Читать книгу (101 things to know when you go) ON SAFARI IN AFRICA - Patrick Brakspear - Страница 32

Generally speaking, communications in Africa are not what you are accustomed to at home, but mobile (cell) phone coverage, and even WiFi, is certainly becoming more widespread throughout Africa – although not in some of the more remote safari destinations (thankfully).

A tip before you leave home: check with your service provider that your phone is registered for international roaming (and check that the phone you have is compatible with the networks in Africa - almost all of which operate GSM digital networks running at a frequency of 900 MHz (and some 3G/4G networks too)). If your phone is a dual or tri-band GSM phone it is likely this will work just fine.

More and more we are seeing WiFi being offered at safari camps/lodges * – some as an extension of that countries communications grid, and some connected via satellite. Check with your travel agent before you leave home about which camps/lodges have WiFi as this can be a real boon for sending/receiving email whilst on safari (and accessing the internet if speeds allow), including Skype, rather than using your mobile phone to text and call at exorbitant international roaming charges!

Please note: Not all conventional communication options (phone, fax, internet and email) are available at the more remote safari camps (and mobile camps particularly). Communications may sometimes be via HF radio only.

* The provision of WiFi in the safari industry is still a contentious issue, with some more traditionally-minded operators refusing to offer WiFi on the grounds of not wanting to 'interrupt' their guests appreciation of the 'wilderness' experience. Some camps/lodges provide WiFi only in the common areas (lounge/dining), whilst others have chosen to make WiFi available only in the rooms or have settled on providing a WiFi 'hub' at a suitable (low impact) location within the camp grounds.

“There is no wi-fi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection” – author unknown.