Frequently Asked
Questions
For scuba divers, it is very important to bring all of your diving qualifications with you. If you want to do any qualification courses with us, you will have to bring with a doctor’s certificate stating that you are fit to dive. Consult your doctor to have an examination done to determine your fitness to dive.
Travelling to any part of Southern Africa is safe. We will advise you on all the necessary documentation needed.
For your safety, please carry your valuables (passport, money and so on) close to you or under your shirt when travelling.
This is purely a precaution; we have never experienced any mishaps on our safaris.
All the lodges we operate will have safe lock-up facilities for your valuables.
On booking any safari with us, we will advise you of any additional health risks and precautions that needed to be taken.
Boa Vida Safaris has premium equipment for use in both fishing and diving. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer, but it is not a must. For scuba diving trips, make sure you bring:
- Qualification cards and log books
- 2 sets of swimming costumes
- Sun cream
- A good cap
- Sandals
- Visa and Passports
- Comfortable casual shoes
- Sleeping clothes
- Personal medication
- Personal toiletries
- English style electric adaptor
- A backpack
- Camera and accessories
- Sunglasses
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of departure from South Africa or any of its neighbouring countries. Depending on your nationality, visas may be required to travel to our destinations; citizens of some nations are given visas on arrival.
Contact the South African embassy or consulate in your home country for more information.
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) handles most of South Africa’s international air traffic, and so it will likely be your point of arrival. For trips to Mozambique, you will likely catch a connecting flight to either Maputo International Airport (MPM) or Vilankulo Airport (VNX). We can arrange your transfers from and back to your arrival airport.
In the countries where we operate, there are local mobile networks with nationwide coverage.
We recommend that you purchase a local SIM card for your smartphone in the country where your safari takes place – we can also arrange this for you. Alternatively, our staff will gladly relay any messages you have to individuals of your choosing.
Many of our accommodation partners offer Wi-Fi service, and so you will be able to connect to messaging services while there. If you prefer, you can activate international roaming with your own home network and use your personal line to communicate.
Winter runs from April to August, and it is still sunny and mild. Note that August is prone to bouts of trade winds blowing. Summer is September to March.
The climate is warm and humid, with occasional rain showers. You might find that in the summer, cyclones occasionally (but rarely) do happen; however, cyclones take some time to form, and so guests will never be in danger if one approaches.
There will be more than enough warning to either leave the location or move to a safer area.
Yes, it is recommended to have cash to purchase local curios and produce, or to leave a tip for the staff.
How much you would like to bring is at your discretion. We will gladly advise you on how much cash you will likely need, depending on the duration of your trip.
Accepts US Dollars and S.A. Rands, as well as Meticais from Mozambican residents.
Before entry into any Southern Africa country, you will be required to produce a yellow fever vaccination card. Also, please consult your doctor before you leave for Africa – we also advise seeing a travel doctor just to make sure you meet all the entry requirements. Some vaccinations and shots must be taken several weeks before your date of departure.
Bazaruto is a malaria area. Please ensure that you acquire and take the necessary prophylactics for a period of time before your arrival, as advised by your doctor.
No permits are needed in advance on fishing trips; any necessary licences can be obtained from the lodge.
Our trip indemnity form can be supplied via email.
Being on the very edge of the deep Mozambique Channel, Bazaruto is Africa’s most productive area for Marlin (Black, Blue and Striped) and Sailfish as well as warm water game fish such as Giant Kingfish, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Dorado and Bonito. October to March are the prime Marlin months, with June to September being best for Sailfish.
Many other species of fish are caught all year round.
Boats can be hired with or without rods and tackle. All boats must be in by 16H30 to allow for a daylight search if a problem arises. Full safety equipment and radios are supplied on all boats.
