Information
Frequently Asked Questions
We realize that Africa is so much different to what you’re used to. For this reason we’d like to share important recommendations from past experience.
At no stage feel obligated or obliged to follow any of our recommendations, they are merely there for you to utilize if you wish to.
1Weather
The Eastern Cape in South Africa boasts a moderate climate, making for comfortable hunting conditions.
Average Temperatures during our early season, March - April, range from 65F to 90F.
Average Temperatures during our mid-season, winter. May - August, range from 40F to 85F, from our Northern areas night time and early morning temperatures can drop down to freezing.
Average Temperatures during our late season, September - October, range from 65F to 100F.
Average Temperatures during our mid-season, winter. May - August, range from 40F to 85F, from our Northern areas night time and early morning temperatures can drop down to freezing.
Average Temperatures during our late season, September - October, range from 65F to 100F.
2South African Currency
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. There are 100 cents to 1 rand. There are exchange bureaus in all towns and airports and in most hotels. Be sure to exchange some currency for SA Rands, as you may want to buy African souvenirs on your safari travels.
3Electricity
The electricity in South Africa is 220 Volt. Please check that any of your electrical equipment's’ charges accept 110 – 240 Volts or else you will need to bring an inverter from 220 Volts to 110 Volts. You will also need a pin plug that fits into the South African system.
4Malaria
All of John X Safari's hunting areas in South Africa are Malaria-free. There are no mandatory inoculations required for travelers visiting Southern Africa, we do however advise that tetanus shots are up to date.
5Gratuities
Let us start off by saying that the only reason we’re even broaching this subject, is that it is the most commonly asked question. Firstly, our company has a policy that tips are definitely not mandatory and have to be earned by the staff. Over the course of the past 5 seasons, we’ve asked all our staff to keep note of their tips, after each season we have worked out an average on what tips they have earned per safari. Here is a yard stick of what can be taken as an average.
Professional Hunters: $75.00 to $250.00 USD / day. (Depending on the hunt - Plains Game or Big 5 Hunt).
Camps: $400.00 - $600.00 USD Per 7/10 day Safari covering; Managers, Cooks, Kitchen Ladies, Room Ladies, Laundry Ladies, Gardeners/Porters
Please note that most hunts will be out of two camps, be sure to split the tip between camps where applicable.
Trackers/Skinners, Skinning Shed Staff: $150.00—$300.00 USD Per 7/10 day Safari
Skinning Shed & Game Carriers/Retrievers: $50.00—$100.00 USD Per 7/10 day Safari
Day Trip Excursions Guide: $50 - $75 / Per Day
While settling your bill for your safari with credit cards, personal checks and wires are all accepted methods of payment, the tipping of trackers, camp staff and PH's must always be done in US$ / Euro cash, as staff are unable to exchange checks. Tips can however be added to the final bill of the safari if you wish and then charged accordingly. Check with your Professional Hunter what the norm is on tipping and at all times keep in mind a tip is a bonus greatly appreciated, but not expected.
Professional Hunters: $75.00 to $250.00 USD / day. (Depending on the hunt - Plains Game or Big 5 Hunt).
Camps: $400.00 - $600.00 USD Per 7/10 day Safari covering; Managers, Cooks, Kitchen Ladies, Room Ladies, Laundry Ladies, Gardeners/Porters
Please note that most hunts will be out of two camps, be sure to split the tip between camps where applicable.
Trackers/Skinners, Skinning Shed Staff: $150.00—$300.00 USD Per 7/10 day Safari
Skinning Shed & Game Carriers/Retrievers: $50.00—$100.00 USD Per 7/10 day Safari
Day Trip Excursions Guide: $50 - $75 / Per Day
While settling your bill for your safari with credit cards, personal checks and wires are all accepted methods of payment, the tipping of trackers, camp staff and PH's must always be done in US$ / Euro cash, as staff are unable to exchange checks. Tips can however be added to the final bill of the safari if you wish and then charged accordingly. Check with your Professional Hunter what the norm is on tipping and at all times keep in mind a tip is a bonus greatly appreciated, but not expected.
6General Recommendations
If at any stage you are not sure of any aspect of the safari with John X Safaris, please feel free to contact us directly or speak to one of our representatives.
We look forward to having you in Africa ~ Team John X
We look forward to having you in Africa ~ Team John X