faq

FAQ

1. IS THE LODGE LOCATED IN A MALARIA AREA?

No, we are in a Malaria-free area. This is the malaria risk map as released by the Department of Health.

2. WHERE IS THE COLLECTION POINT AND WHAT IS THE CHECK-IN PROCEDURE?

Collection point: Welgevonden East Gate, where you must leave your vehicle. Phone the lodge when you reach Vaalwater. Please WhatsApp call or WhatsApp message ONLY Benson on 060 553 3706 to leave camp and travel to East Gate for your pick up. There is no signal at the main gate.

3. WHAT IS THE DAILY ITINERARY?

Daily game drives take place in the mornings at 5:00 or 6:00 and in the afternoon at 15:00 or 16h00 and lasts approximately 2,5 – 3 hours. This may change due to weather and seasonal conditions.

4. AM I ALLOWED TO SMOKE?

Smoking is prohibited in the rooms, main lodge or on the game drives but there is a designated smoking area.

5. AM I ABLE TO DRINK THE WATER?

The water is bore water, so if prefer please feel free to bring your own bottled water. Please note there is a septic tank so please do not flush any sanitary-ware down the toilets, please use the bins provided.

6. TIPPING POLICY

Please note that lodge staff are to be tipped strictly in accordance to these guidelines. The tipping policy is in place to incentivise the staff to look after guests, they are well paid and it is also important that they are not tipped higher than the stipulated rates.

7. CONSERVATION LEVY

Please note that there is a conservation levy, this will be invoiced after your stay.

8. FUEL LEVY

Please note that there is a fuel levy, this will be invoiced after your stay.

8. STAFF EXPECTATIONS

In order to avoid confrontation and/ or miscommunication with guests and staff, we have highlighted the key roles of each of the staff members. Should there be any shortcomings in the below, please could these be addressed to Bradley upon return from the trip. Please do not confront the staff member.

NB: Please note the staff do not cook meals and Staff are not permitted to consume alcohol while on duty.

The Lodge Manager is expected to:

· Collect and drop off guests to and from East Gate

· Take guests on 2 game drives a day

· Pack a cooler box (Client to advise on specifics)

· Light lanterns in the evening

· Light the fire in the evening

· Ensure the land rover has sufficient fuel for game drives

· Keep the land rover clean and in working order

· Manage the day to day running, maintenance of the lodge

· Manage the Gardener and Cleaner

· Assist guests with all queries, provide information

· Take the land cruiser into service from time to time

· Ensure lodge is fully supplied and equipped with consumables

· Fire breaks and fire management of the lodge

· Maintenance of sewerage plant

· Maintenance of solar and electric fence

· Ensuring fire hydrants and fire hose reels are serviced and in working order

· Maintaining wifi network

The Cleaner is expected to:

· Make beds daily

· Clean all bathrooms daily

· Clean linen and towels upon departure

· Clean dishes daily

· Keep the Main lodge clean daily

The Gardener is expected to:

· Keep the walkways free from leaves, animal excrement

· Water the gardens every second day

· Keeps the gardens free from weeds, ferns

· Clean the swimming pool

· Sweep all pathways

· Sweep the lodge deck daily

9. CHILD MINDERS:

No Child minding services are provided
Lodge Staff are not qualified child minders and we not be liable for any accident that should happen with a child who is under the care of one of the Lodge staff members
If you require a child minder - please provide your own within the 10 person lodge limit

10. WHAT TO PACK?

As Welgevonden Game Reserve is a malaria free area, there is no need for you to pack any malaria prophylactics, just your prescription medication. However, we do highly recommend that you bring:

· Cameras, lenses and binoculars ( we have 2 pairs of binoculars at the lodge which you may use)

· Light, neutral coloured, clothing for summer safaris

· Bathing suits for the pool

· Walking shoes

· Sunscreen and hats

· Warmer clothing for winter stays, game drives and the evenings (Beanies, gloves and thick jackets).

11. CATERING

The lodge is self-catering with the added benefit of the resident staff taking care of all the cleaning, leaving you more time to relax. We do have a option of a Chef, who can do the cooking for you.

12. BREAKAGES

We reserve the right to charge guests the cost of rectifying damage, caused by the deliberate, negligent or reckless act of the guest to the lodge’s property or structure.

13. CAMP PERIMETER

· Please do not leave the electrical fence area

· The fences are charged, so please do not touch them.

· The fence has no protection against Cats (Lion & Leopard), so please do be aware and go to your room at a reasonable hour and with a torch

· Fires are only permitted in the designated areas, no one is allowed to light their own fires.

· Staff will make the fires in the designated areas

· Fires to be extinguished by clients before going to bed

14. GAME DRIVE ETIQUETTE

No alcohol may be consumed on the vehicle except at designated sundowner breaks.
Please do not offer the lodge manager alcohol on game drives. This is unfair on the manager as he could lose his guiding license.
Game drives are permitted from 6am to 8pm. The Lodge manager may not conduct drives after dinner.
The Lodge Manager is in charge during the game drive and his decisions are final and to be adhered to
Do not stand up in a vehicle while viewing game or hang over the side of the vehicle. People should remain within the vehicle so as not to break the shape of the vehicle while viewing game, this is imperative when viewing dangerous animals.
Do not call, whistle or throw things at animals to get them to react.
The noise level on the vehicle is to be kept to a minimum for the benefit of the animals and other vehicles.
Do not shine spotlights in animals' eyes; shine on the ground in the front of or on the back of the animal. The use of coloured filters on spotlights is encouraged as this is less disruptive to the night vision of the animals and their activities.
When following predators which appear to be hunting, limit your intrusion so as not to interfere with the animals' hunt. This implies keeping a good distance, avoid shining unfiltered spotlights directly onto the scene and keep all noise including that of the engine, to a minimum. There should be no jockeying for better positions. Once the kill is made, spotlights may be used.
Do not follow an animal whose behaviour is aggressive or if they are agitated. If you are unsure about the possible reaction or temperament of an animal, be cautious and remain at a safe distance. It is often sensible, once a sighting has been made, to observe the animal from a distance before considering approaching.
Approach animals slowly and consider your exit route especially in regard to elephants in which case the vehicle should if possible be turned well in advance to face an escape route.
Do not block the escape route of an animal you are viewing; or that of another vehicle, as the animal may become stressed and unpredictable.
Do not try and make an animal act unnaturally for photographic opportunities.
Learn to anticipate the behaviour and movements of the animals and avoid making them move if they are not inclined to. Try not to enter the ‘comfort zone’ of the animal.
Drive around animal droppings and not through them to prevent killing dung beetles and other insects.
Rhinos are sensitive animals, do not use spotlights on them at night.
Passengers may not hang out of the vehicles while moving.
Keep noise and movement to a minimum
Respect the environment you are in
Expect the unexpected
No smoking on the vehicle

15. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES

Please note from East gate to the lodge is an hours travel time. Please be on time and considered towards other guests on the group and by respecting the times above. There is only one pick up and drop off slot per day. There is no signal at the gate - only whatsapp calls.