Classic Bush Camping Safari

Africa is truly a year-round destination for luxury safari travel. No matter when you are planning to travel, you will find a place in Africa that is perfect for that time of year. Generally, though, dry season is the best time for game-viewing—and this takes place at slightly different times in different parts of Africa. For Tanzania and Kenya , the dry season is generally from July through October, while in Southern Africa it is a little longer: April through October. Please keep in mind that these are the peak seasons, so it is essential that you book well in advance during these months.

Visas are required for entry into East Africa - Kenya and Tanzania. Information on how to obtain your visas as well as a “visa kit” will be sent to you in plenty of time to obtain your visas before your departure.

In a word: exquisite. From the moment you arrive, your meals are included and each is a delight. The lodges offer continental cuisine, in addition to local specialties to appeal to a wide range of palates. Nairobi & Arusha al boasts a variety of mouth-watering regional specialties, in addition to exceptional French cuisine, Indian curries and the ever-abundant fresh fish and game. In the bush, the quality of the cuisine in lodges and camps is superb. Meats, vegetables and fruits arrive daily, fresh from the surrounding area’s rich farmlands. Of course, all food served are of the highest quality.

East and Southern Africa enjoy glorious climates and both can accurately be called year-round destinations.

In Kenya and Tanzania, a blissful 70 degrees Fahrenheit greets the day and rarely does the temperature vary throughout the year. The elevated altitudes keep temperatures comfortable, even calling for sweaters and jackets every evening and morning. Temperature variance is determined more by region than by season: upcountry areas such as Mount Kenya and the Aberdares at 7,000 feet can be cool, while the drier bush country is warmer and the sea level regions of Mombasa and Zanzibar quite tropical.

Generally, you should count on early mornings and evenings on safari to be chillier than expected throughout Africa—especially if travelling during May, June, July and August when you’ll be quite happy to have packed a heavy fleece or lined jacket.

In many cases, you won’t need any immunizations at all! For example, no immunizations are required to enter Kenya if arriving from the United States, Canada or Europe. We will address topics such as immunizations and general health considerations prior to your safari, however, please consult your local immunization clinic before you travel. It is always wise to carefully assess your health requirements before travelling abroad.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend a malaria prophylactic (just to be on the safe side—contracting malaria is highly unlikely). You may also wish to review the CDC guidelines at http://www.cdc.gov

We recommend contacting your physician well in advance of your departure to discuss these suggestions.

Our family safaris are made for children, and other safaris can usually be tailored to accommodate any age. Depending on which country you wish to visit, situations can vary—so please CONTACT-US to discuss which safari is right for you.

Are your safaris escorted?

Yes. NatureBound Africa established departures are escorted to enhance your enjoyment of the journey. In East Africa, travellers enjoy the services of an expert Safari Driver Guide. These delightful individuals have all been carefully selected to be representatives of Nature Bound Africa Safaris. Not only will they be your friends, teachers and companionable fellow travellers, but their presence also guarantees seamless passage through hotels and airports, plus delightful days on tour and in the bush.

Upon booking your safari, you’ll receive documents that include a complete packing list. Suffice it to say, though, that your clothing should be comfortable and casual. Khaki, olive, brown and tan clothing increases your chances of seeing wildlife and offers the added benefit of concealing dirt.

There are good quality medical facilities in Nairobi & Dar-es-Salaam and our local team they can recommend the best physicians. In more remote locations of East Africa, you are assured of the services of the Flying Doctors—a group of well-qualified physicians who travel by aircraft throughout the bush to provide treatment and transportation in East Africa.

Whether or not you buy travel insurance for your journey, as well as who you buy it from if you do, is entirely up to you. Our position is transparent: We wholeheartedly recommend that our guests have a policy that covers their trip, as travel insurance offers major advantages.

Evenings are not formal, unless you desire them to be. Casual, comfortable clothing is encouraged.

Absolutely. As our valued guests, it is our pleasure to welcome you to our homeland. After passing through customs at your arrival airport, you will be greeted by Nature Bound Africa staff member who will take you as swiftly as possible to the comfort of your hotel.

The timing of the Great Migration can vary because it is heavily dependent upon the weather—specifically rain that brings the new grasses upon which wildebeest graze. If you want to witness this natural marvel, it’s best to talk to a Nature Bound Africa specialist regarding the best time to plan your trip. In general, though, the following is accurate:

The herds can be found amidst the short grasses of Serengeti National Park from November to May. From January onward, wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle alternate between the woodlands and plains depending on the weather.

In May, as the grasses become dry, the herds begin the roughly 500-mile Migration. They move north, and by June they are in the more lush plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This is where they generally stay until October.

Anticipating the short rains—and the promise of mineral-rich grasslands that this entails—the herds begin their trek down to the Serengeti along an eastern route. In November and December, they arrive to intensely green savannahs and woodlands where they stay until the cycle begins again…

Your Nature Bound Africa Specialist can help you maximize your opportunity to see this remarkable natural phenomenon.

Just about everything. Nature Bound Africa includes all transfers, all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

In general, the expenses you will need to anticipate are Tips to driver/guide, your passport and visa costs, immunizations, and personal expenses such as phone calls and souvenirs.

While Wi-Fi is not available in all camps, for Nature Bound Africa travellers it’s complimentary wherever it exists.

There are no “business centers” per se at bush lodgings — it’s rare to find a camp or lodge offering a computer for guest use, though computers with internet are available in many hotels in Arusha and Nairobi. Internet cafes also are available in various cities.

Most smart phones can be used internationally, but guests should be aware of the expensive data roaming fees that can accumulate while travelling.

If you have one of the newer phones it may work in parts of Africa, depending on your service provider. U.S. cell phones using AT&T and T-Mobile will generally work in urban areas such as Nairobi, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Remarkably, there is even cell service in many remote areas of the bush of East Africa.

International roaming service is not automatically enabled on cell phones, even if subscribing to one of the services above. You will need to contact your service provider and ask them to activate the international feature. Also visit the web site of your carrier to get up-to-date information on coverage and options.

No matter what safari you choose, you are assured of comfortable vehicle and excellent sightlines for the unforgettable things we will see in the bush. In East Africa, your vehicle will have no more than six passengers. In Southern Africa, vehicles are larger so there may be up to nine. If you would like a private vehicle for just your party, simply let us know when you are booking your safari and we will be happy to arrange this for you.