What is your personal travel budget?

For many a trip to East Africa is a trip of a lifetime and provides everlasting memories. When requesting a safari itinerary, it is essential that we know your personal travel budget per person for your safari. This should exclude your international flights to East Africa. Our safaris are inclusive of all services, with no hidden costs, to ensure that you don’t have to worry about expenses during your holiday.

How many days would you like to be on safari?

Your safari can last for as long or short a time that you have available and your personal travel budget allows. We do however recommend that you visit at least two destinations during your safari to experience the diversity of landscape and wildlife in the Region. We also suggest that you take time to enjoy these destinations rather than rushing from one to the other. In most circumstances a minimum of 3 nights is recommended. Also keep in mind that based on the arrival of international flights and the schedule of domestic flights, it is most often necessary to include an overnight in your arrival city. We will plan your itinerary to maximize your time available ensuring that you have a memorable safari.

When will you be traveling?

There is no good or bad time to travel to East Africa. The various parks, conservancies and ranches have resident wildlife populations so you always have a good chance of fine sightings. The game may move to different areas during the rains or be more concentrated during the dry season. If there is a particular type of game or time of year that you prefer to travel, we will advise you on what would be the most suitable wilderness area for you to visit.

What is the size and make up of your party?

A safari is great fun for adventurers of all ages – whether you’re 80 or 5. Whether you’re a party of 1 or 20, we will tailor your safari specifically to you. The region offers endless possibilities and there are activities to satisfy all interests.

Most camps and lodges welcome children and offer reduced rates although some do have a minimum age. Naturally we will plan your safari keeping in mind factors such as the ages and interests of your children, your expectations and what you (and they) hope to experience on your visit to Africa. With a wide range of small and intimate properties in our portfolios, many can be booked on an exclusive basis for a larger group or there are private houses available in parts of the region.

Physical or medical requirements that should be considered?

This is an important aspect of our planning as it will affect the wilderness areas that we might visit as well as the properties. We will ensure that all camps and lodges are notified fo any requirements and will plan ahead with special requests. Unfortunately smaller properties the region do not cater well to wheelchairs and access can be difficult.

Do I want to include any activities other than game drives in my safari?

Being on safari is not only about viewing wildlife from your vehicle but gives you the opportunity to observe them in various ways and also take part in other activities. Depending on their location, properties provide something for all interests: night game drives, walking, hiking, horse or camel rides, plunge or swimming pool, birding, fishing, stargazing, scuba diving at the coast, balloon rides, scenic or helicopter flights.

Do I have any special interests that could be incorporated into my safari?

If you are looking for adventure or an off the beaten track experience, we can design an itinerary that will combine fantastic wildlife viewing with activities such as hiking, mountain-climbing, white water rafting or gorilla trekking. These are just a few examples of what is available beyond the traditional safari experience.

We can also design an itinerary that focuses on a theme – maybe you love elephants or primates and would like to build an itinerary around them or maybe you’d like to climb 3 peaks in 3 weeks – Mt. Kenya, Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro are easily combined in one safari. If you love birds or reptiles, we can arrange a specialist guide with private vehicles who shares your particular interest.

Is there any special occasion that is part or reason for the safari?

An African safari honeymoon is an exciting, yet tranquil, exotic adventure, perfect for the first trip you take as newlyweds. You may be commemorating many years as partners and can renew your vows in a traditional Maasai ceremony or celebrating a milestone birthday. There are special touches that our team will incorporate into your safari and will advise on the most suitable destinations to ensure a memorable occasion.

How can you give back to the communities that you visit?

We firmly believe in giving back to the communities that we visit and and giving you the opportunity to experience the country more closely and have meaningful and mutually respectful cultural experiences. Many properties in our portfolio are on community land and is a major source of income for that community. You are therefore contributing to their upliftment by virtue of your staying there. It is humbling to experience an authentic encounter with these communities – you may visit their villages and will be happily welcomed into their ‘manyatta’ (mud & thatch hut) to sit and listen to their stories or spend a day helping with daily chores

You may want to spend more time visiting a specific project. We have ties with some projects and can make recommendations or can arrange for you to visit a community you may already be supporting. There are many opportunities throughout the region and we have the expertise to include these experiences in your safari.

Getting around – what are the most suitable options?

Because of the vastness of the region and often uncomfortable road system, we recommend flying between destinations, so that you spend as much of your time in the bush as possible. Flying not only gives you more time with the animals, but also a unique and beautiful view of the landscape. There are schedule flights available to all safari destinations and charter flights also provide more flexibility where needed. Driving through communities does provide more opportunity for insight into daily life and as we know the areas well we can advise where it is suitable to drive shorter distances.

Who will lead my trip?

We are able to provide you with options that will suit your travel style and party. The properties in our portfolio all provide safari activities and will provide a guide during your stay. These guides are familiar with the area, wildlife, community and are highly skilled and personable. Your guide is shared with other guests however there is an option to book an exclusive use of vehicle throughout your stay.

If you would prefer a privately guided safari where your guide meets you on arrival and will accompany you throughout your safari. The guide will get to know you and can further tailor your daily activities as he has a further understanding of the dynamics and preferences.

What types of accommodations are available?

The East Africa region offers the traveler a wide range of accommodation to suit every personal travel budget and style. Our portfolio is made up of small and intimate permanent camps, boutique lodges and private houses. Each destination has a unique style and character, offering exclusivity and personalized attention and can be booked on an exclusive basis for a larger group. Whether you prefer sleeping ‘under canvas’ seemingly right alongside the wild animals which call through the night, relaxing in unparalleled luxury at unique and personalized bush hideaways, there is something for everybody. They are located on expansive, private conservation areas, ranches or in prime spots in game parks and reserves throughout East Africa and most importantly off the beaten track.

Can you provide past traveler references?

Much of our business is from referrals from past travelers who will be happy to speak to you about their trip and share their experiences.

Who will answer your calls and questions both before and after the trip?

A member of our team based in Nairobi, Kenya will be responsible for co-ordinating your safari. We have continued communication throughout the planning of your safari and will co-ordinate and manage all aspects of your trip – from the time you step off the plane until your departure. We don’t just provide an itinerary, but believe in spending time talking to all of our clients to understand what type of trip you are interested in and will use our knowledge of the region to provide informed advice about the most suitable options to guide you in your decisions.

We are just a phone call away at all times and during your safari can provide you with a local mobile telephone and sim card with our contact numbers already programmed.

Tell us about your favorite trip/holiday that you have taken and what made it special.

You may not have been on safari before, however aspects of other trips that you have made and found exceptional can give us insight into the type of trip that would be more suitable.