Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Communication is in English, however our guides are experienced and it is common for them to know basic queues in languages often including German, Spanish, and French. This has proven to overcome language barriers many times and our guests ultimately having a great experience.

The Addo area in particular has three distinct seasons: spring, summer and winter.

  • Springs - late-August to mid-November - are beauitful with colourful birds and flowers and temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold.
  • Summers -December to March - tend to be wet and can be excruciatingly hot.
  • Winters - April to July - are dry with temperatures varying between 4-21℃, with no snow.

Unless otherwise specified or agreed upon, a simple lunch is provided or included in full-day experiences, such as the Addo Elephant National Park Safari Game Drive Full Day Experience. Otherwise refreshments and light snacks are provided in our experiences or transfers. Kindly advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of enquiry or booking.

Prices are inclusive of refreshments and light snacks, as well as entrance fees into National Parks. Pick-up and transfers from accommodation within the immediate vicinity of the experience are also included. For guests joining from locations further away, transfers can be arranged at an extra charge. Kindly advise us at the time of enquiry or booking.

Please refer to the Payment Terms

Though many vendors accept credit card payments, it is advisable to have a small amount of local currency (i.e. South African Rand) for voluntary tipping or purchases from individual vendors.

Tipping in South Africa, while not compulsory, often contributes a substantial amount toward ensuring those working in the service industry earn a living wage. It is customary to tip on merit, for good service, and nobody should feel obliged at any point to tip for poor service. It is common to tip porters, transfer / taxi drivers, petrol attendants, wait staff, hotel / lodge staff, guides, etc. for good service.

We recommend packing

  • comfortable clothing (early mornings / evenings can be chilly),
  • scarf (for your comfort, especially if you are doing open vehicle excursions),
  • hat,
  • sunscreen
  • sunglasses,
  • spare camera battery (if bringing a camera), 
  • power bank (if using your phone for pictures / videos), and
  • binoculars (if you already own some)

Thentic Tours & Travel abides by the rules and regulations set by each National Park or Wildlife Reserve. We make every effort to note in the experience description whether you can expect an open or closed safari vehicle.


Addo Elephant National Park in particular has very strict policies stipulating that only guests staying in the Addo area at designated lodges may partake in open safari vehicle game drives within the park. Addo Elephant National Park entrance fees are higher for guests on open safari vehicles.


Of note: Thentic Tours & Travel is a registered and exclusive service provider partnering with Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm, offering open safari vehicle game drives to guests of Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm.


Are you specifically seeking to experience a game drive in an open safari vehicle? Be sure to mention it in your enquiry so we can advise on Parks or Reserves permitting such game drives.

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