In today’s world and on the African continent especially, your safety cannot be guaranteed. Having said this though, our team does make every effort to make sure that your expedition with Pathfinders is as safe as possible.

We use the help of local people who have a good understanding of Africa’s temperament and experience with the various issues one encounters here.

We keep in constant contact with tourism networks so that we can be aware of any status changes in the countries in which we operate.

We always have a backup plan prepared should any unforeseen changes happen in the country in which we are travelling.

We make sure that the work you are involved in during your expedition follows the correct safety precautions

What Visas and Permits do I require?

Different countries have different (and constantly changing) travel visa requirements. It is your responsibility to research your own personal visa requirements for each country that you visit while on our expeditions.

What indemnities do I need to sign?

You will need to sign a general indemnity/disclaimer to travel with Pathfinders. Certain locations or activities (Victoria Falls, Mozambique, Scuba Diving etc…) that you take part in may also require an indemnity for people that are under 18 years of age. These forms must be signed by parents prior to departure.

What insurance does Pathfinders have?

Pathfinders has US dollar based public and passenger liability insurance. The level of liability that we hold has been set to the recommended levels as determined by the local tourism authorities.

What kind of travel insurance cover should I take out?

Personal travel insurance is compulsory when travelling with Pathfinders. The degree to which you cover yourself within your policy is your personal choice. We suggest that your policy allows for air-lift to the closest hospital and repatriation to your home country should there be a medical emergency.

What are the current HIV/AIDS issues in Africa and what is your advice?

The HIV/Aids epidemic is a major issue facing the entire African continent. A sound understanding of HIV/AIDS and how it can be contracted is crucial when traveling to Africa. All necessary precautions for prevention should be taken and you will remain responsible for your actions throughout the expedition. If you need more information on health issues, read our section on recommended travel vaccinations and other general travel health advice.

In which African countries do Pathfinders expeditions operate?

Pathfinders’ expeditions operate throughout Southern and East Africa, namely; South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The major point of entry for flying into Southern and East Africa are Johannesburg, Nairobi, Kampala, Harare, Lusaka and Entebbe.

See our Map of Africa for a graphical illustration of where these countries are in relation to each other.

Who organises the itinerary?

We design our African expedition itineraries to hold the best balance of adventure, enjoyment, satisfaction, logistics. Our itineraries are developed by each potential group of ‘Pathfinders’ and the expedition they want to do, as well as our expedition coordinators.

What would you do if a trip has been arranged and all travel details confirmed and finalised, but political instability makes it hazardous to embark on the trip?

When planning travel to Africa, it is important to allow for a degree of flexibility and spontaneity in your itinerary. In any instance of political instability or potential danger in the area you are planning to visit, we would not cancel the trip, but would change the destination for the trip to somewhere safe. Our guides have ample experienced in conducting trips all over Southern Africa and are familiar with the main attractions of each country.

How much money should I bring and in what currency should it be?

Your financial needs will vary depending on which African countries you visit as well as the type of expedition that you are on. See our expedition and safari packing checklist for a generic list of items we recommend you bring along. Before your departure we will issue you with a full itinerary, a comprehensive list of recommended items to bring and details on how much spending money you should budget.

What type of vehicle will I be traveling in?

The type of vehicle you travel in will differ depending on your itinerary and the type of expedition you are on. Our transport fleet ranges from land cruisers and mini buses to large 29 seat overland trucks and 60 Seater bus coaches.

What clothing and equipment should I take?

The clothing and equipment that we recommend you take will vary depending on which expedition you are partaking in. For example, you could be in snow at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro or in the tropics when in Mozambique. See our packing checklist for a generic list of items we recommend you bring along. Well before you departure we will issue you with a full proposed itinerary as well as a detailed list of things we recommend you bring along.

Expedition Questions

What is the age range on your Pathfinders expedition?

17-70 years. So far, the youngest person we’ve had on any of our trips was 17 years and the oldest was been 67 years. Age is not an important factor on our expeditions; rather, your enthusiasm, willingness to help others and ability to keep an open mind is what counts.

What specific tasks might I be asked to do on my expedition?

Specific tasks/activities you are asked to do will vary according to the expedition you are on. We have detailed information on the various kinds of tasks you can expect to do on our Africa expedition.

What are the arrangements when I arrive at the airport?

When you arrive at the airport, a member of the Pathfinders crew will be there to meet you and transport you to your our departure base \accommodation prior to your expedition’s departure.

Is there a laundry service available in any locations?

Yes. You will have the chance to do your laundry at any of our Pathfinders operation\expedition bases, however while you are on an expedition you will have to handwash your laundry.

What holiday expeditions are available and what are their prices?

The various holiday expeditions that we offer vary in price but as a rule of thumb, you can budget for between $300-$350 for a 5 day holiday.

What level of spending money will I need?

The amount of spending money that you need will depend on how much you want to shop, eat (outside your regular 3 meals a day) and drink (besides tea, coffee and cordials). As a general rule, you could budget for extra spending money to be around $200 per month.

Do you have an internet service at all the locations?

Internet is available at most locations but since some are very remote, connection speeds there are extremely slow and often unreliable.

Are there working phones at all of the locations?

We have telecommunication facilities at all our operation bases and are in contact with our offices through HF radio/Sat phone at all times when in the field. We do have offices in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya with 24hr numbers should there be an emergency.

What will the daily routine be on my Pathfinders expeditions?

Your daily routine on any of our expeditions will very rarely be the same as your activities for that particular expedition will vary from day to day. For more specific details on each expedition, check out our various expeditions.

What kind of food will I eat?

The food you eat on our expeditions will consist largely of western food (potatoes, beef, chicken and vegetables, etc.). We will also cool and provide local African foods which you are encouraged to try. If you have any specific dietary needs, please be sure to tell one of our Pathfinders expedition coordinators.

Where are your expeditions based?

Please refer to our Africa map or list of expeditions for details of our different trips.

Do you have detailed information on the activities, goals and objectives of each expedition?

Yes. Read general information about the various adventure activities or read detailed information about each individual expedition.

If there is a crisis, will I be moved?

Yes. We have a number of emergency evacuation plans in place should you ever be in a crisis (whether it is a question of safety, medical, family, political, etc.).

Do I need qualifications to go on your expeditions and what are my limitations?

You do not need to have any qualifications to partake on a Pathfinders expedition. However, please take note of the fitness rating assigned to each expedition to check you are fit enough to participate.

Medical Questions

What malaria tablets should I take?

We advise that you visit your local travel clinic or Doctor for advice on health issues such as malaria and yellow fever vaccinations that you may require for your trip to Africa. Read more about Africa holiday vaccinations and general travel health advice.

What immunisations do I need?

We advise that you visit your local travel clinic or Doctor for advice on health issues such as malaria and yellow fever vaccinations that you may require for your trip to Africa. Read more about this in our holiday vaccinations and general travel health advice page.

What happens if I am ill?

Many of the destinations that you visit on your expeditions should have basic medical services nearby that will be able to help with a diagnosis if you do fall ill. We will look after you as best as we can and also ensure that you receive the appropriate medical treatment. Whatever the illness may be, you will be seen by a doctor.

Do you need my medical details and any special dietary needs?

Please let us know if you have any specific medical conditions we should be aware of, as well as any specific dietary needs that you might have.

Please note that we also have a page dedicated to questions asked by parents.

Compare all expedition details and prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Africa Travel Questions

Expedition Questions

Medical Questions

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