Filter ZULA FAQs
ZULA is so much more than just your average Online Travel Agency. Getting in touch with us is getting in touch with real human beings who put you and your travel at the heart of everything we do. Our main priority is you, our travellers! With tailor-made itineraries to suit your preferences, we pride ourselves on specifically looking for packages that meet your expectations and needs. ZULA allows you to either browse through our exceptional itineraries and if you don’t seem to find your perfect solution, request a personalised one suited to your needs and desires.
Experience the benefits of a user-friendly and thought-through travel page to start researching the Africa vacation of your dreams before getting in touch with the ZULA team to tailor-make the trip of your choice. Our team is always available via phone, email, WhatsApp or online chat to help you tweak and twist your travel plans, accompany you with the planning phase of your trip, and ensure your booking process is smooth, quick and easy. Enjoy the opportunity to book direct with us and always be in charge of your booking. ZULA offers you individual and honest travel planning with experts in their field – at the most affordable prices.
You can’t find what you are looking for? Don’t worry. Just because it’s not here, doesn’t mean we can’t do it. Contact us and we’ll do everything we can to make it happen. ZULA makes it happen.
For more information about ZULA, refer to:
FAQ “Who is behind ZULA”
About us | Our Story
About us | The Team
About us | Social / Corporate Responsibility
About us | Why book with us
With over 20 years of experience focusing on individual and group travel, ZULA is run by a team of dedicated, passionate and creative travel experts specialising in travels to Southern and Eastern Africa. With our head office based in Cape Town, South Africa, we guarantee you an authentic African experience. However you prefer to travel, we are experts at tailoring brilliant African journeys meeting your every need. Whether you are a first-time or repeat visitor, a solo traveller, a family traveller, vacationing in a group or with friends, we are your African experts.
For further information about ZULA, have a look here:
For further information about ZULA, have a look here:
FAQ “Who is ZULA“
About us | Our Story
About us | The Team
About us | Social & Corporate Responsibility
About us | Why book with us
ZULA is based in Southern Africa. Having offices both in South Africa and Namibia, we have close relationships with our service providers and a lifetime of knowledge of the Southern and Eastern parts of the African Continent that we are more than happy to share with you.
For more information, feel free to also read up on:
FAQ: “Who is ZULA”
FAQ: “Who is behind ZULA”
About us | Our Story
About us | The Team
About us | Social & Corporate Responsibility
About us | Why book with us
ZULA is of African origin and has different meanings in the various African languages. The most appropriate definitions are “brilliant”, “ahead”, and “roam”. We love that the name is short, powerful, and encompasses who we are, what we do and how your African journey should be – ZULA! Brilliant!
For further information about us, have a look here:
FAQ “Who is ZULA”
FAQ “Who is behind ZULA?”
FAQ “Where is ZULA based”
About us | Our Story
About us | The Team
About us | Social & Corporate Responsibility
About us | Why book with us
The ZULA team is very versatile when it comes to languages spoken. We are happy to communicate in English, German, Afrikaans and Spanish (si, Hablamos Espanol) and there are more languages to follow. You can contact us through a channel of your choice – use one of our Enquiry Forms or the Contact us sheet through the webpage, email, phone or WhatsApp us, or chat to us on Skype, Zoom or Google Meets.
We at ZULA offer various communication channels according to your preference, feel free to get in touch:
- Through an itinerary: Would you like to inquire about a particular ZULA itinerary on the webpage but have a few questions or requests? Then use the “Enquire about this trip” button below the ZULA itinerary of your choice and fill in the details – which won’t take you longer than 2 minutes! You are also more than welcome to leave a note to make sure we cover all your questions. Would you like to amend the itinerary, ask for an exact price for your specific travel date, check on availabilities for a certain date and/or would you like to check on the supplement for a driver/guide? This is the best way to get in touch with us at ZULA.
- Use our Enquiry Form: If you don’t have time to go through all of our ZULA itineraries on the page, or if nothing is catching your eye yet, simply fill out our Enquiry Form, giving us all the information we need to begin planning your ZULA holiday with you! Don’t worry if you can’t find what you are looking for: Just because it’s not here, doesn’t mean we can’t do it. Contact us, we’ll make it happen.
- Send us an Email: There’s nothing quite like tradition! You are at any time welcome to send us an email so we can find the perfect ZULA trip for you.
- +27 (21) 003 4488: Wanting to talk? Well, so are we! Our telephone number is +27 (21) 003 4488, and you will be able to reach us from 08h00 to 20h00 local South African time. We are looking forward to your call!
- Book a Callback: You would like us to call but you can only do a specific date and time? Simply reserve your preferred slot, and we will give you a call on your booked date and time.
- Chat to us on Skype, Zoom or Google Meets: Would you like to know who is behind the ZULA team? We are happy to schedule the first call with you to introduce ourselves and develop a plan for your perfect ZULA trip.
See also:
FAQ: What languages do the ZULA team speak?
Contact us
Schedule a call
Enquiry Form
Every ZULA trip is tailor-made to suit you. We design brilliant journeys for any traveller – with any interest, and (almost) every kind of budget. What’s your trip type?
Our unique itineraries have been put together to suit your preferences, such as:
Self-Drive tours
Fly-ins
Scheduled Tours
Solo Travel
Adults only
Family Travel
Nature & Active
Hiking & Trekking
Safari & Wildlife
Food & Culture
Responsible Travel
Self-catering programs
Luxury Travel and/or Honeymoon
Camping & Glamping
Photographic Travel
… and many more
Feel free to get inspired using our ZULA Trip Finder, where you can browse through all ZULA itineraries and filter them according to your favourite trip type. Do you like what we have designed? Great! Would you like to give it a minor tweak here and there? Also great! Our team will happily amend and adjust any itinerary to your personal needs. And hey, all of our self-drive tours can be booked with a private driver/guide as well or turned around to be travelled in the opposite direction. The surcharge for a driver/guide is on request and we are happy to quote this service for you!
Take me to ZULA Trip Finder.
Here’s why you should book with ZULA – With over 20 years of experience and a dedicated team of travel experts based in the travel destinations containing a multitude of product and destination knowledge, we guarantee you an African travel experience like no other! As a result of our excellent long-standing supplier relationships, we can offer you some of the very best prices without including any intermediaries. A team of experienced ZULA Travel Experts will provide you with information throughout your trip, ensuring you receive the best service and accommodation options and insider tips only locals know. Unlike the many online booking platforms available, we offer support from start to finish. As part of the full package, we take care of everything from your arrival at the airport to your transfers, accommodation booking, car rental and memorable excursions. With many years of valuable experience, extensive knowledge and excellent local contacts, we remain by your side throughout, offering advice, essential information and helpful tips to ensure that you receive excellent service and support to warrant a smooth and memorable stay. Feel secure knowing that we are available to assist you 24 hours a day through our emergency telephone number. Our friendly and helpful employees go above and beyond to help you. An informative travel document with restaurant and excursion suggestions, a map of the area and a street atlas will be given to you upon request. If needed, we also offer detailed directions. Requesting a travel proposal with ZULA is a complimentary service. Also, our team will happily amend your itinerary and services chosen to meet your expectations and requirements until you are ready to “SAY YES” to your brilliant African journey. If plans might change, we are there for you. Our terms are designed to help should you need to cancel or defer your ZULA trip. We will waiver any ZULA fees if you wish to defer your trip. You are welcome to check our ZULA Terms & Conditions for our cancellation policies, but be reassured that we are always happy to find a suitable solution for you. Last, but not least, ZULA is a member of SATSA bonding, which stands for the Southern Africa Tourism Association. Their bonding scheme covers any monetary deposits lodged with ZULA in advance of any services rendered.
For further information, and to help make the decision on why to book:
About us | Why book with us
FAQ: “Who is ZULA?”
FAQ: “Who is behind ZULA?”
About us | Our Story
About us | The Team
About us | Social & Corporate Responsibility
T&Cs
About us | Financial Protection
Plan & Research
Plan and research your brilliant African trip with ZULA’s booking process. Our tailored trips provide you with a choice of itineraries including our preferred suppliers and experiences to suit your preferences. The only difficult task is deciding which of our bespoke ZULA itineraries you like best! Enquiring with ZULA is free of charge service and throughout the booking process, our team will keep amending your itinerary and services chosen until we meet your expectations and requirements.
Our unique itineraries have been put together to suit your preferences, such as:
- Self-Drive tours
- Fly-ins
- Scheduled Tours
- Solo Travel
- Adults only
- Family Travel
- Nature & Active
- Hiking & Trekking
- Safari & Wildlife
- Food & Culture
- Responsible Travel
- Self-catering programs
- Luxury Travel and/or Honeymoon
- Camping & Glamping
- Photographic Travel
- … and many more
Get in touch with us
Do you like what we have designed? Great! Would you like to give it a minor tweak here and there? Also great! Our team will happily amend and adjust any itinerary to your personal needs. A personalised travel proposal will be sent to you after we discuss how to customise your trip. The ZULA trip can at any time be modified and adjusted to fit your needs considering you have new ideas or have changed your mind. And again, all of our self-drive tours can be booked with a private driver/guide as well or turned around to be travelled in the opposite direction.
FAQ: “How can I get in touch with the ZULA team?”
Say Yes
You can easily confirm your booking by sending the booking sheet via email to our ZULA team. We will send you confirmation of all ZULA services, together with an invoice for payment per the agreed terms. For further information, feel free to check the Booking & Payment section of the ZULA FAQs. After your balance payment has been received, we will send you your ZULA travel documents 30 days prior to arrival. All our invoices are issued in either ZAR (South African Rand), NAD (Namibian Dollars), and/or USD (United States Dollars). The feature on the ZULA trip finder page, where you can view travel prices in your preferred currency should help you to understand the value of your trip.
Travel
After that, simply get ready and enjoy your travels on your brilliant African journey with ZULA! While you travel and experience the magic of Africa, we are always there for you and are available to assist you 24 hours a day if needed.
Repeat
If you enjoyed our service, don’t forget to tell your friends! There is something unique and contrasting about every corner of Southern and Eastern Africa, and it is a dream destination for a wide range of different experiences. Your exploration doesn’t end here! We can’t wait to help you plan your next ZULA trip!
For further information, have a look at:
Our knowledge of Southern & Eastern Africa can help recommend where to stay, what to see, and what to do. In terms of international flights, we leave it up to the flight experts. It’s the big World Wide Web that will provide you with a range of ticket brokers and booking platforms such as Skyscanner, Travelstart, Flightfinder and many more. Nonetheless, we can provide any domestic ticket you might need or that is essential to your itinerary. We would only charge a small service fee on that ticket price to cover our administrative costs. We of course ensure that all necessary flights are included in all of our Fly-in programs and all itineraries that require national / domestic flights. If you prefer to book national /domestic tickets yourself, you are more than welcome to do so, and we will reduce your travel price accordingly.
Not at all. Most of our charter and scheduled flights are at discounted ZULA partner rates. Even national / domestic flights might get discounted ZULA fares due to our long-standing business cooperation with the local airlines. But again, if you prefer to book national / domestic tickets yourself, you are more than welcome to do so, and we will reduce your travel price accordingly.
No, family gatherings are not necessary around the contracting table. As our primary ZULA contact, you can sign for all participants, provided you are at least 21 years of age and legally capable. All travellers’ details (including their names, surnames, birth dates, nationalities, etc.) are still needed though to book our ZULA services. We process your following our Privacy Policy which can be viewed on the website. With regards to payments – anyone can make payment for the booking. So in case you have a rich uncle somewhere on earth, we encourage you to have a chat with him.
Please find further information on data collection here.
Payments can be made by either Credit Card or International Bank Transfer. Our bank account information is provided on the invoice for bank transfers. If you wish to pay with a Credit Card, you will receive an online link to handle the secured transaction (Visa or Master Card). Our credit card transactions are subject to a service charge of 4%.
For further information, feel free to also refer to:
– FAQ: “Do I need to pay the total amount to ZULA when booking my trip?”
No, upon booking, we require a 25% deposit to confirm all services for your ZULA trip. The balance payment of 75% is only due 45 days before arrival. Some suppliers require a deposit greater than 25%. Our offer will clearly state that these are exceptions and we’ll make sure you know this when you book.
Please also have a look at:
– FAQ: “How do I make payment for my ZULA trip?”
ZULA is a member of SATSA bonding (Southern Africa Tourism Association). Membership is only granted to companies deemed appropriate for operating in the travel and tourism sector and we adhere to a strict Code of Conduct that requires us to be annually verified.
All services for your ZULA trip require a deposit upon booking and a balance payment 45 days before arrival. The bonding scheme covers any monetary deposits lodged with ZULA in advance of any services rendered.
For further information, please refer to:
Yes, the ZULA travel prices are guaranteed upon booking – unless we’re impacted by outside factors, such as increases on government taxes etc. We use NAD, ZAR, and USD as our base currencies and our invoices will reflect these currencies. If you would like to secure an attractive exchange rate through your bank, you are more than welcome to make full payment upon booking your trip, otherwise we ask for a 25% deposit and a balance payment 45 days prior to arrival.
We doubt that will happen. Through our long-standing relationships with supplier we are able to offer best rates and brilliant services.
However, provided your ZULA booking has already been confirmed, you send us a detailed quote of your alternative offer that clearly specifies all inclusions, and we find no difference in services, we will gladly have a look and see what we can do.
- Most important: your passport. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after the return date (South Africa 30 days, Mauritius for the dates of travel). It should also have two blank visa pages (4 pages for Botswana). Continuing your journey to neighbouring countries and returning to South Africa, for example, requires additional pages for stamps. Tanzania requires an online visa.
- Your travel vouchers & documents, which we will send to you via email 30 days prior to departure, provided the total balance is received.
- An international driving licence is required for self-drive tours.
- We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation fees, luggage, and/or medical expenses. For further information have a look at “Is it recommended to have travel insurance when travelling to Southern or Eastern Africa”
- Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination if entering Tanzania (mainland and/or Zanzibar) through a Yellow Fever country.
Please also have a look at:
It’s possible. Upon receiving your nationality (which is why we request it from you), we can provide you with detailed information about the documents you will need for your ZULA trip. Most Southern & Eastern Africa countries will grant a visa upon arrival but check with your Embassy / Department of Home Affairs first if you need to apply for a tourist visa in advance. Generally, each country visited requires at least two consecutive/side by side blank pages on entry for both the visa and the stamp (4 pages for Botswana) and your passport must always have enough blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) for all required visas if the itinerary includes more than one country, excluding the country of departure and return. Insufficient blank pages in a passport could prevent entry into a country. Should a visa payment be required on arrival, generally payment in cash will be requested. In some cases, change is not provided, and the exact amount payable becomes essential. The use of Travelers Cheques and Credit Cards for this purpose is usually not permitted. To avoid any disappointments, please confirm with your Department of Home Affairs before travelling.
You’re entirely free to decide. Generally, travel insurance is not mandatory. However, it’s a good idea to look into insurance – in the event that you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to illness, or medical expenses occur whilst travelling and/or your luggage gets damaged, etc. Travel insurance for a year may be the best option if you are a frequent traveller. We are sure you will find the best option for you to ensure a memorable ZULA trip. You might also want to check with your bank. Travel insurance is included in most credit cards nowadays.
For further information, please also refer to About us | Client Protection and About us | Travel Insurance
Travellers should keep up with standard vaccines when travelling, such as Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis A/B, COVID-19, etc. During travels to malaria-prone areas, your doctor can also advise you on the best options. There are many malaria-free options in Southern & Eastern Africa, depending on your chosen destination. However, if you find yourself wanting to travel somewhere where contracting malaria is a possibility, then further information is available through your nearest travel clinic. Visiting Tanzania through a Yellow Fever endemic country requires a Yellow Fever vaccination (for the mainland and/or Zanzibar). Generally, to determine what precautions and/or vaccinations you need, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or travel clinic. Make sure to contact them prior to your departure, as prevention measures might take some time.
Please also have a look at:
– FAQ “Is it recommended to have travel insurance when travelling to Southern or Eastern Africa?“
Southern and Eastern Africa’s COVID situation is well under control, and vaccinations are readily available. The Botswana vaccination program was one of the first worldwide to be completed, and Tanzania and Zanzibar were declared “COVID-friendly” at a very early stage. Regulations for entry and return vary depending on where you start and end your trip, along with and what passport you hold, so be sure to check the most recent information.
For more information, please refer to
Our team at ZULA will be happy to provide you with any information you may need before your departure and keep you informed of any other essential details. In addition, we have prepared some extensive information for you in our Travel Advice section.
The amount of luggage you can carry on an international flight depends on the airline. Typically, a flight’s maximum allowance is listed in the booking confirmation. The standard amount is 20-23kg, excluding your hand luggage. National / domestic flights might have a slightly more restrictive luggage allowance, only permitting 20kg per person. This is important to keep in mind before your ZULA trip. Occasionally, charter flights allow only 15kg per person in soft bags and luggage has to be added to the booking. Don’t worry about this too much because we, at ZULA, always guarantee ticket fares that include at least one checked luggage bag per person. For all flights booked through ZULA, we will provide you with information regarding baggage allowance and other air travel-related matters.
First and foremost: Contact us! Please let us know if you might need to change/rebook or cancel your ZULA’s trip, so we can check with all suppliers and resolve your problem. In the case of cancellation, the cancellation policy stipulates that we are entitled to charge cancellation fees. They will cover any cancellation charges from our suppliers and administrative costs (banking and/or service fees) incurred during the booking and payment process. However, please be reassured that we are always happy to have a look at your individual booking to find a suitable solution. If you wish to defer your booking, we will waive any ZULA fees and recalculate your travel price based on the new travel season. Deposits will be allocated to new travel dates.
For more information, please have a look at ZULA T&Cs
All of our ZULA tours are presented in English. However, if you are travelling in a private group, we will be happy to arrange for a guide who speaks your preferred language. For example, most of our ZULA guides in Namibia speak German, but we can always arrange for a person fluent in French or Spanish or any other language. We might only struggle if you are looking for a hiking guide, that also is a certified scuba diver, and speaks 5 languages fluently. Everything else we certainly make happen.
– Take me to ZULA Trip Finder
Various terms for accommodation are used in different countries. In many countries, Guest Houses signify a somewhat rustic accommodation. In contrast, a Guest House in South Africa is comparable to a high-end four or five-star hotel – but a little more private and familiar.
We have prepared an overview of the various ZULA accommodations for your convenience:
Frequently used accommodations:
- Boutique Hotel
- Guest House
- Bed & Breakfast
- (Game/Safari) Lodge
- Tented Camp / Safari Camp
- Hotel
- Resort (mainly Mozambique and Zanzibar)
- Self-Catering
- Villa
- Farm Stay (particularly Namibia)
- Campground (especially Namibia)
- Houseboat (mainly South Africa and Namibia)
- Train
- Tree House
Most Boutique Hotels are four to five-star establishments that offer all the amenities and features of a standard hotel with a unique and exclusive design. They are generally small, feature top class service and are marketed to affluent travellers.
Guest Houses are typically private homes that have been converted exclusively for the use of visitors. Guests have exclusive access to the establishment’s public areas. Unlike Bed and Breakfasts, a Guest House typically caters to all meals. Owners or managers usually live off-site or in a separate area of the property.
Typically, a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is a private home where guests can be accommodated in private bedrooms. Not all Bed & Breakfast accommodations come with private bathrooms. However, we only deal with suppliers who provide private facilities, and there is usually a resident owner or manager living on the property. Several of the house’s public areas are either restricted to guests or shared with the host family in some way, such as the kitchen and living room. Breakfast is included in the Price (usually continental or full-English). However, additional meals can be arranged upon request.
A lodge is an accommodation facility designed and situated to enhance the sense of being close to nature. Various natural materials such as wood, stone and thatch are often used as building materials. Lodges usually provide outdoor experiences, such as guided hikes and game drives.
In general, a hotel is the largest type of accommodation. Typically, there is a common reception area, and rooms often open straight into a passageway. There is usually a restaurant and other facilities on-site that are easily accessible to the public. In addition to the standard amenities, there may be room service and spa’s available. Some hotels belong to larger hotel groups, and the experience may be similar across all the locations. The hotels we at ZULA work with usually range from 3 to 5 stars.
This establishment provides all self-catering facilities. For maximum comfort, the units have a fully equipped kitchen (including a refrigerator, stove, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, and cleaning supplies).
For more information on accommodations, check out our ZULA categories as well.
Take me to ZULA Trip Finder.
Check-in at your ZULA accommodation typically takes place between 14h00 and 15h00. On the day of departure, check-out is generally between 10h00 and 11h00. In case of a late check-in, please notify the property. Lodges sometimes schedule shuttle services from the park entry into the Reserve. To avoid delays, please arrive at the meeting point at the time indicated on your travel documents.
There are vast differences in infrastructure between Southern and Eastern Africa, depending on which region you are in. In contrast with South Africa, where most of the roads are tarred and driving is relatively easy, Namibia presents a different set of challenges. Despite Namibia’s mere 5000km of tarred roads, more than 40,000km is gravel. In our Namibian self-drive programs, the rental cars are at least 2×4 SUVs and all our ZULA tours will be conducted with vehicles meeting the requirements. The touring vehicles we use for our ZULA tours e.g. in Tanzania are usually 4x4s with panoramic windows and, in most cases, pop-up roofs.
– Take me to ZULA Trip Finder
The majority of Southern and Eastern African employees are paid a low base salary and are therefore reliant on tips. You are welcome to leave a tip for the good service received during your ZULA trip. But how much is appropriate? This is what we would recommend our ZULA clients:
- Overland Guides and Safari Guides based in Lodges: ZAR/NAD 100 p/p and per day (EUR/USD/GBP 6)
- Lodge staff: ZAR/NAD 250 for 2 persons for 2 nights (EUR/USD/GBP 15)
- Restaurant: 10% of the total invoice
- Luggage Porter: ZAR/NAD 10 per luggage (EUR/USD/GBP 0,60)
- Assistance at Petrol Station (only for self-drives): ZAR/NAD 5 (EUR/USD/GPB 0,30)
You will always be able to charge your phone, camera and/or laptop. If you plan to travel to Southern or Eastern Africa, we recommend bringing a World Travel Adapter. Please note that some countries may experience power cuts now and then, and some accommodations and lodges may encounter difficulties providing electricity in remote areas. However, most places have generators that automatically turn on when the power goes out. In such a case, wait a few moments before it turns on. If not, why not take the opportunity to stargaze under the African sky?
Keep in mind that this is Africa! The Southern & Eastern African region is well connected to the world and even provides 5G service in specific areas. However, there are likely to be some remote areas along the way, which is possibly one of the reasons for you visiting Africa – getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Therefore, please don’t expect constant reception and connectivity. In many accommodations, WIFI is only provided in the common areas (lobby etc.). But don’t worry, we let you know if WIFI is available at your ZULA accommodation so you can plan accordingly. Just check the description.
Are you interested to see our ZULA partners? Have a look here.
Many places, including safari camps, now accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). Nonetheless, we advise you always to have some cash handy to pay for curios, bar tabs, gratuities, etc. If you are travelling to South Africa, it is advisable to exchange your money for Rands as it is the national currency. When travelling to Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zanzibar or Namibia, it is easier to have some cash in either local money or also in EUR/USD. In exchange for paying for something with EUR/USD, you will receive change in the local currency, which can be used while you are still at the destination. Please note that most places in Zimbabwe no longer accept credit cards. Taking small amounts of forex cash (in USD) would be helpful. It is strongly recommended that you don’t exchange your forex for local Zimbabwean currency, as you will be charged the official bank exchange rate, which does not reflect the actual cost of goods in Zimbabwe. Therefore, you will find everything in Zimbabwe to be very expensive.
We include as many fees and expenses as possible in your ZULA program, so you do not have to worry about them while travelling. It’s important to note though, that some fees and levies are not pre-bookable and must be covered at the time of entry to a park, etc.
We generally exclude:
- Additional meals not specified in the itinerary
- Additional entrance fees and conservation levies
- Fuel & toll fees
- Personal extras such as tips, laundry services, roaming etc.
- Private expenses
- International flights
- Visa and Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel Insurance
- Any new government taxes, levies or industry increases that are beyond ZULA’s control.
You will also be given the option to purchase a ZULA Service Package, which includes: Meet & Greet Service at the airport, welcome in the arrival hall, assistance with picking up the rental car, exchanging money, etc. We will provide you with relevant information and tips regarding your itinerary. Additionally, travellers will receive a personal travel folder with all documents, trip itinerary and info, travel plans and detailed directions, as well as for Namibia a SIM card with starter credit for all networks, and two prepaid postcards.
More information you will find in the “Price includes” and” Price excludes” sections of your program.
– Take me to ZULA Trip Finder
We have your back! Our Emergency / Service Phone is available 24/7, Monday through Sunday. Depending on who is on shift, we can also help you in Afrikaans, German, and/or Spanish. You can find all ZULA contact details in your Travel Documents. You however might want to call the rental car company first if you need to exchange a flat tyre or contact the hotel first if you are running late. Our team however is happy to assist you with this, and we will also provide all of the contact details for the services you have booked by us with your Travel Documents.
Absolutely! Getting to know our suppliers through personal experience has taken us quite some effort and time, but things might have changed. If that is the case, we want to know so that we can improve our services. What better way to learn than from you? Our channels of communication are always open to you. We’re available by phone, email, and online chat. Even if we don’t hear from you, we’ll try our best to get in touch since we’d still love to learn how your ZULA trip went. Feedback from you will help us improve our services, better understand our partners, and select the best options for our clients.
To find out how to get in touch with us, check here:
That is as much up to you as it was the first time. We are available by phone, email, or online chat. You can also use any of the contact forms on our page or schedule a Callback with our team.
To find out how to get in touch with us, check here:
– FAQ “How can I get in touch with the ZULA team?“
– Contact us
– Schedule a call
– Enquiry Form
Feel free to ask us about referral benefits!
With our ZULA Trip Finder you can select Travel Responsible itineraries that have been designed explicitly with sustainable travel in mind. ZULA strives to provide as many environmentally friendly and sustainable services as possible. In the descriptions of our hotels and services, you can easily find out more about this.
What can you do to promote sustainable travel?
- Travel less, but for longer! Plan your trips more efficiently by boarding the plane less frequently but extending the length of your stay. This enormously impacts our carbon footprint.
- Spend more time at one destination! You can conserve fuel and energy by not changing accommodations every night.
- Select eco-friendly and sustainable suppliers who have been recognized for their efforts in those areas.
- Avoid over-tourism! When visiting popular hotspots and attractions, try to avoid going during peak visiting periods.
- Feel free to support any conservation effort you may choose. Most of the Safari Lodges in Southern and Eastern Africa are running conservation projects – and need our support.
It certainly is! Travel business and employees are vital components of the communities we serve. ZULA engages with the community in many areas, including the environment, sustainability, and education. We’ve already had a positive impact on the following charities:
For all ZULA passengers travelling in South Africa, our ZULA pouches, which might hold your travel documents, are made by women from rural areas in Swaziland, many HIV-positive women who earn their livelihood through their beautiful sewing work, which also allows their children to attend school.
Every booking made in any of our other ZULA destinations (such as Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, etc.) results in xxx being donated to the Africa Foundation, whose vision is to uplift and up-skill our people. Therefore, conservation communities in identified rural areas are empowered. The Africa Foundation works in 73 communities across six countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia. It facilitates the implementation of projects that it identifies and invests in long term relationships with communities. Community members, government agencies, and other stakeholders are involved in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the projects they undertake.
We fund all of our projects 50/50 – half of the donation amount is taken off our margin based on your paid travel price. The rest is paid out of our own funds.
For further information, have a look at:
Please contact us if you wish to support any of our ZULA projects with an additional donation. That can either be done on your behalf or contact details can be provided to you. If you’d like to know more about other charities we have supported in the past, we’d be glad to share information with you.
South Africa
Due to its southern location, South Africa experiences summer while countries further north experience winter, such as Europe and the United States (November to February). South Africa is, therefore, an ideal destination for those looking to escape the cold. While May to September is classified as the official rainy season, the country sees little rain. The natural scenery is now lush and green, fewer people are travelling, and rates are lower. South Africa – a jewel all year round!
Please also have a look at:
– Travel Seasons in South Africa
Namibia
Every single month is worth a journey to Namibia. The best time to visit Namibia depends on your activities. For travellers who prefer to avoid the intense heat of high summer (December to March), travelling during the winter months is a good option (May to August). Visiting the Caprivi Strip between November and April is great for bird watchers, while the best time for safari-goers is from June to September. Due to the dry vegetation, animals need to visit permanent water holes resulting in perfect game viewing and photographing opportunities. Most visitors prefer to travel during the months May to October. It hardly ever rains, and you can enjoy the uninterrupted sunshine, except at the coast that can be foggy in the morning. The climate is moderate and does not get extremely hot during the day.
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Botswana
The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season between May and October when you can expect warm, sunny days with lower temperatures at night. This is when the water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their highest, creating the waterways and channels Botswana is famed for. The Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are Botswana’s most popular parks and the best time to visit them is from May to September during the dry winter season, resulting in more moderate temperatures. The “green” season, from November to March, is more pleasant, though game disperses and water levels drop in the Delta.
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Tanzania & Zanzibar
Different areas in Tanzania have different attractions at different times of the year, so there is no right or wrong time to visit Tanzania but the dry season (from late June to October) is the most popular time for a Tanzania safari. During this dry season, animals congregate near water sources putting predators and prey in close proximity and making for some exciting game viewing. It is also a good time for a Zanzibar Island adventure when the climate is cool and dry. Within this period, August and September have the best water clarity of 25 or more meters, offering incredible snorkelling conditions and whale viewing potential. December to February is also a lovely time to visit Zanzibar and her neighbouring islands, as it’s hot and dry. The wet season arrives in March and lasts until May. When travelling to both countries, June to August is the best time to see the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti with little chance of rain in Zanzibar.
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Zimbabwe, Zambia & The Victoria Falls
With mild temperatures, virtually no rain and low malaria risk, the dry May to October winter season is generally the best time to visit Zimbabwe for game viewing and viewing the falls when the spray is not too high. Although note that September and October are extremely hot and dry months. The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season between June and November. The skies are cobalt blue, the days are hot, and the nights are cool. Wildlife spotting opportunities are plentiful during this time and walking safari bush camps in and around South Luangwa are open. For both countries the rains come from December to Mar, falling most heavily in January and February. The best time to visit The Victoria Falls depends on how you would like to experience the falls and the surrounding area. February to May sees the falls flowing at their greatest volume thanks to the summer rains, but every season brings something distinct to appreciate. Even when the water levels are low, you will have amazing panoramic views, great conditions for white-water rafting, and the opportunity to spot numerous rainbows above the falls.
Please also have a look at:
– Travel Seasons at Victoria Falls
Indian Ocean (Mauritius & Mozambique)
Thanks to a beautiful tropical climate, Mauritius and Mozambique remains warm all year round, making it a perfect holiday destination. The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to December when the weather is cool, dry and sunny. Even in winter, from May to October, the temperature drops from hot to balmy. During summer, from November to April, the days are hot and humid. We don’t recommend visiting Mauritius during the wet Cyclone Season from January to March, and rather avoid the east coast in July and August when the wind is at its strongest. Mozambique’s dry season between June and September is considered the best time to visit. Although diving is possible all year round, your experience may depend on the weather. The windiest months are February and August, which will affect visibility during dives. The winter months are generally very pleasant as they are cooler and drier, so this is a very popular time for visitors – especially those combining Mozambique with a safari.
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Integrity and transparency are important to us at ZULA. When you book with us, we provide you with complete details of all included and/or excluded services without any hidden fees.
For your rental car, we usually include – (unless otherwise stated):
- Vehicle of booked category
- All taxes and fees
- Contract fee
- Airport charges
- Unlimited kilometres
- Accident and theft insurance
- Tyre and windshield insurance
- Third-party liability insurance
- Additional driver
- Baby/child seat (if required)
- One-way fees
- Cross-border papers (if needed)
- Google Maps links to all destinations
- 24-hour emergency hotline
Excluded services are usually (unless otherwise stated):
- GPS
- Petrol
- Security payment/deposit
- Surcharge for drivers under 23 years of age
- Luggage insurance
- Costs for overdue rental fees
- Delivery/collection of the rental car
- Cancellation/no-show fee
- Breakdown assistance (except for mechanical failure)
- Additional fees such as fines etc.
Why do we exclude a GPS?
Our decision is based on the fact that we do not want to add unnecessary costs to your booking; many travellers use other directions services or devices. In every travel document, you will find Google Maps links that we provide for all bookings free of charge.
They certainly are! African destinations are great for children. Considering we are mothers, fathers, and sisters as well, we would not recommend taking children anywhere if we had even the slightest doubt. The Hotels and Safari Lodges in our family itineraries offer a range of facilities for kids and teens of all ages. ZULA itineraries offered range from self-drive, fly-in, guided tours, as well as group travel, so you and your family can pick the ideal type of travel for you. Also, many accommodations offer attractive rates for family rooms. Many of our ZULA itineraries, and most of our family itineraries in South Africa and Namibia, are malaria-free, so parents can rest easy as malaria prevention is unnecessary.
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