The timing of your safari can greatly impact your experience. In many African countries, safaris are best during the dry season, as it's easier to spot wildlife near water sources. Dry seasons vary depending on the region, but in places like East Africa, they often fall between July and October. This period is considered prime wildlife viewing time in the Masaai Mara and Serengeti as the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration occurs however, other months preferable to go on safari would be between January and February. Going on a safari during wet seasons can be cheaper and also provide a good opportunity for spotting animals, as they do come out to drink water in the watering holes making it a great safari experience as well.

Choosing a destination for a safari is an exciting and important decision, as it can greatly impact your overall experience. Important factors to consider when selecting a safari destination:

Type of Wildlife: Different regions offer different wildlife experiences. Research the types of animals you want to see, whether it's the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) or other specific species. Some destinations are renowned for specific animals.

Time of Year: Wildlife migration patterns and the best time to visit can vary by destination. Consider the time of year you plan to travel, as it can affect the weather, animal sightings, and the experience as a whole.

Budget: Safari costs can vary significantly. Some destinations are more budget-friendly, while others are considered luxury safaris. Determine your budget and find a destination that matches it.

Travel Restrictions: Keep an eye on travel advisories, visa requirements, and health considerations. We do provide any sort of guidance and information you require.

Duration of Safari: Decide how long you plan to stay on safari. Some destinations are better suited for shorter trips, while others are perfect for extended adventures.

Expectations on an African safari can vary depending on the destination, type of safari, and your specific interests. However, there are some general experiences and elements you can expect on most African safaris:

Wildlife Sightings: The primary focus of any safari is wildlife. You can expect to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat. This may include iconic species like lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, and many more. Some safaris also offer opportunities to spot rare or endangered species.

Game Drives: Game drives are a fundamental part of a safari experience. These are guided trips in specially adapted vehicles, which take you to areas where you're most likely to encounter wildlife. Game drives can be done during the day and sometimes at night for nocturnal animal sightings.

Knowledgeable Guides: Most safaris are led by experienced guides who have extensive knowledge of the local wildlife and ecosystems. They can provide valuable information about the animals, their behaviors, and the environment.

Scenic Landscapes: African safaris often take place in stunning natural landscapes. Expect to see breathtaking scenery, which may include savannahs, forests, deserts, wetlands, and more. The landscapes are as much a part of the experience as the animals.

Cultural Experiences: Depending on your safari destination, you may have opportunities to interact with local communities and learn about their cultures. This can include visits to villages, markets, and cultural performances.

Birdwatching: Africa is home to a rich diversity of bird species. Birdwatching is often a part of safari experiences, and you can expect to spot numerous colorful and unique birds.

Photography Opportunities: Safaris provide incredible opportunities for photography. Be prepared to capture amazing wildlife shots and landscape images. If you're a keen photographer, consider bringing appropriate equipment.

Camp and Lodge Accommodations: You'll typically stay in lodges or tented camps that offer a range of comfort levels, from basic to luxury. Most lodges are located inside national parks or private reserves, providing you with a close-to-nature experience.

Night Sounds: African nights can be filled with the sounds of wildlife, including the roars of lions, the calls of hyenas, and the chirping of crickets. It's a unique and immersive part of the safari experience.

Local Cuisine: Safari lodges often serve a variety of local and international dishes. You can expect to savor African cuisine and explore different flavors.

Safety Precautions: Your safety is a priority, and we take various precautions to ensure your well-being. This may include guidelines for interacting with wildlife, staying in designated areas, and following the advice of your guide.

Weather Variability: Be prepared for varying weather conditions depending on the time of year and location. While Africa is known for its sunshine, temperatures can fluctuate, and rain is common during certain seasons.

Patience: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and sometimes you may need to exercise patience. Animals are wild and can be elusive. Enjoy the journey and the anticipation of spotting wildlife.

Conservation Awareness: We are committed to wildlife conservation. You may have opportunities to learn about and support these efforts during your safari.

Day and night temperatures on an African safari can vary significantly depending on the time of year and the specific location of your safari. Africa is a large continent with diverse climates, so the temperature ranges can be quite broad. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Dry Season:

Daytime Temperatures: During the dry season, which is typically the winter or cooler period in many safari destinations, daytime temperatures can range from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 30°C). In some areas, especially desert regions, daytime temperatures can be much higher, exceeding 100°F (37°C).

Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures during the dry season can drop significantly. Expect nighttime temperatures to range from 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C) in many regions. In high-altitude areas, it can get even colder, possibly dropping to freezing or below.

2. Wet Season:

Daytime Temperatures: In the wet season, which is typically the summer or warmer period, daytime temperatures can be warmer, ranging from 80°F to 95°F (27°C to 35°C) or higher.

Nighttime Temperatures: Nights in the wet season are generally milder than in the dry season. Nighttime temperatures can vary from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) in many areas.

3. Coastal Areas:

Coastal areas often have more moderate temperatures. Expect daytime temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 30°C) and nighttime temperatures from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C) throughout the year.

4. Altitude and Region-specific Variations:

High-altitude regions, such as the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania or parts of Kenya, can be quite cool, even in the daytime, and may experience nighttime temperatures close to or below freezing.

Packing for a safari requires careful consideration of the destination, time of year, and the specific safari type. Here is a list of essential items to pack for your safari adventure:

Clothing:

Neutral-Colored Clothing: Wear earth-toned, neutral, and muted colors like khaki, olive, and brown. Avoid bright colors as they can startle wildlife.

Long-sleeved Shirts and Lightweight Pants: These protect you from the sun and insects.

T-shirts and Lightweight Tops: For warmer days.

Sweater or Fleece Jacket: Evenings and early mornings can be cool, so a warm layer is essential.

Lightweight Rain Jacket: For sudden rain showers or protection against wind.

Wide-brimmed Hat or Cap: Provides sun protection for your face and neck.

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Closed-toe shoes or boots suitable for walking safaris and game drives.

Sandals or Flip-flops: For relaxation at the lodge or camp.

Swimsuit: Some lodges or camps have pools.

Accessories:

Sunglasses with UV Protection: Essential for sun protection.

Sunscreen: Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong African sun.

Insect Repellent: To ward off mosquitoes and other insects.

Binoculars: A good quality pair for wildlife viewing.

Camera and Accessories: If you're a photography enthusiast, don't forget your camera, extra batteries, and memory cards.

Personal Items:

Travel Documents: Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, and any necessary permits.

Medications and First Aid Kit: Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit, including pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription medicines. The safari cars you go with will also be equipped with essential first-aid kits.

Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other personal hygiene items.

Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your safari.

Luggage and Bags:

Duffel Bag or Soft-sided Luggage: Many safari vehicles have limited space, and soft luggage is easier to stow.

Daypack or Camera Bag: For carrying essentials on game drives and walks.

Electronics and Gadgets:

Power Bank: For charging electronic devices while in remote areas.

Adapters and Converters: To charge your devices in safari lodges. We recommend getting an international travel convertor as voltages differ in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Optional Items:

Guidebooks and Maps: For reference and research about the wildlife and area.

Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long drives or flights.

Headlamp or Flashlight: Useful for navigating at night.

Notebook and Pen: To jot down wildlife sightings and experiences.

Books or Entertainment: For downtime in between safaris.

Reusable Cloth Bag: Useful for shopping and carrying souvenirs back home.

Cash and Payment Cards:

Local Currency: Carry some cash in the local currency for small expenses.

Credit/Debit Cards: Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your cards abroad.

The cost of a safari per day can vary significantly depending on various factors. Some of the primary factors that influence the cost of a safari include:

Budget: Different countries and regions in Africa have varying price ranges. Your budget is an important factor to the cost. Budget travelers may opt for simpler safaris, while luxury travelers can choose high-end safaris.

Number of Days: The length of your safari will influence the total cost. Longer safaris, which include more days of game drives and accommodation, will naturally be more expensive.

Time of Year: The time of year you visit can impact the cost. High season, when wildlife sightings are more guaranteed and weather is more favorable, often comes with higher prices. Low season can offer cost savings but may have weather and wildlife sighting limitations.

The inclusions of a safari can vary depending on the specific safari and destination. However, our typical safari package often includes accomodation (these can range from basic tented camps to luxury lodges), meals (all-inclusive except hard drinks), day/night game drives with a private vehicle and guide/ranger, park or reserve fees, airport transfers, transportation between safari destinations or within the reserve, beverages (bottled water and soft drinks), snacks during your safari (you do get hungry on safari).

Extras which are additional costs involve international flights and internal flights/charters, safari activities (i.e walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, cultural and community visits to local communities etc), hard drinks/alcohol, professional photography guides. If you have any other special requests, we can also arrange that to make your safari as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

Yes, we highly recommend getting travel insurance. This is for a number of reasons such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost/theft/damage of luggage and personal belongings, flight or baggage delays, lost documents, unpredictable wildlife and environmental events that can disrupt your safari, emergency assistance providing 24/7 emergency assistance services. There’s nothing worse than not being able to make it for your safari due to the above reasons. We recommend using Allianz Travel and we will go over the details with you within two weeks away of your safari.

Camps and lodging for a safari refer to the types of accommodations where our travelers stay during their safari adventure. It’s not normal camp tents but, is commonly known as ‘glamping’ where a luxury comfortable bed, bathroom and amenities are offered in the wild. What we typically offer in terms of camps and lodges varies and is affected by budget, preferences and level of comfort you desire during your safari. Check out more details on our accomodations page on what we offer.

The type of vehicles used in a safari can vary depending on the safari destination however, you will mostly be using the following:

4x4 Safari Vehicles:

Open Safari Vehicles: These are typically customized 4x4 vehicles with open tops, providing excellent visibility for wildlife viewing and photography. They are commonly used for game drives in national parks and wildlife reserves.

Closed Safari Vehicles: Sometimes we use closed 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs, allowing you to stand up and view wildlife without leaving the vehicle.

Safari Minivans:

Safari minivans are commonly used for safaris and are smaller than 4x4 vehicles however, they offer comfortable seating for passengers and a pop-up roof for game viewing.