Wildlife photography journeys and safaris

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book and secure a place on a safari? 
Simply, the sooner the better. Why?  Spaces could go quickly and due to the intimate locations and accommodation which is carefully selected, availability is limited.

How do I secure a place on a safari?
Safaris and itineraries are detailed, giving you a tonne of information about the trip itself and booking couldn't be easier. There is a 'Secure your place' button on each active itinerary where you can pay a deposit immediately, therefore securing your place. Or you can get in touch, learn more about the trip then secure your place when you're happy that it will match your expectations - which I'm very positive it will!

Why are safaris mainly priced in USD$? 
Most local safari operators across Africa price their services in their local currency as well as USD $. To keep things simple for you, all other parties and without having to constantly adjust prices due to exchange rates, safaris are priced in USD as this is the amount and currency quoted by local suppliers.

What are the payment and cancellation terms and conditions?
A ‘non-refundable’ deposit to secure your place on a safari is listed in the specific journey page. This amount is to secure reserve your space on the safari.
The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour, unless otherwise stated or advised. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in instalments, please get in touch.
All prices are in USD per person, unless otherwise stated.
Failure to make payments within a stipulated timeline could result in tour cancellation or your space given to someone else.
A deposit is your commitment to joining a safari and/or photography workshop. Deposits don’t typically sit in an account, they are used to cover initial expenses for safaris and workshops, such as; hotel, safari lodge and camp reservations, park permits/fees and guided tour deposits. Due to these expenses, deposits are non-refundable and tour payment made is subject to a cancellation fee.

Can I sell my spot on a safari to someone else if I can't go?
In some circumstances, yes - this is possible. I will liaise with all parties to ensure a transition is as smooth as possible. Some suppliers may charge an administration fee for this service which must be covered by you and/or the person you are giving your place to.

If you decide to cancel
• More than 60 days before the start of the tour: Refund of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.
• 60 – 45 days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $199 convenience fee.
• Less than 45 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. Full payment is required no later than 45 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this date you will be notified by email. If you do not respond within 3 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to participants on the waiting list.
Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

CANCELLED WORKSHOPS
If we are forced to cancel a workshop for any reason, your entire payment will be transferred to another comparable workshop within one calendar year.

Can you assist with visas? 
Unfortunately no. Visa requirements are very country specific depending on your country of origin and passport. Whilst it isn't possible to actually help you obtain appropriate visas, pointing you in the right direction to respective country consulate facilities is certainly possible. It is advisable to apply for visas in a timely manner, not leave it until the last minute and avoid any potential complications.

Are international flights included? 
No, international flights are not included in the cost of a safari but advice will gladly be on flights and connections to help you as much as possible.

What medicines and vaccinations will I need?
This is country/destination dependent and it is imperative that you consult your home county's travel health advice service, such as:
USA - CDC: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
UK - FTA: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

You MUST bring proof of vaccination with you if required by immigration authorities upon arrival.

We advise you to carry your personal medical kit along with a first aid kit. You can carry medicines that are for common illnesses like colds, cough, fever, diarrhoea, altitude sickness, headaches, heartburn or severe acidity and sore throats to name a few.

Those who take regular medication for hypertension, blood sugar, allergy, and asthma and other ailments should carry an adequate supply of medicines as in remote areas these will be extremely difficult to obtain.
Please note that this is a general information, it is recommended that you check with your physician and doctor to determine what medicines you need to carry.

What insurances do I need?
Certainly travel and medical insurances, as well as making sure any photography equipment and personal items are covered. It is advisable to take out travel insurance when you book as you can be covered for unforeseen circumstances immediately and before you actually travel - this is policy and underwriter dependent.
Make sure to check the terms and conditions of the policy carefully, especially, how much coverage will you get, what the limits are and if all activities you will be partaking in are covered. Since there are restrictions for each insurance policy make sure you read through the terms and conditions carefully and keep a printed copy of the same handy during travel. Alex Roldan Photography Ltd will not take the liability for your flight cancelations, medical expenses, gear damage, accidents, natural disasters, extended stays, and other unforeseen emergencies.

I'm a solo traveller and don't wish to opt for a single supplement, how does this work? 
Since the majority, if not all, the lodges, hotels and camps, we are associated with charge single supplements, we will have to book you a single room at the supplement price mentioned for each tour. This rate is determined and set by the accommodation supplier and we will advise accordingly.

Alternatively, we can also find a perfect roommate for you based on your gender, age, and interests. If a roommate is not available, the single supplement will be charged.

Can I bring a friend, family member or non-photographic companion? 
Of course you can and it would be a pleasure to host them. If your travel partner would like to join the photo tour, you can email us for non-photographer partner discount - however, this will be safari and tour dependent as for the majority of the time they will be enjoying the exact same experience, staying in the exact same accommodation. If there are any specific photography activities in an itinerary, they will not be able to partake.

How many guests go on a tour? 
Groups are kept to a small size - generally at a maximum of between 4 to 6 guests, not including photographic guide. This is so everyone receives equal attention and assistance. It also ensures that you have a much more intimate and exclusive experience.

What camera and other gear should I bring?
The destination to where  you are travelling and the wildlife we will focus on will certainly play a major role in this as well as your personal goals of what you would like to accomplish. And we will aide you as best we can and discuss options with you when you secure your place on a safari. But generally as a rule, items to consider include:

DSLR/Mirrorless Camera body/s.
Your longest telephoto lens - preferably 300mm or more.
Wide angle lens/s - perfect for landscapes, general travel images as well as different perspective wildlife shots.
A tonne of memory cards.
A monopod and/or tripod, unfilled camera bean bag - this will help you get more stable images and you can always fill the bean bag when you get to your destination.
Other essentials include: camera bag, lens cleaning equipment, laptop, memory card readers, durable external hard drive to store your files on, silica gel sachets to keep your gear as dry as possible whilst in your camera bag.

What type of luggage shall I pack? 
It is advisable to pack as light as possible, as for the majority you will be carrying and looking after your own luggage. Some safaris and journeys will include local/internal flights in light aircraft which generally have a total luggage weight restriction of up to 15kg per person and where possible a freight seat will be purchased and divided between the group to allow for the additional weight of luggage and photography equipment. Soft duffle bags are preferable for your general luggage, of course your camera bag and a small backpack/satchel/travel bag to keep personal items and important documents close to hand. When you secure your place on a safari, advice on what to pack will be provided as this can be destination/s specific.

When will I receive final instructions for a tour? 
A full and detailed itinerary of the safari/tour will be sent when you have paid a deposit and secured your place. At least two weeks prior to your arrival in country, a confirmation of airport pickup and transfers will be sent to you. So this can be arranged accordingly, please sent your flight details and arrival/departures times as soon as you book your tickets. Please send these to: aklex@alexroldan.co.uk.

What if I have other questions? 
Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any question that haven't been answered above and it couldn't be easier.
Tel: +44 (0) 7837 924 267
Email: alex@alexroldan.co.uk