Frequently Asked Questions

We start with a conversation to understand your priorities: when you want to travel, what matters most to you, and your budget range. We then build a custom itinerary with clear reasoning for each recommendation. You review it, we refine it together, and once confirmed, we handle all logistics.

For peak season (June-October in East Africa, May-September in Southern Africa), start 6-12 months ahead. Popular lodges book out early. For green season travel, 3-6 months is usually sufficient. Last-minute trips are possible but limit your options.

Every trip is custom-built. Our sample itineraries show common trip shapes, but we adapt them based on your timing, budget, interests, and fitness level. Two travelers asking for a "Tanzania safari" will get different recommendations if their priorities differ.

We plan private safaris for couples, families, and small groups (typically 2-10 people). Each vehicle seats 4-7 guests comfortably. Larger groups can be accommodated with multiple vehicles. We do not operate join-in group tours.

Yes. Most of our clients are first-time safari travelers. We explain everything clearly: what to pack, what to expect, how game drives work, and how to read wildlife behavior. We match the trip to your experience level.

Start with our inquiry form or schedule a call. After our initial conversation, we send a detailed proposal with itinerary, pricing, and reasoning. Once you approve, we secure your bookings with a deposit (typically 20-30%). Final payment is due 60-90 days before travel.

A deposit of 20-30% secures your booking. The balance is due 60-90 days before departure, depending on the lodges and camps involved. We accept bank transfer and credit card. Specific terms are included in each proposal.

Cancellation terms vary by lodge and timing. Generally: full refund (minus admin fee) if cancelled 90+ days out, 50% refund 60-89 days out, no refund under 60 days. Some premium camps have stricter terms. We always recommend travel insurance.

Yes. We require comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and evacuation. Safari regions can be remote, and medical evacuation to Nairobi or Johannesburg may cost $20,000-50,000 without insurance. We can recommend providers.

For straightforward trips, within 2-3 business days. Complex multi-country itineraries may take longer. We prioritize getting it right over getting it fast. Rush requests can be accommodated if you let us know your timeline.

Both are excellent. Tanzania offers more wilderness (Serengeti is 6x larger than the Mara) and the Ngorongoro Crater. Kenya has the Masai Mara conservancies with exclusive game viewing and walking safaris. Budget often favors Kenya; raw wilderness favors Tanzania. We can help you decide based on your priorities.

Botswana is more exclusive and expensive, with smaller camps and strict visitor limits. The Okavango Delta offers unique water-based safaris. East Africa has bigger herds, the Great Migration, and more budget options. Botswana suits those prioritizing solitude; East Africa suits those wanting iconic wildlife density.

We operate safaris in Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Rwanda, and Uganda. Each has distinct strengths. We can help you choose based on what matters most to you.

Yes, though it adds complexity and cost. Common combinations: Tanzania + Zanzibar, Kenya + Rwanda (gorillas), Botswana + Victoria Falls. We generally recommend 2-3 locations maximum to avoid spending too much time in transit.

It depends on what you want to see. Dry season (June-October in most regions) concentrates wildlife around water. Green season (November-May) brings lush landscapes, baby animals, and lower prices. The Migration has different timing depending on which part you want to witness. There is no single "best" time.

Yes, for many travelers. Prices drop 20-40%, lodges are quieter, and the landscape is photogenic. Wildlife viewing is still excellent, just more dispersed. Some regions (like the Kalahari) are actually better in green season. We can advise based on your destination.

The Migration is year-round, just in different locations. Calving in southern Serengeti: January-March. River crossings in northern Serengeti: July-October. Masai Mara crossings: August-October. We can time your trip to the specific phase you want to see.

5-7 days is a good starting point for a single-country safari. 10-14 days allows for multiple regions or a beach extension. Under 5 days is possible but limits what you can see. Longer trips reduce per-day cost and transit fatigue.

Budgets vary widely. A mid-range Tanzania or Kenya safari runs $400-600 per person per day. Premium camps and exclusive areas range $800-1,500+ per day. Botswana starts around $800/day. Green season and longer trips reduce daily cost. We can work within most budgets above $350/day.

Most safari packages include: accommodation, all meals, game drives, park fees, and internal transfers. Not typically included: international flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, and premium drinks. We provide a detailed breakdown with every proposal.

Yes, with trade-offs. Budget options ($250-400/day) use smaller lodges, shared vehicles, or camping. You see the same wildlife but with less exclusivity. Kenya and Tanzania offer the most budget-friendly options. Botswana and Rwanda are harder to do cheaply.

Tipping is customary but not mandatory. General guidelines: guides $15-25 per person per day, camp staff $10-20 per person per day. Most camps have a shared tip box for staff. We provide specific guidance for each destination in your trip documents.

Most nationalities need visas for African safari destinations. Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda offer e-visas or visa-on-arrival. Some countries require advance applications. We provide specific visa guidance for your nationality and destinations as part of trip planning.

Yellow fever vaccination is required for some countries and recommended for others. Consult a travel medicine specialist 6-8 weeks before travel. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most safari areas. We provide destination-specific health guidance but recommend consulting your doctor.

We handle all internal flights within Africa (bush planes, regional connections). For international flights, we can advise on routing and timing, but most clients prefer to book these directly or use frequent flyer miles. We coordinate arrival times with your safari schedule.

Yes. Bush planes typically allow 15-20kg in soft-sided bags. Hard suitcases are not permitted on most charter flights. Pack light, neutral colors, and layers. We provide a detailed packing list with your trip documents.

Safari travel has an excellent safety record. Lodges and camps are secure, guides are highly trained, and wildlife encounters are managed carefully. Political situations vary by country; we monitor conditions and advise accordingly. Medical evacuation insurance is essential.

Yes, with considerations. Some camps have minimum age requirements (often 6-12 years). Family-friendly camps offer private vehicles, flexible schedules, and child-focused activities. We specialize in matching families with appropriate accommodations and activities.