What a bigger budget raises

Rarely. Above about US$1,800 a night the room is excellent everywhere, and the extra buys exclusivity from other guests — steepest price, shallowest return for two people.

A small camp on private land with a private vehicle and a guide assigned to you beats a more expensive camp without those things, most of the time.

Eight, for almost everybody. The guide learns you, the country stops being scenery, there is room for an empty day, and you go home rested rather than leaving as it settles.

The exception is when you have only five nights to begin with — then spend them well at one camp rather than spreading them thinner.

Only if it is the tent furthest from the main area, in which case you are buying quiet rather than square metres. Ask where it sits on the camp plan.

Almost never, and it is the most expensive thing we could sell you. For six or more, a milestone, or anyone who genuinely wants nobody at dinner, it earns its cost. For a couple, a private vehicle at a smaller camp is the better trip for far less.

Another night, nearly every time. Then a private vehicle, then a guide for the whole stay. An upgrade comes fourth.

A Africa safari is usually quoted fully inclusive: accommodation, all meals, park and conservancy fees, your guide and vehicle, and transport between parks. Most camps include soft drinks, house wine, beer and laundry.

Not included: international flights, visas or travel authorisation, travel insurance, tips, premium drinks, and extras like balloon flights and spa treatments.

For July to October — the migration months in the Masai Mara — six to twelve months is normal, and the best small camps sell out first. Christmas and New Year book up just as early.

For the shoulder months, three to four months is usually comfortable. Inside eight weeks we can still put a very good trip together, but you are choosing from what is left rather than from everything.

This site is a planning guide. When you send an enquiry it goes to Nomad Africa, our partner travel agency in Kenya, who prepare your itinerary and quote and handle the booking, the payments and you on the ground.

You deal with one team from the first email to the airport transfer home.

No. Sending your dates, getting an itinerary and getting a costed quote is free and carries no obligation. Money only changes hands when you decide to hold space at a camp.