photo safari FAQs

Start with the safari planner form. Tell me where you'd like to go, when, and who's travelling, and I'll come back to you with a proposal. A non-refundable deposit confirms your place, and the balance is paid on the schedule set out in your proposal.

Yes, safari prices are per person sharing a double or twin room or tent. Solo travellers are very welcome. If you'd like a room to yourself, a single supplement applies.

All the activities, accommodation, meals and transport during the safari, as listed in the itinerary. International flights, travel insurance, tips, personal expenses and anything not in the itinerary are not included. If a lodge isn't full board, the itinerary says which meals are extra.

I'll always do my best to help, but changes to a safari booking can't be guaranteed and may cost extra. The details are in the Safari Terms and Conditions.

Yes. I strongly recommend travel insurance for every safari, and on some journeys it is a condition of booking. Your policy should cover cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and loss of or damage to your belongings, including camera gear.

No. My safaris are photographer-led, but the pace follows the light and the wildlife, which suits everyone. I photograph the journey, so you can leave your camera in your bag whenever you like. On many trips every guest also receives a curated digital gallery; each safari page says what's included.

A typical safari day starts early, with coffee before heading out at sunrise, when the light and the wildlife are at their best. You're back at camp for brunch and a rest in the heat of the day, then out again in the afternoon until sunset, with dinner in camp. In the rainforest, days are built around gorilla tracking instead.

No. I choose places and seasons that give you the best possible chance, but these are wild animals, so no sighting can ever be guaranteed.

It depends on the trip. Game-drive safaris need very little fitness. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking means walking for a couple of hours at a time over uneven ground, and gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15. Each safari page sets out what's involved, and minimum ages for activities are confirmed when you book. Please tell me about any medical conditions at that point.

Small, handpicked and full of character. I favour eco-friendly, boutique camps over large hotels: comfortable rather than showy, with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms and teams who look after you throughout.

Yes, with advance notice. Meals in camp are included on full-board stays. Drink bottled or filtered water only.

Most safari camps have Wi-Fi in the main areas, often by satellite, so it's fine for messages but not for streaming. Mobile signal varies by destination, and I'll tell you what to expect for your trip.

Yes. I only work with camps and partners I know and trust. You're met when you land, every transfer is arranged, and the camp teams look after you throughout. Wild animals can walk through camp, so staff walk you to your room after dark, and on game drives you stay in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise.

For most safari destinations, yes. What you need depends on your nationality and the country you're visiting. Once you've booked, I send you the exact steps for your trip. Getting your visa in time is your responsibility.

You need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, with blank pages. Some countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and many safari areas carry a risk of malaria, so see your doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks before you go. I send clear guidance for your destination.

Yes, you book your own international flights. From the moment you land, I take care of the rest: airport pick-up, transfers, and any internal flights in the itinerary. Each safari page tells you which airport to fly into.

Pack in a soft bag. Light aircraft have weight limits, often 15 kg per person including hand luggage and cameras. Road safaris are more relaxed, but one main bag and a daypack each is best.

Pack neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige), layers, a warm fleece or jacket for early mornings, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars if you have them. I send a full packing list, with camera kit advice, once you've booked.

Tips aren't included or compulsory on safari, but guides and camp teams really appreciate them. I'll share guidance on tipping and which currency to bring before you travel.