Planning a trip to Africa naturally comes with questions. We’ve gathered answers to many of the most common queries.
From your first conversation to your final itinerary, here is what to expect when planning a trip with YPA.
- Schedule an initial phone consultation.
- If you would like us to begin planning, pay the $500 Safari Planning Deposit. This will be applied to the cost of your trip when you book.
- We create a custom itinerary proposal based on your interests, timing, budget, and current availability.
- You share your feedback, and we make any necessary adjustments.
- Once you are happy with the itinerary, pay the 30% non-refundable deposit to confirm the arrangements.
- Pay the remaining balance 90 days before travel.
Your itinerary will specify exactly what is included and excluded. Generally, accommodation, meals, selected drinks, road and light-aircraft transfers, and scheduled activities are included.
Travel insurance, gratuities, visas, international flights, and personal expenses are generally excluded unless otherwise stated.
The average YPA trip is 10–12 nights, with a minimum trip length of five nights. There is no set maximum, and we can plan longer trips across several destinations.
Your destinations, travel dates, trip length, accommodation, routing, internal flights, and desired level of privacy will all influence the final cost.
That depends on what you hope to experience. Wildlife seasonality, weather, visitor numbers, availability, and budget can all influence the best time for your trip. We will help you find the right balance as we begin planning.
YPA trips generally start from $1,000 per person, per day, with most complete itineraries starting from approximately $15,000 per person. The final cost will depend on your destinations, travel dates, trip length, and preferred style of travel.
Yes. We can provide quotes for flights and travel insurance upon request. Comprehensive travel insurance is required and must include emergency medical treatment and evacuation coverage.
You are welcome to choose your own provider, or explore our preferred travel insurance options.
Yes. We can arrange for a fully trained medic to accompany you throughout your trip. This can be particularly reassuring for parents traveling with young children or anyone with specific medical needs or concerns. This is an additional service and is not included in the standard trip price.
Yes. We work with highly qualified security and executive protection professionals who can accompany you throughout your trip. This is an additional service and is not included in the standard trip price.
A straightforward guide to deposits, final balances, and ways to pay.
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 90 days before travel, and all payments are non-refundable.
View our detailed payment terms for more information.
Our pricing is based on payment by check or wire transfer. We also accept all major credit cards, with a 3.5% processing fee applied to credit card payments.
If widespread events make travel impossible, we will work with our partners to move your trip to new dates wherever possible.
All payments remain non-refundable, and moving a trip will be subject to supplier terms, availability, and any annual rate increases. Cancellation fees may also apply if the number of travelers in your party is reduced.
Important information about traveling with children, entry requirements, and preparing for your health needs.
This depends on the destination, accommodation, and activities included. We have planned safaris for children as young as one, although special arrangements may be needed for children under six.
Many lodges welcome children over six, and almost all welcome children over 12. We will help you identify the places and experiences best suited to the ages of your children.
Visa and entry requirements vary by country and can change at short notice. Some destinations allow visa-free entry, while others require an eVisa, electronic travel authorization, online form, visa on arrival, or advance application.
We will review the requirements for your itinerary and provide the latest available information approximately 90 days before departure. We also recommend checking directly with the relevant embassy or consulate, as each traveler remains responsible for having the correct documentation.
Health recommendations depend on the specific areas you will visit, your planned activities, and your personal medical history. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends prescription malaria medication for travelers visiting certain parts of Africa.
We recommend speaking with your healthcare provider or a specialist travel clinic at least four to six weeks before departure. They can confirm which medications or vaccinations may be appropriate and ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
What to bring, how much you can carry, and how to prepare for changing temperatures.
Layers are key. Early mornings and evenings can be cool, while temperatures often rise considerably during the day. Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing for game drives and walks, along with warmer layers, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and relaxed clothing for time at the lodge.
Read our full safari packing guide for more advice on clothing, shoes, and luggage.
Luggage restrictions vary between airlines, aircraft, and routes. We recommend following the allowance of the most restrictive flight included in your itinerary.
As a general guide:
Southern Africa: Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Soft-sided duffel bags are generally required.
- Allow up to 20 kg in total, including a maximum of 5 kg of hand luggage.
East Africa: Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, and Uganda
- Soft-sided duffel bags are generally required.
- Allow up to 15 kg in total, including a maximum of 5 kg of hand luggage.
Your final travel documents will confirm the exact luggage allowance for every flight in your itinerary.
A few practical details about what to expect once your trip begins.
Where this service is available, a representative will meet you on arrival and guide you through the next stage of your trip. We also coordinate the transfers and connections between destinations so you always know where you need to be and who will be meeting you.
As a general guide, we recommend budgeting between $60 and $110 per person, per day. The appropriate amount will depend on the destinations, camps, guides, and experiences included in your itinerary.
We will provide a personalized tipping guide before you travel.
A safari supports a much wider network than the people you meet directly. Guides, chefs, housekeepers, drivers, maintenance teams, conservation staff, suppliers, and many others all contribute to the experience.
Park fees, conservation levies, employment, community partnerships, and local purchasing also help tourism contribute to the long-term protection of wild places and the communities around them.
