Everything You Need to Know Before Your African Safari

It means we begin with a blank canvas—yours. A bespoke journey with us isn't about choosing from pre-set options; it's a collaborative creation. We listen to your dreams, your pace, your passions—be it photography, family time, or pure relaxation—and weave them into a seamless itinerary where every detail, from the private guide to the sundowner spot, is chosen for you, and only you.

Our guides are the soul of your safari. We partner exclusively with local, certified professionals who possess a rare blend of encyclopedic knowledge, warm intuition, and a passion for their homeland. They are not just drivers; they are expert trackers, storytellers, and your personal hosts in the wild, dedicated to making your journey safe, insightful, and profoundly moving.

Think of us as your invisible support crew, there for you 24/7. While your guide is your constant companion, our in-country team is always on standby. Should you need anything—a flight change, medical assistance, or a last-minute surprise for a loved one—we are just a call away, ensuring absolute peace of mind from the moment you land to your departure.

Sustainability is at the core of our philosophy. We partner with lodges and camps that are deeply committed to conservation and community empowerment. This means supporting properties that use renewable energy, minimize waste, hire locally, and contribute directly to wildlife protection and community projects. Your journey with us directly supports the preservation of Africa's precious ecosystems and cultures.

To ensure the best choice of exclusive lodges and private guides, especially during peak seasons like the Great Migration (July-October), we recommend planning 9 to 12 months in advance. For quieter seasons, 6 to 8 months is often sufficient. However, we love a challenge and can certainly craft incredible last-minute journeys when availability allows!

This is a wonderful question, as "best" depends on what you wish to see! The dry season (June to October) is fantastic for game viewing as animals congregate around water sources. The "green season" (November to May) offers lush landscapes, newborn animals, and fewer crowds. We'll discuss your priorities to help you choose the perfect time for your adventure.

With pleasure. We craft intimate journeys for solo travelers, ensuring safety and personalized attention. For families, we design itineraries with engaging activities for all ages and select child-friendly lodges. For larger groups or multi-generational trips, we manage all the complex logistics to create a seamless, shared experience for everyone.

We adore celebrating special moments. For honeymooners, anniversaries, or birthdays, we go the extra mile to arrange romantic surprises. Imagine a private candlelit dinner in the bush, a surprise hot air balloon ride at sunrise, or a floral turndown service in your luxury tent. We handle the details so you can focus on creating memories.

Absolutely! This is one of our most popular requests. A "bush and beach" holiday is the perfect way to combine the thrill of a safari with a relaxing coastal escape. We can seamlessly connect your safari in Kenya or Tanzania with the idyllic white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Diani, or even the Seychelles for the ultimate grand tour.

Our process is personal and collaborative. It starts with a conversation where we learn about your travel dreams. We then design a preliminary, no-obligation itinerary. We refine this with you until it's perfect. Once you're happy, we require a deposit to confirm all arrangements. The final balance is typically due 90 days before your departure.

Yes, all national park entry fees, conservancy fees, and any applicable government taxes are included in your final itinerary cost. We believe in transparent pricing, so there are no hidden charges. The price we quote covers all accommodations, transport, guide services, meals, and park fees as specified in your itinerary.

While our expertise lies in crafting the perfect on-the-ground experience in Africa, we do not book international flights. This allows you the flexibility to use your preferred airline or loyalty points. However, we provide clear guidance on the best airports to fly into and the ideal arrival/departure times to sync perfectly with your itinerary. All internal flights (bush flights) are, of course, arranged by us.

You will be breathtakingly close. It's not uncommon for a pride of lions to seek shade beside your vehicle or for an elephant to pass within feet of you. Our guides are masters of animal behavior; they understand how to approach wildlife respectfully, allowing for intimate, safe encounters that never disturb the animals in their natural habitat. Your safety, and theirs, is always paramount.

We travel to some of the most wildlife-dense regions on Earth, and our guides have an uncanny ability to find incredible sightings. However, this is the wild, not a zoo, and its beautiful unpredictability is part of the magic. We can't guarantee you'll see a specific animal, but we can guarantee you will be in the best possible hands to maximize your chances of witnessing extraordinary moments.

The "Big Five" is a term from old hunting days referring to the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot: the African lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros (both black and white), and the Cape buffalo. Today, it's a photographic checklist for safari-goers, and we delight in helping you find all five.

It is one of the planet's most awe-inspiring spectacles! The Great Migration is the year-long, circular journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing. We can position you in the heart of the action, whether it's for calving season in the southern Serengeti or the dramatic river crossings in the north.

It’s like choosing between two masterpieces. Kenya's Masai Mara is iconic and offers incredible wildlife density. Kenya also features diverse landscapes from lakes to conservancies. Tanzania is vast, home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and offers a sense of immense, untamed wilderness. Often, the best answer is a combined trip to experience the highlights of both!

A conservancy is private land bordering a national reserve, managed for wildlife conservation in partnership with local communities. The benefits are immense: strict limits on the number of vehicles mean a far more exclusive experience. Plus, they permit activities not allowed in national parks, such as thrilling night game drives, guided bush walks, and off-road driving for special sightings.

Yes, and it's an incredible experience! Walking safaris, led by a specialist armed guide, allow you to connect with the bush on a much more intimate level. You'll learn to track animals, understand the medicinal uses of plants, and appreciate the smaller wonders of the ecosystem. These are typically offered in private conservancies or specific national parks.

They are a key highlight of staying in a private conservancy! Night drives reveal the world of Africa's fascinating nocturnal animals, such as leopards, hyenas, genets, and bushbabies. Using a filtered spotlight, your guide will open your eyes to a whole new cast of characters that emerge after dark. This is an activity not permitted within most national park boundaries.

East Africa is a birder's paradise, with over 1,000 recorded species. From the magnificent raptors to the vibrant weavers and elusive forest dwellers, the opportunities are endless. If birding is a passion, let us know! We can provide a specialist birding guide and tailor your itinerary to visit key habitats during peak birding seasons.

Your days are beautifully rhythmic. You'll typically wake just before dawn for a light breakfast before heading out on your morning game drive when animals are most active. You'll return to the lodge for a leisurely brunch and time to relax—perhaps by the pool or with a book. After a late afternoon tea, you'll embark on an evening game drive, culminating in sundowner cocktails in a scenic spot before returning for a gourmet dinner.

A luxury tented camp offers an immersive, romantic experience of being "in the bush" without sacrificing comfort. Tents are spacious, with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers, and private verandas. Lodges are more permanent structures, often built with stone and thatch, and can feel more like a boutique hotel, sometimes offering amenities like larger pools or spas.

We strongly recommend and typically arrange a private vehicle and guide for our guests. This is a cornerstone of a truly bespoke safari. It gives you complete flexibility to set your own pace, stay as long as you like at a sighting, and tailor each day's activities to your interests without having to compromise with other guests.

You will travel in a customized 4x4 Land Cruiser, the gold standard for safaris. These vehicles are rugged and comfortable, featuring pop-up roofs for 360-degree viewing, charging points for your devices, and a cooler stocked with drinks. For families or groups, we ensure you have an exclusive vehicle for maximum flexibility.

A typical game drive lasts between 3 to 4 hours. However, with a private vehicle, the duration is entirely up to you. You might opt for a full-day excursion with a packed picnic lunch to explore further afield, or shorter drives if you're traveling with young children or prefer more time relaxing at the lodge.

Prepare to be delighted. The culinary standards on a luxury safari are exceptionally high. Expect fresh, delicious meals crafted from local ingredients—often a blend of international cuisine with an African twist. From hearty breakfasts and light lunches to multi-course dinners under the stars, the food is a highlight of the experience.

Absolutely. We take dietary needs very seriously. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, we communicate your requirements in detail to every lodge and camp. You can relax and enjoy your meals, confident that they have been prepared with the utmost care to meet your needs.

A sundowner is one of safari's most cherished traditions. As the sun begins to set, your guide will find a beautiful, panoramic spot. They will set up a table with drinks—a classic gin and tonic is traditional, but the choice is yours—and some delicious snacks. It's a magical moment to pause, reflect on the day's sightings, and soak in the beauty of the African sunset.

Yes, most lodges and camps offer a complimentary or low-cost laundry service. It's a fantastic perk that allows you to pack light. Please note that due to cultural sensitivities and local traditions, undergarments are typically not included in this service, but hand-washing supplies are often provided in your room.

Yes, it is very safe when traveling with a reputable operator like us. We only operate in stable, tourist-friendly countries and regions. Your safety is our absolute priority. You are always accompanied by a professional guide, our partner lodges have excellent security, and our team is constantly monitoring conditions on the ground. You are in expert hands every step of the way.

This is a crucial question for your doctor or a travel clinic. Vaccination requirements can vary based on your home country and travel history. They will provide the most up-to-date advice on recommended vaccinations (like Tetanus and Hepatitis A) and malaria prophylactics. A Yellow Fever vaccination and certificate are mandatory for entry into some countries like Tanzania.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all our guests. It is essential that your policy includes coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and, most importantly, emergency medical evacuation. We can recommend reputable providers and will require proof of your policy before you travel. This is for your protection and peace of mind.

Your well-being is our primary concern. Our guides are trained in first aid, and all lodges are equipped with emergency kits. For serious situations, we ensure all our clients are registered with the Flying Doctors service, which provides emergency air evacuation to top-tier hospitals in cities like Nairobi. Your mandatory travel insurance covers this process.

This is very important. Internal "bush" flights use small aircraft and have a strict luggage limit, typically 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including your carry-on. Crucially, your luggage MUST be in a soft-sided bag or duffel with no wheels or rigid frame, as it needs to fit into the small aircraft hold. We provide detailed packing guides to help you meet these requirements.

US Dollars in small denominations are widely accepted for tips and small purchases. For larger bills, ensure they are printed after 2009, as older notes are often not accepted. Major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted at most lodges and larger shops, but may incur a surcharge. It's best to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues.

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for excellent service, though it is not compulsory. We provide detailed, confidential guidelines in your final travel documents to help you navigate this gracefully. Generally, you will tip your main safari guide at the end of the trip and use communal tip boxes for the staff at each lodge or camp.

No, you should not drink tap water. All our partner lodges and vehicles provide complimentary bottled or filtered drinking water. This is perfectly safe for drinking, brushing your teeth, and refilling your reusable water bottle.

You will be met with a warm welcome. As soon as you exit the baggage claim area, a representative from our ground team will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it. They will assist you with your luggage, provide a briefing, and transfer you seamlessly to your hotel, ensuring a stress-free start to your adventure.

Think layers and neutral colors. Pack lightweight clothing in shades of khaki, green, and brown. Avoid bright colors (which can startle animals) and dark blue/black (which can attract tsetse flies in some areas). Bring long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection, a warm fleece or jacket for chilly mornings and evenings, a swimsuit, and comfortable walking shoes.

The dress code on safari is very relaxed, even at the most luxurious lodges. "Safari chic" is the norm—casual, comfortable, and practical. There's no need for formal wear. A smart-casual outfit (e.g., chinos and a clean shirt or blouse) for dinner is perfectly sufficient.

The most important piece of gear is a good pair of binoculars—they will transform your wildlife viewing experience. A quality camera with a good zoom lens is also highly recommended. Beyond that, essentials include a sunhat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, and any personal medications. We provide everything else you'll need.

To capture incredible wildlife shots, a camera with a good telephoto lens is recommended (a 300mm or longer lens is ideal). However, even a good quality point-and-shoot camera or a modern smartphone can produce amazing results. Don't forget to bring extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll take more photos than you can imagine!

No. The use of drones is strictly prohibited in all national parks and conservancies across East Africa. This is to protect the wildlife from disturbance and to ensure the privacy and safety of other guests. Please leave your drone at home.

Yes. You can charge devices in your safari vehicle, which has charging ports. In the evenings, all luxury lodges and camps have charging facilities in the main area or in your room. Power is typically supplied by generators or solar power, which may run at specific times of the day. Remember to bring the correct plug adapter for your destination (typically the UK-style 3-pin plug).

Many lodges offer Wi-Fi, though it is often confined to the main lounge area and can be slower than what you're used to. We encourage our guests to see this as a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and connect more deeply with the incredible nature surrounding them. It’s the ultimate digital detox!

While credit cards are accepted in lodge gift shops, it's a good idea to have some US dollars or local currency for local markets and craft stalls, where you can find unique, handmade items. It's also often easier to use cash for smaller purchases. Your guide can advise on the best places to shop and help with currency exchange if needed.