There really is no such thing as a “typical” day on safari because each day holds a different adventure. However, when you are in the national parks of Southern and Eastern Africa it is common that you will get up early in the morning at about 6:00am and head out into the bush on your game viewing activity. Depending on where you are, you may have the option to take a game viewing excursion in a powerboat or canoe on the river or lake, a walk with your professional guide, or game viewing in your four-wheel-drive safari vehicle. It is not typically necessary to book activities in advance, except for special activities like hot air ballooning, and your hosts will be happy to accommodate you and be flexible.

You will typically be back in camp by 11:00am for brunch or lunch followed by an afternoon rest. Around 3:00pm you will have tea and rusks (local snack) before heading out into the African bush again in search of game. When the sun starts to get low on the horizon, you will stop briefly and enjoy sundowners (drinks) as you watch the beautiful African sunset. On arrival back at your camp, you will have time for a shower before returning to the dining room for a delicious dinner. After coffee and a nightcap, you may return to your comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep.

All vehicles can take a maximum of 7 guests (the 7th seat possibly sitting next to the driver) but you will find each camp and lodge has a slightly different format. The most important thing to know is that everyone has a window seat and no one sits in the middle giving you the best possible vantage point!

Tett Safaris will provide you a packing list for your safari as well as seasonal temperature and rainfall chart so you are prepared. While out on the vehicle, it is recommended you dress in neutral colored clothing so that you don’t scare the animals away. Otherwise, we recommend lightweight comfortable clothing that you can layer and add and remove as the temperature changes. Being on safari is a casual affair and know that there are daily laundry services offered throughout. Unless you are dining in a fancy hotel or luxury train, the dress code is relaxed and informal.

We would always like the opportunity to check space availability in Africa and it’s hard to know until we ask. We often are able to confirm space at short notice, so we are happy to check for you on request.

Generally, in all of our itineraries we include accommodation, internal airfare, transfers, meals, local drinks at safari camps and game drives. What’s generally not included are gratuities, immunizations, trip cancellation insurance, international airfare, special activities like hot air ballooning, city tours, white water rafting and special educational tours.

Custom safaris are just that and are not more expensive than group scheduled tours that generally have included a tour guide and pre-packaged plans where the traveler may be paying for extras that they did not really want in the first place. Custom safaris allow you to select your dates of travel and camps and lodges that meet your preferred budget. We love helping our guests create an itinerary that works for their schedules and meet their interests whether that be wildlife, cultural or a mix of both.

Weather and game-viewing changes throughout the year and is quite different in East and Southern Africa. East Africa game-viewing is wonderful year-round, but perhaps staying out of the April, May and November periods would be wise since these are their peak rainfall months. Southern Africa is also a destination that is a year-round option, but the Green Season (Dec-Mar) does tend to have seasonal afternoon rain showers, yet on the flip side rates are lower, animals are having their babies, lighting is very dramatic creating incredible photographic opportunities and overall there are fewer tourists. Know that if you don’t like the heat you might want to avoid October to March where temps are likely to be in the 90’s. June and July do have pleasant daytime temperatures, but evenings are in the 40’s.

Tett Safaris has been booking safaris since 1991 and work every day to provide seamless travel experiences for our guests. We have a wealth of experience and long-standing relationships with our vendors on the ground in Africa and if you need help on the ground we will be there to assist and available to you by way of our 24-hr emergency contacts here in the U.S. We are proud to have been trusted by National Geographic Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions and Stanford Travel Study over the years to operate safari arrangements for their guests. We are also proudly partnered with African Wildlife Foundation to ensure that we are conservation focused and that the experience you enjoy will be preserved for generations to come.

For a custom safari, we ask for a minimum of two guests for 7 consecutive days travel. While on safari, camps and lodges vary in size, but know that each day game viewing activities are done in small group of no more than 7 guests.

Once we book your arrangements for you in Africa and send you your confirmed itinerary, we will request a 30% deposit which we then forward to the camps and lodges in Africa so that they continue to hold your space. Final payment is not due until 98 days prior to your day of departure.

Yes, absolutely we can assist you with your international airfare and provide options for your consideration.

Popular aircraft used to transfer guests from camps and lodges include Cessna Grand Caravans and PC-12’s but there are other aircraft used too for example: Baron 55, Islander, Cessna 401/402 and King Air 90/200, Jetstream 32 and 41. We also have larger jets available for long-range programs that we operate.

Although WIFI is commonly available at camps throughout Africa, please keep in mind that it is not likely to have the same reliability or bandwidth that you’re used to when uploading or downloading files. Emails and messaging without attachments is typically not an issue.

For the most part, yes. However, services in certain destinations are often inconsistent and unreliable, thus you can’t always expect or depend on regular communication. Some safari camps are more likely to have cell reception and stronger WIFI.

Tett Safaris maintains a 24-hour emergency cell phone. This emergency contact number will be mailed with your final pack. In the event of an emergency, our office should be able to get word to you at most locations within a reasonable space of time.