Frequently Asked Questions

The best time for a safari is from June to October, in sub-Saharan Africa’s winter. Think blue skies, sunshine, and endless animals on game drivers and walks. The safari experience changes throughout the year. However, cooler, drier days in East and Southern Africa offer near-ideal conditions for a safari.

Experience a gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda, a once-in-a-lifetime close encounter with these great apes. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is one of life’s greatest experiences and the unique adventure may raise questions about what you can expect during your trip, and how to make it happen. Gazing into the eyes of one of the planet’s most magnificent creatures in a setting that feels so far removed from everyday life will stay with you forever. A gorilla-trekking experience lets you witness the majestic beings as they share their mannerisms and exhibit their strong family bonds. Knowing what to expect when preparing for and embarking on a gorilla trek can give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience on your African travel itinerary, as well as ensuring you are well-prepared for this unique and life-changing event.

The most popular way to see wildlife on safari is in a 4x4 vehicle. However, game walks and exploration by water in certain destinations are other exciting ways to do so. In East Africa, your safari vehicles are mostly closed, with large windows and a pop-up roof for you to stand up and scout the surroundings. However, there are some open-vehicle options available. The Southern African safari circuit boasts open vehicles, some with a canvas sunshade. Enjoy a walking safari with a qualified guide as you traverse plains and forests learning about your surroundings, all the while keeping an eye out for nearby wildlife. Top your experience off with a hot-air balloon ride above the powerful landscape, with a chance for some superb wildlife viewing.

Embark on your African safari knowing you are traveling responsibly by visiting ecologically friendly lodges and camps, and giving back to the communities around you. Your team will ensure you reduce your carbon footprint by, among other things, ensuring your game drives are in eco-friendly vehicles and by offering drinking water in reusable bottles. The focus is on sustainable tourism and your contributions through your accommodations and game park entrance fees help to maintain a healthy balance in parks and reserves. Giving back to local communities is rewarding and embarking on a sustainable safari ensures your trip makes a helpful contribution.

The African safari circuit is safe, with your experience fully guided from start to finish. Your visits include major hotels in cities and transport by air or comfortable safari vehicles. General safety should always be adhered to and listening to your guides and the team taking care of you at hotels and lodges will ensure your experience is memorable. Out in the wild, you are in expert hands as your safari guides direct and explain the movements of the bush. Adhering to their tips will ensure you are safe.

An African safari is an exciting adventure and being concerned for your health should not be a key focus of this experience. Lodges offer bottled water and quality services in cuisine and comfort. For regions in malaria-risk areas, a relevant prophylactic is recommended. Bug spray and sunscreen should be in your luggage, although lodges and camps do offer insect repellent in the rooms. Bring your own medicine and reach out to your travel advisor for help should you require services such as a fridge to store medication or ensure your room is set up for your CPAP machine, for example. SOme vaccinations may be a requirement, check with your safari consultant for informative advise.

In the East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, as well as Zimbabwe and Zambia, the USD is used throughout. Options exist to exchange your money for local currency, noting that when paying cash, you may receive change in USD or local currencies. Credit cards are used in all lodges and camps, no matter where you choose to go on safari, and in restaurants and cafes in key urban areas. To purchase souvenirs or tip drivers and tour guides in East Africa, having a few USD singles is suggested.

English is commonly spoken throughout Africa, so communication will be quite simple. Local lingo is used in hotels and lodges, and visitors often pick up a few key phrases and words during their trip.

It is advisable to pack light for your safari, in weight and the kind of clothing you take. Most camps offer a laundry service, so there’s no need to overpack. Choose a few long pants, shorts, and shirts. Lightweight and breathable fabric that covers your skin tends to work best on safari, with neutral colors recommended so you blend in with the surroundings. Comfortable walking shoes are all you need when on safari, so leave your hiking boots behind and be sure to pack your favorite sneakers. Sandals are acceptable for wandering around your lodge, private chalet, or tent. It’s all part of kicking back and relaxing.

One of the most memorable vacations a family can embark on is an African safari. Incredible locations, diverse wildlife, and accommodation options that cater to children make such a vacation a very good idea for families. Little explorers can go on game-drive bumbles around the lodge, where they will learn bush survival skills, how to track wildlife, and enjoy indoor activities such as arts and crafts, and baking with the chef.

The African bush is the ultimate destination for a romantic getaway, with beautiful and intimate locations. Private luxury tents or quiet chalets set among trees and animals, and under a starry sky, create the perfect scene for romance. Dinners by candlelight on your private deck or out in the bush, or a couple’s spa treatment, are not to be missed. Sunsets are incredible in Africa and capturing this moment with a beverage of choice while listening out for wildlife is the perfect indulgence on a romantic safari.

An African safari should be enjoyed by everyone and certain lodges and ground operators have made this possible for visitors with mobility challenges. Whether embarking on a safari that is fully catered to travelers who may be wheelchair-bound or choosing a lodge that offers easy access from communal areas to your room, options do exist and your safari expert can work with you to plan your ideal experience. Some reserves and parks offer safaris in closed vehicles or self-drive options, perfect for those wanting to experience incredible wildlife at their own pace.