What makes this different from the Classic Safari?+
The Classic already gives you a private vehicle on a set route. A Private Safari starts from nothing: the route is drafted to your brief, the guide is chosen for your interests rather than assigned, and where possible you take sole use of the camp. If you are two people happy with the northern circuit, the Classic is the better purchase.
How much does a private safari cost?+
From around USD 780 per person per day at the classic accommodation tier, rising to USD 3,200 at a staffed private house. Cost per head falls as the party grows, because the guide, vehicle and often the whole camp are shared across more people. From about six guests, sole use is frequently cheaper than individual luxury rooms.
Can we go anywhere?+
Effectively yes. The northern circuit, the southern parks of Ruaha and Nyerere, the western chimpanzee parks of Mahale and Gombe, Kilimanjaro, and any of the islands. We will tell you where the seasons work against you and where the flight connections make a route impractical.
How does the planning process work?+
A conversation first, about how you like to travel rather than where you want to go. We draft a route against your dates, quote it honestly, and revise. Two or three rounds is normal. We would rather argue for a different month than let you book into a poor window.
Can we choose our guide?+
You can tell us what matters — big cats, birds, photography, geology, culture, or being good with children — and we match accordingly. For repeat guests we will request the same guide, subject to availability. The guide stays with you from arrival to departure either way.
What does sole use of a camp mean?+
You take every tent, so there are no other guests. Meals happen when you want them, drives leave when you are ready, and children can be as loud as they like. Several small camps of six to ten tents can be taken this way, and it usually makes sense from around eight guests.
Is it good for large family groups?+
It is the best answer we have for them. A whole house with its own chef, guide and vehicles handles mixed ages far better than trying to co-ordinate separate rooms and shared vehicles. Multi-generational groups are the most common private booking we take.
How far ahead do we need to book?+
Longer than a packaged trip, because there is drafting to do and sole-use camps are limited. Nine to twelve months for June to October, and earlier still for the festive period, which books before anything else.
