi's first lodges powered entirely by renewable energy. The lodge runs primarily on solar power, with a new solar farm recently installed on the island. Hairdryers are available on request, though we appreciate guests bearing the power restrictions in mind.
How do I get to Shawa Luangwa Camp? Green Safaris The most convenient route is a one-hour charter flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe International Airport, followed by a one-hour road transfer to the camp, the last 30 minutes of which offer sweeping views across the Lupanda Game Management Area. Shawa is also accessible by road from Lusaka in approximately 9.5 hours. International connections to Lusaka are available via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa. How long should I stay? Green Safaris We recommend a minimum of three nights. Shawa is home to some of the most extraordinary game viewing in the Luangwa Valley, and with legendary guide Jacob Shawa at the heart of the camp's story, every drive feels like a new chapter. Three nights give you enough time to explore by land, wake to the sounds of the river, and feel properly immersed in one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations. What activities are included? Green Safaris Included activities at Shawa Luangwa consist of twice-daily game drives at sunrise and in the evening, with the evening drive returning approximately 90 minutes after dark. Children aged 12 and older are welcome on game drives. Walking safaris are also included, with a maximum of 6 guests per walk and a minimum age requirement of 12 years. What makes Shawa different? Green Safaris Shawa Luangwa Camp is built around a genuinely pioneering concept: Silent Safaris. Our electric Land Cruisers allow guests to move through the bush without disrupting the wildlife, an experience that changes everything about how you see and hear the wild. Every guest is guaranteed at least one silent safari during their stay. The camp is also positioned directly across from South Luangwa National Park, with our own pontoon crossing giving us access to remote, uncrowded areas from the very start of each drive. Is there Wi-Fi? Green Safaris Yes, Wi-Fi is available in both the tented rooms and the main area. Are children welcome? Green Safaris Children aged 9 and older are welcome at Shawa Luangwa Camp. Children aged 9 to 15 pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing with two adults. Children aged 16 and above pay the full adult rate. The minimum age for game drives and walking safaris is 12 years. Is there disabled access? Green Safaris Please contact our reservations team for full details on accessibility and mobility access. The camp involves raised walkways, elevated tents, and some uneven terrain; we are happy to discuss the layout in detail and identify the best approach for your needs. Is the camp cashless? Green Safaris Yes, Shawa Luangwa Camp currently operates on a cashless basis. Please ensure any payments are settled by card. A handling fee applies to credit card transactions. What about laundry? Green Safaris Laundry is complimentary on all-inclusive packages. Items are air-dried and weather-dependent, so please allow at least 24 hours for return.
How do I get to Chisa Busanga Camp? Green Safaris Chisa Busanga Camp is best reached by charter flight. Flights from Lusaka to Busanga Airfield take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. From Livingstone or Lower Zambezi, the flight is approximately 1.5 hours. Flights from Ila Safari Lodge's Chunga Airfield to Busanga take around 20 minutes. International connections into Lusaka are available via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa. Chisa can also be reached by road from Ila Safari Lodge in approximately 5 hours, and return transfers between the two camps are available. How long should I stay? Green Safaris We recommend a minimum of three nights. The Busanga Plains is one of Zambia's most extraordinary and remote landscapes, a seasonally flooded expanse teeming with lion, sitatunga, red lechwe, and enormous flocks of birds. It takes a couple of drives to find your rhythm here, and by day three, you'll be wondering why you didn't book a longer stay. What activities are included? Green Safaris Activities at Chisa Busanga include twice-daily game drives at sunrise and in the evening, returning around 90 minutes after dark. Walking safaris are offered during the full season (minimum age 12, maximum 6 guests per walk). Electric bike safaris offer a uniquely silent and immersive way to explore the plains (minimum age 14, maximum 6 guests). Bush meals and sundowners are thoughtfully woven into each day, often with a few delightful surprises along the way. What makes Chisa unique? Green Safaris Chisa Busanga is the only camp in the Busanga Plains offering Silent Safaris using our pioneering electric Land Cruisers to move through the wild without engine noise disturbing the animals or the atmosphere. Guests retreat to our architectural "Nests", elevated, bird's-eye structures inspired by weaver birds, designed by Green Safaris founder Vincent and Dutch architect Bert Meerstadt. And the Busanga Plains themselves are simply extraordinary: at sunrise and sunset, the landscape turns soft pink, and the sense of stillness is unlike anywhere else in Zambia. Is there Wi-Fi? Green Safaris Yes, Wi-Fi is available in both the Nests and the main area. Please note that cell phone reception is available via WhatsApp calling when connected to Wi-Fi only. Are children welcome? Green Safaris Children aged 9 and older are welcome at Chisa Busanga Camp. The minimum age for walking safaris is 12, and for electric bike safaris, it is 14. Is there disabled access? Green Safaris One nest features a solar-powered lift and is conveniently located close to the main building. Please contact our reservations team for full details on accessibility and mobility access so we can plan accordingly. One of the five Nests is equipped with an electrically operated solar-powered lift and is located close to the main area, making it accessible for guests with mobility considerations. What about laundry? Green Safaris Laundry is complimentary on all-inclusive packages. Items are air-dried and weather-dependent. Please allow up to 24 hours for return. How is the camp powered? Green Safaris Chisa Busanga Camp runs almost entirely on solar power, with 220V electricity and built-in multi-plugs available in all rooms. The camp's commitment to sustainability extends across everything from solar-powered game drive vehicles and electric bikes to refillable glass water bottles and organic waste composted at the community farm.
How do I get to Sausage Tree Camp? Green Safaris Access to Sausage Tree Camp is best by charter flight. Flights land at Royal Airstrip, after which it's a 20-minute drive followed by a 30-minute boat ride into camp. Flight times are approximately 30 minutes from Lusaka, 1 hour 5 minutes from Livingstone, and 1 hour 15 minutes from Mfuwe. Sausage Tree is also accessible by road from Lusaka in approximately 5 hours, including vehicle and boat transfers. International connections are available via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa. How long should I stay? Green Safaris We recommend a minimum of three nights and the Lower Zambezi has a way of making you wish you had booked more. Sausage Tree is one of Zambia's most acclaimed luxury safari camps, with exceptional guiding, a dedicated personal butler (Muchinda), and some of the most varied wildlife activity in the country. Guests staying four nights or more benefit from complimentary return flights. What activities are included? Green Safaris Included activities at Sausage Tree Camp cover game drives (day and night), walking safaris, canoeing, scenic boat cruises, and tiger fishing. Please note that fishing and canoeing are dependent on water levels; boat cruises are available year-round. Sausage Tree and Potato Bush Camp share several game drive vehicles and a fleet of boats, including a 90kW electric pontoon. Is there Wi-Fi? Green Safaris Wi-Fi is available in guest rooms. Please note that there is no cell phone signal at camp. Are children welcome? Green Safaris Children aged 9 and older are welcome. Children aged 9 to 15 pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing with two adults. Guests aged 16 and above pay the full adult rate. Is there a pool? Green Safaris Yes, a stunning 25-metre lap pool overlooks the Zambezi River in the main area of the lodge. All seven luxury suites also feature their own private plunge pools. Is there a gym? Green Safaris Yes, Sausage Tree has a state-of-the-art gym overlooking the Zambezi, including a spin bike, rowing machine, treadmill, inclined bench, kettlebells, yoga mats, and a Chromecast TV. Potato Bush guests may access the gym with prior permission from camp management. Is there disabled access? Green Safaris Accessibility accommodations can be arranged on request. Please contact our reservations team in advance with your requirements. What about laundry? Green Safaris Laundry is available and collected daily. Items are air-dried, so please allow at least 24 hours for return.
How do I get to Potato Bush Camp? Green Safaris Access to Potato Bush Camp is best by charter flight. Flights land at Royal Airstrip, after which it's a 20-minute drive followed by a 30-minute boat ride into camp. Flight times are approximately 30 minutes from Lusaka, 1 hour 5 minutes from Livingstone, and 1 hour 15 minutes from Mfuwe. The camp is also accessible by road from Lusaka in approximately 5 hours, including vehicle and boat transfers. International connections are available via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa. How long should I stay? Green Safaris We recommend a minimum of three nights. Potato Bush is an intimate, exclusive-feeling camp with just three luxury tents and one family house; it often lends itself beautifully to full private buyouts. Guests staying four nights or more enjoy complimentary return flights. What activities are included? Green Safaris Potato Bush Camp shares activity resources with the neighbouring Sausage Tree Camp, giving guests access to an impressive fleet: several game drive vehicles, multiple boats (including an electric pontoon), and two- and three-seater canoes. Included activities are game drives (day and night), walking safaris, canoeing, scenic boat cruises, and tiger fishing. Fishing and canoeing are dependent on water levels; boat cruises are available year-round. Can the camp be booked exclusively? Green Safaris Yes, and it works beautifully as an exclusive-use destination. With just three tents and one Safari House (accommodating a maximum of 10 guests), Potato Bush Camp is ideal for families, groups of friends, and honeymoons. Please contact our reservations team to discuss exclusive-use rates and availability. Is there Wi-Fi? Green Safaris Wi-Fi is available in rooms only. There is no cell phone signal at camp. Are children welcome? Green Safaris Children aged 9 and older are welcome at Potato Bush Camp. The camp's intimate size and personalised guiding make it a wonderful destination for a family safari, particularly for first-time safari families. Is there a pool? Green Safaris Yes, Potato Bush features private plunge pools. Each of the three luxury tents and the two-bedroom family house includes its own personal deck with a plunge pool overlooking the Zambezi River. Is there disabled access? Green Safaris Accessibility accommodations can be arranged on request. Please contact our reservations team in advance so we can discuss the best approach for your specific requirements. What about laundry? Green Safaris Laundry is available and collected daily. Detergent is provided for small personal items. Items are air-dried, so please allow at least 24 hours for return. How is the camp powered? Green Safaris Potato Bush Camp is fully solar-powered with a backup inverter system, ensuring 24/7 electricity and charging availability throughout your stay.