Frequently Asked Questions
See if you can get some of your answers here!
Why is this so cheap? What’s the catch?
It’s true, most African Safaris are a lot more expensive. This is cheaper for two reasons:
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1. We aren’t going to Kenya or Krueger. These are the big expensive parks that most people associate with safaris. But they’re also very touristy, filled with a lot of people. We go to a private lodge on a smaller reserve and get to see the same amazing animals without competing with a lot of other people.
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2. I’m not a travel company and I’m not trying to make a profit. I just like taking fun people on amazing adventures and have been doing it for over 20 years. However, since I was able to offer this incredible experience at a much lower rate than a travel company, I added a little extra into the price of everyone’s ticket as a donation to Super Heroes Humane Society, the animal rescue I’m Vice President of. So full disclosure, a portion of your trip cost goes to support local animals in need.
Why is airfare NOT included in the price of the trip?*
Two reasons:
1. Many people may decide, since they’re already in Africa, to do more things while they’re there. You may want to visit Cape Town, Madagascar, or even venture around Johannesburg for a few more days. We didn’t want to limit your adventures by purchasing the plane tickets for you. As long as you’re at the Intercontinental Hotel on the morning of August 23rd, whatever you do before that (or after August 30th) is entirely up to you.
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2. The flight from the US to Johannesburg is a minimum of 16 hours, at night. This isn’t a big deal for everyone but some people may prefer better sleeping accommodations than economy class seating. By purchasing your own tickets, you can choose the option that is most comfortable to you and your budget.
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* A note about the plane ticket: we recommend having as few layovers as possible. There aren’t a lot of flights to Johannesburg so if you miss a connection you might find yourself stuck for a while and could miss the shuttle to Maropeng.
What is Maropeng?
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Maropeng is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our trip to Maropeng includes a tour of the visitor center and museum as well as the Sterkfontein Caves. The Maropeng Visitor Centre is an award-winning, world-class exhibition, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. We will take a journey through time, starting with the formation of the planet and moving all the way through the evolutionary processes that culminated in the world as we know it today. See fossils, learn about how humankind was born, view stone tools that are up to one million years old, and much more. This self-guided, interactive tour allows you to take all the time you need to ponder humanity’s fascinating origin story.
The Sterkfontein Caves are world-famous for their fossil finds and are a popular visitor destination, offering easy access to the caves with modern walkways and a boardwalk past the excavation site where globally acclaimed fossils have been discovered. The Sterkfontein Caves are owned by the University of the Witwatersrand, whose scientists have been responsible for the main excavations at this World Heritage Site. They are credited with many of the most notable discoveries in the caves, including the world-famous fossils of Mrs Ples and Little Foot, the latter being an almost complete Australo-pithecus skeleton dating back more than three million years.
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What are the payments options?
Again, I’m not a travel company, so unfortunately I can’t take a credit card. However, Oneonta Adventure Club is an LLC and does have its own bank account for checks and Zelle, PayPal (which can be linked to your credit card) and Venmo. Contact your bank to see if they use Zelle because there are no fees. If you wish to pay via Venmo or PayPal, there is an additional charge of $200 to cover their fees. Checks can be mailed to Oneonta Adventure Club, 139 Collins Dr., Oneonta NY 13820. Payment links are below.
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You have the option to pay in installments and I’m happy to send invoices. All payments are nonrefundable and will be applied to your trip. However, if you are unable to go and you want to gift your payments to an unregistered traveler to take your place, your payments can be transferred to them.
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To use Zelle, you must first see if your bank participates in it, and if so, you must enroll. Once enrolled, go to your online banking website and go into payments with Zelle. It will ask to either search for the recipient (if you do this, make sure you use the FULL email address: OneontaAdventureClub@gmail.com) or it will ask to go through your contacts or use a QR code. Click on the "use a QR code" and point your phone camera or QR code app at the code below. ​
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PayPal: @OneontaAdventureClub
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Venmo: @OneontaAdventureClub
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Can I secure my place on the trip without paying in full right away?
Yes. A $250 will secure your place on the trip until January 1st with a downpayment of $2,000 required by January 1st, all applied to your total. The remaining balance must be paid in full by May 1st, 2026.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Yes. They recommend you be vaccinated for Hepatitis. There is no vaccine for Malaria and there are different strains in different parts of the world. While the lodge at Pilanesberg boasts being “malaria free” and you may not ever see a bug, it is still recommended that you take malaria pills. You should contact your doctor’s office as soon as you register and tell them where you’re going. They will do the research and examine your vaccination history to determine what you need. Many of the people that have been on our other safaris opted out of the malaria pills or stopped taking them when they never saw any bugs, but we recommend you follow your doctor’s advice.
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As of June, 2022, all COVID requirements for international travel have been rescinded. You do not need to show proof of vaccination or have a negative PCR test.
Do I need a passport to travel to South Africa?
Yes. And this takes a while to get one (several months, and it has gotten worse in 2023) so if you don’t have one before June 1, 2026, there’s a chance you will not be able to go on this trip.
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Do I really need to purchase travel insurance?
Yes. There are no refunds guaranteed. In the event of another pandemic, every effort will be made to postpone the trip 1 year. However, in addition to covering the expense of this trip (for instance, if you test positive for COVID 2 days before departure and are unable to go), if you get sick or injured while on the trip and require a hospital stay or a hotel quarantine, travel insurance can help pay for these unforeseen circumstances. Generally, the cost is about 5% of the total trip cost and it will put your mind at ease. Every month, Forbes magazine puts out a list of the best travel insurance companies and it’s very easy to put in your information and receive quotes to compare. It is highly recommended that you make sure your travel insurance includes “trip cancellation.”
Are the travel dates flexible? Can I change my booking to another date?
These dates are not flexible. The hotel rooms and shuttles have been booked and paid for already for this group. The trip officially begins on Friday, August 23, 2026 in Johannesburg and ends on Friday, August 30th, 2023 in Johannesburg.
When should I plan to arrive in Johannesburg?
Your price includes the first night’s stay at the Intercontinental Hotel at OR Tambo Airport on August 22nd (the hotel is literally at the airport, you don’t need transportation or even a shuttle to get to it), however you are on your own for dinner. There is a very good restaurant in the hotel but we wanted to leave you free to explore. Also, because of the 6 hour time difference from NY, there’s a chance the hotel restaurant will be closed by the time you land and get through customs. Breakfast at the hotel on the morning of August 22nd is included before we depart for Maropeng at approximately 8:00 am. If you’d like to do other things in Johannesburg before our trip begins or you’d like to stay at another location, it would be at your additional expense. Likewise, if you miss the shuttle to Maropeng, you would have to find alternative transportation, at your additional expense, to meet up with the group later.
Will my electrical and electronic devices work in South Africa?
There will be USB ports everywhere for charging your electronic devices, however, electrical outlets are very different from ours in the US. Shepherd’s Tree Lodge does have one electrical outlet in each room for US plugs. You should not plan to use your hair dryer in the hotels, even if you have an adapter, as the voltage is too high. All of our accommodations provide hair dryers in the rooms and the outlets warn not to use hair dryers with US power adapters.
What will the weather be like in late August?
Late August is still winter in the southern hemisphere but it’s close to the tropics so their winter is similar to Florida’s winter, only much drier. Typical high temperatures will be in the 70s and lows in the 40s. This time of year is the best to view wildlife because if we were to go during the hot summer, animals aren’t as active and they’re more hidden by dense foliage.
How should I pack for this trip?
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Pay attention to the forecast for Johannesburg leading up to our departure date. We’ll be a little warmer at the park but at least you’ll have a good idea. Most importantly, you need to pack for COLD weather! It could be in the 40s when we leave on the early morning game drives and we’re in open-air vehicles and moving…..it can be quite cold and windy! A hat or hoodie that ties and covers your ears is highly recommended, as well as a heavy layer (not a bright color, see below) that you can discard when the sun comes up because it can get warm fast. Gloves, a hat, and sunglasses are a good idea; the sunglasses can help keep the road dust out of your eyes. Hiking boots aren’t necessary but a good pair of walking shoes or sneakers is.
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Your trip cost includes an amazing bush walk (pending availability of park rangers)! This is a 3-hr walk in the early morning hours tracking a park animal, such as a rhino or lion. You won’t be allowed to wear any bright colored clothing and it will be chilly.
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There’s a lovely pool at the lodge and if the weather is permitting, you’ll want to enjoy it so pack accordingly.
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It’s dry and dusty….bring eye drops. And cotton swabs for your ears.
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If you’re close to a phone upgrade and use it as your camera, you might want to consider upgrading to a newer cell phone before you leave. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you’ll want the best photos you can possibly get of these amazing creatures. A good zoom lens on your phone or camera probably works better than most binoculars and they can be heavy.
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Believe it or not, we even stop during the game drives for snacks, coffee, and bathroom breaks!
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Once registered, you will be sent a suggested packing list.
What’s the food like for our meals?
Bring an adventurous palette! The food at the Intercontinental Hotel and Maropeng is pretty standard fare. The chef at Shepherd’s Tree is Michelin-trained and puts out impressive dishes prepared in ways that you’ve likely never tasted. There’ll be several choices at each meal so you’re sure to find something that sounds pleasing. Food is a top priority for the trip organizers but if you’re an extremely picky eater, pack lots of snacks. There are no vending machines at the lodge. We eat well and eat a lot
How much money should I bring? Should I convert it to South African Rand?
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Everywhere you go, people accept American money, and in some cases prefer it because of the exchange rate. If you choose to do some site-seeing on your own, be warned: you’ll be approached by many native people demanding money, and not just ANY money, they’ll want American twenties. If you’re the type of person that has a hard time saying no, bring lots of American $5 bills. This will especially happen if you choose to do the tour of Johannesburg and Soweto.
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Your meals, lodging, and excursions, as well as a moderate tip for all, are included in your trip package. Extra expenses that you might want to bring cash for include:
o Spa treatments at Shepherd’s Tree Lodge
o Alcoholic beverages at all locations
o Outside excursions or tours
o Souvenirs
o Extra tipping for hotel staff or park rangers
o Food at airports