Safari FAQ
Not sure where to start? We have answered frequently asked questions we’ve received over the past decades about our bespoke safaris. Here we discuss everything from pre-planning information to responsible travel. We hope you will find this useful, but if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Not sure where to start? We have answered frequently asked questions we’ve received over the past decades about our bespoke safaris. Here we discuss everything from pre-planning information to responsible travel. We hope you will find this useful, but if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Not sure where to start? We have answered frequently asked questions we’ve received over the past decades about our bespoke safaris. Here we discuss everything from pre-planning information to responsible travel. We hope you will find this useful, but if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Not sure where to start? We have answered frequently asked questions we’ve received over the past decades about our bespoke safaris. Here we discuss everything from pre-planning information to responsible travel. We hope you will find this useful, but if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Where Do I Start?
There is so much information available online, that after you’ve visited 10 or 20 websites there is a good chance you will finish up confused.
We believe that the best place to start is with a conversation. When you first contact Africa Exclusive you will speak with a member of our experienced safari design team.
This conversation will form the foundations for your itinerary, giving us the chance to get to know you and understand your aspirations for your holiday. We will combine this with our extensive knowledge of Africa to create your perfect itinerary.
We believe that the best place to start is with a conversation. When you first contact Africa Exclusive you will speak with a member of our experienced safari design team.
This conversation will form the foundations for your itinerary, giving us the chance to get to know you and understand your aspirations for your holiday. We will combine this with our extensive knowledge of Africa to create your perfect itinerary.
How Far In Advance Should I Book My Safari?
As soon as you can, especially if you are planning to travel over Christmas or in peak season. The best safari lodges take only a handful of guests — the Okavango Delta has fewer than 1,000 beds, the Lower Zambezi less than 100 — and start to fill up over 12 months in advance.
However, we have excellent relationships with them and if you are prepared to be a little flexible we can always arrange a superb safari even if you book last minute.
However, we have excellent relationships with them and if you are prepared to be a little flexible we can always arrange a superb safari even if you book last minute.
How Long Should A Safari Holiday Be?
For a first safari we would recommend a minimum of two, or preferably three contrasting locations which would give you six to nine days, with three days at each place.
You might combine your safari with a week at the coast or on a private island, some time at the iconic Victoria Falls or perhaps a few days in South Africa’s Cape Town.
You might combine your safari with a week at the coast or on a private island, some time at the iconic Victoria Falls or perhaps a few days in South Africa’s Cape Town.
Will I Be Joining A Group?
Over 30 years ago Africa Exclusive was founded with the fundamental beliefs that each client is unique; each safari should be individually designed and the service we provide must be second to none. As such we do not manufacture set group tours, when you take a safari with us, we will design an itinerary solely for your party, from scratch, to perfectly match your particular requirements and unique aspirations.
If you are travelling with family or a group of friends, you might like to take exclusive use of the properties you will visit, giving you the ultimate flexibility. If travelling on your own or as a couple, unless you prefer to be on your own, we will arrange a series of exquisite small camps and lodges where you can enjoy the company of like minded travellers.
If you are travelling with family or a group of friends, you might like to take exclusive use of the properties you will visit, giving you the ultimate flexibility. If travelling on your own or as a couple, unless you prefer to be on your own, we will arrange a series of exquisite small camps and lodges where you can enjoy the company of like minded travellers.
Are Safaris Family Friendly?
Absolutely! A safari is an inspirational holiday and a chance to introduce your children to a fascinating part of our planet, very different from their own. It’s possible to take children of any age on safari, but once they reach five or six their ability to take part in a variety of great adventures ensures they get the most out of the experience.
Will I Have to Rough It?
Only if you want to! The best small safari lodges are becoming ever more extraordinary. Inspired architects create these wonderful oases of comfort sitting miles from anywhere among the wild animals and pristine beauty. The two main challenges for you will be — watching the waistline and tearing yourself away at the end.
How Active Can I Be?
We can create amazing itineraries for those who enjoy walking, running, mountain biking, canoeing and horse riding. We’ve even arranged for clients to cycle around the deserts of Namibia with a support vehicle. Many lodges offer a menu of activities so you decide what you want to do each day.
How Much Does A Journeysmiths Safari Cost?
There is a world of difference between one of our individually designed safaris and most package holidays. Package holidays are usually designed to be as cheap as possible and involve large numbers of people doing the same thing. Our safaris use small, more exclusive and remote camps usually with guests flying in, and often virtually everything is included in the price. The experience is completely different.
Many of these small lodges and camps have broadly similar prices, and it is possible to arrange a superb safari holiday for between £6,000 to £10,000 per person (US$8,000 – US$13,000) season dependant, all inclusive. Realistically it is difficult to reduce that figure, and by including Botswana in peak season, chartering a private plane, disappearing to some magical desert island, or flying at the front of the plane it’s easy to substantially increase that figure.
Many of these small lodges and camps have broadly similar prices, and it is possible to arrange a superb safari holiday for between £6,000 to £10,000 per person (US$8,000 – US$13,000) season dependant, all inclusive. Realistically it is difficult to reduce that figure, and by including Botswana in peak season, chartering a private plane, disappearing to some magical desert island, or flying at the front of the plane it’s easy to substantially increase that figure.
What Happens After I Book?
Once you have spoken with one of our travel design consultants, we will create your unique safari itinerary. After you have received your itinerary there may be a period of refinement until you feel completely happy with everything.
When you are ready to book your holiday, we will ask for a deposit payment and proceed with confirming your arrangements. Your travel design consultant will remain your point of contact right up until you return from your holiday, personally ensuring that you are fully prepared for your trip.
When you book your holiday much of our work is just beginning, so behind the scenes your consultant will liaise with our operations and support teams to ensure that every element of your holiday runs like clockwork.
Our support team also performs the role of a concierge, so if you find you need help with travel insurance or visas, or want to make restaurant reservations, we are happy to assist.
When you are ready to book your holiday, we will ask for a deposit payment and proceed with confirming your arrangements. Your travel design consultant will remain your point of contact right up until you return from your holiday, personally ensuring that you are fully prepared for your trip.
When you book your holiday much of our work is just beginning, so behind the scenes your consultant will liaise with our operations and support teams to ensure that every element of your holiday runs like clockwork.
Our support team also performs the role of a concierge, so if you find you need help with travel insurance or visas, or want to make restaurant reservations, we are happy to assist.
Do I Need Travel Insurance And What About Visas And Vaccinations?
It is a condition of booking your safari that you obtain quality travel insurance. We would recommend taking out cancellation insurance, however the minimum requirement is that of medical insurance, protecting you in the event that the unexpected happens. You can find further guidance in our article on the role of travel insurance.
Once you have booked your holiday, your travel design consultant will send you all the information you need about entry requirements, visas and vaccinations. Our partners often comment that our clients are some of their best prepared guests.
Once you have booked your holiday, your travel design consultant will send you all the information you need about entry requirements, visas and vaccinations. Our partners often comment that our clients are some of their best prepared guests.
What If I Can't Travel?
We have been creating unforgettable safaris for over 30 years. Your happiness and safety are at the heart of what we do. We appreciate that circumstances can change unexpectedly and we will always work with you to move swiftly to re-arrange, amend or postpone your holiday should the unexpected happen.
The Package Travel Regulations— which outline the regulations for British Tour Operators — and our Booking Conditions combine to give you complete peace of mind when you make your travel arrangements with us.
The Package Travel Regulations— which outline the regulations for British Tour Operators — and our Booking Conditions combine to give you complete peace of mind when you make your travel arrangements with us.
Have us match Your Individuality to a Unique Blend of Places and Experiences.
Start Planning Your Safari
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