Where should I go on Safari?

There are wonderful safari experiences throughout East and Southern Africa, and we specialize in finding the perfect fit, avoiding crowds and making the most out of your time on safari. Tell us when you are free to travel and for how long, and we’ll provide suggestions to suit the season, your budget and your wish-list for a perfect safari. Get in touch for our personal suggestions!

What’s the weather? The best time to go?

Call us and we’ll give you specific suggestions. There are great safari options year-round even though May to October is generally considered peak season. However, for bird-lovers and to see newborn animals, butterflies and migratory birds, November to May can be superb, and you’ll enjoy lower rates. In terms of weather, we always advise guests to pack with layering in mind as you can easily have 4 seasons on any given day.

How fit do I need to be?

There’s a safari suitable for everyone; just tell us how active you prefer to be and we’ll find a perfect safari for you. We’ve designed safaris for climbers, daily runners, families with small children and travelers with limited mobility.

How’s the food?

Varied, delicious, prepared fresh daily and plentiful! It’s one of the elements of safari travel that is most impressive. Don’t expect to lose weight.

Can I take my electronics? How do I charge them?

Yes, but please leave as many behind as possible so you can get away from it all! A good camera and binos are what you’ll have time for as your days will be action-packed from morning to night and not with virtual reality! Batteries may be charged easily either in vehicles and in camp, and we outline the necessary adapters and other tips in our pre-departure packet.

Travel documents?

We’ll advise you of the latest requirements for the countries you’ll visit but your passport should be current and good for 6 months beyond your travel dates. You’ll need blank pages for visas which often may be acquired on entry at a reasonable fee. A yellow fever vaccine or waiver is required on some itineraries, and we’ll specify those entry requirements as part of our pre-departure process.

When do I have to book? How far in advance?

We are generally working on trips between 2 months and 2 years in advance of travel, and most often we are booking 9-12 months out. If you have a specific camp or lodge in mind, book it a year ahead or more to get just what you want. If using frequent flyer miles for your international flights, a long lead time may be necessary. With some flexibility, we can usually find a superb safari on short notice.

How do you work?

We work tirelessly to ensure you get the safari that’s best for you! We work on a commission basis and sell packages that are comparable to published rack rates, very likely saving you money by choosing the best options and most efficient logistics for your safari. More importantly, we streamline the planning process from start to finish, we’re an expert, personal resource leading up to your departure, and you have the added benefit of our trusted local partners being available to you and monitoring your travels on the ground. Please have a look at Planning Your Safari for more about our process and all the fine print.

Are Safaris safe?

You may be safer on safari than at home. By their nature, safaris take you into remote places where dangers are mostly tied to the cycle of natural predation which generally doesn’t involve humans. Your guides and camp management will provide orientations and safety briefings specific to the camp and season, and we encourage all our guests to pay close attention to the rules and etiquette, so everyone can safely experience the wonders of being on safari. Most of the headlines you see regarding safari incidents are due to unscrupulous guides and/or poorly behaved guests. Sun screen, anti-malarials and common sense precautions can go a long way. Likely the only inconveniences you’ll encounter are dust or a delay to change a tire or allow a herd of wildebeest or elephants to meander across a track in front of you.

What shots and health precautions are required?

We encourage you to talk with your physician, but you’ll want to protect yourself against malaria and perhaps a few other health risks. Generally there’s little concern with food or water-borne disease. A yellow fever vaccine or waiver is required on some itineraries, and we’ll specify those entry requirements as part of our pre-departure process. Read the full Next Adventure Health Bulletin.

Where will we sleep?

Options may include an open-air sleepout under a halo of stars on a sky bed in the desert or in a plush bed beneath a romantic swath of mosquito netting or on a comfy cot in a tent where canvas separates you from the African night. We carefully select properties based on location, activities, amenities and service and can offer you choices ranging from a safari lodge to a permanent tented camp to a mobile camping experience.

Can I drink the water?

Your camp staff will discuss drinking water during your orientation to the camp upon arrival. A carafe of drinking water if the tap water isn’t appropriate. There’s plenty of other options such as gin & tonic, local wine and beer. You won’t go thirsty.

What should I take with me?

As part of our bound pre-departure dossier, we outline detailed packing guidelines along with a packing checklist, but generally we recommend that you take as little as possible on safari; you’ll only need comfortable, casual clothing and shoes along with a relaxed attitude. You’ll find your guides and camp staff to be welcoming, kind and courteous (particularly to anyone older than them) so please bring a spirit of openness and curiosity.

Insects & other creepie crawlies?

Pests and snakes are rarely seen especially during the cooler winter months. Generally insects are fewer than you expect, and those you see may be fascinating. Have you ever seen a dung beetle rolling elephant dung up a slope?

How much does a safari cost?

The biggest factor in determining safari costs is the degree of access and exclusivity in the wildlife viewing areas you’re visiting. It really matters when you go and where exactly you sleep. Once you determine the area and season, quality is key, and we’re looking for camps and outfitters with responsible high quality guides and excellent vehicles. The amenities, dining standard and service ranges from simple comfort to the finest luxury depending on your taste.

A rule of thumb for a good quality safari is about $800-$1500+ per person per day, and there are great options across the spectrum with excellent guides and quality safari experiences. The trick is sorting them out and stitching them together in just the right way. Give us an idea of what’s essential to you, and we’ll help find the perfect fit.