Our Safari vehicles
It is customary to use a 4X4 WD Landcruiser for a typical “African Safari” to accommodate the intense road conditions and rugged terrains in the wildlife areas each fitted with a mini-fridge and charging ports for your electronics, including mobile phones, laptops and cameras. The vehicles are built with the safety and comfort of each of our clients in mind. Each car has unrestricted panoramic views and a capacity of 6 clients, each guaranteed with a window seat with pockets to put your water and other smaller items (however, this may vary with other transporters). The vehicles are fitted with(GPS tracking and a pop-up roof to allow you to stand and capture your best images, a first aid kit, a mini fridge, 12v cigarette lighters, sliding windows and wi-fi on board). Pick-ups, drop-offs and safaris are done with these vehicle/s. The vehicle/s are exclusive to you and your group and not shared with strangers. If you are on a flying safari, your lodge or tented camp will have its own safari vehicles with open sides and each seat elevated to facilitate unparalleled game-viewing opportunities. Sharing a car with other guests is customary unless fully exclusive to you.
Pick up and drop off from the airport
When travelling with Flight and Safaris International, you do not need to make your transfer arrangements upon arrival and pre-departure in your holiday destination/s as we will do this on your behalf. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met with our meet greet and assist airport representatives, who will be happy to assist and guide you to your vehicle, ready to embark on your holiday experience. You will also receive support on your departure day to the airport, prepared to catch your next flight home or other holiday destinations.
Our drivers/ guides
Our drivers/ guides have vast experience and knowledge of flora and fauna. They come with high standards of professionalism. Most of them are multilingual, and their languages include English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and French. From your first day to the last day of safari, you will be assigned a full-time driver/guide. Our guides are polite, well-experienced, patient, respectful, and easy to banter. They are happy to help you with any questions or concerns during your trip.
International Flights
You can purchase your flights independently, which may be cheaper. However, there is less protection due to flight changes or cancellations. We would not be held responsible for any issues relating to flights booked elsewhere by you, but we are happy to offer our advice where we can. In this case, we recommend you purchase a travel insurance cover.
The most secure and highly advisable option is to purchase an ATOL-protected travel package, which includes flights. There are many flight options available working on the best routes. Flight tickets to African Countries are generally expensive during the peak seasons from July to October and December to January, with flights starting from £700+ for economy class and £1895 for business class, excluding your travel itinerary. It is always advisable to book your flights in advance for better prices.
Regional Flights: You can access other East African safari destinations through regional flights with Kenya Airways, which fly to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, and Kigali, Rwanda. Precision Air has daily flights to Kilimanjaro, and Rwandair flies daily from Nairobi to Kigali and Kigali to Dar es Salaam.
Please tell us where you want to go and when and leave the rest to us. Our destination tour representatives will provide meet-and-assist airport services upon arrival and departure dates.
Peak Tourist Seasons/High Tourist Seasons (July to October & December to March)
The seasons are characterized by dry weather, making them excellent for game viewing. However, weather patterns are unpredictable, and rain is expected at any time of the year. These seasons are the best times to visit. However, the prices of transport accommodation and park fees are high during this season due to supply and demand
Low Tourist Seasons/ Green Seasons ( April to June & November)
The seasons are characterized by wet months with heavy rainfalls. The quality of game viewing is affected due to dense vegetation and slippery roads. Accommodation prices, transport, and park fees are low due to fewer tourists, and it is a great time to enjoy value for your money if travelling on a budget.
Low Tourist Seasons/ Green Seasons ( April to June & November)
The seasons are characterized by wet months with heavy rainfalls. The quality of game viewing is affected due to dense vegetation and slippery roads. Accommodation prices, transport, and park fees are low due to fewer tourists, and it is a great time to enjoy value for your money if travelling on a budget.
Safari by Road
Most safaris are done by road using a custom built-in 4x4 WD safari Landcruiser for your comfort and a more authentic experience. We offer a wide selection of safaris by road. Usually, the safari begins and ends at point A, the site of the major international airport. Your journey starts with road transfers upon arrival with the services of an experienced driver/tour guide. Expect stretches of rugged terrain and long hours on the road for this type of experience. However, a road safari allows you to see and experience different parts of the country and interact with local communities, giving you an authentic African experience.
Safari by Air
If you seek to escape the hustle and bustle of road travel, time is of the essence, and you want to pack more into your holiday, we recommend domestic and regional flying safari transfers using scheduled or chartered aircraft. The flying safaris offer a thrilling experience for your safari. Travelling by air, you will enjoy magnificent game-viewing opportunities over the game reserves or national parks on your way to your reserved accommodation. We remind all our clients that a maximum travel luggage allowance of 15 kg soft bags is allowed on small aircraft. However, if you have more luggage, we’ll gladly store it for you at no extra charge. You can also book a scenic helicopter flight to capture spectacular filming and aerial shots while following scenic routes and touching down spontaneously to catch a glimpse of the magnificent views and a plethora of wildlife. A helicopter ride is an unforgettable safari experience and an adventure of a lifetime. Some luxury accommodation facilities provide a private charter.
Family-friendly holidays
Families are looking for remote and less-touristed destinations to escape monotonous crowds and heat, which can sometimes be overwhelming. Each family is unique and likes to explore different things. That’s why we are giving you a choice of either a beach holiday, safari holiday or a combination of safari and beach holiday if you are seeking the best of both worlds.
Travelling with children on safari or beach holiday to Africa
East Africa is a child-friendly holiday option: Thanks to its colourful array of animals, birds, trees, flowers, and the pristine Indian Ocean Coastline of Kenya & Zanzibar, East Africa offers the ideal venue for a family holiday
Safari holidays with children
Family safaris can be boring for kids if their interests are ignored. Most accommodation facilities offer a variety of kids' activities to help them connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the African wilderness. While out in the bush, kids can learn from well-educated guides on how to track animals and educate them on the importance of wildlife and animal conservation. Other activities include swimming, bushwalks around the camp, visiting local schools, horse or pony riding, fishing, bike riding, baking, animal tracking, beadwork, camel rides, roasting marshmallows etc. Activities depend on the accommodation booked. Some properties offer Young Explorer Clubs.
Typically, game drives occur in the early morning, when the animals are out and about, the air is clear and calm, and in the late afternoon.
Things to consider while on safari with children
- Children must always be supervised while on safari as animals roam freely in the wild, around swimming pools, and at the beach
- Game drives are often unsuitable for toddlers since they involve several hours of driving. In other cases, the vehicle is shared with other travellers who are not keen on the company of the young ones due to crying. If you must bring your toddlers, a fully exclusive vehicle is recommended.
- There is no minimum age for kids on safari. However, some considerations, especially when travelling with children below 3 years, include food, a pram, a pushchair, medicine, a car seat, etc
- It is also difficult for young children to understand park rules and regulations. Additionally, it can be unpleasant for young children due to heat, bugs, and flies.
- Some safari lodges and bush camps impose a minimum age (usually 8 years) on children since they want their guests to enjoy quiet wildlife viewing as noise disturbs animals
Kids' activities on a beach holiday
With warm waters all year round, endless white sandy beaches and plenty of shade beneath the coconut palms, the Indian Ocean coastline is a children's paradise. As for pursuits, there are plenty of water sports (pedaloes, dinghies, glass-bottom boats, snorkelling, hang-gliding and more), swimming, building sand castles at the beach, crab hunting, collecting sea shells, snorkelling, and evening entertainment for children at the kids' clubs. Environmental diversions (snake farms, turtle rescue centres, prison island nature trails, butterfly farms). Major beach resorts offer kids' club activities where the young ones will interact and make new friends. The kids' clubs are also perfect for keeping the little ones occupied, especially when parents want time to relax. The kids are kept busy with activities, which might include( sand castle building, collecting sea shells, swimming, arts and crafts, etc)
Children's Menu
Most city hotels, beach resorts, bush camps and safari lodges are child-friendly and flexible regarding children's meals. They will be pleased to provide your children's meals (as early as you wish); if you have any particular preferences, talk to the reception or the chefs. The menus may include but are not limited to (fish and chips, mashed sausages, vegetables( peas, carrots, broccoli), potatoes, pizzas, rice, burgers, ice creams, pasta, etc.). Drinking tap water is not safe for either parents or children. Drinking bottled water is recommended while on holiday in Africa. Most accommodation facilities offer complimentary water in your rooms daily. While on safari, you will also get complimentary water from your driver. Additionally, you can purchase extra water from the restaurant if needed or dial in for room service delivery.
Baby Sitting Services
Several hotels, beach resorts, bush camps, and safari lodges provide babysitting services (usually booked in advance) for about $10 an hour. Some facilities offer free entertainment for the young ones through “kids clubs” while the parents get a much-deserved rest. Pursuits include nature walks, tennis, ping pong, swimming, sandcastle building, painting& colouring, building blocks, beadwork etc.
Accommodation for Children
Most safari lodges, tented camps and holiday resorts accommodate children, but some have age restrictions. Major hotels and lodges provide additional cots and beds for children free of charge upon request. Some hotels offer “family rooms”, which are more extensive or have adjoining bedrooms for older children. Some facilities provide ‘Family Rooms' to accommodate larger families, which include family suites, private family villas or adjoining rooms to keep the family together
Car Seats
Let us know if you need a car seat for your toddler. Our vehicles can accommodate your baby's car seat, which can be attached to the main seats. We can provide one upon request, but you can bring your own. Joie, every stage seat or Joie i-Level Recline, Graco Slim Fit R129 All-in-One, Cybex Sirona T and Cossato All-in-All -All Rotate, etc are some of the seats that have good ratings
Stroller/ pushchair
You won't need a pushchair if you are on safari or the beach most of the time. However, it is good to consider having one if you do not have a childminder. Your child can nap in the stroller while you are having meals. Also, keep in mind there might be some uneven roads or paths that might not be pleasant to push your stroller. Instead, bring a comfortable baby carrier like Tula Explorer, Artipoppe Zeitgeist, Infantino Flip, Babby Bjorn Harmony, etc
Flying instead of driving
Flying where you can is the best option when travelling with young ones. The journey is quicker, and you'll avoid the screaming from tired kids. Sometimes, it can be uncomfortable due to earache caused by air pressure. You can use the following tips to prevent or help with an earache: give them plenty of water or liquid during the flight, which allows them to open up eustachian tubes, before landing or take off, give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen (seek advice from your doctor) if your child has an earache, 3 years and older can chew gum with adult supervision, take a bottle or pacifier or breastfeed, encourage your kids to yawn, practice breathing exercises during ascent and descent.
Feeding babies & toddlers
It is safer to breastfeed babies while on safari than using bottles for hygiene purposes. However, you can still soak up your bottles and pacifiers in warm, soapy water to sterilize. It is not uncommon for women to breastfeed in public as long as long as they are not overexposing their bodies. A little coverup is advised. Many hotels, lodges and resorts offer high chairs for toddlers during meal times.
Holiday with teenagers
Taking a holiday with your pre-teen and teenagers can be fun, especially when their interests are met. Sometimes, it is seen as daunting and challenging for many parents since most of them prefer their friends' company or gadgets more than spending time with their families. It is essential to involve them in the planning process of your trip to avoid complaints during your holiday. Additionally, do not forget to include some downtime for them to explore facilities at your camp or resort, such as a gym, pool, pool table, tennis court, etc, since a jam-packed day doesn’t work with teens. Not all teenagers enjoy nature, history and culture. Therefore, you should include several fun and adventurous activities for your teenagers to keep them engaged. Make sure you have a balance so that everyone feels included.
When it comes to a holiday in Africa, the continent has so much to offer, which provides for safari-related activities such as wildlife and bird photography, hot air balloon safaris, cooking classes, wildlife tracking, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, wildlife conservation efforts, volunteering activities, camel safaris, horse riding activities, hiking, nature trails, night game drives, cycling, bush walks, swimming, gyming, painting, beadwork, school visits and cultural visits. The coastline of the Indian Ocean has a lot of activities that teenagers might enjoy, including kite surfing, sky diving, snorkelling, fishing, cultural visits, marine park conservation activities, swimming, beach volleyball, etc.