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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Safaris in Rovaniemi & Ylläs

How can I book a safari in Lapland with Safartica?

All of our safaris are possible to book directly from our website at minimum 24 hours prior to safari departure. Choose your travel dates, preferred safaris from the selection and your holiday destination – and follow the instructions. Remember to inform the ages of your children and possible allergies/illnesses/special diets/pregnancy, so that we can take care of you the best possible way. You can also send us an email if you need help choosing the adventures!

If you are making a booking in less than 24 hours, please contact us by email or visit our offices for booking on the spot.

How do I dress up in Lapland?

Each participant will be provided the necessary clothing and equipment for a safari (included in safari price);

WINTER: thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, headwear, gloves, scarf. For snowmobile programs balaclava and helmet.

AUTUMN: thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, headwear, gloves, scarf.

SUMMER: rain coats, rubber boots, woollen socks

Your own clothing, which can be worn under the overall, should be thin, but warm and comfortable. You are also welcome to leave your jackets etc. for storage in our office for the duration of the safari.

Some tips for under layers:

  • Dress in layers. Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers. It will insulate better and allow you to strip off some layers if the temperature climbs. Staying dry is the top priority.
  • Add a first layer consisting of a comfortably light fabric that will remove the sweat away from your body. Avoid pure cotton, linen, or other similar materials, however, because these fabrics retain moisture and will chill you down. The best material is synthetic fiber.
  • Next layer should be a knit sweater, sweatshirt or fleece. This layer is to keep you warm. Also, a warm tracking suit will do or the latest trend of one piece overalls.
  • Thick socks (best thing would be to wear 1 thin and 1 or 2 thick pairs of socks on top of each other)
  • Thin under gloves (best material is fleece)

Also, remember to pack a good moisturizer with you as the cold air can dry your skin and lips.

How should I dress my children for winter?

The same way as adults: remember the layers and warm, long, under wear. As long as the children keep on moving, they will be warm in same weather as the adults. Smallest children such as babies and toddlers should be protected with more layers, as they do not move as much. Before booking your safari, please consider if 2-5 hours outside in winter conditions is suitable for your child.

How do I know where I need to be and when?

Time for meeting point and place are confirmed upon the reservation. Please make sure that you are at the correct place at the correct time, as missed meeting time may result on missed safari which will not be refunded. If you have any hesitation, you can always double-check your meeting time and place from our front desk.

Where do I leave my personal belongings for the time of the safari?

You can leave your own jacket and shoes in our office or dressing rooms, but please remember to take your handbag, rug sack or small backpack and valuables with you. Our safari gear has big pockets, but you are responsible for your valuables yourself so better leave them at the hotel safe box.

How do I get to Safartica office from the airport or taxi station?

Rovaniemi:

Book an airport transfer from us and we will take you to the door step of your accommodation or straight to our office. Or hop on an airport taxi that will drive around the city and drop you off at our office. If you are renting a car, check out our office address beforehand from for example Google Maps service. If you arrive by train, book our pick up or take a taxi. In Rovaniemi the train station is only 1,5 km outside of the city so you can also walk to city hotels.

Ylläs:

Book an airport transfer from us and we will take you to the door step of your accommodation or straight to our office. You can also take an airport bus that will drive from Kittilä airport to both of our hotels and office. If you arrive by train to Kolari, book our pick up transfer or hop on the train-bus. Both busses are running according to the arrivals and departures of flights and trains. Please visit Visit Ylläs for more information about accessing Ylläs and getting around locally. There you will also find timetables and prices for the airport and train busses.

How do I pay for my safari?

In cases when the booking is done through our website, you are instructed to make the payment by using a credit card.

In cases when the booking is done by email, we will send you a payment link for online credit card payment. The payment link is payable with VISA Debit/Credit, VISA Electron and MasterCard.

In cases when the booking is done on the spot, you can make the payment with most of the major credit cards, international debit cards, cash or Alipay (only in Rovaniemi).

Can I buy souvenirs at Safartica Office?

Yes, you can! We have a nice range of souvenirs handmade in Lapland which you can pay by credit card or cash at the office.

What is included in the price of the safari?

The prices include guide services in English and V.A.T., warm clothing for all safaris as well as the appropriate licenses, insurance and fuel. All safaris include guiding in English.

Is there a Wi-Fi in your office?

Yes, there is, and it is free to use! Password is visible on the common areas of our office.

What is the time period for booking snowmobiling or safaris that involve snow?

Safaris start to operate in Rovaniemi during November and in Ylläs during December. They are set to continue in both destinations until mid-April. Operating times are valid when weather permits.

What is the age for driving a snowmobile?

Each person driving a snowmobile must be at least 18 years of age and must hold a valid driving license.

Do I need my driving license with me?

Yes. Police will patrol time to time also in snowmobile tracks and may ask to see your driving license.

Can I have my own snowmobile?

Yes you can. Snowmobile is shared by two adults who can take turns on driving. If you are an odd number of people such as 1, 3 or 5 persons, the last remaining person may have to share a snowmobile with an unfamiliar traveller in similar situation. To guarantee driving alone, you can purchase a single driving supplement of 49 €/person (safari duration 1-3 hours) or 75-79 €/person (safari duration more than 3 hours).

How do the children travel on snowmobile safaris?

All children up to 14 years will sit in a sleigh pulled by the guide for safety reasons. We highly recommend one of the parents to sit with a small child in the sledge for the child’s comfort and safety. Children taller than 140 cm can sit as a passenger behind his/her parent on a snowmobile when paying an adult price. We do not recommend long snowmobile safaris for children less than 12 years old.

What if I crash with a snowmobile and it gets broken?

The snowmobile driver is held liable for any damages caused to the vehicle. Personal self-liability is max. 900 €/driver/snowmobile/case of accident. With purchasing a self-liability insurance of 15 € before the safari departure, you may decrease the amount of self-liability down to max. 150 €/person/snowmobile/case of accident.

I would like my family to have a safari on our own without any other people joining. Is it possible?

Safaris are also possible to book privately (subject to availability) with a separate price. During Christmas season private safari price is min. 10 adults + 150 fee and during Winter-Spring season min. 8 adults price. Please email us with private safari requests.

What if there is no snow and I have booked and paid for snowmobiling?

As the responsible organizer of all safaris, Safartica reserves the right to possible price changes, duration and ways of transportation without prior notification. This also applies to cases in which the weather conditions are disadvantageous. We will suggest you other ways of enjoying the Lappish nature. If Safartica cancels the safari, the customer will receive a full refund from the program.

Our guide is very young, is s/he liable?

Safartica guides are experts at their profession and have received the appropriate training for the task. Every snowmobile safari begins with driving instruction, including information on controlling the vehicle, technology and safety.

What is the language of your guides?

Guidance is provided in English, but upon request we also have Finnish, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish available in the house. Rest of the languages we can provide through supplier services. In Ylläs, the range of languages may be more limited.

I am disabled, can I participate in your safaris?

Depending a little of the extend of your disability, yes. Please contact us by email and let’s see together the best options for you. Each situation is examined case by case.

My child has a flu, what if we need to cancel our trip?

In case of cancellation before the day of the activity, the deposit is refundable minus office expense of 15 EUR. All changes and cancellations need to be made either by e-mail or phone within Safartica office hours (9-17, GMT +2) no later than one day before the safari date (24 h).

The reservation will be fully refunded in case of illness. A medical certificate needs to be sent to Safartica within two working days from the cancellation date.

In case of cancellation, how do I get refunded?

Refunds are always done with the same method as the original payment. If you have paid your booking with VISA credit card, the refunded sum is transferred to the same credit card. According to the law, there is no possibility to refund money to different location.

Am I insured on the safaris?

All snowmobiles are insured in accordance with the Motor Insurance Act. The insurance policy covers all treatment costs incurred from injuries suffered by the driver or passenger in case of accident. Additionally, the policy also includes cover against third party personal injuries and full cover for property damage to innocent parties as stipulated by the Motor Insurance Act. Safartica will not be held responsible for any personal or material damages that occur during other activities such as husky safaris, reindeer safaris or other programs. We recommend you take personal travel insurance before travelling to Finland.
We also reserve the right to interrupt the safari if the participant could cause harm to him/herself or others, or his/her health condition weakens.

Can I rent thermal clothing from you?

All our safaris include thermal clothing, but you can also rent them for one day or even for your whole holiday with a price of 16 €/person/day. Thermal clothes include thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, headwear, gloves and scarf. Thermal clothes should be picked up from our office and returned back to our office, unless otherwise agreed.

Still need help? Please contact:

Rovaniemi front desk:

safartica@safartica.com / tel. +358 16 311 485

or

Ylläs front desk:

yllas@safartica.com / tel. +358 40 502 6458

 

Ounasvaaran Lakituvat chalets

How do I book Ounasvaaran Lakituvat chalet accommodation in Rovaniemi?

You can make a booking directly from our website. In case there are no available dates or you face any problems, you can contact us by email safartica@safartica.com or call us +358 500 965 558.

How can I travel to the chalets from Rovaniemi Airport?

Ounasvaaran Lakituvat chalets are located about 12 km from Rovaniemi airport. You can either book an airport transfer from us, take a taxi or rent a car from the airport.

When can I check-in to the chalet? Can we stay past the check-out time?

Check-in time is at 16:00 on the first day of the reservation and check-out at 12:00 on the last day of the reservation. If you wish to come earlier or stay later, it is possible according to the availability with a price of 20 EUR per hour.

I heard you have no reception in the area, how do we get inside our chalet?

True, we don’t have a reception near to Lakituvat chalets. We will send you a separate email with information for your arrival including chalet number and four digit key code. Each chalet has a key box next to the main door where the key code is entered. We recommend you to store your chalet key inside the key box whenever you leave from the chalet.

Where is meeting point for the safaris?

The meeting point for the safari transfers is in main road of Hiihtomajantie where there is a big map of the area and sign “Safartica Pick Up Point”. The meeting point is also marked in the map that you have received upon the booking, and in the chalet folder.

How do I get to the city from the chalets?

The most convenient is to use local taxi services, as local busses do not travel near to the chalets.

Where can I have breakfast and dinner in the area?

We can organize you breakfasts and dinners in nearby hotel Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara with a separate price. For breakfast and dinner bookings please contact our front desk by email or phone call.

We want to cook in the chalet, is it possible? What do I need to bring with me?

Yes, each chalet has a fully equipped kitchen with basic cooking instruments. Dishwasher tablets, dishwasher liquid, and necessities such as salt, grease-proof paper and coffee filters are provided by us. Bring your own spices, coffee, food and other necessities with you.

I don’t know how to use the dishwasher in the chalet?

Each chalet has a chalet folder that includes instructions for the usage of chalet equipments. If you don’t understand the instructions, please feel free to contact our front desk.

Is there a Wi-Fi?

Yes, each chalet has a free Wi-Fi.

Where can I park my car?

We have multiple parking places beside the chalets that are in the free use of the guests. Chalets don’t have their own parking places, so if you are not able to park your car right next to your chalet, you may use the next nearest one that will not disturb the other guests.

I’m travelling with a pet, can I accommodate in your chalets?

Majority of our chalets are allergy friendly, but we have two chalets that allow pets when agreed separately. When you wish to bring a pet with you, please contact us and we will book you the correct chalet. Kindly note that we will charge you supplement of 80 EUR for cleaning.

Can we smoke in the chalets?

No, smoking inside the chalets is strictly prohibited. Safartica has the right to charge 500 EUR when smoking indoors is detected. Smoking outside on the terrace is allowed, but please remember not to throw cigarettes to the nature.

Where is the nearest grocery store?

The nearest grocery store K-Supermarket Ounasvaara (address: Ounasvaarantie 15, 96400 Rovaniemi) is located 1,5 km downhill from the chalets. When you need to visit the grocery store outside normal opening hours, there is a small grocery store Sale Lapinmaa located in the city center which is open 24/7 (address: Koskikatu 11, 96200 Rovaniemi).

What if I lose our chalet key?

Please call our front desk immediately when you have noticed that your chalet key is missing. If our on call phone is already closed for the day and you cannot enter the chalet, please call the door opening service number listed in the phone number next to the front door. Opening service costs 20 EUR which is charged directly from you on the spot. Safartica has the right to charge 80 EUR for the missing chalet key.

I want to ski, where can I do that?

The chalets are located right next to a network of cross-country ski tracks that are accessible by foot. Downhill skiing is possible in Ounasvaara Ski Resort which is located on the other side of the hill Ounasvaara. Top of the ski slopes are about 300 meters from the chalets. You may ask from the Ski Resort staff if they are able to help you down the ski slopes for ski rental or take a taxi to the other side of the hill.

Still need help? Please contact:

safartica@safartica.com / tel. +358 500 965 558

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