FAQ's

What is a Private Guide or Experience Specialist? This is a unique service designed to take all the logistical, administrative work out of your trip. Your experience becomes entirely customizable, ensuring that every special requirement and interests are seamlessly seen to. Your Private Guide will be your planner, familiar face, personal wildlife expert, and host. You will learn more, experience more, and understand more about every sighting and experience along the way. Can I extend my vacation beyond the Intrepid Odyssey itinerary? Yes, you may extend your stay in the villa before or after your planned itinerary. These arrangements are subject to availability, but we can inquire on your behalf. Are transfers included if I arrive or depart at different times from the itinerary? Airport transfers outside your scheduled itinerary can be made, but are subject to availability. We will make every effort to accommodate requests. What is the climate like? South Africa is situated in the southern hemisphere, which means our seasons are the reverse of those in the norther hemisphere. Mid-Winter is June and July and Mid-Summer is December and January. During the Winter months, early morning and evening game drives can be quite chilly and adequate warm clothing is recommended. In contrast, Summer can be quite hot, and also require appropriate attire. Hoedspruit, the northern region of South Africa, also tends to experience two distinct seasons, the wet season and dry season. The dry season occurs between June and August, the wet season between October and April. September and May are the transition months, the former the region’s spring, the latter autumn. The dry season is best for game viewing, when animals are drawn to water sources; yet during the wet season, it is at it’s most lush, and is excellent for birding. How strenuous is the itinerary? This is a very diverse itinerary with just as diverse levels of activity. Activities that may pose a slight challenge, are properly noted on the itinerary. However, nearly all of the trip's featured activities are easily enjoyed by all! Is this suitable for families with young children? The privacy of your own villa makes it ideal for families. If you have younger children, we can assist in tailoring an experience for their age and interests, as we know their lives will be changed through these special encounters. However, some limitations may exist for children under five years of age, and the Greater Kruger hikes have an age restriction of twelve and over. Do you arrange for flights or other transportation to and from my destination(s)? We are here to offer guidance on getting to and from our major airports here in Africa, and advice on managing domestic flight times and dates, but the booking of your arrival and departure are up to your group. Once you’ve touched down in Hoedspruit, though, we’ll take you under our wing right away. Everything during your time with us will be arranged for you. When does the Intrepid Odyssey service start and end? It’s already begun! We believe it officially begins with a casual querry, a phone call or an email. We start by getting to know you, your group, and will continue through until we are planning your return trip! Is alcohol included with meals? Alcoholic beverages are included in all Catered Canapes and Sundowners, however, it is not included with catered dinners. Is tipping included, and customary in South Africa? Tipping is customary in South Africa across the service industry, however it is not included, as it is at your full discretion. Depending on the level of service you were provided, the local custom is to tip 10% - 15% of your total bill. However, you can offer a little more than this, for exceptional service. What if a portion or full itinerary cancels prior to departure or during our trip? We will make every reasonable effort to provide the full itinerary, as shown; however, we reserve the right to modify or to substitute activities, catered meals or transportation as we deem necessary. We reserve the right to cancel partial or full itineraries, at any time prior to its commencement, if the safety of the Guests would be compromised, such as may result from unforeseen circumstances (acts of God) or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. Please review our cancellation policy and terms and conditions for more details.