Is an African safari vacation safe?

African safaris are extremely safe when planned with reputable operators. We also routinely go to Africa ourselves to test out these operators and ensure they meet our standard.

Hills of Africa works only with trusted, vetted lodges, guides, and transfer partners who prioritize guest safety. Lodges follow strict wildlife protocols, and the regions we recommend are stable and well-established for tourism.

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities during every step of the journey.

Can Hills of Africa create a custom itinerary for my family or honeymoon?

Absolutely. Custom itineraries are at the heart of what we do.

Whether it’s a family celebration, a multi-generational trip, or an intimate honeymoon, our team designs fully personalized journeys tailored to your interests, travel style, preferred pacing, and dream experiences. No two itineraries are ever the same.

Why should I go on an African safari vacation?

Africa is the crown jewel of travel. Nowhere else on earth will you find an abundance of majestic wildlife, magnificent scenery, and happy, hospitable people as in Africa. There is a truly magical quality and indescribable energy about Africa, which you’ll feel as soon as you step onto its soil.

How far in advance should we start planning our African safari vacation?

The farther ahead you begin planning your trip to Africa, the better. We request a lead-time for your African safari tour of at least six months, if possible, especially if you are traveling from June through October, but a year is best.

How much does an African safari vacation cost?

Every safari trip is customized to your needs, and thus pricing will vary depending on several factors such as length of stay, accommodations, and destinations, and whether you choose one of our escorted safaris. We usually recommend planning for $1000 per person per day.

Can I bring my children on a safari?

Absolutely! Family trips on a safari are a wonderful way to connect and can be a fantastic experience for families. In fact, many lodges even have kids’ clubs that have children-specific activities. Some lodges and parks have age restrictions, and there are a few lodges that do not allow children. We will help you find lodges and accommodations that fit your needs and provide the experience you are hoping for with your children.

What is the best time of year to go on a safari in Africa?

Anytime. The “best” time for an African safari depends on which area you are visiting and what you are hoping to see. The dry season (typically May – September depending on the location) has less rain and milder temperatures, as well as less foliage and you are typically have a higher chance of seeing wildlife.

However, wet season (typically October – April depending on the location) can bring lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and calving season, which means lots of babies. The wet season also attracts migratory birds, making it a fantastic time for birdwatching. You can discuss the experiences you are hoping to have with our team to find the best time for your trip.

How many days should a luxury safari last?

We recommend a minimum of 10 days for our clients going on safari. Most of our itineraries vary between 10-16 days in Africa.

Our clients heading to Africa typically spend 7-10 days on safari, and then spend a few nights in nearby cities before and after their flights. We recommend planning for extra time for multi-country safaris and honeymoon trips to account for travel time.

This gives you ample time to enjoy multiple nights your properties. Especially when you are at a safari property, we recommend spending minimum of three nights at each property. We will help you figure out how many days at which property is best for you.

What should I pack for on an African Safari?

This is probably our #1 asked question. This is why we have an entire packing list and guide created for you, depending on the location that you will be visiting. The short list is: neutral-colored clothing, comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, binoculars, camera, water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, and wet wipes.

This is our first safari and we don’t know where to start.

You came to the right place. We take care of all the details and will hold your hand throughout the process. Once your custom itinerary is confirmed, you will get access to our Travelers’ Resource portal with all of the information you could possibly want or need to prepare you for your trip. Information including packing lists, visa and passport information, vaccine information, custom tipping guides, charter flight information, restaurant and activity recommendations (in certain countries), photography tips, and more. You will receive email communication from your customer concierge regarding any and all details about your upcoming trip. When you depart, you will also also be added to a whatsapp group so that you always have someone here as well as on the ground in Africa to reach out with any questions.

Do you cater to dietary restrictions or special needs?

Yes. As long as you let us know beforehand, the safari lodges and hotels that we work with are exceptionally accommodating and can usually cater to:

• Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
• Kosher or halal-style requests
• Allergies
• Medical dietary restrictions

We also work closely with lodges to arrange support for guests with mobility needs or other special accommodations — simply let us know during planning.

Are international flights included in the safari packages?

International flights are not automatically included, but we are happy to assist with booking or advising on the best routes, airlines, and timing.

Most of our itineraries do include all in-country flights, transfers, and logistics, which we will go over with you when we send the itinerary.

What vaccinations or travel documents are required?

Requirements vary by destination, but typically include:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months before expiration
• Sometimes a visa, depending on the country
• Select vaccinations such as Yellow Fever, required only for specific regions
• Recommended vaccines often include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine immunizations

We provide destination-specific guidance and recommend consulting a travel medicine clinic for personalized advice.

What makes Hills of Africa Travel different from other African safari tour operators?

What separates us from other leading tour operators is our impeccable reputation. We pride ourselves on our strict attention to detail and ability to go above and beyond for all clients. We take great measures to ensure that clients receive a luxurious and unforgettable trip to Africa that is completely tailored to their exact needs and preferences.

We work closely with each and every client by listening to their exact desires and needs and incorporating them into an African safari vacation itinerary that fits perfectly with their budget, time frame, and travel tastes.

At Hills of Africa Travel, we also believe in supporting African properties and businesses with sustainable business practices and initiatives, which is why we only work with the most responsible and luxurious properties in Africa. By choosing local African safari tour providers with the Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) label, we also change lives inside Africa with each itinerary.