FAQ

SOUTH AFRICA

SUMMER: September-April

WINTER: May-August

Snowfall is limited to the highest mountain peaks (Drakensberg and Sani Pass).

Summer temperatures average between 15-32ºC at midday.

Winters are generally mild (maximum 20-23ºC), except in the highest parts of the country.

KwaZulu-Natal has a subtropical climate with high summer humidity. Very mild winters on the coastal plain.

Southern Gauteng has hot summers with occasional thundershowers and frosty winters.

The Mpumalanga Lowveld region has mild winters, but the summer months can get very hot and humid. Sometimes as high as 38ºC.

The Cape interior and the Free State have similar weather conditions to Southern Gauteng.

The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.



NAMIBIA

SUMMER: November - April

Days are generally hot and sunny.

Daytime temperatures can rise to 35ºC and night temperatures drop to around 14ºC - 18ºC.

The coastal region is cool throughout the year.

The rainy season runs from February to March.

WINTER: May - October

Days are dry, sunny and mild to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply.

Daytime temperatures generally reach 23ºC and can drop to as low as 0ºC - 10ºC at night.

It can be quite cold and windy at the coast, for which warm clothing is necessary



BOTSWANA

SUMMER: November - April

Days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms.

Daytime temperatures can rise to 38ºC and night temperatures drop to around 20ºC - 25ºC.

The afternoons can be very humid.

The rainy season begins late in October/November and ends in March.

WINTER: May - October

Days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply.

Daytime temperatures generally reach 20ºC and can drop to as low as 5ºC at night.

Cape region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

Southern Africa is an all year round ecological and wildlife destination.

BEST BIRDING SAFARIS are during the summer months from Nov - March when the region is pumping with migratory birds and Weavers, Widowbirds and Bishops are in full breeding plumage.

BEST MAMMAL MONTHS Mammal viewing peaks in the dry season, from June to mid-November. During these months water is scarce and thus the animals are more concentrated around water holes and rivers. Furthermore, the depleted foliage allows for better viewing and photographic opportunities. During the summer, when there is abundant water, the animals are generally more dispersed. Each season however has its own appeal, such as the mass birth of impala lambs during early summer, and viewing can be very good throughout the year.

BEST BOTANICAL MONTHS are December - May when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower. An exception is Namaqualand in the Western and Northern Cape Provinces of South Africa. This area becomes a floral masterpiece in spring (mid-August to mid-September), when the desert-like terrain is transformed into a carpet of flowers and birds are actively courting and displaying.

MEDICAL Southern Africa is a relatively healthy place in which to travel.

AFRICAN SUN: One must be careful not to underestimate the effects of the African sun. Plenty of sun cream, a good sun hat and gradual adjustment is recommended.

MALARIA: Malaria has recently been on the upsurge across most of Africa, due to increasing resistance to anti-malarial drugs. The most dangerous period in terms of risk is the summer months (Oct-Apr).

We recommend the following:

• Insect repellent - recommended repellents contain 20%-35% DEET.


• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors at night.


• Take the malaria tablets recommended for the region you are travelling to, and keep taking them until the course is complete. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your pills at night, after dinner as this usually minimises the effect of the symptoms.


• If you come down with flu-like symptoms within four to six weeks after your visit, seek your doctor's advice immediately.

INNOCULATIONS: Travellers entering South Africa and other countries within Africa may be required to have specific innoculations.

For all advice on inoculations, please contact your relevant travel medical doctor in your own country.

The following websites offers excellent information and advice on malaria prophylaxis, malaria in general and required innoculations:

www.travelclinic.co.za

www.malaria.org.za

SASOL ILLUSTRATED BIRDS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA. Sinclair, I., Hockey, P.A.R. & Tarboton, W.R. 2002, 3rd Edition, Struik Publishers, Cape Town.

The recommended field guide. Not much here on habitat, behaviour and so on, but for identification purposes this book is excellent and it is recommended for intermediate to advanced birders.

NEWMAN'S BIRDS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA. Newman, K.B. 2002. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.

An excellent field guide. This is a "must have" field guide for the southern African sub-region for beginning to intermediate bird-watchers. Indispensable, especially for first-time visitors to the area.

ROBERTS' BIRDS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA. Maclean, G.L. 1993. John Voelcker Bird Book Fund.

The perfect companion to Newman's or the Sasol field guide. Detailed species descriptions, including available data on distribution, status, habitat, food and breeding, as well as sonagrams. New edition currently in preparation. It is still the bible of Southern African birding so take one along in your suitcase or duffel bag.

• Binoculars, camera and accessories. A Spotting Scope is also a good idea.


• Good comfortable walking shoes.


• Khaki, brown, beige or sombre coloured casual clothes. NOTE: Avoiding brightly coloured clothing, and in particular WHITE, is important when birding on foot in dense woodland and forest. Many birds in these habitats are shy and easily scared by bright clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers will help protect you against the sun and insect bites. A warm jacket for night drives and, if summer, make sure it's water-proof.


• Anti-malaria prophylactics.


• Wide brimmed hat.


• Personal toiletries, sun barrier creams and insect repellent.


• Prescription medications (if any).


• Visa or MasterCard credit card and/or travellers cheques - Diners Club and American Express are not always accepted