|
|
FAQ's
(Frequently Asked
Questions) |
|
|
|
•
Who is behind Epic Enabled?
Alfie Smith, owner of Epic Enabled and Epic Expeditions
has a deep passion for travel and wildlife. What
better combination can you ask for? He worked
for various Overland and Safari companies in Europe,
South America and Africa before starting his own
Safari company where he met his Swiss wife Sabine.
They both have a passion for the African Wildlife
and heritage and are very keen to share all their
knowledge with you. Alfie is a pioneer in many
fields and leads all his own tours. For larger
groups Alfie has an assistant with him. We look
forward to show you our beautiful country soon.
• Why travel with
Epic Enabled?
EPIC ENABLED has tried to combine the spirit of
adventure which the “overland” traveller enjoys
- that is to expect the unexpected - but at the
same time travelling in a highly planned and carefully
structured way. This “Enables” the “Disabled”
traveller to enjoy an “expedition of a lifetime”
tour. Teamwork is the all-important factor in
helping to create a caring and understanding atmosphere.
• How long has
Epic Enabled been operating?
EPIC EXPEDITIONS has been running since 1992 as
an overland company. We have seen very few "Enabled"
travellers enjoying the wide range of pleasures
as an "overlander". Being aware that there are
many “Enabled” people who are able and wish to
experience the same sense of adventure and thrill
which "overlanding" has to offer - the concept
of EPIC ENABLED was born. We started our first
enabled tour in January 2001.
• Am I “enabled”
to travel with Epic Enabled?
Everybody is welcome on our tours. We try to cater
for your individual needs and accommodate any
special requests. If you are an independent traveller
with a disability, mentally sound and medically
fit, come and join our amazing safaris of your
lifetime. As an enabled traveller, you need to
provide a letter from your doctor stating your
disability and the doctor’s acknowledgement that
you are aware of the basic elements of "overland
safari" travel - e.g. that you will sit in a truck
for periods of time travelling on a variety of
roads (gravel, dirt and tarred).
• Where does
Epic Enabled operate?
We specialize in safari & tours in South Africa
but can also offer tours in Namibia, Zambia and
other countries on request. Watch our “accessible
tours” page for more info soon.
• How long
should I stay?
It is entirely up to you. We recommend that you
stay for 10 – 14 Days to experience the
wonders of South Africa. Please remember to arrive
at least 1 day before the safari starts and maybe
1-2 days thereafter.
• Are there
any age restrictions?
No, all ages are welcome if you are young enough
to enjoy an adventure and old enough to appreciate
our beautiful country. However, please inform
us if you wish to bring children on tour. We are
also happy to arrange a private “family”
tour to suite your special request and to prevent
possibly inconveniencing other guests.
• Do children
get special rates?
Yes, children under 10 years get special discounts
if they are sharing with their parents. Please
visit our “special” page or contact
us for more individual information.
• What type
of transport do we use?
We use a reliable, special adapted 1617 Mercedes
Benz overland safari truck with a hydraulic passenger
lift and comfortable seating & a spacious
accessible Mercedes Benz sprinter bus. Epic supplies
quality equipment for accessibility, camping and
cooking (ramps, bath-swivel-seat, shower-wheelchair,
cutlery, crockery, tables, stools, camp lighting,
stove, axe, shovel, spares and tools). For more
info please see our Vehicle and Equipment page.
• When
is the best time to travel?
This is very difficult to say as every month has
a highlight. South Africa has a very diverse climate.
Here is a basic outline:
Cape Town and the Garden Route have winter (June
– August) rains and the Kruger National
park has summer (December – February) Thundershowers.
Kruger National Park - Tropical
climate:
Autumn - March to May: warm & dry during the
day; warm - cool at night
average daily maximum - 29 °C / average monthly
rainfall - 39mm
Winter - June to August: cool - warm & dry
during the day; cold at night
average daily maximum - 26 °C / average monthly
rainfall - 10mm
Spring - September to November: warm - hot &
dry during the day; warm at night
average daily maximum - 30 °C / average monthly
rainfall - 43mm
Summer - December to February: hot & humid
with thundershowers during the day; warm at night
average daily maximum - 32 °C / average monthly
rainfall - 94mm
Cape Town and Garden
Route:
Autumn - March to May: warm & dry during the
day; warm - cool at night
average daily maximum - 23 °C / average monthly
rainfall - 43mm
Winter - June to August: cool with possible rain;
cold at night
average daily maximum - 18 °C / average monthly
rainfall - 84mm
Spring - September to November: warm - hot &
dry during the day; warm at night
average daily maximum - 22 °C / average monthly
rainfall - 28mm
Summer - December to February: warm - hot &
dry during the day; warm at night
average daily maximum - 26 °C / average monthly
rainfall - 16mm
•
Can Epic Enabled assist with hotel & flight
bookings as well as airport transfers etc?
Yes we can arrange hotel accommodation, Domestic
flights in South Africa, airport transfers, car
hire and lots more. Please contact us so that
we can make individual arrangements.
• What
type of accommodations is used?
A range of fully equipped accommodation is used,
consisting of tented camps, bungalows and cottages
in main and private camps.
The tented camps have public accessible bath and
toilet facilities, and the bungalows and cottages
have their own ablutions with a shower or bath.
All accommodations have solid off-the-ground beds.
Please visit our “Accommodation” page
for more information.
• Can I
upgrade from tented to bungalow accommodation?
Yes, depending on availability you can upgrade
to en-suit bungalow accommodation at an extra
cost.
• Can I
travel by myself or do I need to bring a friend
or carer?
Although some travel with friends, as a couple
or as a family, most people find that Epic Enabled
is a perfect way to travel on your own. If you
are self-sufficient and you are medically fit
to travel by yourself you are very welcome to
travel by yourself. Epic Enabled’s staff
will assist whenever possible but we will not
have time for “full time individual”
care. If you need more assistance please bring
a carer, friend or family with you. Groups are
welcome too.
• Do you
provide carers?
Carers or qualified medical assistants can be
organised on request at an extra cost. However
please note that they are English speaking which
might create a language barrier and they will
also have to learn your personal preferences.
• Single
supplement?
Yes, we have a single supplement on our tours.
Please refer to our “dates & prices”
page.
• Can you
cater for special diet requirements and what culinary
delights can I expect?
Epic Enabled provides a range of 3 wholesome meals
a day - which include stews, pastas, barbeques,
traditional African dishes like potjie served
in a boma, picnics etc. Vegetarians and those
with special dietary requirements will always
have different meals to choose from. (Please request
special diets when booking)
• Is the
water safe to drink?
We carry dinking water on our safari vehicle and
generally all campsites we use have good and safe
drinking water. However, there is always bottled
water readily available for purchase.
• Do you
have electricity every day/night?
Yes we have electricity every day & night.
You can recharge your batteries and electric aids
whenever we are not traveling.
• What
type of adapter do I need for the plugs to charge
up electric equipment?
You will need a special adapter to fit the South
African plugs which we recommend that you bring
with you.
We use 2 different plugs:
1) 3 prong large round plug
2) 2 prong thin round plug
• What
are the health risks?
Some of our tours take us through the Kruger National
Park, which is in the malaria area and we therefore
highly recommend for our clients to take malaria
prophylaxis. This is the biggest risk on tour
but please consult your local Travel Clinic for
up-to-date details on vaccinations. It is important
to follow the complete prescribed course.
• What
happens if I have a medical emergency?
On our travels we are generally close to Dr’s
or hospitals with international standards. If
however we are out of reach, we always have emergency
evacuation plans available. We are in constant
communication with our office.
• Do I
need travel medical insurance?
It is compulsory for all travellers to have their
own valid medical and travel insurance to cover
overland travel including repatriation. Epic Enabled
operates a Public and Passenger liability insurance
according to international standards.
• What
about tips?
Although tipping is not mandatory it is always
greatly appreciated. Generally we tip 10-15%.
• What
about security?
It is very safe to travel in our company and we
avoid the “hot spots” so you can relax
and enjoy your holiday. We do have lockable areas
where you can keep your valuables at all times.
All of our safari vehicles are well equipped with
communications equipment, first aid kits and breakdown
equipment. We are very aware of the security in
place we visit and will always advise you if there
are “quick fingers” (theft possibilities)
around.
• Where
do most of Epic Enabled clients come from?
You are from all walks of life and nationalities
who share an adventure which creates true values
and an unforgettable experience. Main nationalities
are: UK, Netherlands, Australia & New Zealand,
Sweden, Switzerland, USA & Canada, Germany
and many more…
• How big
are the groups?
Our scheduled tours normally have a group sizes
of 4 – 12 people. However we can cater for
private tours as well as larger groups on request.
• What’s
included and what is not?
Please refer to our individual itineraries to
find detailed descriptions.
• What
should I bring?
Depending on what time of year and your programme
we will send you a list of recommended clothes
and other accessories to bring along.
• What
other information can you provide?
Further information detailing itineraries, climate,
geography, passports & visa requirements,
people & places of interest, how and where
to join your tour, spending money, general pre-requisites
& clothing, currency, luggage, personal medical
kit, general health, will be provided on your
request.
|
|
|
/
/
/
/
/ / / / / / /
/ /
/ / /
/ / 
