Africa safaris | General information

Environmental Responsibility

Our tours are designed for small and personalised groups, and we therefore operate with standard, fully-equipped 4x4 vehicles. The vehicle footprint is small, causing minimal impact on the environment. We view our offroad vehicles as tools that enable us to take you to wildlife and wilderness areas, not as machines designed to demonstrate our ability to overcome all possible obstacles and terrain - where an easier route exists we will take it. For this reason we emphasise the non-competitive nature of our tours. Group sizes are also limited to further reduce the impact on the environment and provide a more personalised wilderness experience for our guests.

Responsible Travel

Where practical and feasible, our itineraries support local community initiatives along our routes, both within South Africa and across our borders. We primarily do this by including stays at community-run campsites and making use of local guides with specialist knowledge in certain areas. As Navigators continues to grow, our plan is to assign a percentage of income to investment in projects that will further uplift local communities and wildlife preservation initiatives specific to the areas we visit.

Experienced Guides

All Navigators guides are registered with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and are chosen for their professionalism and field knowledge. As registered guides they hold a professional driver's permit and are qualified to provide first aid in emergencies - by choosing to travel with Navigators, you also choose 'peace of mind' because you know our guides are up to the task! Navigators guides follow a tread lightly policy, which to us means:

Respecting the laws and customs of the countries we visit;
Remaining on designated roads and trails;
Respecting the rights of others;
Caring for the environment;
Driving responsibly at all times.

Accommodation

Accommodation options range from mobile camping to chalets, lodges or luxury wilderness camps. Alternatively, we can tailor-make the itinerary for you and include a combination of the above accommodation options.

Camping safaris

Many of our guests favour our camping safaris for the close contact with nature, and every attention is given to your comfort and safety. On our all-inclusive booked-seat tours we provide a spacious, high-quality dome tent for up to two people sharing. These are constructed of heavy-duty rip-stop canvas with robust groundsheet and mosquito netting. We include a foam mattress and stretcher, and a comfortable camp chair with back and arm rests for those lazy nights around the fire. Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel - or ask us to provide these for you at a nominal charge.

We generally use campsites with well-appointed ablution facilities, but as many of our itineraries include time spent in remote wilderness areas, some campsites may have less-established facilities. Certain itineraries also include bush camping (no facilities). This is part of the African safari experience, adding to the sense of adventure and achievement one feels when taking part in, and completing, such a tour.

Chalets, Lodges and Guest Houses

Apart from mobile camping, alternative accommodation is possible on certain itineraries - guests stay in a variety of solid, furnished structures that are equipped with comfortable and well-appointed amenities.

Meals and Drinks

On our all-inclusive booked-seat tours meals are prepared by your guides, but occasionally we may also have dinner at a lodge or restaurant en route. Breakfast, a snack lunch and dinner are provided daily. Dinner is the main meal of the day and is usually cooked on an open fire. Soft drinks and bottled water are provided. Alcoholic beverages are not included. On our guided self-drive a number of dinners (drinks excluded) are provided by Navigators and included in the tour cost. Fully catered self-drive options are also possible on many of our tours.

Vehicles and Equipment

Aligned to our commitment to responsible tourism, we use vehicles that are equipped for overland expeditions, e.g. additional fuel and water tanks, roof racks, general equipment and recovery gear. Each vehicle is fitted with seat belts, safety equipment and air conditioning. A comprehensive First Aid kit is carried, and each guide is qualified to provide first aid assistance in emergency situations. We use a satellite telephone for communication in the event of an emergency. A laptop computer with external hard-drive is usually available for downloading digital photographs and video, and an inverter is provided for recharging camera equipment. 2-way radios are used for inter-vehicle communication.

Tour Pricing

Guided Self-Drive Tours

Our guided small-group self-drive tours appeal to a broad base of outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travellers: from those who have recently been introduced to offroad driving and the outdoor camping and safari lifestyle, to more experienced travellers and skilled offroad drivers. Have a look at our self-drive tour schedule for an overview of our set departure tours for 2009.

Whatever your level of experience, our range of tours provide the perfect opportunity to further develop or hone your skills in a safe, controlled and non-competitive environment, with assistance given by your Navigators guides. Our tours provide the opportunity to visit beautiful wilderness and wildlife areas in the relaxed company of like-minded enthusiasts, leaving the planning and booking to a team of experienced professionals who will guide you on your trip and provide assistance where required.

Tour prices shown are based on 12 adults booked for the tour, and include: tour planning, bookings and administration; professional tour leader / guide; park and reserve entrance and conservation fees; camping costs for the duration of the tour; specified activities. A number of dinners (drinks excluded) are also provided for the group during each tour.

Costs excluded are: visas; optional vehicle hire and running costs; travel and medical insurances; medical requirements (e.g. anti-malaria prophylactics, vaccinations); meals (apart from those as specified above); drinks; optional excursions or activities.

Booked-Seat Tours

Our small group booked-seat tours are designed for guests who, rather than spend time behind the wheel, prefer to sit back, relax and absorb the sights and sounds that are part of their African adventure. Travel with us in our equipped 4x4 vehicles, in the capable company of an experienced and knowledgable guide. See our booked-seat tour schedule for a summary of our set departures for 2009.

Our booked-seat tour prices are based on 4 adults booked for the tour, and the following is included: professional guide; transport in our equipped four-wheel-drive vehicles; all park and reserve entrance and conservation fees; all accommodation and camping costs; use of camping equipment where required; specified activities; meals and bottled water / soft drinks.

Costs excluded are: visas; airfares and associated costs applicable to fly-in options; travel and medical insurances; medical requirements (e.g. anti-malaria prophylactics, vaccinations); personal items; alcoholic beverages; curio purchases; gratuities; optional excursions or activities.

Responsible travel | Small groups