In certain situations it is best to leave all discussions and negotiations to your guide e.g. at police road blocks. Keep away from the discussions unless called, and remain patient and calm – remember, things can be slower and more deliberate in Africa.

As in many other countries worldwide, it is best to adhere to the safety advice and precautions as provided in the tour documentation, to make your Africa safari as pleasant and safe as possible. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, and obvious displays of cameras and other valuables in towns and markets. In the bush, always be alert whilst looking around - don’t wander too far from the vehicles or camp, particularly after dark.

To get the best out of your Africa experience, we encourage you to do some research, eg. political, social, economic and environmental issues faced by the countries we visit. The internet (Google, Yahoo search) and guide books (Lonely Planet, Bradt, etc) are excellent resources.

Familiarise yourself with basic greetings and phrases in the local language of the area we'll be visiting. Most written travel guides include a short section with common phrases; alternatively try and find a phrase book of the language. Your efforts will be much appreciated and it helps to break down possible cultural barriers.

During the tour you will meet people from all walks of life, where customs, cultures and value-systems may be different to what you are used to. Be open to any differences and enjoy the life of another culture.

Your tour documentation should cover most things to be aware of, otherwise ask your guide about acceptable behaviour. Dress appropriately, particularly in towns and cities, and cover your arms and legs when visiting churches and sacred sites. Ask permission before taking photographs of people.

Never insult, degrade or patronise our hosts. We each have a different way of reacting to situations, thinking about things, and even a different concept of time. Be patient, and look for the lighter side in potentially-frustrating situations.

Purchasing locally-made jewellery and curios benefits the local communities, rather than shopping at retail outlets in towns and cities. Particularly on self-drive tours, try and pack a small parcel of food or clothing for distribution to one of the local communities – this is often of greater value than money.

In many African cultures it is acceptable to ‘negotiate’ the price of an item, for example at a local market. However, be aware of the economic realities of the area that we're visiting and bargain fairly for goods and services.

Many of our tours are to areas where water is a precious resource and in short supply. Safeguard water supplies. Use small amounts of water for cleaning dishes, washing hands, shaving or brushing teeth. When bush-camping (no facilities), try and make do without a shower until we reach our next established campsite.

Respect Africa’s pristine natural areas and resources. Don’t damage plants, trees and animal life or their dwellings - as a rule don’t collect anything from the wild.

Respect the right of others to enjoy the peace and solitude of our natural surroundings by avoiding all forms of unnecessary noise pollution.

Your tour leader will usually carry a good selection of informative books pertaining to the fauna and flora of the areas visited, tracks and signs, birds, trees and plants, snakes, scorpions, etc.