Travel Info

Africa is a bucket list destination, and therefore sooner is better. We recommend booking 6 - 12 months in advance for travel during peak seasons if you have a specific lodge in mind. Because of our extensive portfolio and access to all hotels and lodges in Africa, we can secure a luxury safari for you on short notice.

Protecting you, and your dream trip to Africa, deserves travel protection. Proof of Travel Insurance is mandatory and required by most suppliers in Africa. Great Safaris therefore requires that travelers have adequate travel insurance to cover the entire tour cost, on land and in the air. There are many excellent travel insurance companies protecting your investment – we have partnered with TripMate. More information can be found on our website under Travel Protection.

Before packing for a safari be aware of the weight and size restrictions for light aircraft flights in Africa as that is the determining factor in how much you can pack. Each country and destination have different requirements, but as a general guideline there are two distinct weight limits - 44 lbs and 33 lbs. Please check the baggage details in your itinerary to ensure that you comply with the specified requirements. Airlines can be very strict on baggage limits, so it’s important to double-check your limit before you travel.

Tipping is not included in the tour cost, nor is it compulsory. Only tip if you genuinely believe the service warrants it, and you may decide to tip less or more, depending on the level of service you receive and your personal circumstances. A lodge may have its suggested tipping amount, which can differ slightly from ours and will likely reflect the lodges level of luxury. The more luxurious the lodge, the higher the tipping amounts tend to be. Please tip what you feel is most appropriate, but do not feel pressured to tip any specific amount, it is entirely your choice. Please also plan to tip in cash in USD. Tipping is always done at the end of a stay at each camp, not during. Usually, you would tip a guide or butler directly and the general staff via a tip box. But if you are unsure, feel free to ask the manager at each property. A detailed tipping guideline is in the travel document we provide to clients at time of deposit.

A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure all land arrangements, and in some instances additional payments may be required by suppliers. Once the deposit has been received, the trip will be secured and confirmed. A comprehensive destination travel document will be provided to clients to learn more about the destination’s entry requirements, tipping guidelines and other relevant information pertaining to the trip. Final payment is due 75 days before travel. About 30 days before your trip, final confirmation documentation will be provided and a travel gift box filled with useful travel goodies will be shipped.

Clients will receive a VIP meet and greet at the Airport on arrival followed by a private transfer to the hotel. City tours are done on an exclusive basis with a private guide so that guests have the flexibility to enjoy activities at their own pace. All meals and accommodations as per the client’s itinerary, activities, guided services, transportation, entry fees, park fees, conservation levies, permits and taxes are included in the tour cost. When on safari, clients can either book a private 4x4 safari vehicle or share game drives with other guests at the lodge.

All internal flights in destination are included, and payable in full at time of booking.

Great Safaris is a safari wholesaler and works exclusively with travel advisors. Consumer enquiries will be directed to an experienced travel advisor who specializes in Africa and an approved partner of Great Safaris. Personalized services by a travel advisor enhance a client’s travel experience, on land and air, ensuring a seamless and worry-free trip. The more you share with your travel advisor, the more it will equip them and us to design your dream trip to Africa.

Should your client call us directly to book a safari, rest assured that we will inform you and pay you your commission.