Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no single “best” time for an African safari—it depends on the destination and what you want to see. Kenya and Tanzania are excellent from June through October, with the Great Migration usually reaching the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara from July onward, while January through March is ideal for Tanzania’s calving season. Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia generally offer their best game viewing during the dry season from June through October, as wildlife concentrates around rivers and waterholes. South Africa is a year-round safari destination, although May through September provides particularly good wildlife viewing in the Greater Kruger region. Rwanda and Uganda offer gorilla trekking throughout the year, with the drier months usually providing easier trekking conditions. The greener months shouldn’t be overlooked either, with fewer visitors, beautiful landscapes and excellent value. We’ll help you choose the right destination and timing based on your interests, priorities and the experiences you most want to have.
A year in advance is recommended in order to get the best selection of camps and lodges. However, we can normally still find great itineraries with less lead time and even at the last-minute.
Most small aircraft in East and Southern Africa allow 15–20 kg (33–44 lbs) in soft-sided bags, including hand luggage. Hard cases are often not permitted.
Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing; layers for cool mornings and evenings; comfortable walking shoes; a warm jacket; hat; sunglasses; and a swimsuit for camp pools.
Yes—most lodges and camps offer daily laundry service, though some may not wash underwear due to cultural reasons. Quick-dry fabrics are helpful.
The wildlife you’ll see depends on where you travel, but most safaris offer an incredible variety of animals. Kenya and Tanzania are famous for lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, wildebeest and zebra, while Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia offer exceptional elephant populations, predators, hippos and abundant plains game. South Africa’s Greater Kruger region is one of the best places to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo—while Rwanda and Uganda are renowned for mountain gorillas and other primates. No wildlife sighting can ever be guaranteed, and that unpredictability is part of what makes safari so exciting.
Reputable camps take safety very seriously. Follow your guide’s instructions, do not walk unescorted and never approach wildlife.
Game drives are the heart of most safaris and typically take place in the early morning and late afternoon, when wildlife is most active. You’ll explore in a specially designed safari vehicle with an experienced guide, with drives generally lasting three to four hours, although the schedule is often flexible. In countries such as Tanzania, you may travel between parks with your own private guide and vehicle, giving you greater flexibility over your daily schedule and how long you spend at sightings. At many safari camps elsewhere in Africa, you’ll instead join camp-based game drives, usually sharing a vehicle with a small number of other guests and being guided by the camp’s resident experts. Private vehicles can often be arranged here as well.
We love kids on safari and many camps welcome families. Some may have age minimums (often 6–12 years). Private vehicles may be required for younger children. There is a safari for everyone!
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the country visited. Some destinations require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. A travel clinic can advise on recommended vaccines.
Most camps offer Wi-Fi in main areas and even in rooms, though speeds can be slow at times. Remote camps may have limited or no connection.
The food at safari camps is often one of the unexpected highlights of the experience. Even in remote locations, most camps serve fresh, high-quality meals, ranging from relaxed breakfasts and lunches to beautifully prepared dinners, often incorporating local ingredients and flavors. Meals may be served in camp, around the fire, or as a memorable bush breakfast or dinner under the stars. Most camps can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements with advance notice, and many luxury camps include drinks as well. We’ll make sure the camps know about any dietary preferences or requirements before you travel, so you can enjoy the experience without having to worry about the details.
Medical evacuation coverage, and comprehensive trip insurance is strongly recommended.
Yes—most camps have charging outlets either in rooms or at a central station. Adapters vary by country (often British-style Type G in East Africa; Type D/M in Southern Africa).
The wildebeest migration moves through the Serengeti and Masai Mara in a circular pattern year-round. July–October is best for river crossings (though never guaranteed). December–March is the calving season in the southern Serengeti.
Unless you book a private vehicle, you’ll typically share with other guests. Many camps seat 6 guests per vehicle for comfort so everyone has a great open “window” view. You will never feel crowded.
Standard tented camps often don’t, but many lodge-style properties and higher-end camps offer AC or fans.
Safari days usually start early, often before sunrise, with coffee or tea before heading out on a morning game drive when wildlife is most active. You’ll return to camp for a late breakfast or brunch, followed by several hours to relax, enjoy the pool, have lunch or simply take in the surroundings. In the late afternoon, you’ll head out again for another game drive, often stopping for sundowners in the bush before returning to camp for dinner. Some destinations also offer walking safaris, night drives, boating or other activities. Schedules vary between camps and countries, and private guiding can provide even greater flexibility. We’ll design your safari with the right balance of wildlife viewing, activities and downtime to suit the way you like to travel.
No—drones are banned in nearly all national parks and conservancies across Africa.
This varies but most itineraries are about 10 – 12 nights.
A 10 – 12 night safari can vary considerably depending on the destination, time of year, level of accommodation and how you travel. A well-designed safari typically starts around $10,000 per person and ranges up to approximately $20,000 per person (or higher) for high-end luxury camps can. These rates often include accommodation, meals, game drives, inter-camp flights and other activities, and at many camps drinks are included as well. We work with a wide range of excellent camps and lodges and will help you get the best possible experience and value within your budget, without compromising on the things that matter most to you.
Yes — dietary restrictions are almost always accommodated on safari. Most camps and lodges are very experienced with special diets, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, and other medical or religious requirements. Communicate your needs at the time of booking, so the camps can plan accordingly. Even remote bush kitchens are impressively flexible, and meals are typically prepared with great care and creativity.
At Maxim Safaris & Journeys, we create boutique adventures that are as unique and unforgettable as the travelers themselves. Every journey is carefully designed to balance exceptional experiences with thoughtful attention to our clients’ needs, while respecting the people, wildlife, and environments we visit. With impeccable service, curated itineraries, and authentic local insight, we transform every trip into a seamless story of luxury, discovery, and meaningful connection.