Africa adventures offer so many ways to experience the safari life. There are many factors to consider before planning this type of vacation depending on the type of experience(s) you are looking for. We are here to guide you the process and ask the questions you may not have thought of to help you design the ultimate life-changing adventure!
These are just some of the most common questions that we receive to help you as you begin thinking about this extraordinary vacation!
When you are ready, set up a time to chat so we can discuss in more detail to identify your travel expectations to allow us to better tailor your dream trip and maximize your time.
These are just some of the most common questions that we receive to help you as you begin thinking about this extraordinary vacation!
When you are ready, set up a time to chat so we can discuss in more detail to identify your travel expectations to allow us to better tailor your dream trip and maximize your time.
Planning an African Safari. Common Questions to Consider:
🦁 - How Much Does a Safari Vacation Cost?
Price varies depending on the type of lodging, when you travel, how many travelers, destination(s), type of safari, and many other factors. However, to give you a general idea for pricing that includes accommodations, game drives, and transfers by land/air - you may expect the following based on region:
In general, a good estimate to consider is $600-800 per person, per day. This does not included the international airfare.
The good news, safaris are all-inclusive, so your daily meals will be included unless otherwise noted on the itinerary. Extras such as hot air balloon rides, bush breakfast or a sundowner happy hour experience, will have an additional cost. We will discuss your options during the planning stage to incorporate as much as possible so you won't have to worry about bringing too much extra money with you.
- South Africa = $5-6,500 per person; based on 10-14 day minimum recommended travel time, in a 4-star and up lodging.
- Kenya/Tanzania = $6-7,500 per person; based on 10-14 day minimum recommended travel time, in a 4-star and up lodging.
- Botswana = $6-$7,500 per person; based on 10-14 day minimum recommended travel time, in a 4-star and up lodging.
- Uganda/Rwanda = $3 - $4,500 per person; based on 4-5 day minimum recommended travel time, in a 4-star and up lodging.
In general, a good estimate to consider is $600-800 per person, per day. This does not included the international airfare.
The good news, safaris are all-inclusive, so your daily meals will be included unless otherwise noted on the itinerary. Extras such as hot air balloon rides, bush breakfast or a sundowner happy hour experience, will have an additional cost. We will discuss your options during the planning stage to incorporate as much as possible so you won't have to worry about bringing too much extra money with you.
🦁 -When Should I Start Planning for a Safari?
If you have any interest in staying in exclusive boutique hotels like the famous Giraffe Manor - they tend to sell out 12-18 months in advance depending on season, so the sooner you can plan, the better chance you will get in to those unique experiential hotels.
However, for a traditional safari without those unique accommodations, we recommend starting the conversation about 9-12 months in advance. We know most vacations are planned more last minute these days, but this is not your ordinary vacation, and the lodging options have limited capacity, so tends to sell out much quicker.
To ensure you receive the accommodations that will match your vision, we need to start much earlier. It can also take some back and forth to get the itinerary just right, so these also take more time to plan before locking in your reservation.
However, for a traditional safari without those unique accommodations, we recommend starting the conversation about 9-12 months in advance. We know most vacations are planned more last minute these days, but this is not your ordinary vacation, and the lodging options have limited capacity, so tends to sell out much quicker.
To ensure you receive the accommodations that will match your vision, we need to start much earlier. It can also take some back and forth to get the itinerary just right, so these also take more time to plan before locking in your reservation.
🦁 -How Long Should I Stay?
This depends on everything you want to see - are you combing city adventures with safari, do you want some beach time, etc...
At minimum we recommend traveling for at least 10 days, but typically a 12-14 day is a good timeframe to explore fully. If you have longer - that is even better! There is so much to do/see, and the longer you have to stay, the more we can fit in!
Remember the travel time from the states can be 18-30 hours depending on where you travel from - so you want to ensure you have time IN destination to travel and explore.
At minimum we recommend traveling for at least 10 days, but typically a 12-14 day is a good timeframe to explore fully. If you have longer - that is even better! There is so much to do/see, and the longer you have to stay, the more we can fit in!
Remember the travel time from the states can be 18-30 hours depending on where you travel from - so you want to ensure you have time IN destination to travel and explore.
🦁 -Are Kids Allowed on Safari?
Most safari lodges have age restrictions for safety. Each lodge has their own rules, but in general ages 8-12 are the minimum on some game drives. Many are around ages 12 and up. There are some customized kid safaris that can be specially arranged for younger children, and many lodges offer nanny service.
🦁 - Do I Need Special Shots, Vaccinations or Medication for Travel?
Yes. You will likely need travel immunizations or medication for travel depending on the country you will enter in Africa. We recommend checking CDC website, and also contacting your local Passport Health facility to discuss all your options and recommendations. Once you know which shots and medication are required, you can reach out to your local health centers to find the best price.
NOTE: At time of writing this, the Yellow Fever vaccine has a shortage and is only available through the Passport Health facility, so you may need to travel depending on where you live to your nearest facility. Be sure to check out your options beforehand so you aren't surprised after you book the trip by the extra price, or that you may not have access to the required immunizations near you.
NOTE: At time of writing this, the Yellow Fever vaccine has a shortage and is only available through the Passport Health facility, so you may need to travel depending on where you live to your nearest facility. Be sure to check out your options beforehand so you aren't surprised after you book the trip by the extra price, or that you may not have access to the required immunizations near you.
🦁 - When is the Best Time to Travel?
This all depends on the type of safari you are doing and what animals you are looking to see. The wildlife in these countries can be seen all 12 months of the year. However, during the great migration season you'll be surrounded by the most wildlife at one time and is quite an incredible sight!
While the great migration is a year round rotation as they make the loop, the famous river crossing event that is most sought after is from July to October in North Serengeti and Masai Mara National Reserve areas.
April and May are the rainy, humid months, but safaris still occur and offer a unique sight as the parks become lush green and wildlife is abundant.
In general based on the destinations...
While the great migration is a year round rotation as they make the loop, the famous river crossing event that is most sought after is from July to October in North Serengeti and Masai Mara National Reserve areas.
April and May are the rainy, humid months, but safaris still occur and offer a unique sight as the parks become lush green and wildlife is abundant.
In general based on the destinations...
- Kenya = June-March is ideal season; July-October being peak season for the famous Great Migration viewing at Masai Mara.
- Tanzania = Year round; but June-March is ideal season.
January-March = Ndutu plains for wildebeest calving;
April-June = herd movements in great migration around Grumeti Reserve;
June-August = great migration river crossing in North Serengeti - Uganda & Rwanda = June-March is ideal for trekking, as rainy months can get difficult to navigate.
- South Africa = Year round; but May-September is ideal season for most safari's, or from November-March near Cape Town.
South Africa is a diverse country with mix of desert, tropical coastlines, woodlands & snow-capped mountains - which makes the climate vary with 4 seasons.
October-April is the wet season, but makes for great bird-watching and most showers are quick.
December- February is summer and can be very hot.
🦁 - Do I Need a Visa?
In addition to your required passport for travel, which must have at least 6 month validity left before your expiration date, and have at least TWO blank pages. All the 4 East African countries, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & Rwanda, require a Visa.
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