Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
Do I need travel insurance?
Answer:
Cancel For any Reason Travel insurance is highly recommended! Once deposits are paid to vendors, all payments are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled by Gustafson Photo Safari.
Question:
Does Gustafson Photo Safari provide travel insurance?
Answer:
No. Gustafson Photo Safari does not issue trip cancelation insurance. Each traveler is responsible for their own insurance.
Question:
What photo gear do I need to bring?
Answer:
Most trips will require your longest telephoto (and extenders)
A medium telephoto
A wide angle lens pro camera bodies
Tripods, macro lens, and flash will be recommended in the packing lists for Costa Rica, Madagascar, and Borneo.
Question:
What is the weather like on a trip like this?
Answer:
Each destination has its own climate and set of seasons. We travel to the Namibian desert, the heights of the Himalayas, the rain forests of Borneo and beyond to photograph iconic sites and wildlife. Each trip guide will have specific weather information
Question:
What are accommodations like?
Answer:
We use the best accommodations in each area we visit. The prerequisite is location and access to the best wildlife viewing. Facilities we use include luxury lodges, luxury tented camp, seasonal camps. Each itinerary will include a listing of the individual properties.
Question:
What type of clothing do I need to pack?
Answer:
Each destination will have its own requirements for clothing. As a general rule, natural colors like greens, beiges, khaki, and brown are best. Blues tend to attract flies and mosquitos and bright colors stand out against the natural landscape. Each destination packing list will have recommendations specific to the trip.
Question:
What kind of footwear do I need to bring?
Answer:
Broken in, supportive shoes will be great for walking, hiking, and standing in vehicles. Different types of boots may be required for specific trip packing lists. Comfortable camp shoes can be a nice option.
Question:
Do I need a Visa?
Answer:
Each country has different rules. You will be informed of the procedure for each trip.
Question:
What Inoculations or medications do I need for this trip?
Answer:
You should be up to date with all of your normal shots, including:
Tetanus, Polio, Covid, Hepatitis, etc. Some destinations will ask for a Yellow Fever shot. Some areas can have malaria and will require a prophylactic such as Malarone or Mephloquine.
These are only recommendations as Gustafson Photo Safari is not medical expert. Your doctor will be the final world on all medical issues.
Question:
Can I get a refund if I decide to cancel my trip.
Answer:
No. All payments are non-refundable. It is highly recommended that you purchase Cancel for any Reason Travel Insurance. If Gustafson Photo Safari Cancels the tour for any reason you will receive a full refund.
Question:
What is a safari day like?
Answer:
Each destination has its own rhythm. “What to expect from this trip” Is a document you will receive when we receive your deposit.
Question:
What are the vehicles like.
Answer:
Our Tanzanian and Namibian Safari vehicles are Toyota Land Cruisers that are specially fitted for photography. In Madagascar, Borneo, Costa Rica, photography is primarily on foot. India has small Gypsy vehicles.
Question:
How do I handle tips?
Answer:
Your tip money is given to House staff, Kitchen and dining workers, as well as porters and transfer drivers. I give these tips throughout the tour. The main tips are given to our driver guides at the end of the trip. Tips can be handled 2 ways. #1 Bring the tip amount in cash. It will be collected at the beginning of the trip. #2 Pay the tips before the trip by check or electronically via our Bookings Page.
Question:
How physically demanding is this trip.
Answer:
Each trip is unique. For example, Tanzania is the least physically demanding. All photography is done from vehicles. Namibia has one hike into the dunes and the process of getting in and out of a balloon basket. Borneo, Madagascar, and Costa Rica have lots of forest hiking
Question:
How close do we get to the animals?
Animals have the right of way! When they move from place to place. They can come very close. They can be anywhere from 5 feet to hundreds of yards away. This the reason for multiple focal length lenses
Question:
I have a special diet. What will I eat?
Answer:
There is a place in the required forms where you can indicate special dietary needs. Every lodge will be made aware and the kitchen staff will accommodate your request.
Question:
How do I power my cameras and computer?
Answer:
Lodges have 24 hour power. Some tented camp have 24 hour power while others have more limited solar or generator power. Sometimes there are community charging stations in the main tent.
Question:
Can I have some extra days for R and R or for extra safari photography?
Answer:
Yes. For custom requests email: gustaphoto@aol.com
