START YOUR JOURNEY

HOW TO PLAN YOUR SAFARI

Your safari begins long before you step onto the plains — and we’re here to make every step smooth, personal, and exciting.

  • Begin your journey by reaching out to us via

    Send us a quick email or reach our via contact form, and we’ll set up a relaxed, one-on-one call to chat through your ideas. No pressure, no commitments — just a chance to dream out loud and start shaping something magical.

  • Following our initial call, we’ll create a tailor-made itinerary that reflects your interests, pace, and style of travel — along with a clear quote outlining what’s included (and what’s not).

    We’ll walk you through the details, and you’ll have time to review, ask questions, and fine-tune anything. In most cases, we can hold a provisional booking for up to two weeks while you decide — no pressure, just space to think.

  • Once you're happy with the plan, we’ll guide you through confirming your booking — it’s all very straightforward:

    • Deposit: A 30% deposit secures your space.

    • Balance: The remaining 70% is due 90 days before you travel.

    From there, we handle all the logistics, so you can simply look forward to the adventure ahead.

  • As your departure approaches, we’ll make sure you feel completely prepared and excited — not overwhelmed. You’ll receive:

    • A comprehensive packing list

    • A detailed pre-safari guide, including

      • Country-specific vaccination and visa info

      • Travel customs and tips

      • Advice for packing across different climates

      • Any extra guidance tailored to your trip

    We’re always just a message away if questions pop up — from what shoes to bring, to whether you’ll have signal in camp.

Illustration of an elephant and a giraffe standing under a palm tree, with two birds flying above.

FAQ:

  • To really sink into the rhythm of the wild, we recommend spending 10 to 14 days on safari. This gives you time to experience different landscapes, enjoy unhurried wildlife viewing, and connect deeply with the places you visit — without feeling rushed.

    Here’s a rough outline of how that might look:

    • 1 night in a city
      Ease into your journey with a night in a gateway city like Nairobi or Cape Town — a chance to catch your breath and adjust before heading into the bush.

    • 3 nights in three distinct safari locations
      We love mixing it up — pairing open savannahs with riverine forests or arid wilderness areas — so you get a real sense of Africa’s diversity.

    • Optional beach time
      Round things off with 3–5 nights on the coast — whether it’s Lamu, Zanzibar, or Mozambique — to reflect, recharge, and soak up the sunshine.

    Of course, there’s no set formula. Some guests join us for a week, others for a full month. Whether you want more time in one place, cultural immersion, or something completely off-the-map, we’ll shape your journey around what matters most to you.

  • The earlier, the better — ideally 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak seasons like Christmas, New Year, or the Great Migration in East Africa. Early planning gives you the best chance of securing your first-choice camps, guides, and activities, and offers more flexibility to shape your trip exactly how you want it.

    If you’re hoping to include special experiences like gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, we recommend starting as early as possible. These permits are limited and in high demand.

    But don’t worry if you’re late to the party.
    With our on-the-ground network and insider connections, we’re often able to pull together exceptional safaris at short notice — even when others say it’s not possible. If you’re dreaming of a last-minute escape, just get in touch — we love making it happen.

    Whenever you're ready to begin, we’ll guide you through it all, step by step.

  • Safaris can be magical for children — full of discovery, wonder, and unforgettable moments. Having taken our own daughter on safari from a young age (and planned many family adventures for others), we know how to shape experiences that are safe, engaging, and age-appropriate.

    Our Take by Age Group:

    Under 6 years
    Young children can absolutely enjoy safari, especially with shorter, flexible activities and private guiding. We focus on fun, hands-on experiences to spark their curiosity without overwhelming them.

    6 to 12 years
    This is a brilliant age for family safaris. Kids are curious, enthusiastic, and ready to learn. We work with camps that offer kid-friendly guiding and activities to help them connect with the wild in a meaningful way.

    12 years and up
    Teenagers can take part in more adventurous experiences — like walking safaris or longer game drives — and get involved in conservation stories and deeper learning.

    Activity Guidelines (Typical Age Minimums):

    • Game Drives: Many lodges welcome all ages with private vehicles; shared drives often require kids to be 6+.

    • Walking Safaris: Usually from age 12, though shorter bush walks for younger kids may be possible.

    • Gorilla Trekking: 15+ only (strict regulation).

    • Chimp Trekking: 12+ in most parks.

    • Boating/Canoe Safaris: Usually 10+, depending on conditions.

    We’ll help choose the right camps, guides, and pace for your family. From selecting malaria-free regions to making sure you know exactly what to pack, we make the process easy and enjoyable. Safety and comfort are always our top priority, and we tailor every trip around your family’s unique interests and energy levels.

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  • Our safaris are completely bespoke, so there's no one-size-fits-all. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or as part of a larger group of 25 or more, we have the experience and flexibility to make it work seamlessly.

    That said, most of our safaris tend to be small and personal – often families or groups of friends – typically between 4 and 16 people. This size allows for a more intimate experience, with plenty of room for spontaneity, privacy, and personal attention.

    No matter the size of your group, we’ll craft a journey that feels thoughtful, immersive, and deeply connected to the wild places you’re exploring.

  • There’s no single “best” time — it all depends on where you’re going and what you want to experience. Seasons shape everything from wildlife movements to the atmosphere in camp, and we’ll guide you to the best fit for your journey.

    Our Favourite Times to Travel:

    In East Africa, we love January to March and early December. You’ll enjoy clear skies, quieter parks, and the kind of peaceful, unhurried atmosphere that’s harder to find during peak holiday months.

    By Season:

    Dry Season (June – October)
    A popular time for good reason. Animals gather around water sources, grasses are low, and skies are clear — making for some of the best wildlife viewing of the year.
    → Includes the cool winter months and peak migration season.
    → Expect higher prices and more visitors, especially in June, July and August.

    Green Season (April/May & November)
    With the rains come lush landscapes, migratory birds, and baby animals. It’s a photographer’s dream — and a quieter, more relaxed way to experience the bush.
    → Many camps offer reduced rates during this time, making it great value.
    → Some areas may be harder to reach due to weather, but the trade-off is well worth it.

    Regional Highlights:

    East Africa (Kenya & Tanzania):

    • June to September: The Great Migration moves through the Serengeti and Mara.

    • January to March: Excellent weather and calving season in southern Serengeti — dramatic and beautiful.

    Southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe):

    • May to October: Dry season brings exceptional wildlife sightings across most regions.

    • November to April: Green season brings colour, drama, and fewer crowds — especially stunning in the Okavango or Namibia after the rains.

    We’ll help you choose the best time based on what you want to see, how you like to travel, and the kind of feeling you're after. This is your safari — and we’ll make sure it’s timed just right.

  • Once your safari is confirmed, we’ll send you a detailed guide to help you prepare — from what to pack to how to get the most out of your time in the bush. But here’s a quick overview:

    Clothing & Layers
    Pack light and practical. Most camps offer daily laundry, so you won’t need much. Think neutral colours, lightweight fabrics, and layers – early mornings and evenings can be cool, while midday sun gets hot.

    Baggage Advice
    If your trip includes light aircraft flights, you’ll need soft-sided bags with a weight limit (usually around 15kg). We’ll confirm exact allowances when you book.

    Photography Tips
    Wildlife photography is a huge part of the magic. Finlay, our in-house photographer and guide, is on hand to recommend what gear to bring so you’re set up to capture it all – whether you’re a pro or just getting started.

    Binoculars
    A good pair makes all the difference. We’ll suggest tried-and-tested options that help you spot wildlife like a guide.

    Visas & Health
    We’ll keep you up to date on any visa requirements and health advice, including recommended vaccinations and general travel tips.

    Suggested Reading
    To get you inspired, we’ll share our favourite books about African wildlife, conservation, and culture – perfect for the plane ride or campfire evenings.

    A few extra essentials:

    • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Any personal medication you might need

    • A sense of adventure!

    We’ll walk you through it all, step by step — so you feel fully prepared and excited, not overwhelmed.

  • Safari costs can vary widely depending on your destination, length of stay, style of travel, and the level of comfort you're after.

    At Everwild Africa, we offer three distinct safari styles to suit different tastes and budgets:

    1. The Classic Private Safari
    Our signature experience – privately guided (ideally with Finlay), unhurried, and deeply personal. Stay in your own mobile camp, set up just for you in remote wilderness areas along with a handpicked selection of private camps and lodges.
    From $2,000+ per person per night.

    2. The Independent Safari
    Carefully curated for those who prefer to travel independently, but still want access to insider knowledge and seamless planning. Stay in boutique lodges and camps, with expert local guiding.
    From $1,200+ per person per night

    3. The Blue Sky Safari
    For the adventurous spirit. Think heli-access, fly-camping, or summiting mountains — we design bold, off-the-map experiences that go beyond the norm.
    Custom pricing.

    We can tailor any trip to suit your needs – from mid-level lodge stays starting at $1,200 per person per night to top-tier camps priced at $3,500+.

    What’s not included:
    International flights, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, and gratuities. We’ll give you clear guidance on these extras, too.

    Want to dive deeper? Click here to explore our full safari styles.

  • We’d love to hear from you. Just drop us an email or reach out via our contact form — we’ll set up a time to talk through your ideas and start imagining what your safari could look like. No commitments, just a friendly conversation to get things rolling.

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EMBARK ON SAFARI

Let’s start shaping your safari.
Send us a quick message and we’ll set up a relaxed, one-on-one call to chat through your ideas. No pressure — just a chance to dream big and see what’s possible.