We start with a 20-minute planning call so I can get to know you as travelers: your travel style; your interests (wildlife, culture, food, wellness, adventure); your non-negotiables; your preferred pace; and your budget and season. It's where I help you sharpen your ideas, and where we both find out whether I'm the right advisor for you.
To start planning your itinerary, I charge a $250 planning fee, credited in full toward your booked trip and non-refundable if you don’t book. I brief the property before you arrive — that's what the fee funds. It covers the time it takes to (1) check availability and request holds at the hotels, lodges and camps that fit; (2) talk through options with the local operators I book with; (3) build a custom itinerary, often with more than one option; and (4) do the planning properly.
Once the planning fee is in, I get to work:
A. The shape of the trip: I turn your goals into a plan: destinations, pacing, season, wildlife patterns and the kinds of experiences you want.
B. Logistics: I work through internal flights, seasonality and lodge availability to find the routing that works best.
C. Recommendations and draft: You receive (a) a custom itinerary; (b) 2–3 variations if needed; (c) the hotels, lodges and camps I recommend, and why; (d) experience recommendations; (e) clear pricing, indicative until booked; (f) seasonal wildlife notes; (g) routing maps.
This is where your ideas become a real trip.
I adjust the plan until it feels right.
Once you approve it, I book the trip with the hotels, lodges, camps, airlines and local operators: accommodation, flights and transfers (internal, plus international if you like), guided activities with the camps’ and operators’ own guides, and permits (gorilla trekking, park fees, balloon flights and so on). Bookings go through Fora Travel, my host agency, which handles the booking back office; payments run through Fora or directly to the suppliers, depending on the booking. Through Fora Reserve and hotel brands’ own advisor programs, many properties add perks such as breakfast, resort credits or upgrades where available. Before you leave, you get packing lists, travel tips, destination briefings and a digital travel dossier with everything you need.
Once you’re on the road, I’m still your point of contact.
How support works: I stay your point of contact before and during the trip.
The local operators I book with provide 24/7 support on the ground by phone and WhatsApp, with me as backup. If a flight changes, something is delayed or plans shift, I work with them and the suppliers to sort it out.
Lodge, camp and hotel teams have your itinerary before you arrive.
Someone always knows where you are and what comes next.
How far in advance should I start planning?Peak-season safaris and island lodges often book 9–12 months in advance.
Other trips can be planned 4–6 months out. Earlier gives you more choice.
What is included in the $250 planning fee?It covers the time it takes to plan a custom itinerary, including hotel and lodge availability and holds, routing, and conversations with the local operators I book with. The fee is credited in full toward your booked trip, and non-refundable if you don’t book. I brief the property before you arrive — that's what the fee funds.
Do you run group tours?No. I plan only private itineraries. Every trip is planned from scratch.
What does a typical trip cost?Most travelers spend $6,000–$18,000 per person depending on destination, season, and length.
The most luxurious itineraries can cost more.
How do payments work?Once you approve your itinerary, the hotels, lodges and camps usually require a deposit (typically 25–40%, depending on destination and supplier) to confirm, with the balance typically due 60–90 days before travel. Payments run through Fora Travel or directly to the suppliers, and each supplier’s payment and cancellation terms apply.
When is the best time to go on safari?Dry seasons (June–October) offer the most reliable wildlife viewing. Green seasons (November–May) are quieter, often less expensive, and very beautiful.
Is rainy season a bad time to travel?No. Green seasons mean lush landscapes, fewer people, excellent birding and big skies. Some regions are at their best then (for example, Botswana’s Okavango and Kenya’s December–March predator season).
How safe are the places you send people?I book with well-managed lodges and established local operators in conservation areas with strong guiding and safety standards.
What if something goes wrong on my trip?You have 24/7 support on the ground from the local operator, with me as your point of contact. I work with the operator, airlines and lodges on flight changes, weather, delays and any changes to the itinerary.
Is gorilla trekking difficult?It can be moderately strenuous. Fitness helps, and porters are essential (and directly support local communities).
Are night drives and walking safaris safe?Yes, when led by the camp’s or operator’s licensed, professional guides. I choose operators and lodges with strict safety standards.
What should I pack for safari? Neutral colors, light layers, comfortable shoes, and a soft-sided duffel. Your itinerary includes a packing list.
Do I need visas or vaccines? It depends on the destination. I send clear, current guidance for every traveler on the trip.
Do I need travel insurance? Yes. Comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended (and required in gorilla trekking countries).
Can I combine countries? Yes.
Common combinations include: Kenya + Uganda (gorillas); Zambia + Botswana; South Africa + Mozambique; Australia + New Zealand; Zambia + Zimbabwe + Namibia.
I’ll work out the routing.
Next Steps: If you're ready to begin, send a few details through the Plan Your Trip form or reach out directly.
I’ll take it from there and plan a trip that fits you.
Every trip begins with a 20-minute planning call. From there, a $250 planning fee, credited in full toward your booked trip and non-refundable if you don’t book. I brief the property before you arrive — that's what the fee funds.
Plan your trip
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