Frequently Asked Questions - African Encounters

1. How many participants will there be on my tour?

We limit our African Encounters Signature Safaris to a maximum of 8 participants. This small group policy ensures personal service, the ability to use friendly small camps and lodges, more ﬂexibility, and a real sense of team spirit and fun within the group. Our guests tell us it’s just like travelling with a group of friends! These exclusive African Encounters safaris are personally escorted by our founder and tour director Karen Platzer and local guides.

We also offer private tailor-made tours as well as scheduled departures operated by our trusted partners in Africa, giving you the option of joining a small group of international travellers on a date that suits your travel plans .

2. Are we able to do some walking?

Our African Encounters are predominantly wildlife viewing and cultural tours, including traditional village and school visits, but we also enjoy some fascinating walks with Maasai tribesmen or San Bushmen. For walking enthusiasts we highly recommend a walking safari in Zambia.

3. What age group are the participants?

The majority of our guests are New Zealanders and Australians in the mid 40’s – mid 70’s age group. However we have also had both younger and older participants.

4. What is the accommodation like?

Our safaris in East Africa (Kenya & Tanzania) are ”camping in comfort” safaris – most of us have left the back-packing and ‘roughing it’ stage of ‘participation safaris’ well behind us! We use full size walk-in tents with proper beds and en-suite toilet and safari shower in each tent. Our camp crews take care of meals and kitchen duties so you don’t have to do a thing except enjoy your amazing safari! All of our camps are seasonal and very environmentally friendly.

In Namibia and South Africa you will stay in very comfortable lodges and in Botswana and Zambia we use a mix of luxury tented camps and lodges.

5. What about meals?

All meals are included while on safari – there’s no handy restaurant in the savannah! In cities some meals may not be included, and this will be shown in the itinerary.

6. Will I feel comfortable as a single traveller?

Yes, our groups are a mix of couples and single travellers. One of the great benefits of our trips is that they allow you to be independent and travel the world, but also provide security (particularly for a woman travelling on her own) and the company of a small group of like-minded friends.

7. Are international airfares included in the tour price?

No, our tours are all ‘land only’ unless otherwise stated in the itinerary. You are welcome to use your preferred travel agent to book your flights, however we work in close cooperation with a couple of travel agents who are familiar with our safaris and can book your all flights.

8. Can I combine tours?

We often run safaris back-to-back allowing you to make the most of your airfares to Africa, and many of our clients take this option. For private groups or independent safaris there are unlimited combinations.

9. Can I speak to a previous client?

Our loyal clients are happy to give references and answer your questions. Please email the African Encounters office karen@africanencounters.co.nz or phone +64 (0)6 976 1118 for contact details.