BenefacTours FAQ
If you do not see your questions answered below, please feel free to contact us.
Age
Q. What age do you have to be to volunteer?
A. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Families find volunteering together a rewarding and memorable experience. We can provide chaperones for unaccompanied minors if required.
Airport transfers
Q. Will I be met me at the airport?
A. Yes, on private tours you will be met either by your guide, private driver or a representative from BenefacTours. Most trips include arrival and departure transfers in the country you originate the tour in.
Baggage
Q. What sort of baggage should I take?
A. Soft sided luggage or travel packs work well. If camping or taking a budget tour, you may be carrying your own bag, so please ensure it is light. Check with your airline as to baggage restrictions with size and weight. Domestic flights, on small aircraft, often restrict the baggage allowance to 15 kg (33 lbs). Most other airlines allow 23 kg (50 lbs).
Booking
Q. How do I book a volunteer tour or private adventure with BenefacTours?
A. It is important to read the booking conditions prior to making a reservation. You can send us an email advising where and what you are looking for or fill in the inquiry form on the right of this page. We will send you a booking form to be completed when booking. A deposit of 50% is required when booking a private tour and the balance is due 60 days prior to the start of your trip. We accept Visa, Mastercard, cash or certified cheque for payment.
Camping
Q. Is it possible to take a camping or budget safari?
A. Yes, we are agents for several large tour companies as well as providing our own private tours. We can arrange group camping or budget scheduled holidays that include wildlife and cultural activities. Contact us for more information.
Flights
Q. How do I arrange a flight?
A. If you are booking a group tour, we can quote your airfare. For private tours, please check www.kayak.com, www.flighthub.com or contact the airline of your choice. Consult your flight itinerary for details about baggage restrictions, especially on internal flights.
Food
Q. What kind of foods will I be served while volunteering?
A. Food inclusions vary according to the trip you choose. Plenty of local and western foods are available. If you are staying with a local family, you will be treated to the local fare, normally fresh and organically grown. Please consult your itinerary and let us know if you are vegetarian or have other nutritional needs.
Group Size
Q. How many people will I be travelling with?
Private safaris are designed for 2 or more people and are customizable to whatever activity or location you would like. Scheduled group tours are available for single travellers or those who wish to join a group of 6 – 22 people. Volunteer packages are typically designed for 1 or more.
Inclusions
Q. What is included in the price?
A. Each trip is different and has its own inclusions.
Included in every tour:
Accommodations
Transport as listed in the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Game park entry fees as indicated in itinerary
Excursions as indicated in itinerary
Not included:
International flights, taxes, meals that are not included in your itinerary, excess baggage fees, passport and visa fees, insurance, drinks (unless specified), medical expenses, vaccinations, tips, or camera fees (some countries charge fees in order to take photos of certain sites).
Insurance
Q. Where can I buy travel insurance?
A. BenefacTours recommends insurance to all travelers. Canadians can purchase medical, cancellation/trip interruption, and baggage insurance with Travel Guard or other suppliers.
Packing
A. What things should I take for volunteering?
Q. You will be provided with a recommended packing list at time of booking.
Single Supplements
Q. Are there single supplement fees for those traveling alone?
A. Private tours are created for 2 or more people and normally allow for double occupancy. You may choose to have a single room, where available, and will be charged a single supplement. Volunteer placements are typically single occupancy. Group tours normally allow for double occupancy and you can be matched up with another traveller, if you wish, or opt for a single supplement.
Spending money
Q. How much spending money will I need in Africa?
A. You will need funds for meals that are not included, drinks, water, tips, optional excursions, and souvenirs. You will be provided an information package once you have made a booking as to type and quantity of currency that is best to bring. 1 litre bottles of water run usually $.50 – $1.00, local meals $1 – 2, and western meals $3 – 10, unless you dine in an upscale restaurant where prices can be much higher.
Visas
Q. Do I need to get a visitor visa prior to arrival?
A. Consult with your own country’s consulate for the country to be visited. See Canadian Government’s Travel Reports or USA International Travel for additional information. Visas for India need to be applied for at BLS International.
Warnings
Q. What do I need to be aware of?
A. Travellers are advised to not carry valuables or wear expensive jewellery when walking in large cities. Be sure that your baggage is locked when traveling. Always use a money belt worn inside your clothing. It is best to take taxis after dark. Homosexual activity is considered a criminal act in many African countries. See Canadian Government’s Travel Reports for additional information or contact the High Commission in your country.
