Safari questions, answered
Straight answers from our safari specialists to the questions travellers ask us most. Looking for something else? Browse the full FAQ.
Planning your safari
- Are walking safaris safe?Walking safaris involve wildlife-related risks, but qualified guides help manage them through careful planning, safety briefings and close attention…
- How do I choose a safari operator?Choose a safari operator with strong destination knowledge, independently verifiable reviews, transparent pricing and clear explanations of why each…
- How many days do you need for a safari?Four to six safari nights provide a useful starting point, while seven to ten nights allow a more relaxed exploration of different wildlife areas…
- How much does a luxury African safari cost?A luxury African safari can cost several thousand US dollars per person, with the final price depending on destination, season, accommodation and…
- How much should I tip on safari?There is no single tipping amount for every safari; gratuities are discretionary and should reflect the destination, service received and whether…
- Is Tanzania or Kenya better for a first safari?Both Tanzania and Kenya are excellent choices for a first safari, with the better option depending on your dates, interests and preferred pace…
- Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?Rwanda often suits shorter gorilla-trekking itineraries because Volcanoes National Park is accessible by road from Kigali, while Uganda offers…
- Is it safe to go on an African safari?A guided African safari can be a safe and rewarding experience when planned with reputable operators, although wildlife encounters and travel always…
- What are the best safari and beach combinations?Popular safari and beach combinations include Tanzania with Zanzibar, Kenya with Diani Beach, South Africa with Mauritius, and a southern African…
- What does a typical day on safari look like?A typical lodge safari includes an early-morning wildlife activity, time to relax during the middle of the day, and another activity in the…
- What is an ethical safari?An ethical safari respects wildlife, supports local people and contributes to conserving the places you visit through responsible accommodation…
- What is the best age to take children on safari?There is no universal best age for a safari, although children around six and older may find longer game drives easier to enjoy. Younger children…
- What should I pack for a safari?Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing, warm layers for early drives, comfortable shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, personal medication…
- When do the Great Migration river crossings happen?The Great Migration’s Mara River crossings generally occur between July and October in the northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Exact timing…
- Where can I go on a malaria-free safari?South Africa offers established malaria-free safari options, including Madikwe Game Reserve and several reserves in the Eastern Cape, making them…
- Where is the best place to see the Big Five?Greater Kruger’s private reserves are a strong choice for travellers hoping to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino during one safari…
Botswana
Botswana guideRwanda
Rwanda guide- Rwanda gorilla permitRwanda’s standard gorilla trekking permit costs US$1,500 per person for one trek, including up to one hour with a habituated gorilla family, as…
- When is the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is generally June to September or December to February, when conditions tend to be drier. Trekking…
South Africa
South Africa guide- Is Botswana or South Africa better for a safari?Botswana often suits travellers seeking remote camps and opportunities to combine land and water activities, while South Africa offers broad…
- Is a private reserve or Kruger National Park better for safari?A private reserve generally suits travellers seeking an inclusive guided lodge experience, while Kruger National Park offers greater flexibility for…
Tanzania
Tanzania guide- Do I need a visa for Tanzania?Whether you need a visa for Tanzania depends on your nationality, with some travellers exempt and others requiring a visa obtained online or, where…
- What vaccinations do I need for a Tanzania safari?Vaccinations for a Tanzania safari depend on your health, vaccination history and travel route, so consult a travel clinic ideally six to eight…
- When is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari?The best time for a Tanzania safari is generally June to October for dry-season wildlife viewing, or January to March for the southern Serengeti’s…
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