Service Levels Explained

There are many ways to explore Africa, in fact the range of accommodation, different grading standards and slower pace of life “African Time” can make travel on this continent daunting to many.

We’ve tried to simplify things by breaking down our tours into six categories or service levels that give you an indication of what to expect.

Be assured that whatever tour you choose, from Basic Journeys to Luxury Travel, on close scrutiny you’ll see that all of our itineraries have many unique value added inclusions.

Luxury travel:

The finest Africa has to offer

Exclusivity and designed to accommodate individual requirements. The ultimate in personal service and exclusive wildlife experiences. Luxury travel utilises intimate hideaways that offer you services like personal chefs, the best professional guides and luxurious transport.

Premier Tours:

All the unique and authentic experiences of Adventure Travel with a touch of elegance

For a superior safari where travel does not mean sacrificing comfort.  

If you want to explore Africa’s most spectacular destinations in style, then our premier Safaris are for you. You will stay in some of the most exquisite accommodation, those establishments committed to providing one with a quality wildlife and adventure safari experience. Available. Travelling in comfort by road or air, whilst still experiencing the spirit of the destination. The food will be exquisite and most meals are included. A truly original travel experience

Classic Tours:

Experience the charm of Africa in comfort 

Classic tours are a perfect way to experience the culture, wildlife, history and highlights of a destination, with a level of comfort and organisation that allows you relax and enjoy an authentic travel experience without having to rough it. Expect accommodations handpicked for their great locations, upgraded amenities, facilities and service.

The majority of meals are included in the tour fare with an occasional optional dinner in locations where there is a good choice of local restaurants.

Activities included on the itinerary are core tour experiences or highlights and usually primary reasons for booking in the 1st place. While this service level offers a greater number of inclusions — it still offers the flexibility to do your own thing.

Depending on your itinerary, you’ll get around in Safari Mini Vans, Land Cruisers, Land Rovers; Custom built safari vehicles, trains and planes.

Optional single supplements are available on all Classic Tours. If you are a single traveller and do not choose an optional single supplement single person supplement we will try to match you with another single traveller. If we are unable to match you satisfactorily with another single traveller we do require a single supplement to be paid.

Group Size: Generally 4 to 7 people and the tour groups rarely exceed 12. Contact us and a travel consultant will gladly brief you on group sizes and make up – something we take great care with.

Adventurer Tours:

Immerse yourself in the African wilderness separated only by canvas like an explorer of old

Possibly the ultimate way to experience Africa. Get under the skin of the world’s most exciting continent through in-depth encounters with the local community. Adventurer tours utilise a combination of great campsites with some nights on a twin-share bases in hotels and lodges where we utilise comfortable tourist class establishments with en-suite bathrooms, running hot water, welcoming restaurants and other facilities. Accommodation that reflects your destination’s character.

Our Adventure tours offer great value for money, and are pretty much all-inclusive, so whilst they may seem a bit more expensive than our competitor offerings, travellers are encouraged to compare in detail. We utilise insect proof 2.5m x 2.5m canvass tents with plenty of room to stand up in. These tours require very little participation in everyday chores and with small groups assisted by two and sometimes three experienced crew we are able to provide you with an excellent guided safari.

Adventurer safaris are about pushing one´s mental and physical boundaries within individual capacity, whilst making sure there is always time to relax. Adventurer tours are exciting and allow travellers to step outside of their comfort zones in a safe way, from unique tribal encounters to hot air ballooning, overland travel, township and ghetto excursions, game viewing, trekking, bungee jumping, mountain biking and white water rafting….

Of course, you’ll retain local colour with some travel by public transportation but most often you’ll enjoy the convenience of private vehicles.

In locations where travellers like to have the choice of what they want to do, activities and excursions have been left as optional.

Meals are pretty much included on all days and prepared by your guides. The food is simple, wholesome and healthy. Your “expert” cook is sure to throw in some traditional African cuisine. Special diets can usually be catered for – just let us know your requirements in advance. Travellers on our Adventure tours very often tell us that the food is excellent, preferable to hotel meals, and always plentiful.

On these tours you have the option of paying a single supplement and staying on your own. If you are a single traveller and do not choose an optional single supplement, we will try to match you with another single traveller. If we are unable to match you satisfactorily with another single traveller we do not require a single supplement to be paid.

Group Size: Generally 6-8 people and tour groups rarely exceed 16.

Explorer Tours:

This is pioneering travel where Africa is an open book

Ground breaking small group travel and extraordinary experiences. Push the boundaries of conventional travel experiences and reach some of Africa´s most remote places on these dynamic itineraries. You may have to give up your creature comforts to go off the beaten track, experience challenging terrain and explore rugged locations in Africa that few have ventured to.

Unforgettable travel. On our Explorer Tours we will utilise a mix of Mobile Safari Camping, Lodges, Village Stays, Local Hotels and Guest Houses.

Basic Journeys:

This is grassroots travel limited only by your imagination  

The richest travel experiences often come at a competitive price and sometimes for free! Embrace Africa like a local along with the security and convenience of small group travel. Jump on colourful matatus, taste authentic cuisines at side street cafes, play soccer on a beach and discover the rich culture from day one. We have covered the basics of your tour but you have the ultimate freedom and flexibly to carve your own path and choose your experiences and activities on a day to day basis.

Spend your nights camping under a blanket of stars and warm your hands on a blazing camp fire. Facilities and bathrooms will be simple but clean and well kept. You will have had a personalized experience that no one else can ever relive; and that is a treasure that deserves to be called rich.

When it comes to getting around, public transport is often the best and most colourful way to go. Alternatively, travel is by private van, coach and custom built overland safari vehicles.

Group Size: Generally 12 to 14 travellers and sometimes up to 21.