Frequently Asked Questions

Using a family safari specialist like African Family Safaris can transform your trip into an unforgettable adventure tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

African Family Safaris have in-depth knowledge of the best destinations and activities that suit families, ensuring everyone from toddlers to grandparents has a great time.

We offer insights into local cultures and wildlife, enriching your experience with stories and details you might miss otherwise.

We prioritize your family’s safety, choosing accommodations and activities that are both exciting and secure.

From booking flights to arranging safari tours, we handle logistics, so you can focus on creating memories.

The expert team select activities that are engaging for children, like junior ranger programs and interactive wildlife encounters.

Itineraries are flexible, allowing you to adjust plans according to your family’s interests and energy levels.

We are specialists with positive reviews and family-friendly credentials.

Communication with your family’s preferences and any specific needs or concerns is provided.

Family packages and any special deals for children are provided.

Some might argue for planning independently to save costs or for a more adventurous spirit. Yet, the expertise and stress-free planning offered by specialists often outweigh the potential challenges of going it alone.

There is nothing like working with a group of travel specialists to arrange your ideal getaway. There are numerous benefits to having someone at your disposal before, during, and after your journey to Africa.

It can be difficult to plan a safari in Africa, but our knowledgeable staff of African Family Safaris is prepared to answer any questions you might have and provide you peace of mind.

As a full-service provider, we can arrange your lodging, meals, tours, activities, international flights, regional flights, domestic transfers, local transfers, concierge services, and more.

Throughout each guest’s stay, our staff are on call around-the-clock to help with any needs.

Our team are carefully chosen travel specialists from Africa who can address any queries you might have and offer comfort during your trip. With their numerous travels around the African continent, our team has the contacts and expertise to make sure your safari is nothing short of transformative.

When the team is not organizing customers’ amazing vacations, they spend their time discovering new products and experiences in Africa’s distinctive locations, making sure we stay current with the most recent advancements in travel to Africa and provide experiences that are unmatched.

For the shoulder/high season, we suggest 9 to 12 months, and for the low season, up to 3 to 4 months. You should make reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment because many of the lodges are highly sought after during the busiest time of year and the most upscale luxury lodges have few available rooms.

Booking more than a year in advance is advised for month-dependent bucket list safaris, such as the Okavango Delta’s seasonal flooding and East Africa’s Great Wildebeest Migration.

Nevertheless, it is never too early to begin discussing turning your safari bucket list into a reality. Depending on the flights that are available, we have also organized amazing last-minute trips for our clients on numerous occasions. Prior to booking any safari arrangements, it is always advised to acquire flights.

It is fun and thrilling to plan a trip, but there are a lot of things to think about. For this reason, it is advised to make plans of time and work with a travel company like African Family Safaris, that has local expertise. The most crucial component of your safari is a competent travel agency, who will support you at every turn.

Visit our website to peruse the numerous fascinating locations, itineraries, and experiences available in Africa. Choose a few major places you wish to see and think about when you can or want to travel when conducting your study. These will be crucial factors to consider when making plans for your amazing safari experience!

Within a few hours of submitting an inquiry to our knowledgeable staff, a call will be scheduled to speak with you directly. A custom itinerary will be meticulously created to meet your precise needs after you have more information about the best possibilities for your trip. This comprehensive itinerary will consider the destinations you have selected, your budget, the layout of the rooms, the number and age of people traveling, the length of the trip, any special events, the kind and standard of the accommodations, and the things you want to see and do while in Africa. The team will go above and beyond to make sure the ideal hotels and/or lodges are chosen and that you have some unforgettable travel experiences.

After you receive your itinerary with the complete quote, spend some time carefully reviewing the experiences, activities, exclusions, and inclusions. Although some itineraries may appear more affordable than others, do they include the same things, such as the number of wildlife game drives each day, additional activities, and meals?

To finalize your plan, you may need to update itineraries, conduct walkthrough calls, and exchange a few emails. It may take up to three weeks from the moment of inquiry to the final confirmation for longer itineraries. After that, it is time to start packing!

The time of year you travel, the modes of transportation you use, the areas you want to see, and the degree of luxury you want can all have a significant impact on the price of an African safari. We at Safari365 tailor safaris to suit a variety of price ranges, guaranteeing that you get great value and affordable prices.

A 10-day safari is expected to cost the following, excluding international airfare, and including lodging in privately operated camps and lodges, all internal flights and transfers, meals, and local beverages:

Budget-friendly or value-oriented safaris (3-star)

The price per person sharing ranges from US$2,000 to US$3,000.

Standard-Level or Mid-Range Safaris (4-star)

The price per person sharing ranges from US$3,000 to US$5,500.

High-end luxury safaris (at least five stars)

Starting prices are $7,500 USD per person sharing.

The accessibility and availability of lodging have an impact on costs, which might vary greatly by nation. For example, safaris to countries like Botswana, Tanzania, and Kenya are usually more expensive than safaris to South Africa, Namibia, or Zimbabwe. Costs can also be impacted by scheduling; you can frequently save money by traveling during the shoulder or green seasons.

Cost savings are another benefit of group travel, especially if lodging and transportation costs are split among relatives or friends. Additionally, we collaborate directly with suppliers to provide exclusive offers and last-minute booking discounts, which frequently incentivize longer stays or accommodate last-minute availability. We advise speaking with us directly about your itinerary for individualized guidance that takes your tastes and financial situation into account.

Our quotes, which include precise includes and exclusions, typically cover all known costs at the time of booking. Please be advised that in certain rare cases, governments or suppliers may make last-minute adjustments to fees such as VAT, fuel surcharges, park/gate entrance fees, or other taxes. We have no influence over these increases, and you will be responsible for any additional mandatory expenses.

Broad Inclusions

Costs for park and gate entrances.

Breakfast at hotels and guest homes, and usually all meals in safari lodges.

Most safari lodges serve non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages

Every activity related to wildlife viewing at safari lodges, including game drives and bush walks when designated

Broad Exclusions

Gratuities and tipping

Rebooking costs and baggage or seat allocation fees (which differ greatly from airline to flight).

Personal items, such as laundry, phone calls, visas, etc.

There are several types of safaris, each offering a distinct way to experience the splendours of the wild. Some people might prefer self-drive safaris for the freedom and flexibility they offer. However, guided safaris provide expert knowledge and safety that can enhance the experience.

Define Your Interests: Consider what excites you most—wildlife, landscapes, or photography.

Assess Physical Requirements: Some safaris are more physically demanding than others.

Research and Book: Look for reputable operators who specialize in your preferred type of safari.

Classic vehicle safaris are the most common type, conducted in 4×4 vehicles, allowing you to cover large areas and see a variety of wildlife.

Fly-in safaris, which enable you to travel swiftly between places using light aircraft flights or scheduled planes, are perfect for making the most of your time in the bush. Your journey will start as soon as you arrive at your safari lodge. In isolated locations, this option is especially helpful.

Float over the savannah at sunrise for breathtaking views and a serene, bird’s-eye perspective of wildlife while on a balloon safari.

Photographic safaris focus on capturing perfect shots with guidance from professional photographers, often with custom vehicles equipped for photography.

Horseback and/or camel safaris cover more ground than walking while being closer to nature than in a vehicle, ideal for adventurous spirits.

Water-based (canoe and/or boat safaris) are perfect for exploring rivers and lakes, offering a unique perspective and the chance to see aquatic wildlife up close.

Enjoy a private safari with a professional guide and your own dedicated vehicle. The driver guide and sometimes a tracker who goes with you and is familiar with the African wilderness. They will offer tailored insights, enhancing the intimacy and educational value of your experience.

Self-drive safaris, which allow you to go at your own speed, are popular in nations with strong road networks, such as Namibia and South Africa. This enables you to go through game reserves and picturesque pathways, but hiring a guide may improve your chances of seeing wildlife.

Scheduled safaris, along with great savings, give you the chance to meet other travelers who share your interests. They visit popular wildlife locations on set dates with prearranged itineraries.

Specialist safaris offer specialized experiences with knowledgeable instruction for individuals with particular interests, like photography, horseback riding, or birdwatching. Every itinerary is designed to highlight specific wildlife or activities.

Fly camping, for the more daring, consists of simple, portable camps erected in the outdoors. These safaris offer a genuine and immersive wilderness experience by combining daytime walking excursions with nighttime stargazing.

Walking safaris offer a unique and immersive way to experience the African wilderness, allowing for up-close wildlife encounters and a more intimate connection with nature. On foot, your senses are heightened, making the experience richer and more vivid, while experienced guides provide valuable insights into the ecosystem and wildlife behavior. Safety is prioritized with trained guides and proper preparation, including wearing the right gear and staying hydrated.

Safari Lodges

Safari lodges can be as simple as three-star establishments or as opulent as five-star establishments. These permanent constructions, which are common in nations like South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, and Botswana, blend in perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Lodges provide excellent service along with amenities like air conditioning, a small library, swimming pools, spas, laundry services, and delicious food.

Permanent Tented Lodges

These lodges, which mix the convenience of a safari lodge with the intimacy of tented lodging, are constructed on a concrete or hardwood base with canvas sides. Large bedroom spaces, separate baths, private terraces, and contemporary conveniences like electricity and hot showers are typical features. A bar, lounge, dining area, pool, and curio shop are examples of common spaces. Some will have air conditioning and Internet access.

Seasonal Camps and Mobile Tents

These tents in Tanzania and Botswana provide a genuine experience. These camps, which are set up in locations for three to six months to track wildlife migrations, offer great chances to see game.

Sleep Outs, Fly Camping, and Light Mobile Camping

These adaptable camps are usually included on walking safaris for those looking for an even more daring experience. They provide a simple and sturdy structure that is perfect if you feel at ease sleeping outside with just a mosquito net keeping you safe from the elements. With spots selected by your guide, this immersive option allows you to get up close and personal with the wilderness.

After I make a reservation, what happens?

For any flights, we will need a copy of your passport to make sure we have the right details.

We will provide you with useful and crucial information, such as travel guides, packing tips, and a final checklist. We offer our customers top-notch service, and you can book any additional activities or day trips closer to the event or anytime you are ready. Prior to your travel, our staff will send reminders to check with your local embassy regarding visa requirements and baggage restrictions on light aircraft flights utilized for transfers.

You will receive a final, comprehensive itinerary closer to the departure date, along with any necessary airplane tickets and travel vouchers. Usually, 70 to 60 days before the final payment is received, this is sent out. This is a thorough online itinerary that includes all the information you will require for your trip, including flight and lodging details, transfer schedules, meal basis, day trips, and activities.

You can unwind and anticipate your once-in-a-lifetime vacation after the planning is over!

Deposits must be made within 24 hours, particularly for flights.

One of our team members will send you the remaining invoice 62 days before your trip’s departure date. 60 days before the trip, the remaining amount is required.

Is there a service cost?

African Family Safaris does not charge a consultation or service fee for creating your vacation plan, in contrast to some other travel companies who charge clients a fee separate from trip expenses.

This is a crucial step in the planning process because it will safeguard your safari time, health, and possessions.

The cost of your vacation is protected by travel insurance, which pays for medical bills in the case that:

Injury or illness while on holiday

Travel cancellations and/or delays

Damage, loss, or delay to luggage or personal belongings

Certain plans include only travel emergency medical insurance, travel cancellation insurance (which includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay), or full travel insurance. Select the package that best meets your needs and offers a 24-hour hotline to provide your peace of mind while traveling.

The first, middle, and last names you enter must exactly match the names on your passport if you are using African Family Safaris to purchase your domestic, regional or international flight tickets.

For any light aircraft flights, there is usually a passenger weight limit of 100 kg (220 lbs) and a luggage restriction of 15 kilogram (33 lbs) per person in soft-sided bags.

It is crucial to remember that a lot of lodges have minimum age requirements, which could affect your trip. This usually occurs between the ages of 8 and 12, and perhaps even 16. Unless you reserve a special game vehicle, most lodges that do permit kids under this age will not let them go on game drives for safety reasons. It is crucial to know which lodges offer special accommodations for your children’s ages because we do not want the youngest ones to be left out. This is why you use a family safari specialist like African Family Safaris and Tours.

Tanzania is an extremely kid-friendly place to visit. Children are permitted to go on wildlife drives in the closed safari vehicles. To keep the young ones occupied, most of the camps also provide kid-friendly programs.

For convenience and comfort on a safari, packing properly is essential

To fit in with the environment and minimize disturbing wildlife, wear clothing in earthy, natural colours like khakis, olives, browns, and greens. In East Africa, stay away from black and blue because they draw tsetse flies, and avoid white, bright, and pale colours as they can stand out. Keep in mind that wearing camouflage apparel is illegal and may result in legal problems in several nations.

This is a suggested packing list to make sure you are ready:

Comfortable Long-sleeved T-shirts are the best option for shielding you from the sun and insects.

Sturdy shoes are necessary for rough terrain and walking safaris.

Fleece or a warm jacket: For cold mornings and nights, especially while on game drives

Wear a bandana and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen to shield your skin from intense UV radiation.

Swimwear: A lot of lodges include swimming pools.

Binoculars

Camera

A torch (flashlight) is helpful at night or in dimly lit areas.

Mosquito repellent.

Some visitors would rather upgrade to a private safari experience, where they get to enjoy the full attention of their tracker and guide in their own private vehicle, even though drives are often shared by up to six guests. We have discovered more and more that visitors love this intimate safari experience.  

Your personal tracker and guidance 

Your guide and tracker play a crucial role in the experience, and a private safari vehicle guarantees that you will receive their undivided attention throughout your stay as they customize it to your preferences and needs. You will learn a great deal more if you have their undivided attention because their vast knowledge will not be diverted. The safari is even more delightful and unforgettable with a personal guide, and you depart having forged genuine friendships with your trackers and guides. 

You can sit down with your guide at the start of the drive and make all the plans you want for the day if you have a private safari vehicle. It is ideal if you want to spend the whole day looking for lions in the reserve’s far north. Let us go if you want to spend the entire day following leopards. There are no other obligations, so you may spend a few hours searching for robins, hornbills, and eagles. Or maybe you simply enjoy taking in the small details and wish to spend a morning birdwatching. 

Stay at a sighting for as long as you like  

Amazing sightings are a constant reward for patience. There are many who enjoy spending hours at a particular sighting. You have complete control over how much time you wish to spend with the animal in a private safari vehicle. Although the lions may be resting, there is a strong chance they will wake up and begin hunting if you wait a little while longer. When your group is the only one in the 4×4 safari vehicle, you can make those choices with your guide and possibly position yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. 

We adore learning about the travels of our clients! Another fantastic approach to relive some of your trip’s most memorable moments is to send comments. You can email your comments to your dedicated travel consultant who made it all possible, or you can leave us a review on Safaribookings, Facebook or Google. 

Share photographs during and after my return 

We would adore seeing your pictures! Send your travel consultant an email with your photos or share them on social media. Remember to use the hashtag #africanfamilysafarisbookings and tag us @africanfamilysafarisbookings