Communications

One of the rare pleasures of being on safari is the possibility to "unplug" and escape from the relentless barrage of media and technology that characterizes daily life in the developed world. Rather than struggle with sporadic cell phone reception and slow internet connection, or drag a satellite phone around on safari, we strongly encourage clients to embrace the relative lack of telecommunications technology, and tell co-workers, family and friends that you are going to be incommunicado in the remote African wilderness.

Cities

In the face of unreliable government services, the telecommunications industry across much of Africa is based on cellular networks, which are surprisingly well developed. All major cities, towns, and airports are served by sophisticated cellular networks, in addition to landlines of variable reliability. Provided that your phone is GSM enabled (e.g. iPhone 4s or later), and your service agreement includes an international roaming feature, your US smart phone will work in most urban settings in Africa.

All city hotels offer telephone, fax, and internet services. Internet connection speeds are typically quite slow, so moderate expectations accordingly - email is fine, but don't plan on uploading videos or large images.

On Safari

A handful of safari camps and lodges feature cellular and/or terrestrial phone service, and an increasing number offer satellite-based wireless internet connection, but bandwidth is limited, and download speeds are slow. Where internet connection does exist, it is suitable only for email, not for uploading or downloading photos and video. Connectivity at safari camps is constantly changing - if this is an important factor for you, please ask us and we'll let you know the current status for your itinerary.

Guests are asked not to use satellite phones, cell phones, or other communication devices on game-drive or in the public areas at camps/lodges.