You’re going to AFRICA! You’ve decided, and now it’s time to bring it to life. To make it truly unforgettable, it helps to know what’s ahead.
Here’s a step-by-step timeline to help you understand what happens (and when) as we take you from dream to departure.
12+ Months Before: The Dream Begins
After hearing the stories and seeing the images, you decided: it’s time. You are ready to experience Africa. Now, the adventure begins.
What happens now:
- You reach out to us and fill out our questionnaire. We hop on a call and/or exchange emails to explore your vision for your trip.
- We will talk dates, group size, travel style, budget, and must-sees (wildlife, culture, landscapes, etc.).
- Ideal travel windows are discussed based on your goals (Great Migration? Fewer crowds?).
- If you’re booking one of our small group journeys, this is when you secure your spot.
- We will start creating the perfect itinerary for you to review.
9-12 Months Before: Locking in the Magic
At this stage, things shift from dream to plan.
What happens now:
- We finalize your itinerary and reserve the lodges, guides, and experiences you won’t want to miss. The best options often book up a year in advance.
- International flights are explored (or we guide you through booking them).
- A deposit is made to secure your place and set the adventure in motion.
- You will receive confirmation emails, with login information to your personal Hills of Africa Resource Page that has all of the helpful documents, tips, and guides we have created throughout the years to help you prepare for your trip.
6 Months Before: Preparing the Details
You’re in the “this is really happening!” phase.
What happens now:
- You will fill out a client preference form, so we can get to know more details about you. This helps us notify the lodges about specifics, such as what you like to drink and if you have any allergies, etc.
- We send visa info and start walking you through health/travel documents.
- Final balances are usually due around this time.
2 Months Before: Countdown Mode
You can practically hear the elephants already.
What happens now:
- You will begin to get bi-weekly and weekly emails with packing lists, tipping guides, reading recommendations, and pointing you to specific information on the Resource Page to help you prepare.
- We check in about final logistics: dietary needs, passport expiration, insurance, etc.
- Outfit planning, gear checks, and photography questions? We’re here for all of it.
2 Weeks – 1 Month Before: Final Touches
The anticipation builds—and we help make it smooth.
What happens now:
- We confirm all your flights, transfers, and lodging one final time.
- You receive contact info for your in-country hosts and guides, and a customized tipping guide.
- You will be added to a whatsapp group with your client concierge and your on the ground contact in Africa to help ensure you always have someone available to help you if you have any questions.
Departure Day: You’re Off!
You’ve prepped. You’re packed. Now it’s time to surrender to the journey and let Africa show you what it’s always had waiting.
We will be with you every step of the way, to answer any questions, hear the stories, and see the photos! We can’t wait to hear all about it.
