We recommend starting your planning at least 6-12 months before your desired travel dates, especially if you’re hoping to visit during peak season which is the more popular time to travel (June-October in East Africa, April-October in Southern Africa). This gives you the a far wider selection of accommodations that are likely to have availability, especially at the more popular lodges and camps. However, we are pretty skilled at putting together last-minute journeys too, so do not fret if you are looking at a last minute trip! We will pull something magical together for you.

The answer depends on your destination and what you want to see. East Africa’s Great Migration runs year-round between Tanzania and Kenya, with different spectacular events each season. Southern Africa’s dry winter months (May-October) offer excellent game viewing as animals gather around water sources. We’ll work with you to match your interests—whether that’s predator action, bird migration, or specific wildlife events—with the ideal timing and location.

Each country provides a unique blend of cultures, stunning landscapes, and activities for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Consider who you are travelling with and what you want to experience – wildlife, cultures, history, relaxation etc. Southern Africa is diverse and there are multiple countries that make for good combinations within a travel itinerary. We firmly believe in quality over quantity – not only to slow your trip down and fully appreciate the destinations you visit, but from a sustainable travel perspective. We discuss your time-frame and specific interests and then can tailor the countries and destinations to include into your journey based on our conversations with you.

During our initial consultation, we’ll ask about your wildlife interests, activity preferences, budget, travel style, and any special occasions you’re celebrating. Based on this, we’ll recommend destinations that align with your goals—whether that’s tracking gorillas in Rwanda, exploring the Okavango Delta, or combining multiple countries. We consider factors like seasonality, crowd levels, and conservation impact to create ensure the right destinations for you.

Absolutely. We work closely with lodges and camps to accommodate dietary restrictions, mobility considerations, family needs, and special celebratory requests. Many of our partner properties excel at catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and a diverse array of dietary requirements. Just let us know your needs during the planning stage, and we’ll ensure they are communicated and confirmed with all properties included in your itinerary.

Each itinerary is custom-designed, but typically includes a large portion of the arrangements once arriving on the ground in Africa. We will provide you with a detailed breakdown showing exactly what’s included and what is not included so there are no surprises.

Safari experiences vary widely depending on the destinations, accommodation levels, season, and trip length. As a general guide, budget-conscious travelers might spend $300-500 per person per day, mid-range safaris typically run $500-800 per person per day, and luxury experiences start around $800-1,500+ per person per day. These estimates include accommodations, meals, activities, and park fees but not international flights. We will discuss your budget with you and work to provide an itinerary in line with your budget to maximize value and the overall experience.

Following initial introductions and discussions around what your perfect journey would look like, we would then provide you with a custom designed itinerary for review. Once you have approved your custom itinerary, we’ll send you a booking agreement and request a deposit (typically 30% depending on the trip). If International and Regional flights are included in your itinerary, we would require full payment up front for the flights. After receiving your deposit, we’ll confirm all reservations with our partner lodges and camps and send you detailed confirmation documents. The balance is usually due 75 days prior to your departure, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the process with any necessary information or documents.

We accept bank transfers, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Please note that credit card payments incur processing fees and that these are beyond our control. We will discuss your preferred method of payment and provide you with detailed payment instructions with your booking confirmation.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment.

Yes, we strongly recommend and in some cases require comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and lost luggage. African safaris often involve remote locations where medical evacuation can be expensive. We can recommend reputable travel insurance providers who specialize in adventure travel coverage.

The final balance is typically due 75 days before your departure date. We will send you payment reminders and detailed invoices well in advance of any deadlines.

We understand that plans can change. Minor modifications are often possible, though they may be subject to availability and could incur amendment fees from lodges or airlines. Significant changes made closer to departure dates may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking. We’ll always do our best to accommodate your needs while minimizing any additional costs.

You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date with at least two blank pages per country visited. Many African countries require visas, which can often be obtained as e-visas before travel or on arrival. Some countries also require proof of yellow fever vaccination. We’ll provide a detailed document checklist specific to your itinerary, but you are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents. If travelling with children it is a requirement to carry a valid passport, and a certified copy of the child’s unabridged birth certificate. Additional documents depend on the family situation, such as an affidavit from the absent parent if a child is traveling with one parent, or a death certificate if the parent is deceased. Requirements may vary for single parents, divorced parents, orphans, or those traveling with a third party, so it’s crucial to have all necessary documentation to avoid being denied entry.

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to several African countries and may be required if you’re traveling between certain countries. We also recommend being up to date on routine vaccines and consulting with a travel medicine clinic about malaria prophylaxis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and other recommended vaccinations. Please consult your doctor or a travel health specialist at least 6-8 weeks before departure

The safari regions we work in are generally very safe for travellers. Our partner lodges and camps maintain high security standards, and our guides are trained professionals who prioritize guest safety. As with travel anywhere, we recommend following common-sense precautions: don’t display expensive jewellery, keep valuables secure, and follow your guide’s instructions regarding wildlife. We monitor travel advisories and will inform you of any concerns related to your specific itinerary.

Pack light, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige) in breathable fabrics, comfortable walking shoes, a warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget binoculars, a camera with extra batteries and memory cards, and any prescription medications in original containers. We’ll send you a detailed packing list tailored to your specific destinations and the season you’re traveling.

Connectivity varies widely. Many lodges offer WiFi in main areas, though it may be slower than you’re used to at home and sometimes subject to power availability. Remote bush camps may have limited or no connectivity, which many guests find to be wonderful as a digital detox. We recommend checking with your phone provider about international roaming plans if you need to stay connected.

US dollars are widely accepted throughout Africa for tips, souvenirs, and incidental expenses. We recommend bringing $50-100 per person per day for gratuities and discretionary spending, in smaller bills ($1, $5, $10, $20). Credit cards are accepted at most lodges and in cities, but not reliably in remote areas. Bring crisp, new bills printed after 2013, as older or damaged US currency is sometimes refused.

The cuisine at safari lodges is typically excellent, with many properties offering fine dining experiences featuring fresh, local ingredients and international dishes. Meals are usually served buffet-style or as multi-course affairs, with bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, and sundowner drinks adding special touches. Most lodges can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. It’s all part of the safari experience and often exceeds expectations.

Most lodges and camps provide charging facilities, typically using UK, South African, or European-style outlets (bring a universal adapter). Some remote camps run on solar power with limited charging times, so bring extra batteries for cameras and devices. Portable power banks are highly recommended for keeping devices charged during long game drives.

If you decide to extend your stay while in Africa, contact us immediately and we’ll do our best to arrange additional accommodations, though availability cannot be guaranteed. For flight changes, you’ll need to contact the airline directly or work with the agent who booked your flights. Be aware that change fees and fare differences may apply. Having comprehensive travel insurance can help cover unexpected costs related to itinerary changes.

You’re welcome to bring back souvenirs like textiles, jewelry, carvings, coffee, and tea. However, there are strict regulations on animal products including ivory, skins, shells, and feathers—even antique items. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations apply globally. When shopping, ask vendors about export regulations, keep receipts, and declare all items at customs. We recommend supporting fair-trade cooperatives and artisan groups.

Yes, you must declare all items purchased abroad to your home country’s customs authority. Each country has different duty-free allowances (typically around $800 for US residents). Keep receipts for all purchases and be prepared to show them. Agricultural products, animal products, and certain cultural artifacts may be restricted or prohibited, so familiarize yourself with your country’s customs regulations before shopping.

We love when our travelers remain connected to African conservation! Many of the lodges and camps we partner with have foundations or conservation programs you can support directly. We can provide information about ongoing projects and how to contribute. Sharing your safari experiences with friends and family also helps raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.

Absolutely! Many of our clients become repeat Africa travelers, and we’d be honored to help you plan your next adventure. Africa has so many diverse experiences to offer—from different countries and ecosystems to various seasons and wildlife events. We keep your preferences and past itineraries on file, making it easy to design new experiences that build on what you loved most about your first trip.

Yes, we’ll reach out after your return to hear about your experience and gather feedback. Your insights help us maintain our high standards and improve our service. We also love receiving photos and stories from your journey! Many of our partners appreciate hearing how their hospitality and conservation efforts impacted you, and we’re always happy to pass along your kind words.