
Planning with confidence
Your questions,
thoughtfully answered.
Planning a private journey through Africa should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Here are considered answers to the questions our travellers ask most often. If yours is not here, our team will answer it personally.
Clarity from the start
Good to
know.
Every journey begins with a conversation and comes with guidance tailored to the places you will visit, from luggage and entry requirements to tipping and what to expect at each stay.
Ask us a questionWhat does Travel African Time specialise in?
We design private, tailor-made journeys across Southern Africa, East Africa and the Indian Ocean. Our work includes luxury safaris, city and Winelands stays, private villas, island escapes, multi-country journeys, family travel, honeymoons and privately guided experiences.
Why plan with an Africa-based travel specialist?
Being based in Africa gives us a close understanding of how seasons, regional flights, border logistics, guiding and different styles of stay fit together. We combine that knowledge with trusted relationships across the continent, then manage every element as one considered journey.
Do I need exact travel dates before contacting you?
No. A preferred month, season or even a general idea is enough to begin. We will help you consider the best timing for the places and experiences that matter to you before the journey is shaped in detail.
When is the best time to visit Africa?
There is no single best month for an entire continent. The right time depends on the wildlife, landscapes, coastlines, cultures and experiences you would most like to encounter. We match each journey to the relevant regions and seasons rather than treating Africa as one climate.
How far ahead should I plan?
For sought-after camps, private villas, family holiday periods and distinctive seasonal experiences, planning 9–15 months ahead usually offers the strongest choice. Beautiful journeys can sometimes be created at shorter notice, particularly when your dates are flexible.
How is my journey designed?
We begin by listening: who is travelling, how you like to spend your time and what you hope to feel and discover. Your journey curator then considers seasonality, routing, pace, character of stay and the practical details that allow the experience to unfold naturally.
What budget should I allow for my journey?
The cost of a private African journey depends on the season, route, level of privacy, remoteness, internal flights and style of accommodation. Once we understand your priorities and preferred budget, we can recommend the right approach and present the costs and inclusions clearly.
Do you charge a separate planning fee?
We do not charge a separate fee for arranging the travel services included in your journey. Your proposal will set out the confirmed costs and inclusions clearly before you decide to proceed.
What level of accommodation do you arrange?
We specialise in considered luxury travel: intimate safari camps, exceptional lodges, private villas, design-led city retreats, country houses and remarkable island stays. We value character, service and a genuine sense of place as highly as conventional luxury.
Are your journeys private?
Your journey is designed around your travelling party, dates, interests and preferred pace. Some scheduled regional flights or shared lodge activities may form part of the route; where greater privacy matters, we can discuss private guiding, vehicles, transfers and exclusive-use stays.
Are website prices and availability confirmed?
No. Website from prices are planning guides, not live booking prices. We personally confirm availability, the correct seasonal rate, room configuration, inclusions and any qualifying privilege before presenting your proposal.
Can you arrange flights?
We can arrange the regional and domestic flights that form part of your African journey, together with light-aircraft connections and private transfers. International flights are considered individually, depending on the journey and point of departure.
Is safari safe?
The properties and partners we recommend follow established safety procedures and use professionally trained guides. We prepare you before departure, remain available while you travel and ask that local and guide instructions are followed at all times.
What should I pack?
Most safaris call for comfortable neutral layers, a warm outer layer, sun protection and well-worn shoes. Light aircraft often require soft-sided luggage and strict weight limits. We provide guidance tailored to your route before departure.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
Many lodges provide Wi-Fi, although speed and coverage vary in remote places. Some stays intentionally keep connectivity limited. We will explain what to expect at each property before you travel.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Usually, yes. Please share dietary requirements, allergies and relevant medical information early so that we can confirm suitable arrangements with every property and supplier involved.
Do you arrange family and multi-generational journeys?
Yes. We consider children’s ages, room configurations, private vehicles, activity restrictions, malaria considerations and a pace that allows every generation to enjoy the journey together.
Do you arrange honeymoons and celebrations?
Yes. We design private honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone journeys with discretion, choosing places and experiences that feel personal rather than formulaic.
Do I need travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be required under our booking terms. Cover should suit your destinations, activities, medical needs and cancellation exposure. Policy wording should always be confirmed directly with your insurer.
What about visas and health requirements?
Requirements depend on nationality, routing and personal circumstances, and they can change. We provide planning guidance, but current entry and health requirements should be confirmed with the relevant authorities and a qualified travel-health professional.
Will someone help while I am travelling?
Yes. We manage your journey before departure and remain close while you travel, supported by trusted partners on the ground and 24-hour assistance for urgent matters.
