Travel Notices

The Friendly Planet Newsletter

Published Jul 30, 2022
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Photo by Bibhash (knapsnack.life) Banerjee on Unsplash
 
There’s nothing like a safari
 
Whether you’ve been on a safari drive before or are dreaming about setting off soon, there’s nothing in the world quite like the thrill of observing some of the world’s most incredible wildlife in their native habitat. It’s nothing like the zoo experiences you may have had; it’s witnessing every creature going about its day-to-day—grazing, hunting, resting, watching over its young, and curiously exploring the beautiful untouched world around them.
 
We’ve been helping adventurous travelers on safari for more than 40 years, and we'd like to share a few tips to help you make the most of your own safari experience!
 
 
 1 
 
Be prepared for anything. From the South African bush to the Masai Mara’s expansive plains, each safari drive is like a snowflake—unique! From bringing layered clothing for comfort as the pre-dawn chill gives way to midday sunshine to the bumps on the road along the way, it’s essential to go into the experience prepared and with an open mind. There are no timetables for when lions have lunch and where to find elephants at sunset. Instead, a vast array of animals and birds are there for the finding, just for you!
 
 
 
 2 
 
Trust your guide. Our talented driver/guides cannot wait to show you around, and they’ve had decades of experience helping travelers from all over the world have the best experience possible. Of course, listening to their instructions for your safety is critical, but they’re there for more than that! Ask questions—they love to share their knowledge. If you have special interests (looking at you, birders and plant people!), let your guides know—while they’ll need to balance the needs of all the participants in the group, they’ll be sure to point out things you want to see!
 
 
 
 3 
 
Take lots of pictures. Indeed, the tenth time you see the zebra may not be as exciting as the first, but here’s our pro tip: take the picture anyway! You never know if you’ll be presented with a better-framed shot, so snap away. You can always delete the duplicates later. Be sure to bring extra batteries, memory cards, and cords so you can recharge and prepare between drives.
 
 
 
Kenya Safari Express
 
Kenya Safari Express
 
The perfect taste of Kenya: Nairobi, plus a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, a game drive in Hell's Gate & 3 game drives in Masai Mara
 
FROM
  
FROM
  
$3249
   
$2449
   
7
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy, during sale*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Kenya Wildlife Safari
 
Kenya Wildlife Safari
 
Nairobi, then 9 game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara; Stay in superior Nairobi hotels & safari lodges. Also available with Victoria Falls.
 
FROM
  
FROM
  
$4749
   
$3949
   
10
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy, during sale*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Kenya Wildlife Safari with Victoria Falls
 
Kenya Wildlife Safari with Victoria Falls
 
Nairobi, then 9 game drives in Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara; Stay in superior Nairobi hotels & safari lodges, All this plus the majestic Victoria Falls.
 
FROM
  
$6249
   
14
W/ FLIGHTS
DAYS
per person, double occupancy, during sale*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Best of Kenya & Tanzania Safari
 
Best of Kenya & Tanzania Safari
 
Nairobi & the ultimate safari: 14 game drives in Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro
 
FROM
  
$6999
   
14
W/ FLIGHTS
DAYS
per person, double occupancy, during sale*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Best of South Africa
 
Best of South Africa
 
Johannesburg & Cape Town, 3 game drives in Kruger and a private conservancy, plus a bush walk; stay in upscale hotels throughout.
 
FROM
  
FROM
  
$4299
   
$3299
   
12
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy, during sale*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Best of South Africa with Victoria Falls
 
Best of South Africa with Victoria Falls
 
Victoria Falls, Johannesburg & Cape Town, 3 game drives in Kruger and a private conservancy, plus a bush walk; stay in upscale hotels throughout.
 
FROM
  
FROM
  
$6199
   
$5199
   
15
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy, during sale*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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