Your first wildlife tour is a huge, life-changing experience. Stepping away from the well-trodden paths of tourists in cities, historic sites, and resorts, it is truly a walk on the wild side. Such a journey can come with understandable worries, even fears, that something will go wrong. Let’s look those anxieties in the eye and answer the questions they provoke.
Is the Sao Paolo Airport safe?
São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), also known as Guarulhos Airport, is the largest airport in South America. For most of South Wild’s trips, you will transit through it. If you take the same sensible precautions that you would follow in any airport, you and your possessions will be perfectly safe. Stay with your luggage until it is checked. Once that’s done, keep your carry-ons close and securely closed. As not only the biggest but also the busiest airport in the continent, GRU is always bustling with travelers hurrying to their gates, browsing in the many shops, and filling the restaurants. Even if your connection there is in the middle of the night, you will always be in brightly lit spaces with lots of people around. This is a good thing insofar as your personal security goes. Safety in numbers is a truism that happens to be true.
Is the drive to the lodge safe?
South Wild chooses its drivers carefully. They are all very experienced, having safely escorted countless guests to their destinations. You will be in good hands.
Could I catch a disease or illness from insects or drinking water?
You should consult your physician about any preventive medical measures you should take. Check online about vaccination requirements for the country you’ll be visiting. Many of our lodges are in areas with no danger of insect-borne disease. However, for your comfort we recommend that you bring an insect repellant with DEET. For extra protection against mosquitos and ticks, you can also treat your shoes and clothing with Permethrin before you leave home. There are many brands; follow the directions for use very carefully. All the beds in our lodges are hung with ultra-fine mosquito netting that you may use if you wish.
Bottled water is essential everywhere. Don’t drink the local water at any of our lodges. Bring your own reusable water bottle with you. At all our lodges, we offer an unlimited supply of chilled potable water from our dedicated taps, so your bottle can always be full. Only South Wild provides this service, keeping you hydrated while cutting down on plastic waste.
How can I stay in touch with family or work in such a remote place?
All South Wild lodges have high speed WiFi. You can stay as connected as you wish to be with the outside world.
What happens if I get sick or injured during the tour?
If necessary, we will drive you to the nearest hospital. A South Wild team member will accompany you to translate and help you navigate the local healthcare system. We strongly recommend that you invest in travel insurance that can arrange air transport for real emergencies. If you have any food allergies, please let us know in advance. Our cooks are happy to accommodate any restrictions you may have.
Have I chosen the right tour?
Traveling with South Wild is always a good choice! To maximize your experience, it is vital that you give serious thought to your goals for your upcoming adventure. Make a list of the animals you want to see. For birders, include every species you dream of photographing. Share that list with your South Wild tour advisor. We can guarantee the sighting of just about any creature as long as we know what you want. Your list should be part of your first conversation with us. It will determine not just where you go, but very possibly when you go. Animals follow schedules of their own, with migration, hibernation, and wet/dry climate cycles coming into play for certain species. You don’t want to make a long, expensive journey only to find that your favorite creature isn’t home! Also, you should think about the kind of experience you want, wherever you go. Do you imagine yourself by the pool with a cocktail after photographing a bit of nature? Would you be comfortable sleeping in a tent? Does spending a few hours on a viewing platform appeal to you? Please talk to us. Let us make sure you make the right choice.
If you have other worries, the best advice is to discuss them with the South Wild teammate who is arranging your trip. We can transform your life with an unforgettable journey into the natural world. You will see the creatures you’ve dreamed of seeing and many more that you never imagined you would encounter. There’s really nothing to be afraid of, but so much to be in awe of! Let us take you into the wild in safety and comfort. Get in touch now to turn your dreams of nature into reality.
