Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking your African safari
Booking & Payments
How do I book a safari?
Browse our tours, select your preferred journey, choose your dates and group size, and submit a booking inquiry. The operator confirms availability within 24 hours. Once confirmed, you can pay a deposit to secure your dates.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept international credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa), and bank transfers. All payments are processed securely through PesaPal, Africa's leading payment gateway.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. For bookings over $1,000, you can pay a deposit (typically 30%) to secure your dates, then pay the balance in weekly, monthly, or quarterly instalments before your departure date.
What currency are prices quoted in?
All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD). PesaPal handles currency conversion automatically if you're paying in a different currency.
Can I cancel or modify my booking?
Yes. Cancellations 30+ days before departure receive a full refund. Cancellations 15-29 days before receive a 50% refund. Less than 15 days: no refund. Modifications are handled on a case-by-case basis — contact us as early as possible.
Safari Planning
When is the best time to go on safari?
It depends on what you want to see. The Great Migration in the Serengeti/Mara peaks from July to October. The dry season (June-October) offers the best wildlife viewing across East Africa. The green season (November-May) has fewer crowds, lower prices, and excellent birdwatching.
How long should my safari be?
We recommend at least 3-4 days for a meaningful safari experience. A 5-7 day trip allows you to visit multiple parks. For a comprehensive East African experience combining safari and beach, plan for 10-14 days.
Can I combine multiple countries in one trip?
Absolutely. Popular combinations include Tanzania + Zanzibar, Kenya + Tanzania, and the East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa. Our operators specialise in multi-country itineraries.
Is safari suitable for children?
Many safaris welcome families. Some parks have minimum age requirements (typically 5-6 years for walking safaris). Game drives are suitable for all ages. We flag family-friendly tours and lodges in our listings.
What should I pack for a safari?
Essentials include neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige), a warm fleece or jacket for early morning drives, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and comfortable walking shoes. Avoid bright colours that can startle wildlife.
Safety & Travel
Is East Africa safe for tourists?
East Africa's national parks and tourist areas are well-established and safe. Your guide will be with you throughout, and all activities follow established safety protocols. We recommend travel insurance for all trips and registering with your embassy.
Do I need vaccinations?
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Tanzania and recommended for Kenya. We strongly recommend consulting a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for advice on malaria prophylaxis, typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and routine vaccinations.
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors need a visa. Tanzania and Kenya offer visas on arrival and e-visas. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Your operator can advise on specific requirements for your nationality.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy should cover medical evacuation (essential in remote safari areas), trip cancellation, and personal belongings. We recommend a policy that specifically covers adventure travel.
Operators & Trust
How are operators vetted?
Every operator on our platform is personally vetted. We verify government licences (TALA for Tanzania, KTB for Kenya), liability insurance, vehicle safety standards, guide certifications, and guest reviews before they join our network.
What happens if something goes wrong during my trip?
Your operator is your first point of contact for any issues during the trip. Our support team is also available via WhatsApp for urgent situations. All operators carry liability insurance and have emergency protocols in place.
Can I communicate with the operator before booking?
Yes. When you submit a booking inquiry, the assigned operator will contact you directly. You can discuss itinerary customisations, special requirements, and any questions before committing to a booking.
Are your prices competitive?
Our operators set their own prices. Because you're booking directly with local operators (not through intermediaries), you typically save 15-30% compared to international tour agencies. We don't add markup to operator prices.
Accommodations
What types of accommodation are available?
Options range from budget camping and tented camps to mid-range lodges and ultra-luxury properties. Each listing shows the accommodation tier so you can match your budget and comfort preferences.
What's the difference between a lodge and a tented camp?
Lodges are permanent structures with en-suite rooms, restaurants, and amenities like pools. Tented camps offer canvas-walled rooms (often with en-suite bathrooms) for a more immersive bush experience. Both can be luxurious — the difference is the atmosphere.
Can I choose my accommodation?
Some tours include specific accommodations, while others offer options at different price points. When submitting your inquiry, you can request specific lodges or camps, and the operator will accommodate where possible.