
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about transformational travel with Tembo Wild. If you have more specific questions about a trip with us, don’t hesitate to reach out!
There’s something in Africa for everyone. Africa offers an unparalleled combination of wildlife, landscapes, and cultures that add up to truly transformational experiences. The continent’s vast wilderness preserves some of our Earth’s most spectacular natural habitats and extraordinary wildlife populations for the whole family to enjoy. Beyond incredible safari experiences, Africa’s diverse cultures, rich traditions, and warm hospitality offer meaningful human connections that often leave visitors profoundly changed. When you travel to Africa, you don’t just witness natural wonders — you become part of a larger story of conservation, community, and the wonders of our planet.
Yes! Tembo Wild safaris are very safe for visitors, and the safety of our travelers is our biggest priority.
We constantly monitor conditions. We adhere to comprehensive protocols and stay in touch with official government security departments and agencies to monitor any situations that arise.
We work with experienced local guides. All of our guides go through extensive in-house training and are dedicated to creating a comfortable and enriching journey for you.
We stay in carefully vetted accommodations. We ensure the staff at our selected properties have first aid training, plus special accommodations for differently-abled visitors or those with pre-existing medical conditions.
We provide all guests with emergency evacuation cover, coordinated in advance with AMREF and Rescue.co. This ensures that in the event of a medical emergency, guests can be swiftly transported by air or road to the nearest hospital, where they can then use their own medical insurance for treatment.
With proper preparation and safety briefings, safari travel delivers unforgettable experiences with minimal risks.
Absolutely! Safari experiences are incredibly enriching for children and families. We’ve witnessed remarkable transformations as children connect with nature and their families. Many children who start their journey shy or reserved end up blossoming in the safari environment, developing confidence as they show their curiosity and ask questions about wildlife. Family safaris create truly unbeatable shared memories and bonding opportunities that other vacations simply can’t match.
Most importantly, safari experiences and journeys through Africa develop young world citizens with greater awareness of different cultures, conservation issues, and our interconnected global community. We can also tailor activities to suit different ages and preferences, ensuring an extraordinary experience for every family member. For guests traveling with young infants, we can also arrange nanny or daycare services at select properties.
We recommend beginning your safari planning 9-12 months in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons (June-October) or have specific accommodations in mind. The best lodges and camps often book up quickly, and early planning helps ensure you get your preferred options. This timeline also allows for thoughtful itinerary development, securing permits for special activities and making unhurried travel arrangements. For more spontaneous travelers, we can occasionally accommodate requests with 3-6 months' notice, though this may require more flexibility with accommodations and locations. Planning well ahead also gives you time to prepare physically and mentally for this transformative journey
For a truly immersive and transformative safari experience, we recommend a minimum of 10-14 days. This allows you to visit multiple parks or regions without feeling rushed, giving wildlife viewing the unhurried pace it deserves. We find that travelers need at least three nights in each location to fully appreciate its unique ecosystem and wildlife patterns.
If you have a more limited timeline, shorter journeys of 7-9 days can still provide wonderful experiences, particularly if you focus on a specific region. For those wishing to combine countries or include cultural experiences and beach relaxation alongside wildlife viewing, 14-21 days offers the most comprehensive experience. Remember that travel in Africa and between safari destinations often takes time, and building in ample moments for reflection enhances the transformative nature of your journey.
The ideal time to visit Africa varies by region and your specific interests. Each season offers different advantages — we can help match the timing of your visit with your specific wildlife and experience goals.
East Africa (Kenya & Tanzania/Zanzibar): The dramatic wildebeest migration makes July-October prime time for Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. January-February offers excellent viewing of newborn animals.
Uganda & Rwanda: While gorilla trekking is available year-round, the drier months (June-September and December-February) offer easier hiking conditions.
Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia): The dry winter months (May-October) offer exceptional wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. November-April brings lush landscapes and bird migration but can include afternoon rain showers.
Indian Ocean Islands (Mauritius, Seychelles): October-December offer warm, drier temperatures with less rainfall, while May-October offer cooler weather ideal for outdoor activities.:
Safari packing focuses on comfort, practicality, and respect for local environments and cultures. Essential items include:
Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, tan) that can be layered
Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants (for sun and insect protection)
Mosquito repellant and malaria medications
A good hat with a brim, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight rain jacket
A small daypack for daily excursions
Optional: Binoculars and camera equipment
For a comprehensive guide tailored to your specific destinations and season of travel, please refer to our detailed packing guides.
For guests who are looking for a way to make a meaningful contribution as they travel, we also partner with certain properties and destinations to support Pack for a Purpose initiatives. Depending on your destination, we can work with travelers to help curate a list of essential supplies that will make a difference to the local community.
It's completely natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness before your first safari adventure! At Tembo Wild, we ensure you never feel alone in your journey. From your initial inquiry through your return home, our team provides comprehensive support every step of the way. Before departure, we provide detailed country guides covering local customs, health recommendations, and what to expect. We assist with all visa processing requirements, provide comprehensive packing lists tailored to your specific itinerary, and make sure you understand any vaccination needs.
Our local guides are selected not just for their on-the-ground knowledge, but also for their ability to create comfortable, enriching experiences. We maintain 24/7 emergency contact availability throughout your trip. Keep in mind that the anticipation often causes more anxiety than the experience itself — once you arrive, most guests find themselves immediately at ease in Africa's welcoming embrace.
What sets Tembo Wild apart is our commitment to crafting transformative journeys that go beyond the ordinary.
At Tembo Wild, we don’t just offer safaris or itineraries — we challenge perceptions, foster meaningful human and cultural connections, and ensure every journey actively contributes to the preservation of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.
Our brand promise is rooted in unlocking Africa’s most authentic and transformative travel experiences. We do this through:
Deep local knowledge that allows us to take travelers beyond the typical tourist paths
Sustainable travel practices that protect the places and communities we visit
Personalized service that ensures every journey is curated with purpose and care
Tembo Wild isn’t just about seeing Africa, it’s about connecting with this incredible continent and preserving it for generations to come.
