Frequently Asked Questions

  • Safari prices vary widely. It can range from approximately $500 to $4,500+ per person per night, depending on destination, season, accommodation level, and activities, and can range from mid-range to ultra-luxury.

    For example, a premier camp in Botswana such as Mombo Camp may retail between $2,800–$5,000 per person per night, while a more rustic yet beautifully authentic camp such as Somalisa Expeditions Camp in Zimbabwe, may range from $400–$800 per person per night.

    There is truly no one-size-fits-all safari.

    A bespoke safari can range from moderate to premium pricing depending on your preferences. Factors that affect cost include:

    • Destination (Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, etc.)

    • Season and wildlife events (e.g., Great Migration)

    • Length of stay

    • Accommodation style (luxury tented camps vs private lodges)

    • Transport options (light aircraft transfers vs road transfers)

    • Having a private guide & vehicle

    Because safari costs are so variable, we work with each guest to build something tailored to your budget, interests, and travel style. Explore our Travel Tips page and reach out for a custom quote.

  • We recommend a minimum of 6 nights to fully experience the wildlife and landscapes; more if you want deeper exploration.

    More Detail:
    A multi-day safari allows you to:

    • See diverse ecosystems

    • Witness wildlife at different times of day

    • Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives

    • Relax without feeling rushed

    Many travelers pair a safari with beach stays or city extensions for even more variety.

  • Most safari packages include accommodation, game drives, meals, expert guiding, and often internal transfers — but specifics vary by itinerary.

    Typical safari inclusions may cover:

    • Lodging at luxury camps or lodges

    • All meals, teas, and snacks

    • Twice-daily game drives

    • Park entry fees

    • Services of professional guides

    Packages often do not include:

    • International flights

    • Visa fees

    • Travel insurance

    • Tips (see tipping guidelines below)

    We’ll walk you through exactly what’s included in your tailored itinerary.

  • For peak periods and popular camps, we recommend booking 9–12 months in advance. For shoulder or green seasons, 4–6 months is often sufficient. Larger groups or travelers hoping to stay at extremely popular lodges, like Giraffe Manor, should plan even further ahead. That said, travelers with more flexibility in their budget may have more flexibility with timing. Planning early ultimately gives you the greatest choice when it comes to camps, locations, and experiences. It gives you the luxury of choice.

    More Detail:
    Luxury and iconic camps book out early, especially in high-demand regions. Early planning also allows you to:

    • Secure preferred accommodations

    • Plan seasonal wildlife experiences (e.g., Great Migration windows)

    • Arrange optimal routing and transfers

    Our travel planning team can help you lock in the best timing for your dream safari.

  • Safari packing should be practical, lightweight, and suited to variable temperatures — neutral clothing, layers, sun protection, and essentials. Check out our travel tips for more information.

  • Absolutely. When you travel with reputable operators and trained guides, safari is very safe.

    Professional guides are skilled in:

    • Wildlife behavior and safety

    • Vehicle-based protocols

    • Emergency management

    • National park regulations

    Safety briefings are standard at every camp before drives or activities, and strict guidelines ensure your experience is secure and unforgettable.

  • Yes. Most safari travelers should consult a travel clinic about vaccinations and health precautions.

    Recommendations often include:

    • Routine childhood vaccinations

    • Yellow fever (required in some countries or based on travel history)

    • Malaria prophylaxis (varies by region)

    • Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus

    Health guidance changes regionally and seasonally, so consult a clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

  • Tipping is customary on safari, and most camps have recommended tipping ranges. Tips are usually given in cash with small denominations at the end of your stay. Please contact us for detailed tip guidelines for your trip.

  • Bring some clean, unmarked U.S. dollar bills for tips and small purchases; most luxury camps accept cards, but remote areas may not support reliable payment connectivity.

    ATMs are rare near many camps, and connectivity can be limited. Cash helps with tipping and incidental purchases; especially in remote conservancies.

  • Yes! Many safari destinations are family-friendly, though minimum age restrictions may apply at some camps.

    More Detail:

    • The general minimum age for safari activities is around 6 years old, though this can vary by camp.

    • Some luxury camps limit ages for safety or experience reasons but there are also properties that welcome children of all ages.

    • Families with younger children are often required to book a private vehicle, which allows for more flexibility with game drive timing and stops.

    • Activities can be adapted to include educational, wildlife-themed experiences

    Our Children’s Safari Packing Guide is a perfect companion for preparing families.

  • Yes. Light aircraft used between safari camps often have strict luggage weight limits and require soft-sided bags.

    Typical restrictions:

    • 15–20 kg (33–44 lb) per person
      Soft-sided bags only (for light aircraft storage)

    Confirm luggage policies with your itinerary planner to avoid issues.

  • Private conservancies often offer more exclusive wildlife experiences with fewer vehicles, off-road driving, and special activities; national parks provide iconic landscapes and often broader wildlife diversity.

    Private Conservancies:

    • Lower vehicle density

    • Night drives in many areas

    • Walking safaris

    National Parks:

    • Well-known iconic wildlife areas

    • Classic landscapes and big game density

    Each has strengths, we tailor your trip to your preferences.

    • A few common activities our clients add on to their safaris are

    • A visit to see The Victoria Falls

    • A few days in Cape Town

    • A visit to the winelands in South Africa

    • A beach destination to relax

  • Like an African Sunset, every day on safari is a little different. However, a typical day can look something like

    5:00 AM: Wake Up call

    5:30 AM: A quick breakfast and coffee or tea

    6:00 AM: Depart on your morning game drive.

    9:00 AM: Stop in the bush for tea, coffee, a light snack.

    11:00 AM: Head back to camp for brunch

    Afternoon: Relax, nap, enjoy camp

    3:00 PM: Meet in main camp area for afternoon tea and a light snack

    3:30 PM: Head out for your afternoon safari activity

    Sunset: Stop in the bush for Sundowners! (An alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink of your choice with light snacks)

    7:00 PM: Head back into camp

    7:30 PM: Sit down for dinner (camps will work within your dietary restrictions)

    9:00 PM: Sit around the fire and tell stories, reminisce about the day’s activities, enjoy a beautiful night sky.

  • Safari is a year around activity- The time of year you choose to travel will depend on your interests and your budget but generally there is something to offer everyone throughout the year. Keep reading to learn about the different seasons.

    Peak Season (June to October): This is the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. During the winter months of June, July and August days are sunny and mild to warm, although evening and nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing in some areas. At this time of year, we recommend packing warm clothing, as the wind chill on game drives can make temperatures feel even lower. September and October still tend to be dry, but temperatures are gradually becoming warmer. Guests may find temperatures uncomfortably hot by mid to late October. As the dry season progresses, water sources become fewer and animals will congregate near what remains, which proves a good time to see game in higher numbers. Prices are their highest during this time and non-private reserves such as National Parks will be at their busiest, especially in less remote areas accessible to self-drivers or day trippers.

    Shoulder Seasons (April - May and November): These months can be a very good time to travel. By April/May the rains should be over, although vegetation will be green and lush which can make spotting animals more challenging. November may still be predominately dry and hot, although cloud cover generally builds each day resulting in dramatic afternoon storms. This can be an extremely atmospheric time to be on safari. Game viewing can still be excellent, although as soon as the first rains arrive many animals will disperse to find more productive feeding grounds. Prices during this time are lower than peak season and crowds can be reduced from the peaks during June, July and August.

    Green Season (December to March): Prices are at their lowest during the off-peak or “green” season and single supplements are often dropped during these months. This is the rainy season, with mostly high temperatures although cloud cover and rain can cool things down for short periods. Game viewing during these summer months can be extremely rewarding but the guides and guests need to be prepared to work harder for the sightings. Long grasses and thick vegetation mean that visibility can be difficult, making sightings less frequent. Animals are also scattered over a much wider area as water and food are readily available. Also, if you have a fear of bugs, this is probably not the best time to go on safari.

    On the upside, this is a wonderful time of the year for photography. The light is clear, and the green vegetation provides an excellent photographic background. The rainy season is also the best season to see lilies and many other flowering plants. There are other wonderful experiences in the wet season – many animals drop their young as soon as the first rains arrive to give them the best chance of survival. This leads to easy pickings for predators, so is a good time to see predator–prey interaction. A mini migration of zebra and antelope occurs in the Central Kalahari / Makgadikgadi Game Reserve in Botswana, making this the best time to visit these areas, and up to 10 million “straw-colored fruit bats” migrate to the Kasanka National Park in Zambia.

    The selection of destinations will be lower at this time of year as many camps in Zambia and Zimbabwe are seasonal and not accessible during the rainy season. However, Botswana has an excellent infrastructure for year-round safaris.

  • Safari in East Africa is possible year-round. The best time to travel depends on your interests, budget, and what you hope to experience. Weather patterns and wildlife movements—particularly the Great Migration—play an important role in shaping each season.

    Peak Season (June to October)

    This is the dry season and generally considered the most popular time to visit East Africa. Skies are typically clear, rainfall is minimal, and wildlife viewing is excellent as animals concentrate around permanent water sources.

    Daytime temperatures are usually comfortable (70-80°F / 21-27°C), with cooler mornings and evenings (40-50°F / 4-10°C)—particularly at higher elevations in Kenya and northern Tanzania. Layers are essential. The landscape gradually becomes drier as the season progresses, which improves visibility for spotting wildlife.

    From July through September, the Great Migration typically moves into Kenya's Masai Mara from Tanzania's Serengeti, bringing dramatic river crossings and large predator activity. By October, herds begin returning south. Because of this, July through September are among the most sought-after times to visit.

    Prices are highest during peak season and popular reserves can be busy, especially areas that are easily accessible or famous for migration sightings. Private conservancies, however, offer a more exclusive experience with limited vehicle numbers.

    Shoulder Seasons (January – February and November – early December)

    These months can be an excellent time to travel, offering a balance between good wildlife viewing and fewer crowds.

    January and February fall during a short dry period, with late January through February being calving season in the southern Serengeti. Thousands of calves are born within a short window, attracting predators and creating exciting wildlife interactions.

    November through early December marks the "short rains." Showers tend to be brief and often occur in the late afternoon or evening, though patterns can vary year to year. The landscape becomes green and vibrant, which makes for beautiful scenery and photography. Wildlife viewing can still be very good, and visitor numbers are generally lower than during peak months.

    Prices during the shoulder seasons are often slightly reduced, making them a great option for travelers seeking strong value.

    Green Season (March to May)

    This period corresponds with the long rains across much of East Africa. Rainfall can be heavier and more consistent, particularly in April and May.

    During this time, the landscapes are lush and green, and the scenery can be spectacular. Photography is excellent thanks to dramatic skies and vibrant vegetation. Birdlife is also exceptional, as many migratory species are present.

    Wildlife can be more dispersed because water and grazing are plentiful across the landscape, and thick vegetation can make animals harder to spot. Some camps close during this time for seasonal maintenance, particularly in more remote areas.

    However, for travelers who don't mind occasional rain, the green season can offer exceptional value, fewer visitors, and a quieter safari experience.

  • We highly recommend getting full travel insurance to cover the trip in case of cancellation, however at a minimum a travel policy covering you for medical emergencies and evacuation is required. You can purchase travel insurance through a variety of carriers and can search for different policies on www.insuremytrip.com

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