How it Works: Our Booking Process

Since 1998, we’ve tailor-made exceptional African safari experiences for thousands of travellers from across the globe. We’re dedicated to providing you with expert, independent advice and 5-star service. Our expertise is based on first-hand experience – we travel the length and breadth of every destination we recommend – to make sure that every part of your itinerary is tried and tested.

Planning an African safari should be almost as fun as the trip itself: exploring options and imagining yourself on this journey filled with incredible moments is an exhilarating build-up to your trip of a lifetime! Your Africa Safari Experts’ sole focus is creating the perfect itinerary for you based on your travel wishes, needs and budget. Our mission is to provide you with an unforgettable, custom-made safari with absolute peace of mind. A trip of this sort requires time and very careful planning, which is why working with a reputable African-based travel agency is invaluable.

How it Works: Booking a Trip with Us

1. Tell us what you’re thinking

You start your journey by submitting an enquiry via our online form. Include as much info as possible– the more the better! Details like travel dates, places of interest, budgets, and any special requests are valuable nuggets for us to work with. Note: there is no obligation; we are happy to answer questions and share our expertise in the hopes of creating your dream safari with you! (We only receive commission from the hotels and lodges you choose to book.)

2. We match you with the right consultant

Based on the information you provide, we’ll partner you with an Africa Safari Expert well-versed in your desired destinations, experiences, activities, accommodations, etc. Your Expert will introduce themselves via email within 24 hours (48 if it’s the weekend) and will want to spend some time learning more about you and your party’s travel preferences. They’ll follow up by sharing resources to help you create your perfect trip together.

3. You receive tailor-made trip ideas

Your Africa Safari Expert will create custom itinerary options made for you to review together. You’ll receive access to a private online portal to view your itineraries, as well as learn more about the lodges, camps and activities proposed. Perhaps you’d like to compare a classic safari with an all-out luxury option? Maybe you want to mix and match into a new itinerary? The best trips are usually the result of some tinkering until you are 100% happy with your trip plan.

4. We reserve your space

After settling on your preferred itinerary, your Africa Safari Expert will make a provisional booking to hold every element (except flights) of your trip. These are valid for approximately 2 weeks before it’s released to other waiting travellers, so you have a chance to make any last-minute changes. We’ve seen people lose space in their dream accommodations so don’t drag your feet for too long!

5. You pay a deposit to confirm your booking

A 30% deposit on all services (accommodations, road transfers, etc.) is required. When you pay this deposit, your booking is now confirmed. We’ll verify your trip with all our suppliers and ensure they have your and your party’s necessary travel details. Your dreams of safari are becoming a reality!

A WORD ON PAYMENTS:

We understand that security and safety are of paramount importance to you. That’s why we partner with one of the world’s largest payment providers, PayGate, allowing us to seamlessly accept credit card payments from over 135 countries. We also accept Visa and Mastercard payments, EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) payments, which offer you a discount and less transaction fees than a credit card. Payment links are found in your private online itinerary.

6. We secure your flights

Most of our safaris require domestic flights between cities or fly-ins via light aircraft transfers, in which case we will request a copy of your passport during Step 5. Once we receive it, our Flights Team will hold the flights for 24 hours – to make sure they don’t increase in price or sell out – during which you will need to pay for your air travel in full (100%) so we can secure your seats and issue your tickets.

7. We provide you with all the right info

Once your deposit is paid, your personal Africa Travel Coordinator who works with your Africa Safari Expert, confirms your trip’s services (flight numbers, transfer times, etc.) and starts putting together your important trip documents. These include handy resources like how and what to pack, visa and medical requirements, and our in-depth destination guides. Securing travel insurance is up to you, although we strongly recommend it. We also suggest that you contact your doctor or nearest travel clinic soon to find out if you will need any vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis for the countries you are going to visit, as many require vaccinations several weeks before travel. Remember, your Africa Safari Expert is with you every step of the way to answer any questions as you get ready for this adventure!

8. Your balance is due 60 days before your trip

You will receive a payment reminder 1-2 weeks before the balance is due. Again, you can make a credit card or EFT payment via the payment link on your private online itinerary. If for some reason you need to reschedule or cancel your trip, be it before or after the 60-day mark, your Africa Safari Expert will be able to offer you guidance on the T&Cs and work with you to resolve the situation.

9. We double-check all the details

About 2-4 weeks before your departure date, your Africa Travel Coordinator reconfirms each individual service, leaving nothing to chance. You will receive a trip document with useful and important information like your flight numbers, transfer times, confirmation codes, local supplier emergency numbers, flight luggage restrictions, tipping guides for each destination, foreign exchange policies, and more.

10. Safari salama!

The day finally arrives! We’ve taken care of every little detail so you can relax and enjoy. And we provide you with a direct, 24/7 phone line operated by our Africa Safari Experts to offer assistance at any time during your trip.

11. Share your thoughts with us

Upon returning home, your Africa Safari Expert will follow up to get more details about how your trip went and ask you to provide us with feedback. What did you love and what missed the mark? Was there anything we can do better for our next traveller? We really value your honest feedback – it’s vital to our business and our commitment to excellence in everything we do. And like many of our clients, we hope this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip is just the beginning of your African story!