Safari questions, answered

An African safari is near the top of most travellers' wish lists, but the details can feel vague at first. Our specialists turn that dream into a clear, achievable plan, and make sure they understand exactly what you want from the trip.

Africa is a year-round safari destination. Dry seasons are generally best for game viewing: in East Africa that is mid-June to October, and in Southern Africa from about April to October.

Our itineraries vary in length and focus, from wildlife-intensive safaris to trips that balance wildlife, landscapes, beach and culture. If you are not sure which to choose, call or WhatsApp us on +254 718 497 548.

Timing depends on the rains that bring fresh grass. In general the herds graze the short grass of the Serengeti from November to May. In May they begin a journey of roughly 500 miles north and by June reach Kenya's Masai Mara, where they usually stay until October. Ahead of the short rains they head back to the Serengeti, arriving in November and December.

Talk to our specialists about the best camps for your dates.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from arrival, with at least three blank pages. Visitors to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda need entry permission, and most travellers arrange it online before travel.

If you leave one country, visit another and return, you may be able to re-enter on your original single-entry visa, depending on the rules at the time. Entry rules change, so we send current guidance for your nationality with your confirmed itinerary.

Many African countries ask for proof of yellow fever vaccination from travellers arriving from, or who have visited, countries where yellow fever is endemic. Tanzania is considered endemic, so you will be asked for proof when travelling between Tanzania and its neighbours by air or road.

Travellers transiting an airport for less than six hours do not need the certificate, but plans can change, so we suggest carrying it. If your doctor advises against the vaccine, a letter from your doctor is generally accepted. Please check with your doctor before you travel.

Superb food, to your delight. Hotels, lodges and camps serve continental cuisine as well as local specialities, and Nairobi has excellent French, Indian, Chinese and Japanese restaurants and plenty of fresh seafood. Lodges and camps also cater for special diets.

East Africa enjoys a glorious climate. In Kenya and Tanzania a pleasant 70 degrees Fahrenheit (about 21 degrees Celsius) greets most days, and the altitude keeps evenings and mornings cool enough for a sweater.

Temperature varies more by region than season: Mount Kenya, the Aberdares and Ngorongoro can be cool, the bush country is warmer and Mombasa and Zanzibar are tropical. Rain can fall at any time, but is most common in April, May and November.

Our safaris are child friendly, and we recommend children aged five and above. We book family accommodation such as interconnecting rooms or extra beds, and arrange early dining, special meals and child activities. Our Family Holiday Safari is tailored for children of any age.

Safari clothing should be comfortable and casual. Khaki, olive, brown and tan help you blend in and hide dust. Laundry is available at many lodges, so avoid over-packing: one soft-sided bag and a day pack for cameras, binoculars, sun cream, a scarf and a hat.

If your trip includes internal flights, luggage weights are strictly limited. We can store extra bags in Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kigali or Kampala if you arrive and leave from the same city.

Yes, we strongly recommend a policy that covers your whole trip, and suggest you check the provider's reliability before you buy.

No, unless you would like them to be. Casual, comfortable clothing is the norm.

Absolutely. After customs and baggage reclaim, a member of our hospitality team will greet you and take you to your hotel as quickly as possible.

Most smartphones work internationally, but watch out for data roaming charges. There is mobile coverage in many remote parts of East Africa, though it can be patchy in the most remote areas.

Yes. A dawn balloon safari over the Masai Mara can be added to any Mara itinerary. It is an optional activity at US$550 per person (2026), reserved in advance on request.