Planning a safari can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. The process is flexible, collaborative, and designed to evolve as we go. It’s not an exact science, and that’s the beauty of it.

To get started, think about a few key things:

1. Your Vision

What kind of safari are you dreaming of? Is it your first time? A family adventure? A photography-focused trip? A private guided experience? Share what excites you — we’ll shape the rest around that.

2. Budget

If you have a rough idea of your budget, it helps us design the right experience for you. If not, no problem at all — I’ll guide you through what to expect and where your investment works best.

3. Destinations

Do you have somewhere specific in mind, or are you open to inspiration? From the Great Migration to tigers in India or combining multiple countries, everything can be tailored to you.

4. Group Details

How many people are travelling, and how would you like rooms arranged? Ages and room preferences help us plan smoothly and manage costs effectively.

5. Dates & Duration

When would you like to travel, and for how long? If you’re flexible, great — we can guide you toward the best seasons and availability.

Once we have the basics, I’ll send a suggested itinerary for you to review. From there, we refine, adjust, and perfect it until it feels exactly right — then we move forward with costing and booking.

Simple. Personal. Designed around you.

You can also check out my step by step process here by clicking this link.

Honestly, all year round. However, it often depends on the country you're visiting and your specific safari expectations. Generally, the winter months (May through October) are preferred, as they tend to be drier and cooler in most regions. During this time, the cooler temperatures mean that animals, especially big cats, remain active later into the morning and start moving earlier in the afternoons, offering longer and more exciting game drives. The lack of rain also means animals are more likely to gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot, and the sparse vegetation makes sightings even clearer.

However, each season comes with its own set of pros and cons. Summer rains, for instance, bring lush vegetation and an abundance of newborn animals as this is often the breeding season. While the thicker vegetation can make it slightly harder to spot animals, the landscape is breathtaking, and the opportunity to see young wildlife is a unique experience.

I wouldn’t suggest writing off any season completely. Each has its charm, and I’d love to discuss the different options with you in more detail to find the perfect time for your safari. Please feel free to reach out!

Each of our tours comes with a suggested packing list, but here are some general recommendations:

Daytime Clothing: Lightweight trousers or shorts and t-shirts are ideal.

Warm Layers: A jacket and/or fleece for early mornings and evenings. South African winters can be chilly, so we also suggest packing extra layers, warm socks, and a woolly hat for those early morning and evening game drives.

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for use on the vehicle, and sturdy hiking boots if you’re planning on a walking safari.

Sun Protection: Sunscreen and a hat are essential.

Footwear for Relaxation: Comfortable shoes, sandals, and flip-flops for wearing during the day.

Lighting: A torch or headlamp is useful for navigating around camps at night.

Optics: Binoculars are a must for wildlife viewing.

Personal Items: Don’t forget your medication, and if you wear spectacles or contact lenses, bring a spare set.

Baggage Restrictions on Smaller Aircraft

When flying between camps on smaller aircraft, baggage weight is typically limited to a strict 12kg - 20 kg per person, which includes camera bags and hand luggage. For our group departures, we often purchase additional freight seats to allow for extra weight, especially for camera gear. The exact weight allowance per guest is specific to the itinerary and will be communicated to you well in advance by our safari logistics team.

Additionally, there are important guidelines regarding the size and type of luggage allowed (e.g., no wheels, no hard cases). It’s crucial to be fully aware of these restrictions, as they can affect your packing. Our team will provide all the necessary details in your detailed itinerary to ensure you’re well-prepared.

All guests must secure travel insurance before embarking on a trip. At a minimum, your insurance should cover the following three essential areas:

Repatriation

Medical Cover & Evacuation

Travel Changes or Cancellation Cover

For South African nationals, Wild Eye can assist with obtaining travel insurance quotes. For all other guests, it’s important to use a reputable insurance provider from your home country. Please note that the repatriation of you or your remains will depend on the terms of your chosen travel insurance provider.

If you use a credit card to purchase your tour or safari, many credit card providers include travel insurance. However, it’s crucial to confirm that their coverage includes the three minimum requirements:

Repatriation

Medical Cover & Evacuation

Travel Changes or Cancellation Cover

The lodges and establishments you’ll be staying at during your safari require your insurance details prior to check-in. This information enables the on-ground team to respond quickly and efficiently in case of an emergency, saving valuable time.

If you're visiting the Wild Eye Mara Camp, the logistics team will also arrange additional AMREF insurance to cover air evacuation to Nairobi. However, without your insurance details, we cannot complete the necessary submissions, and you may not receive the full evacuation support as planned.