Frequently Asked Questions

Which destination is best for me?
Never been to Africa before? Click here
First time travelers
Who is Absolute Adventure Travel?
Why should we book with Absolute Adventure Travel?
Will I get Value For Money?
What is the accommodation going to be like?
Should we take the kids?
What clothes will we need?
Communications
How long should our vacation be?
Do you offer Group Travel?
Will we be traveling with a group?
How do we get to Africa?
Laundry
Will we need special medication?
Safari Guides and Rangers
Who leads the trips?
Who will meet me when I arrive in Africa?
Safari Vehicles
Typical day on safari
When is the best time to go on a safari?
Will we need visas?
Can I use a credit card to pay for my safari?
Can you arrange a trip for persons located outside the United States?

How do I decide where to travel in Africa?

This is the question we are most frequently asked, and it is a good one. Africa is a huge continent and offers a bewildering array of vacation destinations. We will help you sort through the choices.

We travel to many destinations in Africa each year, inspecting literally hundreds of new properties and checking up on old favorites. So, we have personal knowledge of which camps are good, where the game viewing is good, which are easy to get to and, most importantly, those places that do not meet our standards and where you do not want to go.

Below is a very brief introduction to each of the countries in 'Tourist Africa' but, please, call us to discuss your plans so we can share our experience and knowledge with you - in the Houston area 713 807 9620 or Toll Free 1 800 298 1312.

First time travelers to Africa should consider Tanzania or South Africa. Tanzania offers more 'cultural' experiences, South Africa is much more like 'home' but with the thrills of African wildlife.

East Africa Countries - Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Kenya is the classic colonial Africa and the original home of the 'safari' as made popular by the wealthy of Europe. This is the Africa you see in movies like "Out of Africa". The problem with its popularity is that Kenya has become home to the 'package tour safari' where hundreds of passengers are crammed into mini-buses and rushed from destination to destination; it's uncomfortable, the driving exhausting and the accommodations below standard.

In particular, you should be aware that the two staples of most Kenya itineraries, the Eastern Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park, are both within easy driving distance of Nairobi and, as a result, are flooded with budget travelers. Be aware of any itinerary that takes you to the Eastern Masai Mara; too many mini-vans and terrible accommodations. The only camp that meets our standards in Amboseli is Tortillis.

The Western Masai Mara is totally different. It typically requires a flight to get there which makes it unattractive to package tour operators. The private camps here are luxurious and exclusive properties. You may have seen the 'Big Cats Diary' - it was filmed in the Western Masai Mara.

There are other beautiful destinations in Kenya, and to find them you have to get off the beaten track, typically flying, rather than driving, from property to property.

Special Attractions: Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park, Tsavo National Park, The Rift Valley Lakes, Mombasa, Malindi, south and north coast.

Tanzania - A real favorite of ours and our clients. Tanzania offers so much, both for first time and seasoned Africa travelers.

Tanzania is home to the Great Migration (hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra roaming the Serengeti plains in search of fresh grass), the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro. A safari here that combines luxury mobile tented safaris with lodges is the ideal first time safari. Please see our Tanzania Hemingway Safari for our suggested itinerary.

There is much more to Tanzania than the natural wonders mentioned above. It has some of the finest cultural experiences with opportunities to visit the Maasai tribesmen and San Bushmen. The very best place to experience the culture of the Maasai, in a completely natural setting and as it has been since the dawn of time, is Sinya Camp on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro.

For the seasoned traveler there are the chimpanzee destinations of Gombe Stream and Mahale, both of which have luxurious camps.

In the South are two really first class destinations that are typically off the beaten path, the Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. In the Selous we recommend staying at the Sand Rivers Lodge, it is fabulous and one of our Top 5 Camps in Africa. In the Ruaha we really enjoy Mwagusi Camp, a luxury tented camp ideally situated for really good game viewing.

And, we should not forget the coast, which is beautiful and offers a variety of first class destinations from private islands such as Mnemba Island, the cultural experiences of Stone Town in Zanzibar where the Serena is the preferred hotel, and a number of private camps along the coast. If relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean is in your plans then we will be more than happy to advise you in where best to stay.

Special Attractions: Great Migration, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean coast.

Our departures for Tanzania leave every day of the year. For current availability on our Scheduled Departures please click here.

Uganda - The primary reason to travel to Uganda today is to see the magnificent Mountain Gorillas of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Chimpanzees at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. A portion of the costs of every vacation we book to Ngamba is passed directly to the Jane Goodall Institute, and, they are matched 100% by Absolute Adventure Travel. Not only do you have a wonderful vacation but your funds are helping one of the better conservation programs in the world.

The other wildlife destinations within Uganda are, we feel, a few years away from regaining their former glory and we recommend passing for now.

A visit to Uganda is the ideal addition to a safari in either Tanzania or Kenya. The flight to Entebbe, from Nairobi, is short, about an hour or so, on one of Keya Airways very modern fleet of Boeing jets.

Special Attractions: Gorilla treks in Bwindi National Park, the Chimpanzee's of Ngamba Island, Murchinson Falls, Nile River, Kibale National Park, Ruwenzori Mountains, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Our departures for Uganda leave every day of the year.

Southern Africa - Countries: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

South Africa is the most modern, or westernized, country in Africa. It offers the visitor the opportunity to combine the 'modern' joys of Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, golf and luxury trains with some of the very best game viewing in Africa. There are many first class safari destinations, but our preference is for the Sabi Sands, an exclusive area along the South Western edge of the Kruger National Park. Here you will find several of the most luxurious and comfortable private game lodges and, unquestionably, some of the finest game viewing in the world.

South Africa offers tremendous opportunities for the first time visitor to Africa. A typical itinerary will include Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and, from July through November, Grootbos for unequalled whale watching, before heading north to two or three different safari camps in and around the Kruger National Park. Please see our Exploring South Africa as a suggested itinerary for first time visitors.

Special Attractions: Mpumalanga region (Kruger National Park), Pilgrim's Rest, Blyde River Canyon, KwaZulu-Natal (Drakensberg Mountains, Durban), Western Cape (Cape Town, Peninsula, Winelands, Garden Route) and Sun City.

Our departures for South Africa leave every day of the year.

Botswana is a great favorite of ours. The Okavango Delta offers some wonderful and unique game viewing opportunities with its mixture of water and land based activities. It is also home to some of the most exclusive camps in all Africa. The experience of total relaxation as your ranger poles your mokoro through the beautiful streams and marshes of the delta is one you will never forget. The game is spectacular and the bird life is extraordinary.

There is so much to do here, with several camps offering specific activities such as elephant back safaris, mokoro rides, boat rides, and game drives. For experienced horse riders there is nothing like a safari with African Horse Back Safaris.

Botswana can be your sole destination or, an addition to a South African or Namibian vacation.

Special Attractions: Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve & Okavango Region, Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve.

For first time travelers to Africa we would suggest adding Botswana to a South African itinerary. Our suggested itineraries, The Finest of Southern Africa and Exclusive Southern Africa, are just two examples of vacations that combine more than one of the countries of Southern Africa.

Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. There is the brooding desolate Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thornbush savanna and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fish River Canyon in the South. In the North of the country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha pan, to woodland savanna and lush riverine vegetation.

This is a very different vacation experience. Namibia is where you find the huge sand dunes of Sossusvlei, the remote beauty of the Skeleton Coast, the rare desert elephant, and the game viewing of Estosha. Namibia is typically a destination chosen by our guests that have previous Africa experience.

Special Attractions: Namib-Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Etosha National Park, Kaokoveld, Fish River Canyon, Damaraland and Caprivi Strip.

We suggest these two itineraries for you in Namibia, Desert and Sea and The Skeleton Coast and Safari.

Our departures for Namibia leave every day of the year.

Zambia is a fantastic destination. For the first time visitor it has Victoria Falls, which are a 'must see' and a good addition to Botswana or South African vacations. For the more seasoned traveler we highly recommend the fabulous camps of the South Luangwa Valley.

Zambia offers a wonderfully remote opportunity to view the wildlife. Being remote does not make the lodges any less comfortable, indeed one of the nicest camps we have ever been lucky enough to experience, Tena Tena, is in the South Luangwa Valley and about as far from civilization as the average visitor to Africa is likely to get. The game is plentiful, the accommodations superb and the sense of being in "real Africa" makes this a first class destination.

If the idea of a walking safari appeals then this is probably the number one destination where you are able to walk where it is quite possible that no human has ever walked before...all the time staying in a luxurious mobile tented safari - just imagine.

Special Attractions: Livingstone Town, Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Liuwa Plain National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park, South Luangwa National Park.

Zimbabwe is one of the great safari destinations in the world. We are aware of the political situation and caution you not to travel to the major metropolitan areas. Victoria Falls are a truly magnificent sight, almost too great to comprehend at one viewing. The town itself is delightful with lovely people, good restaurants and hotels and probably the best shopping bargains in Africa.

Just outside of Victoria Falls, about 15 miles upstream on the Zambezi River, is the exclusive game reserve of Matetsi which has 2 wonderful, luxurious, camps, one right on the banks of the mighty river. This is an ideal place to stay as it offers you the opportunity to enjoy fabulous game safaris while also visiting the Falls.

Special Attractions: Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi Valley & Mana Pools, Gonarezhou National Park, Save River Conservancy, Chimanimani, Hwange National Park, Eastern Highlands, Great Zimbabwe and Matobo Hills National Park.

Never been to Africa before?

As first time travelers to Africa you are well advised to focus your vacation research on either South Africa or Tanzania. Both offer fabulous vacation opportunities, both are easy to get to and both are tourist friendly. Each country offers something slightly different and to help you decide between them these very 'general' guidelines and our suggested itineraries for your first visit to Africa will assist you:

South Africa is the most modern, or westernized, country in Africa. It offers the visitor the opportunity to combine the 'modern' joys of the Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, golf and luxury trains with some of the very best game viewing in Africa. The Sabi Sands, an area of several of the most luxurious and comfortable private game lodges, bordering the Western edge of the Kruger National Park has, unquestionably, some of the finest game viewing in the world.

South Africa offers tremendous opportunities for the first time visitor to Africa. A typical itinerary will include Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and, from July through November, Grootbos for unequalled whale watching, before heading north to two or three different safari camps in and around the Kruger National Park.

Your accommodations will be luxurious throughout; 5 Star hotel in Cape Town, the fabulous private nature reserve of Grootbos, Le Quartier Francais is one of the most comfortable places we have ever stayed, (and its restaurant is ranked in the Top 50 in the world!) and the 5 Star private game reserves of the Sabi Sands.

Please see our Exploring South Africa as a suggested itinerary for first time visitors.

Tanzania - A real favorite of ours and our clients. Tanzania offers so much, both for first time and seasoned Africa travelers. As First Time Travelers to Africa we recommend that you visit the classic parks of Tanzania on its 'Northern Circuit'; the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania is home to the Great Migration (hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra roaming the Serengeti plains in search of fresh grass), the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro. A safari here that combines luxury mobile tented safaris with lodges is the ideal first time safari.

Please see our Tanzania Hemingway Safari for our suggested itinerary.

There is much more to Tanzania than the natural wonders mentioned above. It has some of the finest cultural experiences with opportunities to visit the Maasi tribesmen and San Bushmen. The very best place to experience the culture of the Maasai, in a completely natural setting and as it has been since the dawn of time, is Sinya Camp on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro.

A word on 'tented': The luxury safari tent, be it mobile or permanent, bares no resemblance to your usual idea of a tent. The safari tents are huge, the ceiling 8 feet or higher, they have twin or double beds - proper beds not camp beds, they have dressing areas, en suite bathrooms and, believe it or not, flushing toilets! You will have a 'Butler' assigned to you who will look after you while you are in camp, you have tea or coffee brought to you when you wake up, your laundry is done every day, you are escorted to and from your tent. In short, a luxury tented safari is exactly that - luxurious.

A safari in Tanzania that combines luxury mobile tented safaris with lodges is the ideal first time safari. Please see our Tanzania Hemingway Safari for our suggested itinerary.

Suggested Itineraries for your first Safari:

Exploring South Africa
Tanzania Hemingway Safari

Please call us to talk about your plans. We help many people each year with their first safari. We love to share our knowledge and experience and will be delighted to assist you with your vacation planning.

Houston metro: 713.807.9620
Toll Free: 800.298.1312

We look forward to talking with you.

Who is Absolute Adventure Travel?

Absolute Adventure Travel was founded by Graham Farebrother in 1997 and is based in Houston, Texas.

We offer personal travel planning to a few exclusive destinations in the world: Nepal, Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos and, our most popular destination, photo safaris in Africa.

Every one of our sales team has traveled extensively in the areas they represent and can offer you personal insight into the country, destination, or camp to help you decide whether it is right for you.

Why should we book with Absolute Adventure Travel?

Three very simple reasons:

1. Our knowledge: We personally check out each camp, lodge or mobile safari. If a property does not meet our stringent standards then we do not include it in our itineraries. You may be interested to know that many more properties fail to meet our standards than make or exceed them.

2. Our experience: The approval rating from our clients is exceptionally high and many are repeat customers.

3. Value for money: The vacation we arrange for you will cost you less than you can arrange it for. Feel free to compare our prices with others offering the same high quality vacations and you'll see exactly what we mean.

Accommodations

The question we are most frequently asked is "How are the accommodations?" The answer, quite simply, first class. Whether you are staying in a mobile-tented camp in Tanzania, a permanent tented camp in the Luangwa Valley or the Okavango Delta, or one of the private cottages in the Sabi Sands, the accommodations are luxurious. We love it, and so will you.

Luxurious Africa

One of the toughest challenges we face each day is explaining to our clients that their accommodations not just be comfortable, they will be luxurious. It seems, that no matter what we say, people are determined that a safari means 'roughing it' - nothing could be further from the truth. If you would like a copy of our CD Luxurious Africa please contact us here.

Each of our itineraries includes a detailed description of the properties it includes.

Hotels: We rarely use hotels in our itineraries. The notable exception being Cape Town and Johannesburg where we use first class properties. In Cape Town we prefer the Cape Grace as it is small, ideally situated and first class throughout. In Johannesburg we prefer the Michelangelo or the Saxon and for clients who are just staying overnight before flying on to their next destination, the Intercontinental at the airport.

Lodges: The lodges we use are all four star, five star or better. The majority are small and intimate, accommodating perhaps sixteen or twenty guests. Without exception, they offer first class service, knowledgeable and experienced staff, excellent food and have wonderful ambiance.

Tented Camps: The luxury safari tent, be it mobile or permanent, bares no resemblance to your usual idea of a tent. The safari tents are huge, the ceiling 8 feet or higher, they have twin or double beds - proper beds not camp beds, they have dressing areas, en suite bathrooms and, believe it or not, flushing toilets! You will have a 'Butler' assigned to you who will look after you while you are in camp, you have tea or coffee brought to you when you wake up, your laundry is done every day, you are escorted to and from your tent. In short, a luxury tented safari is exactly that - luxurious.

Is Africa a good family destination?

Yes! Definitely take the children. They will love it and, so will you. We regularly take our families. Very young children are not well suited to safaris but from 5 years or so, children are fabulous safari companions.

Here is the proof, from one of many happy clients:

"Simply the best educational experience our children could ever have". S. Stuckey, Houston, USA.

Certain lodges cater specifically to children, (some specifically do not), many have swimming pools, offer specially trained rangers who will look after the children, and baby sitters to allow the parents to fully enjoy the vacation too.

We will plan your vacation to make sure that everyone has a great time.

Clothing

It is easy to pack for your safari. You will be spending most of your time outdoors, even your evening meals will often be enjoyed under the stars, and you should dress accordingly. Casual clothes, typically khaki or a similar unobtrusive color work best - things you don't mind getting dusty. Daily laundry service is the norm so you do not need to pack a lot.

If you are flying on charter flights or light aircraft there will be a strict weight limit set for your safety. This is typically 26 pounds per person. This sounds horrifically little for those of us used to traveling with two or three bags but, remember that you are in the bush and you will have laundry every day.

We will provide you with a detailed clothing list when you make your reservation.

Communications

Almost every lodge has phone communications to the outside world. We will provide you with a list of telephone numbers to leave with colleagues and family so that they can reach you in an emergency.

Duration

We would suggest that 10 days is the minimum time you should plan on spending in Africa, and the longer you have to travel the better.

Group Travel

Typically, we do not offer group or scheduled departures. We do, however, arrange group travel for individual groups with common interests; photographers, bird watchers, friends and family. We also arrange the travel programs for the Houston Museum of Natural Science and they do have a group traveling to Tanzania on a very special itinerary - HMNS Tantalizing Tanzania.

Most of our travel arrangements are for 2 to 10 people, who wish to have a vacation designed to meet their specific needs.

In Tanzania we do offer scheduled departures for our Hemingway Safari and you fill find a schedule of dates still available here. These trips are priced for a minimum number of four guests and typically have a maximum of eight. This itinerary is the same very high standard as all our itineraries, and in fact, if you have a group of four or more, you may book it as your own private departure.

How do I get to Africa?

Africa can be reached by regular international flights to its major cites. If you are traveling to East Africa then all routes go via Europe, either through London on British Airways, or another major European city on other national carriers. Your ultimate destination will be Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International. The easiest route into Tanzania is on Northwest/KLM via Amsterdam on the direct flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

For Southern Africa the most direct route is on South African Airways from Atlanta or New York on direct flights to Johannesburg or Cape Town.

We have access to very competitive airfares and the majority of our suggested itineraries include all your flights. We will be happy to assist you with all your flight plans.

Laundry

Most lodges and safari camps offer daily laundry service.

Medication

Certain areas of Africa are not Malaria-free, so you should take precautions. You should advise your doctor of your vacation plans and follow his advice.

Safari Guides and Rangers

Your safari guide is the key to a successful vacation. We make sure that you only have well trained, educated, English speaking guides. Our guides love their country, its natural resources and cultural history and they thrive on sharing their knowledge with you. Their enthusiasm makes your vacation very special.

Some camps also provide a tracker to assist the ranger in tracking the game.

Simply put, our guides are the best.

Who leads the trips?

Graham Farebrother leads a few trips each year and these are open to all to join on a first come basis. Most vacations, however, are unaccompanied and our representatives in Africa will be your local guides and advisors.

Some of our guests prefer that a guide travel with them throughout their safari and we have some of the very best professional guides available should you too wish for this service. Please call us to discuss this option. In Houston 713.807.9620 or Toll Free 800.298.1312.

Who will meet me when I arrive in Africa?

In each country or region of Africa, we have an established network of local representatives who will meet you at the airport and act as your primary contact during your vacation and return you to the airport for your flight home.

In South Africa our representative meet you at the airport and assist you with your bags and drive you to your first destination. They will discuss your itinerary with you and provide you with any vouchers you might need. They will be available twenty four hours a day to answer and questions you may have.

In East Africa our representative meets you at the airport and drives you to your first destination. You will then meet up with your safari guide and driver who will be your personal guide for the whole of your stay.

If you prefer to have professional guide travel with you, and many of clients enjoy this, we have some of the very best in the business. Just let us know and we will arrange it for you.

Typical day on safari

Your safari will usually involve 2 game drives each day in an open Land Rover or Land Cruiser. Vehicles in the National Parks in East Africa have to be enclosed, so they all have roof hatches that allow you free access and are particularly useful for photographers. The game drives are designed to catch the animals when most active, being early morning around sunrise and late afternoon and dusk.

Meal schedules vary from camp to camp, but typically are tea or coffee served in your room at wake up, followed by a light snack before the game drive.

During the morning game drive you will stop to stretch your legs, enjoy more tea, coffee and snacks. When you get back to the camp you will be served brunch or lunch.

After lunch your ranger is usually available to take you for a short walk in the bush before the afternoon game drive starts around 4pm.

During the afternoon game drive you will stop for Sundowners, a wonderful colonial African tradition of enjoying a cocktail, beer or glass of wine while watching the sunset. When you return from the game drive you will be served dinner, typically outside.

Customized Safari Vehicles

In East Africa we use only four wheel drive safari vehicles and we put a maximum of four guests in a vehicle ensuring that you have lots of space and that everyone has a window seat. Special arrangements can be made for groups of five.

In Southern Africa the individual camps and private game reserves will provide the safari vehicles which are typically open Land Rovers or Land Cruisers specially designed for ideal game viewing.

Value For Money

Because we generate a substantial volume of business to the hotels, lodges and camps that we recommend we are able to negotiate preferential terms. We pass those savings along to you. We offer the very highest quality vacations at very competitive prices.

You may be able to find a lower priced vacation, but not with the same high level of services and accommodations - as with most things in life you get what you pay for…

Can you arrange a trip for persons located outside the United States?

Yes, we have many clients from outside America. We can make all arrangements in Africa including transportation, accommodation and activities.

When is the best time to go on a safari?

It really depends on the country you wish to visit. Certain reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year.

We like the African winter (June - August) as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier. Water is in short supply so the animals are typically concentrated at whatever water remains.

If the Great Migration is something you want to see then the very best place to see it is in Tanzania in February when many hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra gather in the short grass plains on the borders of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro for their annual calving. Either of these itineraries can be booked for the Great Migration in February - Hemingway's Tanzania and Tantalizing Tanzania.

Botswana: All year round. Best birding: Nov-March. Best botanical months: Dec-May. Peak season: July-October. Middle season: May-June.

Kenya: All year round. Great Migration: June-September - very hard to predict arrival.

Namibia: All year round. Best birding: summer (Nov-April). Best botanical months: Dec-May. Peak season: July-October. Middle season: May-June.

South Africa: All year round. Best game viewing, Kruger National Park: winter (May-August). Southern regions: summer destination (Sept-April).

Tanzania: All year round. Best climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Aug-Oct and Jan-March. Great migration: January to March and June to July.

Uganda: All year round. Day temperatures range between 77° and 95° F. January is the hottest month. In general there are two main rainy seasons: March - May and October - November.

Zambia: Many lodges are closed Nov-May. Victoria Falls spectacular after rains: April-May.

Zimbabwe: All year round. Best white-water rafting: Aug-Dec. Best botanical months: Dec-May. Peak season: July-Oct. Middle season: May-June.

Will we need visas?

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas - this depends on the country you are visiting. It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country that you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements.

Please call us for current details - In Houston 713 807 9620 or Toll Free 800 298 1312.

Can I use a credit card to pay for my safari?

Yes. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.