Luxury safari experiences

The timing of your African journey depends on your expectations. Each season offers distinct advantages for the discerning traveller seeking unique experiences.

Dry-season drama (May to mid-November): The classic safari season when wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, and predators are in action. Vegetation is sparse, making game viewing exceptional, and the weather is most comfortable for extended outdoor activities. The later in the dry season, the better the wildlife encounters will be, but be aware that temperatures can be very high in October and November.

Migration magic (specific timing varies by region): The great wildebeest migrations in East Africa and Zambia's Liuwa Plain offer once-in-a-lifetime spectacles, as do the zebra migrations in Botswana and bat migration in Zambia's Kasanka, but timing is crucial and advance booking is essential for prime locations.

Green-season tranquillity (November to April): Often overlooked by conventional tourism, this period offers dramatic skies, newborn animals, resident predators, and spectacular birdlife, with the landscape transforming into an emerald paradise. Expect lower prices and fewer tourists.

Photographic considerations: Each season offers unique lighting and compositional opportunities. Dry-season dust and smoke, and wet-season clear skies transform your photo into works of art.

Each safari day follows the rhythms of the bush:

Dawn awakening (5:30-6:00 AM): Soft wake-up calls with steaming coffee or tea and freshly-baked biscuits delivered to your private deck. The African dawn is a sacred time – when the golden light begins to paint the landscape and nocturnal creatures make way for the day shift.

Morning game drive (6:00-10:00 AM): The prime wildlife hours when predators are active and the light is a photographer's gold. Your expert guide will navigate you through landscapes where every turn might reveal leopards draped in fever trees or elephants emerging from morning mist.

Midday sanctuary (10:00 AM-4:00 PM): Return to your lodge for an elaborate breakfast on your private deck. The midday hours are for restoration – perhaps a massage, a swim, or simply absorbing the sounds of the bush from your shaded veranda. Some camps offer cultural visits to local communities or guided walks.

Afternoon departure (4:00-4:30 PM): Tea and homemade treats before your evening game drive. This is when the African light begins its legendary transformation toward the golden hour.

Evening game drive & sundowners (4:30-7:30 PM): As shadows lengthen, the bush awakens. Your drive may extend into darkness with spotlights revealing the nocturnal world - a privilege available only in private reserves.

Night's embrace (7:30 PM onward): Multi-course dinners under star-scattered skies, often around the campfire where stories are shared and the sounds of the African night provide an ever-changing soundtrack.

The art of safari packing lies in thoughtful curation rather than excess, and in comfortable, casual clothes. Most lodges offer daily laundry services, so pack lightly.

Muted colours and neutral tones such as beige, khaki and green are recommended for game viewing.

Game drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, which can be very cold – especially in winter – so pack clothes you can peel off as the day warms up.

What should I wear on safari?

• Shirts with long sleeves (even in summer for protection from the sun and insects)

• T-shirts and cotton blouses

• Long socks as bug protection

• Light scarf or buff to guard against dust and sun protection

• Hat, cap or beanie to protect against both the sun and wind chill 

• Shorts or a light skirt (short skirts aren’t practical)

• Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days

• Jackets, sweaters, a scarf and gloves are recommended for early morning and evening game drives during winter

• Lightweight waterproof jacket

• Swim – and beach-wear

• Underwear – roads can be bumpy, so suitable women’s attire is suggested

• Formal attire if you are staying at a prestigious hotel/luxury train

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals (heels aren’t recommended)

Avoid: Bright colours like red, yellow, purple and white, synthetic fabrics that don't breathe, and anything that feels uncomfortable. 

Wellness & comfort:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and after-sun care

• If you wear contact lenses, we recommend you bring a pair of glasses along, should your eyes get irritated by dust

• Insect repellent with natural ingredients

• Personal medical kit with anti-malarial prophylactics

• Hydrating skincare for dry climates

• Quality lip balm with SPF

• Nice to have: Electrolyte supplements for active days

Practical luxuries:

• Insulated water bottle (stainless steel or premium materials)

• Quality headlamp 

• A portable phone charger or a power bank

• Waterproof document pouch filled with copies of your passport, visas and other key documents

• Cash in small denominations for meaningful tips (and envelopes for distribution)

• Notebook and pencil

• Relevant bird book or app – ask us for recommendations

• Favourite entertainment to relax – sketch book, colouring-in books, Kindle, books or magazines

• Lightweight backpack to carry essentials on walking safaris

• Tote bag/waist bag

• Sweat/gym towel

• Tissues/hand wipes/sanitiser. Pack a spare toilet roll, just in case

• Padlocks/cable ties to lock your luggage

• Ziplock bags of various sizes

• Ear plugs

• Travel pillow

• Country-specific plugs and adaptors

Photography & observation:

• Professional or high-end mirrorless camera with versatile zoom lens (24-200mm minimum)

• Quality binoculars (8x42 or 10x42

• Nice to have: Stabilising bean bag or lightweight tripod

• Weather-sealed camera bag

• Extra batteries and high-capacity memory cards

Here is more detailed information about luxury safaris.

1. Our safaris typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team, but excludes a private vehicle and other exclusive services.

2. You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.

3. Peak season bookings require 12–18 months of advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.