South Africa: Sense Safari

FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS).

What time should my flight arrive (time for the welcome meeting)?

Please try to arrive by 3pm.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

Most flights leave Hoedspruit Airport between 11:00am and 3:00pm, and we ask that you try to choose one within this window where possible to help with smooth planning of departure transfers (see next FAQ for more info).

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your trip your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

Departure transfers from the lodge back to the airport are included on this journey. These run as two group transfers from the lodge to the airport, timed to align with the main departure window for this destination.

In the rare case your flight departs earlier or later than this window, we will inform the lodge to arrange a separate departure transfer – just share your flight details (via our app’s Onboarding Checklist after booking) and we’ll take care of it.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this trip.

Gratuities are completely optional and given at your discretion, based on the service you feel was most meaningful to you.

A suggested guideline for the overall tip is R300 to R600 per person per night. At checkout, you’ll find a gratuity sheet at reception with suggested categories (e.g. Team, Spa, Guides, Wellness, Behind The Scenes). You can leave your tip in the provided envelopes or add it to your final invoice to pay by credit card.

In general:

Restaurants/cafés: 10-15% of the bill if service is not included.

Bars: R5-R10 per drink is common.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information. US citizens are required to have either a valid passport or Real ID in order to fly within the US.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
• Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

• UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
• US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
• Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy experience.

Will room matching still be possible on this tour?

Room matching will be more limited on this retreat due to the different room categories available at the lodge.

That said, many Flashpackers still choose to share, and everyone joining this journey tends to be traveling for similar reasons – to reset, reconnect and experience something meaningful. It’s a like-minded crowd.

As always, rooms are only shared between Flashpackers of the same gender.

If having your own space is important to you, please select a single room at checkout. Availability is limited and you will not be able to change your room type after booking.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

The only extras you may like to budget for would be treatments like massages or star baths, which range from R745-R1100 per session.

Will there be a Pack Leader on this tour?

Yes – you’ll have a dedicated Flash Pack Pack Leader, just like on our classic adventures, with a slightly lighter-touch role to suit the wellbeing setting.

They’re based at the retreat throughout your stay, offering a calm, reassuring presence. Think less “follow me” and more “I’m here when you need me” – keeping communication clear, supporting the group dynamic, and making sure everything runs smoothly.

Will the lodge be exclusive to our group?

Yes – completely. You’ll be staying on a 940-hectare private Kruger reserve, with no other guests onsite and no outside vehicles on game drives. That means no queues, no radio chatter, and no competing sightings – just you, your group, your guides, and the wildlife.

What will I be eating during my stay?

All meals during your stay are 100% plant-based (fully vegan), meaning no meat or dairy is served onsite. This is a gentle part of the retreat experience, designed to help the body feel lighter, more energised and well supported throughout the week.

Food is a big part of the experience – and it’s designed to feel generous, comforting and genuinely satisfying, not restrictive. Menus focus on whole foods, varied plant proteins and high-fibre ingredients to keep you feeling full and fuelled from morning through to evening.

Everything is made from scratch, avoiding processed sugar, refined carbohydrates and seed oils, and much of the produce is grown onsite in the lodge’s permaculture garden, picked fresh and cooked simply to let natural flavors shine.

Even if plant-based eating is new to you, guests are often surprised by just how nourishing, indulgent and enjoyable the food feels – many say it becomes one of the highlights of the retreat.

What can I do in my free time?

Downtime is yours to enjoy, your way. You can relax at the lodge, book a massage or star bath, unwind in the sauna, use the gym or swimming pool, spend time in the creative art studio, or simply sit back and watch the wildlife from the hide.

How do bush walks work – and how do you keep them safe?

Bush walks are always guided by highly experienced professionals who know the land and wildlife intimately. Routes and timings are carefully planned to minimize risk, with safety briefings given before every walk. You’ll never walk without a trained guide, so you can fully relax and enjoy the experience.

What does "slow safari" mean?

A Slow Safari is about depth, not urgency. You’re still likely to see incredible wildlife – including the Big Five – but instead of rushing from sighting to sighting, the focus is on staying longer, observing behaviour, and really sitting with the moment. It’s unhurried and intentional, giving you time to notice the sounds, stillness and rhythms of the bush, and to feel genuinely immersed in your surroundings rather than just passing through.

What is the non-profit visit on Day 5?

During your stay, you’ll visit a privately run conservation camp that plays a vital role in protecting local wildlife and supporting surrounding communities. You’ll go behind the scenes to learn how responsible tourism directly funds conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and community development. You’ll also meet some of the people leading this work and see firsthand how every guest stay contributes to a meaningful, long-term impact for both nature and local livelihoods.

Is this a phone-free trip?

Our wellbeing trips are designed to help you be fully present without banning technology or creating anxiety – and you will still be able to reach loved ones whenever needed.

Throughout each journey, there are gentle, clearly marked moments where you will be invited to put your phone away during shared experiences and meals. Participation is always optional, but strongly encouraged, as these phone-free windows are where the real magic tends to happen.

For unforgettable moments, your Pack Leader and a dedicated Flashpacker will capture photos for the group, allowing you to stay immersed without missing the memories. Additionally, those who love photography are encouraged to bring a DSLR or digital camera.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.