How we plan your Safari.
Being on Safari is utter happiness. Get ready to explore and experience the range of wildlife - big and small, the vast differing terrain and landscape, the colors, sunrises and sunsets, and the different people you will meet along the way. Happiness is being on Safari.
Whether you're going on safari for the first time or returning for another adventure (trust us, you will), there is so much of Africa to explore. Let's get started with planning your Journey to Africa Safari!
When are you planning to go on Safari? What month?
The best time to go on Safari is year-round! We'll put you in the right place at the right time depending on what you want to see and when you can get away.
When we propose a Safari, I like to have your accommodation on hold so if you fall in love with the itinerary, those rooms are ready to book. When we send you a quote, everything is reserved and ready to go once you decide to move forward.
How many days should you spend on Safari?
If you can carve out a minimum of 10 nights, or ideally 2-3+ weeks, you'll be well rewarded. There's a Swahili saying: "Haraka haraka haina baraka"—hurry hurry has no blessing. We try to avoid a 'tick box' Safari. Instead, we want you to slow down and spend at least 2-3 nights in each park or region. This way, you'll truly soak up your surroundings, have better chances of incredible wildlife sightings, and feel more energized and in tune with the wilderness around you.
Who is joining you on your Safari?
Traveling with family and children? How old are they? Let us know your rooming preferences. Some discounts apply, and we love traveling with kids - we know the right places for you.
Honeymoon Safari? Congratulations! Let's set up something romantic.
Group of friends? How fun!
Grandparents with grandchildren? We love multi-generational travel.
Solo traveler? Perfect getaway. We've planned those too. Let's chat.
What are your top must-sees?
This will help us decide which country to visit. If you have a country in mind, please let us know. Here's some inspiration:
Kenya & Tanzania's Great Migration
When you think of a Safari, this is probably what you imagine - the movement of a million wildebeest and other plains game across Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. There are so many fascinating parts of the migration beyond the famous river crossings. We'll put you in the right place depending on what time of year you're traveling.
Combine a Masai Mara or Serengeti Safari with another park or area in Tanzania and Kenya such as elephant-rich Tarangire, the mighty Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, or the untamed raw beauty of Laikipia in Northern Kenya. Both Mefi and Georgie grew up in Tanzania and Kenya, so this is our bread and butter. We know you'll love them too!
Botswana's Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is the water system that feeds Botswana's wildlife. A magical place for amazing sightings from a different angle. You'll likely encounter leopards, elephants, nyalas, and so much more. You can explore by Mokoro (traditional canoe), enjoy sunset cruises, or go game driving in vehicles. Winding down a river channel in a Mokoro and getting up close to elephants is just breathtaking…
South Africa's Parks & Cape Wineries
South Africa is the perfect balance of culture and Safari. From beautiful Cape Town and its history, it’s surrounding wine country, and penguin beaches to wildlife-rich private game reserves where the chances of seeing the Big Five are incredibly high. We're not kidding when we say you might see a leopard a day. South Africa feels like so many worlds in one. A safari followed by a few days relaxing on a wine estate in the Cape - bliss!
Zambia's Luangwa & Lower Zambezi
I (Mefi) won't stop talking about Zambia since I went to test out camps and lodges and meet our safari partners in 2024. Zambia is the epitome of wild, untouched Africa where you'll often feel like you have the wilderness and game sightings all to yourself. In one morning, I saw a leopard, a pride of lions, and a pack of wild dogs. Beyond wildlife, Zambia is home to the walking safari. Head out on foot with your guide, enjoy Tiger Fishing, and watch sundowners on the Zambezi River. Zambia is incredible!
Zimbabwe
Famous for its elephants tiptoeing through the bush and eating marula fruits. There are lots of walking opportunities here, and of course, the mighty Victoria Falls!
Uganda and Rwanda's Gorillas & Chimps
If you've dreamed about trekking in the mountains to observe our cousins (chimpanzees are our closest living relatives), let's get you there. This is a Safari experience like no other, and it combines beautifully with a classic Tanzania or Kenya Safari. You can also head to the remote reaches of Western Tanzania where the Mahale Mountains tower above the crystal clear waters of Lake Tangnyika. We LOVE the Mahale Mountains - they take a bit more effort to get to but it’s so worth it.
Places you've heard about?
Have friends or family recommended specific places you'd like to explore? Let us know, and we can find ways to incorporate them into your Safari.
Alternatively, share an idea of where you've stayed before or send us a photograph of what appeals to you. We can match the style to the lodges we recommend. If you've never been on Safari before, it's a totally different experience from anything you've ever done, and we can't wait to be part of your Journey to Africa.
What does a Safari cost?
We work with luxury and mid-luxury Safari partners, and it's really important to us that everywhere we send you gives back to the people and places. The essence of what we do is ensuring you have a life-changing Safari that also makes a difference.
Safari costs vary depending on where you want to go and the types of places you want to stay, but here are guidelines for peak season travel in USD:
Tanzania & South Africa: approximately $900 per person, per night
Kenya & Zambia: approximately $1,200-1,400 per person, per night
Botswana: approximately $1,500-1,700 per person, per night
What's typically included per person: Accommodation, full board, internal bush flights or transfers, park fees, and your shared or private Safari guide and vehicle. Essentially, once you arrive in Africa at the airport, we look after you until we drop you back at the airport for your international flight home. Sit back and take it all in.
What's not included?
International flights
Travel insurance
Tipping
We'll always help you choose the best flight times and provide tipping guidelines for when you're out there. Tipping is of course discretionary, but it makes a huge difference.
How to book?
Once you're happy with your final itinerary and we've discussed all the details, we'll make sure the Safari is on hold. When you're ready to go, we require a 30% non-refundable deposit to confirm the booking. That's it. We will take care of the rest and be there to help with any questions you have.
In the weeks leading up to your departure, we'll make sure you have everything you need, including packing lists, flight times, and any other details. We'll check in while you're out there and always stay in touch with our trusted safari partners on the ground to make sure everything's running smoothly.
We can't wait to share the Africa we know and love with you. Your Journey to Africa awaits.
"Nothing prepares you for the impact of Africa. Strange sights, new sounds, new smells; it is a total assault on the senses, like being a child again and seeing the world afresh."
— Brian Jackman
