Questions, answered honestly

A mid-range private safari in East Africa typically costs US$350–US$650 per person per day, and a luxury flying safari US$900–US$1,800. Park fees, permits and light-aircraft transfers are fixed costs and make up the largest part of any quote. We show you the breakdown line by line.

East Africa is a year-round destination. July to October gives the best general game viewing and the Masai Mara river crossings; December to March is calving season in the southern Serengeti and the driest window for gorilla trekking; April to June is green, quiet and better value.

For gorilla permits and for travel in the July–October peak season, six to nine months is ideal. Outside those windows three to four months is usually enough, and we can often arrange last-minute safaris.

Most nationalities need an e-visa for Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda on a single application. Requirements change, so we send current guidance with your booking documents.

The parks and reserves we operate in are well-established tourist areas with strong security. Our guides are trained in first aid and radio communications, our vehicles carry first-aid kits and we have a 24/7 operations line for the whole of your trip.

All four countries are malaria areas. Consult a travel clinic at least six weeks before departure — yellow fever vaccination is compulsory for entry into some of these countries and a certificate may be requested.

Absolutely, and Kenya and Tanzania are particularly family friendly. Note that gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15 and some walking activities have minimum ages of 12–16. We design family itineraries with shorter drives and family rooms.

Neutral-coloured clothing in layers, a warm fleece for dawn drives, a light rain shell, a wide-brimmed hat, broken-in shoes, strong sunscreen, a head torch and good binoculars. Soft luggage is mandatory on light aircraft, usually 15kg per person.

Once you approve the itinerary we send a booking form and a deposit invoice — typically 20–30%, with the balance due 60 days before travel. We accept bank transfer and major cards. Gorilla permits are paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable.

Always. Every safari we sell is built to order. Add nights, swap camps, change the pace, add a beach extension — we revise until the route fits, with two rounds of changes included in the planning stage.