Planning a safari to southern Africa often comes with plenty of questions, especially if it’s your first visit.

The safaris I run are privately designed around each guest, so no two trips are exactly the same. The questions below cover some of the things people most commonly ask before getting in touch.

If you’re unsure about anything at all, feel free to ask. I’m always happy to talk through ideas, timing, comfort levels, wildlife interests, or simply whether this style of safari feels like the right fit for you.

*Please note that the links on this page cover practical topics such as visa requirements, travel insurance, vaccinations, exchange rates, and malaria information for planning your safari with About Nature. While I check them regularly and hope they’re helpful, they lead to third-party websites outside my control, so I can’t guarantee the accuracy or content of the information provided.

1. How much does a private safari with About Nature cost?

Most guests invest from around AUD $10,000- $12,000 per person for a 10–15 day private safari, depending on the season, route, accommodation style, and group size.

Because every trip is tailored individually, I’ll usually provide a realistic ballpark once I know:

• How many people are travelling
• How long you’d like to be away
• Whether you prefer simpler national park camps or smaller private lodges

There are no hidden guiding fees added later, and I’ll outline all major costs before you decide whether to move forward.

2. How long are your safaris?

Many of my returning guests visit for between 14 and 21 days, which allows us to settle into a slower, more rewarding pace.

Shorter 7–10 day safaris can absolutely work if time is limited, though longer trips give us more flexibility to revisit favourite areas, spend longer in productive wildlife regions, or include quieter destinations without feeling rushed.

Tell me roughly how much time you have available and I’ll suggest something realistic that still feels comfortable and enjoyable.

3. Who are your safaris best suited to?

These safaris are designed for people who enjoy immersion, learning, wildlife, and time spent outdoors, rather than fast-paced sightseeing or luxury-focused travel.

They tend to suit guests who:

• Enjoy long, relaxed hours in nature
• Prefer private travel or small groups over large tours
• Appreciate thoughtful guiding and learning about the bigger picture of the environment

If you enjoy quieter, more reflective travel experiences, we’ll probably be a good fit.

4. Can families and children join?

Absolutely. Families are very welcome, and because these are private safaris, the pace and daily routine can be adjusted around your family rather than a larger group.

I don’t have strict age limits, and I genuinely believe time spent in nature can be incredibly valuable for children from a young age. Curiosity about wildlife often starts early, and a safari can be a wonderful shared experience for families.

That said, you know your children best. In general, these trips work particularly well for children who:

• Enjoy animals and being outdoors
• Can handle some early mornings and travel time in the vehicle
• Are naturally curious about the world around them

We can adjust driving times, include breaks, and choose areas that suit your family’s comfort and interests. Safety and realism are always important, and I’ll be honest with you about what is likely to work best for your particular situation.

5. What kind of accommodation do you use?

I mostly use:

• Well-kept national park camps with private chalets or bungalows
• Smaller lodges and guesthouses with character and good locations

I generally prioritise comfort, atmosphere, safety, and access to good wildlife areas over unnecessary luxury.

Most rooms include proper beds, private bathrooms, hot showers, and the normal comforts needed after a full day in the field.

If you prefer either a simpler or more comfortable style of accommodation, I can tailor the itinerary around that.

6. How fit do I need to be? What about mobility issues?

You don’t need to be especially fit. Most wildlife viewing takes place from the vehicle on established roads.

If you have mobility limitations or health concerns, tell me openly before we plan the trip. In many cases I can:

• Adjust the pace and daily driving times
• Choose easier camps and accommodation
• Modify walks or optional activities where needed

The goal is to design something that feels comfortable, realistic, and enjoyable for you.

7. What’s included in the safari price?

I’ll spell this out clearly in your proposal, but typically the price includes:

• Private guiding and planning
• Accommodation as agreed in the itinerary
• Most meals and park entrance fees (In many cases this includes breakfast and dinner daily, with lunches either included or available at rest camps and lodges, depending on the itinerary)
• Road transport during the safari
• On occasion, internal domestic flights booked on your behalf

You cover your international flights, travel insurance, personal items, tips, and any clearly marked optional activities.

I’ll confirm exactly what is and isn’t included before you book.

8. How do bookings and payments work?

Once we’ve agreed on an itinerary and price:

1. I send a written outline with all key details.
2. You pay a deposit to secure your dates and main accommodation.
3. The remaining balance is due before travel, with timing clearly explained in advance.

Payments are usually made by bank transfer, and I can offer multiple currency options depending on where you are based.

9. How far in advance should we book?

If you want specific camps or travel during busy seasons, booking 9–12 months ahead is ideal.

For quieter periods or more flexible itineraries, we can sometimes plan trips with only a few months’ notice. The earlier you enquire, the more flexibility we usually have with accommodation and routing.

10. Can you customise a trip around a specific interest?

Absolutely. Many safaris are built around particular interests such as:

• Birding
• Photography
• Mammals or predators
• Reptiles, insects, or broader natural history
• Slower general wildlife viewing

Tell me what excites you most and I’ll suggest regions and timings that give us the best opportunities while still keeping the trip comfortable and enjoyable overall.

11. Is southern Africa safe to visit?

Like anywhere, some areas are safer and more practical than others.

Part of my job is designing routes that make sense, using accommodation and regions I know well, and helping guests avoid unnecessary stress or risk. Most of the safari areas we visit are tourism-focused wildlife regions rather than busy cities.

I’ll also provide practical advice before arrival so you feel prepared and comfortable.

12. What wildlife will we see?

No honest guide can promise specific sightings, and that uncertainty is part of what makes safari rewarding.

That said, southern Africa offers exceptional wildlife viewing, and over the course of a well-planned trip guests usually see a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and smaller creatures, often in remarkable detail.

The experience is about more than simply ticking off famous species. A big part of the safari is understanding behaviour, habitat, and the smaller interactions happening around us.

13. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes – comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

It should cover medical emergencies, cancellations, delays, and personal belongings. I strongly recommend arranging insurance as soon as your safari is confirmed.

14. Will I have internet and mobile coverage?

Most accommodation has at least basic Wi-Fi or mobile reception, though coverage can sometimes be limited in more remote regions. Once out in the game reserves on wildlife drives, you’ll often be out of mobile range entirely.

Many guests actually enjoy using a safari as a chance to slow down a little and spend less time connected to phones and emails.

Still unsure about something?

Every safari I plan is a little different, and many guests begin with only a rough idea of what they want.

If you’d like to talk through possibilities, timings, comfort levels, or wildlife interests, feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to help you work out whether this style of safari feels right for you.