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Find answers to common questions about planning your perfect African safari adventure.

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Booking & Inquiries

Booking through Explola is simple and free:

Browse our curated selection of safaris and find one that matches your preferences.
Submit an inquiry directly to the tour operator with your travel dates, group size, and any special requirements.
Receive a quote from the operator, usually within 24-48 hours.
Confirm your booking directly with the operator once you're happy with the quote.

We don't charge any booking fees — you pay the operator directly for your safari.

Yes, absolutely! Submitting an inquiry through Explola is completely free with no obligation. You can send inquiries to multiple operators to compare options and quotes before making any commitment.

Most safari operators respond within 24-48 hours. Response times may vary slightly depending on the operator's time zone and current workload. If you haven't heard back after 48 hours, you can send a follow-up or try contacting another operator.

You can track the status of all your inquiries through our inquiry tracking feature.

Absolutely! Most safari operators offer private departures for families, couples, or groups of friends who prefer an exclusive experience. When submitting your inquiry, simply select "Private tour" and specify your group size.

Private safaris offer flexibility in itinerary, pace, and activities, making them ideal for special occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries, or family reunions.

Yes! Most operators are happy to customize itineraries to match your interests and preferences. When submitting your inquiry, mention any specific requests such as:

Additional destinations or parks you'd like to visit
Special activities (hot air balloon, walking safaris, etc.)
Accommodation preferences (luxury lodges, tented camps, etc.)
Dietary requirements or accessibility needs

The operator will work with you to create a personalized safari experience.

Planning Your Safari

The best time depends on what you want to see and where you're going:

Dry Season (June-October): Best for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. Less vegetation makes spotting easier. This is peak season with higher prices.
Green Season (November-May): Lush landscapes, newborn animals, and fewer crowds. Great for bird watching. Lower prices and "shoulder season" deals available.
Great Migration: For the wildebeest migration in Kenya/Tanzania, July-October offers dramatic river crossings; January-March is calving season in the Serengeti.

Each season has its advantages — there's no truly "bad" time for a safari!

Each safari destination has unique strengths:

Kenya: Classic safari experience, excellent infrastructure, iconic Masai Mara, year-round good weather.
Tanzania: Home to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Great Migration calving, authentic wilderness.
South Africa: Malaria-free options (Madikwe), great for families, combines well with Cape Town.
Botswana: Exclusive, low-impact tourism, Okavango Delta water safaris, premium experience.
Uganda/Rwanda: Gorilla trekking, unique primate experiences.

For first-timers, we often recommend Kenya or Tanzania for the classic Big Five experience with reliable wildlife sightings.

The ideal duration depends on your goals:

3-4 days: A great introduction, suitable for one or two parks. You'll see plenty of wildlife but may miss some species.
5-7 days: Our recommended minimum. Allows time for multiple parks, varied landscapes, and better chances of seeing elusive animals.
10-14 days: Ideal for a comprehensive East African safari, combining multiple countries or adding beach extensions.

Remember, you'll spend time transferring between parks, so longer trips mean more actual game-viewing time.

Absolutely! A safari-and-beach combo is one of the most popular itineraries. Popular pairings include:

Kenya safari + Diani Beach: Fly from Masai Mara to the stunning Kenyan coast.
Tanzania safari + Zanzibar: The Serengeti followed by the spice island's turquoise waters.
South Africa safari + Cape Town: Kruger combined with wine country and beaches.

Most travelers recommend doing the safari first, then relaxing on the beach afterward.

Yes! Many families enjoy safari with children, though some considerations apply:

Age restrictions: Some lodges and activities have minimum age requirements (often 6-12 years for game drives). Family-friendly lodges welcome children of all ages.
Malaria: Consider malaria-free destinations like South Africa's Madikwe or Eastern Cape for peace of mind with young children.
Private vehicle: Book a private safari so your family can set the pace and stop when needed.
Child-friendly lodges: Many lodges offer kids' programs, special game drives, and family suites.

When inquiring, mention your children's ages so operators can suggest suitable options.

Packing & Preparation

Here's our essential safari packing list:

Clothing: Neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive, brown), layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and a warm fleece or jacket.
Gear: Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, power bank, universal adapter, sunglasses, and a small daypack.
Health: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent (DEET-based), any prescription medications, first-aid basics.
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), visa documents, travel insurance, vaccination certificates if required.

Pro tip: Most lodges offer laundry service, so pack light. Soft-sided bags are often required for bush flights.

Wear neutral, earth-toned colors like khaki, beige, olive, brown, and muted greens. Avoid:

White: Gets dirty quickly and can startle animals.
Bright colors: Red, orange, and neon colors can disturb wildlife.
Blue and black: Can attract tsetse flies in some areas.
Camouflage: Illegal to wear in some African countries (reserved for military).

Neutral colors help you blend into the environment for better wildlife viewing and photos.

While smartphones can capture memories, a camera with a zoom lens dramatically improves your safari photos:

Recommended: A camera with 200-400mm zoom (or equivalent) for wildlife.
Nice to have: A wide-angle lens for landscapes and camp scenes.
Essentials: Extra batteries, memory cards (you'll take hundreds of photos!), a dust cover for your gear.

Don't forget binoculars — they're essential for spotting distant wildlife. 8x42 or 10x42 are popular specifications.

Vaccination requirements vary by country. Common recommendations include:

Yellow Fever: Required for entry to many East African countries, especially if transiting through endemic regions.
Routine vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus (ensure these are up to date).
Malaria: Not a vaccine but antimalarial medication is strongly recommended for most safari destinations.

Important: Consult a travel medicine specialist or clinic at least 6-8 weeks before your trip for personalized advice based on your itinerary and health history.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination:

Kenya: Most nationalities require an eVisa, obtainable online before travel.
Tanzania: Visa on arrival or eVisa available for most nationalities.
Uganda: eVisa required, apply online in advance.
East Africa Tourist Visa: A single visa covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for multi-country trips.

Always check current requirements for your specific nationality well in advance of travel.

On Safari

A classic safari day follows this rhythm:

5:00-6:00 AM: Early wake-up call with tea/coffee.
6:00-9:00 AM: Morning game drive when animals are most active.
9:00-10:00 AM: Return to camp for a full breakfast.
10:00 AM-4:00 PM: Relaxation, pool time, optional bush walks, or lunch.
4:00-7:00 PM: Afternoon game drive with sundowner drinks in the bush.
7:30 PM: Dinner under the stars, often around a campfire.

The schedule maximizes wildlife viewing during the cooler hours when animals are most active.

While no safari can guarantee sightings of all Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), your chances are excellent in well-stocked parks:

Lions, elephants, buffalo: Very likely in most East and Southern African parks.
Leopards: More elusive but regularly spotted in places like the Masai Mara and Sabi Sands.
Rhinos: The most challenging due to conservation concerns, but seen in specific reserves.

Longer safaris visiting multiple parks significantly increase your chances. Your guide's expertise also makes a huge difference!

Yes, safaris are very safe when following basic guidelines:

Stay in the vehicle: Safari vehicles are designed to protect you. Never get out without your guide's permission.
Follow your guide: They understand animal behavior and will keep you at safe distances.
Camp safety: Lodges have security measures. Never walk unescorted at night in the bush.
Health precautions: Take antimalarials as prescribed, use insect repellent, and drink bottled water.

Professional operators prioritize your safety. Millions of tourists enjoy African safaris safely every year.

Yes, most safari accommodations provide charging facilities, though availability varies:

Luxury lodges: Usually have 24/7 power with outlets in rooms.
Tented camps: May have limited charging hours (typically during generator times) or central charging stations.
Mobile camps: Power may be more limited; bring a power bank.

Tip: Bring a universal adapter (UK/European plugs are common) and a portable power bank for peace of mind.

Both offer unique ways to experience the African bush:

Game drives: In a 4x4 vehicle, covering large areas, getting close to big animals safely. Best for first-time safari-goers and seeing the "big game."
Walking safaris: On foot with an armed guide, focusing on smaller details — tracks, insects, plants, and birds. More intimate and immersive experience.

Many itineraries combine both for a well-rounded experience. Walking safaris have age and fitness requirements and aren't available in all parks.

Wildlife & Parks

The Great Migration is a year-round phenomenon — the herds are always moving! Here's where to find them:

January-March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti. Dramatic predator-prey action.
April-May: Moving north through the Serengeti.
June-July: Approaching the Grumeti River.
August-October: The famous Mara River crossings in Kenya's Masai Mara.
November-December: Heading back south to the Serengeti.

Each phase offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities — there's no single "best time" for the migration!

For excellent lion sightings, consider:

Masai Mara (Kenya): High lion density, famous for big prides.
Serengeti (Tanzania): Home to some of Africa's largest lion populations.
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania): Small area with resident prides — almost guaranteed sightings.
Sabi Sands (South Africa): Exceptional for seeing lions up close.
Okavango Delta (Botswana): Unique water-adapted lions.

Your guide's tracking skills significantly impact sightings — experience matters!

Yes! Gorilla trekking is available in:

Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga (most affordable option)
Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park (most accessible, premium pricing)
Democratic Republic of Congo: Virunga National Park (adventure travel)

Gorilla permits are limited and sell out months in advance. Book well ahead, especially for peak season (June-September, December-February).

Gorilla trekking combines well with a traditional safari in Kenya or Tanzania for an ultimate East African experience.

Payments & Costs

Safari prices vary widely based on accommodation level, destination, and duration:

Budget ($150-300/day): Basic camping or lodges, group departures, good wildlife but simpler amenities.
Mid-range ($300-600/day): Comfortable lodges or tented camps, private or small group, quality guiding.
Luxury ($600-1,500+/day): Premium accommodations, exclusive experiences, top guides, all-inclusive.

Prices typically include accommodation, meals, game drives, park fees, and transfers. International flights are usually extra.

Most safari packages include:

Accommodation (lodges/camps)
All meals (some include premium drinks)
Game drives with experienced guides
Park entrance fees
Ground transportation and airport transfers

Usually not included:

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and camp staff
Optional activities (balloon safaris, spa, etc.)

Always confirm exactly what's included when reviewing quotes.

Yes, tipping is customary and appreciated. General guidelines:

Safari guide: $15-25 USD per person per day
Camp/lodge staff: $10-20 USD per person per day (often pooled)
Tracker (if separate): $10-15 USD per person per day

Tips are typically given at the end of your stay. Many lodges have tip boxes for staff. For your guide, a personal handshake with the tip is appreciated.

These are guidelines — tip according to the level of service received.

US Dollars are the most widely accepted currency across East and Southern Africa. Tips:

Bring newer bills (post-2006) in good condition — older or torn notes may be refused.
Small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) are useful for tips and small purchases.
Credit cards are accepted at major lodges but not in remote areas.
Local currency is useful for markets and small purchases but not essential.

Most operators accept wire transfers or credit cards for the main safari payment.

Yes, travel insurance is essential for any safari. Your policy should cover:

Medical emergencies and evacuation (including air ambulance)
Trip cancellation and interruption
Lost or delayed luggage
Adventure activities (confirm safari and any planned activities are covered)

Many safari operators require proof of insurance before departure. Choose a policy that specifically covers Africa and includes emergency evacuation — medical facilities can be remote, and evacuation costs are substantial.

About Explola

Explola is a free platform that connects travelers with verified African safari operators. We help you:

Compare hundreds of safari options across Africa
Connect directly with experienced tour operators
Book with confidence through verified partners

We don't charge booking fees — our mission is to make finding your perfect safari easier and more transparent.

We take operator verification seriously. Our process includes:

Business documentation: Valid tourism licenses and business registration.
Insurance verification: Confirming adequate liability coverage.
Track record review: Established operating history in safari tourism.
Customer feedback: Monitoring reviews and traveler experiences.

Look for the "Verified" badge on operator profiles for additional peace of mind.

No, we never charge travelers any booking fees.

You inquire for free, receive quotes directly from operators, and pay the operator directly for your safari. There are no hidden fees, commissions, or markups from Explola.

Our platform is funded by operators who list their safaris with us — this never affects the prices you pay.

We're here to help! You can reach our team through: