Safari FAQs

Every Africaway trip includes all accommodation, transport, expert local guides, all activities listed in the itinerary, taxes and park fees, visas and visa fees, and 24/7 concierge support. All meals and standard drinks are also included, except during stays in the Greater Cape Town area.

Many trips also offer optional add-ons that allow you to enhance the experience further. These are shown directly on the individual trip page, so you can see what is already included and what can be added based on your preferences.

International airfare is not included. Travel insurance is not included. Gratuities, premium wines and spirits, and personal purchases are also generally not included unless specifically stated.

Some camp-specific or destination-specific exclusions may apply, so final inclusions will always be confirmed in your itinerary.

A $200 per adult reservation deposit is due by card to begin securing your booking. It is fully refundable within 24 hours of payment, or if we're unable to confirm your selected accommodations or suitable alternatives.

The remaining portion of the overall deposit is due within one week of booking in USD by bank transfer or wire. The full deposit equals 25% of the total trip cost and is non-refundable.

The remaining 75% balance is due 75 days before departure.

No. Your $200 per adult reservation deposit is refundable for 24 hours. Once your booking is confirmed and the full 25% deposit is paid, it becomes non-refundable because the funds are committed to securing your accommodations, transportation, and other arrangements.

Any additional cancellation terms beyond the initial deposit will be provided in your booking terms and final trip documents.

Pricing depends on the destination, season, lodge or camp level, group size, and whether your trip includes private vehicles, charter flights, or exclusive-use properties.

For exact pricing, select your preferred arrival date on any trip page. You can also explore estimated ranges on our pricing page. Each tier reflects the quality and exclusivity of the accommodations, which determines the overall trip price.

For highly customized trips, we will provide a tailored quote based on your request.

As a general rule, earlier is better. For peak safari season, we recommend booking around 18 months in advance whenever possible. For non-peak periods, around 12 months is often sufficient. Exact timing depends on the destination, camp availability, gorilla permits, family room inventory, and whether your trip includes special arrangements such as private vehicles or exclusive-use properties.

No, Africaway does not directly book international airline tickets.

We are happy to recommend the best flight options for your trip and help guide you on routing, arrival timing, and airport choices.

The general baggage limit on bush flights is 15 kg total, or about 33 lbs, including hand luggage. Bags must be soft-sided. In Namibia, luggage must typically be in duffel-bag format only. Exact baggage rules can vary slightly by airline and routing, so final details will be confirmed before departure.

Yes. Africaway handles your visa applications for the destinations where visas are required, and the visa fees are included in the trip price.

You will receive your visa by email once approved, and we recommend printing a paper copy to carry with you for immigration.

Meet-and-greet services are included on our Classic and Reserve trips. They can also be added to any other trip for an additional fee. For a full comparison of what each tier includes, please see our Pricing page.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your return date, not just your departure date.

We also recommend having blank visa pages available where required.

It depends on the destination, wildlife focus, and the kind of experience you want.

The best place to check timing is the individual trip page, where we include seasonality guidance and calendar graphics to help you understand the best months for that itinerary.

Yes. Safari travel is very safe when planned properly and operated with experienced local partners, guides, and camps. We work with trusted on-the-ground teams and carefully selected properties to ensure smooth logistics and high standards throughout your trip. As with any international travel, guests should follow local guidance, camp rules, and common-sense precautions.

Yes, but age rules vary by activity and by camp.

Africaway can help design family-friendly itineraries, but some safari experiences have minimum age requirements and some camps are better suited to families than others.

Here are the main Africaway age guidelines:

• Game drives: no children under 5
• Walking safari: minimum age 12
• Gorilla trekking: minimum age 15
• Chimp trekking: minimum age 12

For families with children aged 5–12, a private vehicle is required. If your party has 5 or 6 people, the private vehicle is included at no extra charge.

For children over 12, a private vehicle is not required.

For families traveling with children under 5, please contact us so we can recommend suitable camps with childcare services or family-friendly arrangements.

Yes. Africaway can arrange fully custom itineraries with private charter flights, exclusive-use camps, private villas, and special milestone or multi-generational trips.

For these requests, we recommend using our custom trip request form so we can match you with the right camps, routing, and logistics from the start.

We do not directly provide insurance, but we recommend Yonder Travel Insurance, which allows you to compare multiple plans and pricing options in one place.

This depends on your destinations, flight routing, and personal medical history. We recommend visiting a doctor or travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure with your full itinerary, including airport connections.

• Yellow fever: Proof of vaccination is required for travelers aged one and older entering Uganda. Other destinations may require it if you arrive from (or transit through) a yellow fever risk country. A first vaccination certificate becomes valid after 10 days and remains valid for life. Carry your original certificate.
• Malaria medication: Your travel clinic can recommend appropriate preventive medication based on your itinerary and medical history.
• Other vaccinations: Keep routine vaccinations up to date. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and other vaccines may be recommended depending on your itinerary and health history.

Travelers unable to receive the yellow fever vaccine for medical reasons, including some travelers aged 60 and older, may be able to travel with an official Medical Certificate of Contraindication. Acceptance depends on the destination's entry rules and border officials' discretion.

Yes. Most camps and lodges can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences (including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies) when arranged in advance. Please share your requirements with us before your trip.

Packing depends on the season, country, and whether your trip includes bush flights, gorilla trekking, or walking safaris.

Your pre-departure materials will include a detailed packing guide tailored to your itinerary.

Most camps offer Wi-Fi, but it is camp-dependent and service can vary significantly depending on how remote the property is.

The best place to verify connectivity is the individual trip page or your final itinerary.

Generally, when you stay at a camp for a minimum of 3 nights, complimentary laundry service is available. This can vary by property, so final details will be confirmed in your itinerary or pre-departure materials.

We provide a detailed tipping guide in the pre-departure section of your itinerary closer to your departure date.

Tipping expectations vary by country, camp style, and whether your trip includes private guides, trackers, or porters.

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15. This is a strict rule set by the national parks and applies to all operators.

Gorilla trekking requires a reasonable level of fitness. You may need to hike for up to 8 hours in dense jungle, often on uneven, muddy, or steep terrain.

Porters are available and strongly recommended. They can carry your daypack and assist you on the trail.

If you show signs of a respiratory illness, fever, or another potentially contagious condition, you may be required to remain at camp and will not receive a refund for the missed trek.

This rule exists to protect the gorillas, which are highly vulnerable to human diseases.

In addition to standard East Africa vaccinations, a rabies vaccine is often recommended for gorilla trekkers.

We will provide more detailed pre-departure guidance if your itinerary includes gorilla trekking.

You will need long trousers, long sleeves, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, a waterproof jacket, gardening-style gloves, and gaiters if you have them.

Your pre-departure materials will include a gorilla trekking-specific packing list.