Your question, our answer
Welcome to our FAQ page: your go-to source for answers to frequently asked questions! Whether it’s about bookings, travel, safety, or Charlie’s Travels in general, you’ll find the answers to all your questions here... or at least most of them.
About Charlie's Travels
Your question, our answer
What and who is Charlie's Travels?
Charlie's Travels came to life thanks to founder Charles Witlox and is your ticket to real, undiscovered Africa! We are not your average travel agency - we prefer to wander off the beaten track. With our passion for adventure and love for this beautiful continent, we create unique and tailor-made trips. Our team of enthusiastic Africa lovers is ready to take you on an unforgettable journey full of local experiences, breathtaking landscapes and authentic encounters.
What makes Charlie's Travels different from other travel companies?
From 2014 to the end of 2022, Charlie travelled across Africa, developing new trips, itineraries and experiences with inventive locals: from unknown Masai terrain to the beaches of the Indian Ocean. Now the team at Charlie's Travels is continuing his legacy and we are busy discovering new itineraries and experiences. No middle man with us, as we develop our own adventures. As local experts, we work closely with partners on the ground, enabling us to offer unique and authentic experiences.
What is the advantage of working ‘on the ground’?
Our home base is in Nairobi, right in the heart of Africa, making our playing field stretch across this beautiful continent. Thanks to our physical presence, we have a wealth of first-hand knowledge of Africa. We are super proud to be the only Dutch travel agency based in Kenya and to have direct access to the most up-to-date information on our destinations. Thanks to our colleagues living in Uganda, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, we can offer you the most authentic and unforgettable experiences.
In contact with Charlie's Travels
Your question, our answer
What is a Travel Consultant?
If you want more information about a particular country, you will be paired with one of our Travel Consultants. They specialise in East and/or South Africa and will work with you to find the ideal trip.
What language do the Travel Consultants speak?
Our Travel Consultants all speak Dutch - of course, communication in English is also possible if preferred. After booking the trip, a smooth operator comes into play, aka the one responsible for all bookings. This team consists mainly of Swahili and English-speaking canvassers. The Travel Consultant remains your contact person.
How long will it take for me to be contacted?
Ideally, we will contact you within one hour, but let's say we aim to get back to you the next working day. Does it take too long? Then send us a message via Whatsapp.
Can I contact a Travel Consultant by phone?
You can! We can be reached Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00 (Dutch time): +31857430344. Saturday and Sunday we can be reached via Whatsapp between 09.00 and 19.00.
A tailor-made trip
Your question, our answer
What is a co-creation?
A co-creation means that we put the trip together with you. Your input and our Africa knowledge therefore creates the ideal tailor-made trip. It gives you complete freedom in choosing an itinerary. Of course, we will make sure it is realistic ;).
Can I make my own suggestions?
Yes please! Tell us all about your dream trip, because the more we know, the better we can make it happen! Do you want to stay in luxury lodges, experience the wilderness on a camping adventure or discover real African life in a homestay? Will you opt for public transport, a chauffeured car or self-drive a 4×4? Active adventure or relaxing on the beach? Everything is possible, and we are ready to make your dream trip in Africa a reality!
What is the price?
With each trip, we create a unique tailor-made adventure based on your dreams and our extensive knowledge of Africa. The price depends on various aspects, such as the destination country, the itinerary, your travel party, transport, accommodation and the activities you want to experience. Don't worry, we definitely take your budget into account! Feel free to ask our Travel Consultants for a price indication and be surprised by the possibilities we have in store for you!
Do you also book airline tickets?
Basically, we do not arrange flight tickets. But don't worry, we're still here to guide you and make sure your trip seamlessly matches your chosen flights. However, should you want to completely outsource the organisation, we can make an exception and will be happy to arrange those flight tickets for you ;).
What is included in the price?
We strive to offer as much inclusive as possible. That way, you enjoy a complete and carefree adventure. But above all, we want your trip to be exactly how you want it, so everything is negotiable and possible!
Can I put together a trip online?
With us, it's all about unique adventures that we create together, fully customised and tailored to your needs. No standard packages here, as we believe in co-creation to make every trip extraordinarily special. But that doesn't mean you have to start from scratch! We have some inspiring sample trips to show you what's possible.
Do you also offer group tours?
We definitely offer group tours! This does depend on availability and interest.
Is anyone travelling with us on our trip?
Your journey will take you independently, but you are never completely alone! In consultation, we arrange experienced drivers, guides or rangers so you can explore each destination to the fullest. We are always just a phone call or message away to advise and assist you. When it's an anniversary trip, someone from our team will accompany you.
Safety
Your question, our answer
Is it safe to travel to Africa?
We focus on travel in southern and eastern Africa. Foreign Affairs mainly issues a yellow-coloured travel advice for these countries, meaning: travel is allowed, but pay attention to security risks. Our team is spread across the countries where we also offer travel. The safety of our travellers is a top priority for Charlie's Travels. We continuously monitor security in different countries, including the political situation. We do not send travellers to areas that are not safe. In cases of emergency, we can always be reached through our emergency phone number. Furthermore, your safety is also largely based on common sense: do not walk the streets in the dark, avoid the bad neighbourhoods (unless accompanied by guides), and adapt your clothes and jewellery to the neighbourhood you are in. Of course, we will also give you advice on this and you can always ask questions.
What to do in case of emergency?
Our trips are accompanied by local partners who have a lot of knowledge and understanding of what to do in emergency situations. There are also activities you can do on your own. In case of an emergency, there is a Charlie's Travels emergency number, which you can call 24/7. We work in partnership with Amref Flying Doctors. This means they can assist from the air in case of emergencies.
What about malaria?
It is wise to wear covering clothes in malaria areas after sunset. Use DEET 30% -anti-mosquito spray and rub bare body parts with it; i.e. your face, neck, hands, ankles. You can take Malarone (prophylaxis) medicine that makes it much harder for the parasite to settle. Contact the GGD to get medical advice and a prescription for medication.
Is the food and drink safe?
Safety comes first, so let's share some handy tips for a worry-free adventure! Washing your hands with disinfecting soap before and after eating will keep those pesky germs at bay. And when it comes to water, rely on bottled water to quench thirst - don't drink tap water! Also, be careful with ice cubes! We don't want to discourage you, but just to be on the safe side, it's smart to put some diarrhoea inhibitors in your travel pharmacy.
Is the transport safe?
Depending on your trip, we will arrange (all) the transport for you. These include local transport partners with whom we work a lot and who will take you from A to B in a Safari Van or Land Cruiser, but we also use train transport and domestic flights. During a self-drive trip, make sure you have a (downloaded) road map of the country in question. The quality of roads varies enormously from country to country and area to area. Your contact person knows all about this and can inform you before and during the trip. Other drivers can always be unpredictable, so always fasten your seat belt and watch your belongings.
What about health care?
We are happy to advise and help you, but we are not doctors and so our advice cannot be regarded as binding medical advice. We therefore recommend scheduling a meeting with the GGD or GP in time to arrange vaccinations and other resources. Also take out travel insurance.
Bookings
Your question, our answer
Am I on time with booking a trip?
You can still join us last minute. A bit of flexibility is required. We recommend booking a long-haul trip at least six months to a year in advance.
Will domestic flights be booked for us when needed?
Yes, depending on your route, we provide advice on transport and will book domestic flights for you if needed.
The data listed under ‘extra’ in your itinerary, do we still have to pay for that?
In principle, these extras are included unless it is expressly stated exclusively.
Payment
Your question, our answer
When and how can I pay?
When your itinerary is completely satisfactory, the Travel Consultant will send an invoice by e-mail. Want to know more about payment terms? Contact your Travel Consultant.
What payment options are available?
You can pay us in various ways, including iDeal, BanContact, Sepa, credit card and GiroPay.
When should we make the second payment?
40 days before the trip starts, you will receive an invoice for the remaining amount. This should then be paid within 7 days.
Before departure
Your question, our answer
Do I need a visa and how do I arrange this?
This is different for each country. Before departure, your Travel Consultant will inform you about the visa and any other documents.
What vaccinations do you recommend?
Unfortunately, we do not give advice on vaccinations and malaria pills. This is because this is different for every destination and person. We advise you to contact the GGD or your GP for advice.
What insurance do I need?
You will need travel insurance and we heartily recommend cancellation insurance.
How do I receive my travel documents?
About four weeks before departure, you will receive a detailed information package by e-mail.
Do I need cancellation insurance?
You don't have to take these off, but we recommend it.
Responsible travel
Your question, our answer
Is travelling with Charlie's Travels responsible?
Because we work directly with communities in East Africa that are unknown to the general public, we can contribute to the development of these regions by closing business deals in a different way. We are ‘on the ground’ and we exploit this unique position by helping the people we work with -chauffeurs, hostel owners or guides, for example- to set up an independent and sustainable business. We take care that money ends up with the right people and not in the wrong (sometimes foreign) pockets. Moreover, we strive to hire as many Africans as possible in our offices. They obviously know their country and region best, so we can continue to offer new off-the-beaten-track experiences.
What about your Corporate Social Responsibility?
Periods of drought in (East) Africa last longer and are more intense. At the same time, 2018 was the wettest year on record. The drought causes agricultural and resource losses, but rain also washes away huge amounts of crops. These weather extremes put many people in trouble. At Charlie's Travels, we try to reduce the footprint of our transport, accommodation and consumption.
Nature and wildlife are perhaps this region's most valuable assets. A big part of this is that we offset our travellers' emissions with one of our local partner projects. We also encourage visits to conservancies where more attention is paid to flora and fauna than in wildlife parks. Moreover, we analyse the footprint of accommodations so that we can choose those that are ecologically responsible. Our goal is to start offering zero footprint trips.
What about tipping in Africa?
We work a lot with local communities, as mentioned, which makes our mutual connection very important. We want to avoid at all costs that communities become victims of tourism, physically and economically as well as socially and culturally. Local cultural values are intrinsically important, both for the people themselves and for the trips we want to offer. Therefore, we educate all our travellers on behaviour, customs and tips, encourage cultural exchange and try to frame our content as little as possible. We may be young, rugged and adventurous as a company, but only with good, respectful collaborations can we continue to organise off-the-beaten-track trips.
Do you have behavioural guidelines?
At Charlie's Travels, we want to make a positive impact on the environment with our travels. We work very hard to do that ourselves, but you can contribute too! Simply by reading up on the country you are going to and how best to behave there. We have made it easy and listed all the behavioural guidelines for you. If you are heading for Africa, please read this document carefully before you leave!
Feedback and reviews
Your question, our answer
Where can I share my experiences?
How nice of you to share your travel experience! We love to be tagged on social media channels. Or send your story to marketing@charlies-travels.com.
Where can I give my feedback?
We would love to hear your feedback to keep developing ourselves. Your Travel Consultant is responsible for your trip. Contact him or her to provide feedback.
