A good safari treads lightly on the environment whilst immersing visitors into the wonders of the natural world. Africa is not immune from the issues of over tourism and for this reason our safaris focus on regions that are truly wild, where human impact is negligible and sustainable practice is of paramount importance. We avoid busy, mass market regions where animals are plagued by hordes of vehicles!

As one would expect, operating in remote environs requires expert knowledge and experienced guiding so we only work with the finest outfitters.  Being independent and unaffiliated, we are free to work with any of Africa’s suppliers but in reality we work with a relatively select subset, who we have grown to trust implicitly over many years. We hold them in high regard not only for the quality of their product, the reliability of their service and their price performance, but also for their ethics, passion and ingenuity.

Most safari-goers hope to encounter Africa’s iconic mammal species but there is so much more to a safari than ‘big five’ box-ticking. A good guide will spark wonder in everything from the tiniest termite to the mightiest baobab. The word ‘safari’ means journey and we strive to create journeys that are meaningful on every level. From the people you meet and the wildlife you encounter to the food you eat, the scent the rain and the whoop of a hyena on the still night air, a bespoke safari is a wonderfully rich and sensory experience.  Taking the time to travel slowly will allow you to really soak up the ambience of Africa.

Choosing your destination will depend on several factors, some of which can be addressed with the following questions:

• Are you looking for specific activities? For example, if you want to go gorilla trekking then you only have a handful of destinations to choose from.
• Do you need to travel on specific dates? If so, it is wise to choose a destination which will be at its best at the time you need to travel. How you define ‘best’ is another question entirely. An avid birder may seek out a destination in wet season whereas a walker may choose somewhere dry and cool.
• What budget are you working to? Those on a tighter budget may prefer to travel to a less remote location or to a destination in shoulder season. Read more under ‘costs’.
• How much time do you have? If you only have a week to spend in Africa it makes sense to visit a destination which can be reached quickly and efficiently with good flight connections. If you have a month, travelling for three days to reach a far flung outpost will feel far more worthwhile.
• How do you like to travel? Do you look for air conditioning and a spa or do you prefer meals cooked on an open fire and nights spent under canvas? Some destinations cater for the conventional ‘luxury’ traveller very well, while others tend to appeal to more adventurous types who value the ‘luxury’ of being immersed in nature. Both are excellent – it’s a matter of taste. Often a combination of different styles works best in providing a well-rounded, varied safari experience.

Like any other continent on the planet, Africa is seeing more and more wild space encroachment as populations grow and industry intensifies. In an increasingly commercial world, wilderness areas must pay their way and the very best way for their value to be realised is through sustainable tourism. A low volume, high revenue approach sees a limited number of visitors entering remote regions, generating employment for local communities and placing a high value on the unspoilt, wildlife-rich nature of the ecosystems. The footprint of these visitors is light but their positive economic and environmental impact is immense.

We proudly support the operators that put conservation and community first. Some are collaborations between scientists, philanthropists and wildlife authorities while others are grass roots enterprises established in partnership with local communities to protect their ancestral lands. In reality, most are a combination with many stake holders involved, but the spoils are shared to ensure that everyone benefits.

Simply by being present, camps and lodges monitor remote areas via game drives and bush walks, which greatly reduces unlawful activity. Many go much further by establishing aerial survey teams and anti-poaching units, buying huge tracts of land to preserve migration routes, or relocating wildlife to repopulate areas and alleviate pressure on others. Community outreach projects have seen schools and hospitals brought to underserviced regions, and the employment of local people has a positive effect way beyond the direct reach of any one camp or lodge.

By protecting wild spaces and working in collaboration with local communities, tourism can be a powerful force for good when executed sustainably and responsibly.

Planning a safari is a complex process and there are many factors to consider, some of which can make or break your holiday. In Africa, even the logistics of getting from A to B can be more challenging than you might imagine, and Google rarely has the answers.

This is where our expertise and knowledge come in. Safari planning with Yardstick Travel is a three-stage process:

1. We’ll start with a chat either in person or on the phone to establish your plans and discuss ideas. Although email communication seems quick and easy, in reality it is near impossible for us to grasp the necessary detail this way. We pride ourselves on tailoring our safaris to suit your every requirement, taste and whim, and we can only do that if we really understand the subtleties of what you are looking for.
2. We will present you with an itinerary which will include suggestions based on the time of year you are travelling, the ages of your party, your areas of interest, the budget you have in mind and so on.
3. Sometimes we hit the nail on the head first time. More commonly, the itinerary will be used as a framework around which we can add on experiences, alter accommodation choices or realign budget. The designing and refinement of a bespoke itinerary is all part of the process.

Most camps and lodges (although not all) will allow us to provisionally hold space for up to 10 days. This gives you time to do some research, discuss the arrangements with your travel companions and look at international flights without the risk of losing the availability of the itinerary.

It is important to note that we are 100% independent. We are free to work with any operator and do not benefit from promoting any one camp or lodge over any other. Our recommendations are entirely our own based on years of personal experience, and we will never send travellers to any destination that we do not know and trust. We care deeply about the journeys we put together. Africa is a magical place and we want you to experience it in a way that showcases it at its very best.

We are not flight specialists and nor do we aspire to be. Although we will of course advise on the best routings for your safari and make recommendations, we will leave you to make your own international flight arrangements and can suggest suitable flight specialists who are able to do this side of the booking for you. The two main hubs irrespective of where you are coming from tend to be Johannesburg (southern Africa) and Nairobi (for East Africa) although these days there are more routings to a number of different airports depending on your origin and destination, which we will advise on.

There are a number of reasons that we take the approach of not dealing with long haul flights. Firstly, booking flights is administratively heavy but requires no specialist knowledge.  If we were to book international flights on your behalf, it would divert our time away from planning your safari, or we would need to charge an admin fee, but we simply could not add any value to the booking. Secondly, the vast majority of our clients are members of loyalty programmes or frequent flyer clubs, yet most airlines will not allow us to book flights using airmiles on their behalf.

Irrespective of this, we will book all the internal flights or light aircraft transfers required for your safari so that when you arrive in Africa you can be sure that the whole itinerary is taken care of from start to finish.

Please be mindful that availability of camps and lodges can be very limited and date alterations are sometimes necessary. Please wait until your safari is confirmed until you book international flights, to safeguard against any changes.

A safari is an expensive holiday for many reasons. Remote locations make logistics costly, operations are often small scale, and fees are in place to fund the management and protection of wildlife. We avoid high-volume, commercial regions at all costs this can mean the price point is a little higher, however put simply a safari is an expensive holiday no matter what ‘comfort’ level you go with.

Generally you should expect to pay around US$1000 per person per night for a good quality safari, including all internal travel. Intimate accommodation, remote locations, good guiding, low staff-to-guest ratios and reduced visitor numbers are all hallmarks of a top quality safari but it is important to note that some of the more expensive well known ‘luxury’ camps and lodges do lean heavily on their reputation and won’t necessarily offer the value one might expect. Conversely, some ‘affordable’ options over-deliver in every way. Knowledge is everything. This is where our expertise, experience and knowledge is hugely valuable.

Style vs stars

Star ratings do not exist in the traditional manner in the safari world, and they certainly do not correspond with pricing. As an example, a privately guided mobile safari through Botswana’s Okavango Delta would be an expensive safari option but it would not be ‘five star’ in style because guests will sleep in tents, use bucket showers and explore the wilderness on foot. The ‘luxury’ is realised in the exclusivity, the remoteness and the services of an expert guide. Conversely, a five star Cape Town hotel may offer Michelin starred dining, helicopter transfers and an infinity pool but will be comparatively cheaper due to the ease of logistics and competition in the local area.

Regional variation

Across Africa, different countries and regions are at different stages in their tourism journey and offer different experiences at a range of price points as a result. For example, South Africa’s Kruger region is a well established safari destination with a relative ease in logistics and operation making it less costly to run a lodge or camp. There are plenty of lodges to choose from, competition is stiff, and safaris are priced in South African Rand meaning visitors can expect excellent value for money. In contrast, Botswana’s camps and lodges are priced in US dollars and have strict limits on bed numbers meaning demand outstrips supply. The price is significantly higher but the experience is famously exclusive. Up-and-coming destinations such as Malawi often demonstrate outstanding value for money with very low visitor numbers, exciting new accommodation offerings and outfitters on a mission to pull out all the stops and impress a new wave of visitors. Outside of wildlife areas Victoria Falls, Cape Town and the Winelands, rural retreats and tropical beaches all offer competitive pricing and spending a greater proportion of your itinerary in these locations will help temper the cost of a safari.

Seasonal variation

Most safari destinations see significant seasonality with surges in visitor numbers driving higher rates during the peak dry seasons. During the wet and shoulder seasons prices can drop by as much as half, yet isolated showers which won’t significantly affect a safari and the overall experience can be equally good, if not better, especially considering the reduced visitor numbers. The key is knowing where to go when.

Transport & moving around

Inevitably a substantial proportion of any budget is spent on logistics including visas, flights, airport hotels and transfers. The key to minimising costs is to stay for longer in fewer locations. We cannot recommend this approach enough as it also gives you time to really explore and experience a destination. The biggest mistake most people make is trying to cram too much in. Africa is an enormous continent!

The key thing to remember when packing for a safari is that less really is more. When out in the bush casual, comfortable clothing is all you need and no one will mind if you wear the same t-shirt twice.

• Almost all safaris will require you to use a soft-sided duffel bag which can be manipulated into the small hold of a light aircraft. Hard sided suitcases simply won’t fit through the door.
• Weight limits are strictly enforced for safety. Your allowance for light aircraft journeys is likely to be 10kg – 20kgs IN TOTAL, including hand luggage and camera equipment. Please be mindful of this when packing.
• If you are an avid photographer it may be possible to accommodate heavy equipment by purchasing an additional seat on the plane. The cost of this is often not prohibitive.
• Binoculars are an important, but often overlooked, piece of kit which can really enhance the safari experience.
• Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, body lotion and insect spray tend to be supplied in the camps and lodges.
• Most lodges offer an inclusive laundry service. Many will not launder ladies’ underwear for cultural reasons, but laundry power will usually be supplied should you wish to do your own.
• Neutral, earthy colours are best on safari to avoid attracting unwanted attention, especially when walking. Do not bring camouflage clothing as some African countries reserve this strictly for military personnel and it may prompt questions.
• Dark colours attract tsetse flies, so avoid dark blue or black clothing.
• Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly chilly, especially when travelling in an open sided vehicle, but the temperatures rises quickly. Layers work best.
• Comfortable cross-terrain trainers or desert boots are suitable for most safaris, unless you are specifically advised to bring walking boots (as may be the case if you are gorilla trekking or undertaking a multi-day hike). A tough sole is recommended to protect against thorns.
• Formal wear is not necessary as most lodges and camps have a relaxed dress code. If you will be fine dining in city or winelands restaurants then packing a couple of smart-casual outfits is advisable.

Tipping is commonplace across Africa, although it is not expected and you will unlikely see anyone ‘hovering’ for a tip. Tipping is of course entirely discretionary and the sum will always depend on the service received, but we encourage visitors to tip whenever they have enjoyed an experience, bearing in mind the effort that often goes in to providing top notch service in the safari industry’s challenging and remote locations.

We recommend that travellers take USD to most destinations for tipping lodge staff, guides, porters and drivers. The exceptions would be South Africa and Namibia, where ZAR (South African Rand) is best. Naturally, carrying small denominations makes things much easier. Outside of safari areas and in towns and cities it’s a good idea to carry some local currency for small purchases and tipping. This can be obtained on arrival, but most African currencies cannot be changed back to hard currencies again so try not to exchange more than you need. Leftover notes will simply become souvenirs.

We are often asked for guidance on the appropriate figures for tipping, which we have outline below. Bear in mind that this is a generalised ‘middle of the road’ guide only and you might choose to double these numbers, or tip nothing at all. If in doubt, err on the side of generosity. An extra dollar or two likely will not greatly affect your bank balance but could be significant to the recipient.

• Guide – USD20 per guest per day, given directly at the end of your stay.
• Trackers, if applicable – USD5-10 per guest per day. Not all safari guides will work with a tracker.
• Camp staff – USD20 per guest per day, placed in a tip box or given to the manager to distribute among all front- and back-of-house staff, many of whom you will never see. You can use larger denomination notes for this.
• Drivers – USD10 per guest per day if you have the same driver for several days. For a transfer or one-off drive, USD10 per group is suitable for a journey of around an hour.
• Gorilla trekking staff – US$15 per guest for the head guide, US$10 per guest for a secondary guide and US$5 per group for each tracker. Local porters may accompany you on your trek to carry bags and assist on slippery/steep terrain. This is a very normal way for the local community to benefit financially from gorilla conservation. A tip of US$5 would be appropriate.
• Optional cultural experiences, dance shows etc – US$5 to US$10 per guest.
• Any specific member of staff – If would expressly like to thank someone in particular, a small named envelope, perhaps with a thank you note inside, can be placed in a tip box or handed to a manager, in addition to the general camp staff tip. Small denomination notes will make this easier and of course the figure is entirely at your discretion.

The giving of money and gifts away on the streets can encourage begging. Please avoid giving anything away in this way, especially to children who are vulnerable to being ‘employed’ as beggars. Most safari operators support specific charities, foundations and funds which benefit local people through long term sustainable practise. Likewise, the ‘Pack for Purpose’ initiative ensures people receive what they really need. We will gladly offer advice on this matter – please contact us for more information.

You should visit your doctor or travel health clinic at least a month before you leave for Africa to check the vaccination requirements and allow time for any multi-dose courses to be administered.

The official health advice for travel often changes so even if you travel regularly, please be sure to check the requirements for every trip.

It goes without saying that we are not doctors and the below is intended as a guideline with points for consideration only. For comprehensive, up to date travel health advice please visit your country’s  governmental advisory website (links below) and consult your health practitioner.

Malaria

Most safari destinations are malarial with notable exceptions in South Africa, Namibia and at altitudes above 1800m. Even if you are spending the majority of your safari in malaria-free regions, you may need to pass through malarial regions to reach them.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is endemic in most of western, central and eastern Africa. Often you will be a condition of entry to show a certificate of vaccination at international borders and you may not be permitted to clear customs without it. The best advice is always to slot your certificate inside your passport and carry it with you. Yellow fever vaccinations used to last ten years but the guidelines were recently updated giving many people lifetime protection. Please check with your health practitioner.

Common vaccinations

Tetanus, polio and diphtheria (often combined into a single injection), Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly recommended when travelling to safari regions.

Uncommon vaccinations

Hepatitis B is not usually required unless you will be travelling for longer than 2 months, spending time with children or working in a health facility. Rabies might be considered by those travelling for an extended period of time or working with animals.

Further advice

For further health advice please refer to the following websites, or the governmental advisories for your own country of origin.

AUSTRALIA: Health Direct

US: CDC : Centre for Disease Control

UK: MASTA : Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad; NHS Travel Advice

Travelling to wild and remote destinations inevitably carries some risks but these are carefully managed and minimised by our operators who expertly walk the line between ensuring your safety and embracing your spirit of adventure.

Some travellers are understandably nervous about animal encounters, especially on foot, and it’s true that all encounters with wild animals carry risks. However, we only employ the services of the best guides who are highly experienced in interpreting animal behaviour, fastidious in avoiding unnecessary conflict and well-trained in safety procedures. Lodges and camps are well aware that their reputation relies on keeping their guests, and their staff, safe. IF you pay close attention to all instructions, follow the camp rules and maintain a healthy respect for the wilderness and its animal inhabitants, you are highly unlikely to have any issues.

Contrary to common misconception, crime is no more of an issue in Africa than on any other continent. As anywhere, it is sensible to dress modestly, wear minimal jewellery, keep valuables out of sight and take heed of local advice.

The issue of political unrest is often sensationalised by the press and must be taken in context. Certain areas carry a higher risk than others but often they can be easily avoided and rarely prevent travel to an entire country. It is important to remember that once you are out in the wilderness there are very few people present at all, let alone anyone who would wish you any harm. From this perspective, a far-flung safari destination is one of the safest places on Earth.

We follow the government travel advice, in both Australia (Smart Traveller) and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office closely and will never send travellers to areas deemed unfit for travel.

Whatever your country of residence, government advisories are the best source of information. You can find helpful advice at the following links:

Australia : Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Canada : Foreign Affairs and International Trade

UK: Foreign and Commonwealth Office

USA: Department of State

It is a requirement of booking that you have travel insurance to cover you should the worst happen. This need not be illness or injury; it could equally be a trip cancellation, flight cancellation, lost baggage or your dropped camera lens.

Under regulation from the Financial Conduct Authority, we are prohibited from recommending any particular provider but we would suggest the following considerations when purchasing insurance:

• Every policy has its own wording, exclusions and idiosyncrasies. Take your time to research different options, read the information carefully and if in any doubt, ring the provider to check that your circumstances are covered.
• We STRONGLY advise you to organise your insurance at the time of booking your safari so that you maximise the cancellation portion of your cover. In general if you buy a single trip policy in January for a trip in September, the cancellation part of your cover will begin in January, even though the travel part of your cover won’t begin until you depart in September. This is vital, particularly in the event of unknown circumstance that may prevent you from travelling. The Covid-19 pandemic is a good example of this.
• Emergency medical cover is the most vital element of your travel insurance. When travelling in remote areas the cost of evacuations can be very high and medical costs can escalate quickly. Most independent bodies and travel specialists recommend emergency medical cover of £5 million.
• Cancellation cover must cover the value of your trip. The standard cancellation cover sits at around $2000 / £3000 but the cost of a safari will often exceed this. Most insurers will offer upgrades to cover the full value of your trip and we STRONGLY advise you to take cover for the maximum value of the trip. Yardstick Travel is under no obligation to reimburse you should you need to cancel and your trip is not covered by cancellation insurance.
• Do not choose your policy on price alone. Price comparison websites have forced insurers to compete aggressively, but cheaper policies often cut corners in the small print.

For more information and a full travel insurance checklist please consult either the  Australian Smart Traveller website or the UK Government advice on travel insurance.

Initial enquiry

The process starts with an open conversation during which we’ll ask questions around your previous travelling experiences, your dates of travel, travelling companions, budget and so on, so that we can establish the type of holiday you are looking for, as well as your limitations and expectations.

Defining a budget

It is essential that you define a budget since the choices are endless and the price range of safaris is almost infinite. If you have flexibility we’ll give you options at both ends of the scale, then refine them into one, perfectly balanced itinerary. Defining a budget from the outset helps us to advise whether, and how, your requirements can be met at any one price point. For more information see ‘costs’.

Quote

We will present you with an itinerary proposal, check availability and provisionally hold space for your travel dates. This itinerary can then be altered and refined to meet your exact requirements.

Booking

Once you are happy to book your safari we’ll ask you to complete a booking form and pay a deposit. Once this is received, we can complete and confirm the booking with our African operators.

Confirmation

We will send you a confirmation pack which will include your final itinerary, invoice, and any other necessary information. It is vital at this point that you and every member of your party has a travel insurance policy in place. See ‘insurance’ for more information.

Payment schedule

The payment schedule is as follows:

• 30% deposit on confirmation of the booking
• 70% balance 10 weeks (70 days) prior to the date of travel

If your booking is made within 70 days of travel we will ask for full payment at the time of confirmation.

The outline payment schedule above may differ depending on the trip you are taking. For example, Gorilla permits are non-refundable and require full payment up front, which means we will take full payment for these alongside the 30% deposit. There are a number of instances such as this which we will communicate with you before booking.

Our safaris take place in wild environments where logistics are challenging and the elements can surprise even the most experienced of operators. Occasionally it may be necessary to make amendments to your itinerary for any number of reasons beyond our control including adverse weather, changes to flight schedules or the closure of a lodge or camp. We cannot be held responsible for such issues. Should the need for an itinerary alteration arise we will attempt to minimise the impact of any changes and will always contact you to discuss all available options.

Should you wish to make alterations to your booking after confirmation, any costs incurred (such as airline changes) will be invoiced to you in line with our terms and conditions.

Our terms and conditions are carefully written to protect all parties. Our Terms & Conditions in full, alongside our booking form, will be emailed to you prior to booking.