Frequently asked questions

About Ongeri Expeditions, our safari services, and the East African travel experience.

Ongeri Expeditions FAQs

1. About Ongeri Expeditions

  • What is Ongeri Expeditions?

    Ongeri Expeditions is a boutique luxury safari company based in Nairobi, Kenya. We specialize in tailor-made journeys across East and Southern Africa, designing intimate, highly personalized safaris that combine iconic wildlife, exceptional lodges, and meaningful cultural experiences.

    Our journeys also extend to the Indian Ocean islands, allowing travelers to combine safari adventures with beautiful tropical beach escapes.

  • What makes Ongeri Expeditions different?

    We focus on bespoke safari design rather than mass tourism. Every journey is crafted around the traveler’s interests, travel style, and pace. Our safaris combine handpicked camps and lodges, expert guides, seamless logistics, and unique experiences that go beyond traditional game drives.

  • Which destinations do you offer?

    We design journeys across East Africa and Southern Africa, including:

    • Kenya
    • Tanzania
    • Uganda
    • Rwanda
    • Botswana
    • Zambia
    • Zimbabwe
    • Namibia
    • South Africa

    We also arrange Indian Ocean beach extensions, including:

    • Seychelles
    • Mauritius
    • Zanzibar

    Many of our guests enjoy multi-country itineraries, combining safari, cities, and beach destinations such as Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and the Indian Ocean islands.

2. Planning Your Safari

  • How far in advance should I book a safari?

    For the best lodge availability, we recommend booking 6–12 months in advance, especially if traveling during peak wildlife seasons such as the Great Migration. However, we can also arrange last-minute safaris depending on availability.

  • Do you offer tailor-made safaris?

    Yes. Almost all of our journeys are custom-designed. Once we understand your travel dates, interests, budget range, and preferred style of accommodation, our safari advisors create a personalized itinerary.

  • Do you offer group safaris?

    Yes. We offer:

    • Private safaris for couples, families, and friends
    • Small group departures on select journeys
    • Special interest safaris such as photography, honeymoon, family, or wellness safaris
  • Can you organize flights within Africa?

    Yes. We arrange:

    • Scheduled bush flights
    • Charter flights
    • Helicopter transfers
    • Private jet charters for ultra-luxury journeys

3. Safari Experience

  • What is a typical safari day like?

    A traditional safari day often includes:

    • Morning game drive at sunrise
    • Breakfast at the lodge
    • Midday relaxation or optional activities
    • Afternoon game drive
    • Sunset sundowners in the bush
    • Dinner at the lodge

    Each lodge and destination offers its own unique rhythm and experiences.

  • What animals can I expect to see?

    Depending on the destination, guests may see:

    • Lions
    • Elephants
    • Leopards
    • Cheetahs
    • Buffalo
    • Rhinos
    • Giraffes
    • Zebras
    • Wildebeest
    • Hundreds of bird species

    Many parks offer opportunities to see the Big Five.

  • When is the best time to visit Africa for a safari?

    Africa offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, but highlights include:

    • July – October: Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania
    • December – March: Calving season in the Serengeti
    • June – October: Dry season and excellent wildlife viewing across East and Southern Africa

    Our team will recommend the best timing depending on your travel goals.

4. Accommodation

  • What types of accommodations do you offer?

    We work with a curated collection of:

    • Luxury tented safari camps
    • Boutique safari lodges
    • Ultra-luxury wilderness retreats
    • Private villas and exclusive-use camps

    Each property is selected for its location, service, guiding quality, and conservation commitment.

  • Are safari camps comfortable?

    Yes. Modern luxury safari camps offer:

    • Spacious ensuite tents or suites
    • Hot showers and private bathrooms
    • Gourmet dining
    • Swimming pools in some camps
    • Exceptional service in remote wilderness settings

    Safari travel today blends adventure with comfort and elegance.

5. Travel Logistics

  • Do I need a visa to travel to Africa?

    Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Many destinations offer visa-on-arrival or electronic visas (eVisa). Our team will guide you through all visa requirements during the planning process.

  • Are safaris safe?

    Yes. The destinations and lodges we recommend maintain strict safety standards. Experienced guides accompany guests on all wildlife activities, and camps follow established safety protocols.

  • What should I pack for a safari?

    Recommended items include:

    • Neutral coloured clothing
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Hat and sunglasses
    • Sunscreen
    • Camera or binoculars
    • Light jacket for cool mornings and evenings

    A detailed packing guide is provided before departure.

6. Health, Safety & Practical Information

  • Is travel insurance required for a safari?

    Yes. We strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. Travel insurance should cover:

    • Trip cancellation or interruption
    • Medical emergencies
    • Emergency evacuation
    • Lost luggage or travel delays

    For remote safari destinations, medical evacuation coverage is particularly important.

  • What vaccinations are required for travel to Africa?

    Vaccination requirements depend on the countries you are visiting and your country of origin. Common recommendations may include:

    • Yellow Fever
    • Hepatitis A
    • Hepatitis B
    • Tetanus
    • Typhoid

    We recommend consulting a travel health clinic or your doctor 6–8 weeks before travel.

  • Is malaria a concern on safari?

    Some safari regions in Africa are located in malaria-risk areas, particularly in parts of East and Southern Africa. Precautions typically include:

    • Taking anti-malarial medication
    • Using insect repellent
    • Wearing long sleeves in the evening
    • Sleeping under mosquito nets where provided

    Most luxury safari lodges provide mosquito control measures and guidance for guests.

  • Can children go on safari?

    Yes. Safaris can be an extraordinary experience for families. Many lodges offer:

    • Family suites or interconnecting rooms
    • Child-friendly safari activities
    • Junior ranger programmes
    • Educational wildlife experiences

    Some lodges may have minimum age restrictions, particularly for walking safaris. Our safari advisors will recommend the best family-friendly camps.

  • What luggage restrictions apply on bush flights?

    Many safari itineraries include light aircraft flights to remote airstrips, which have luggage restrictions. Typical luggage guidelines include:

    • Soft-sided bags only
    • Maximum weight of 15 kg (33 lbs) including carry-on

    Hard suitcases are generally not permitted due to aircraft storage limitations. If guests require additional luggage space, we can arrange private charter flights or luggage storage in major cities.

  • Will I have internet or phone service while on safari?

    Many safari lodges offer Wi-Fi in guest areas or rooms, though speeds may be slower than in major cities due to the remote locations. Mobile phone reception is available in some areas but can be limited in wilderness regions. A safari offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature.

  • Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

    Yes. Safari lodges are accustomed to accommodating a wide range of dietary preferences and requirements, including:

    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    • Gluten-free
    • Halal
    • Kosher (with advance notice)
    • Food allergies

    Please inform us of any dietary requirements when confirming your booking so arrangements can be made in advance.

  • Do I need binoculars or a camera for safari?

    While many lodges provide binoculars in safari vehicles, we recommend bringing your own if possible. Essential items for wildlife viewing include:

    • A good camera with zoom lens
    • Binoculars
    • Extra memory cards and batteries

    However, some of the most memorable safari moments are simply experienced in the present, without a camera in hand.

7. Pricing & Payments

  • How much does a luxury safari cost?

    Safari pricing varies depending on destination, accommodation level, season of travel, charter or scheduled flights, and length of stay. Luxury safaris typically range from $800 to $2,500+ per person per night.

  • What deposit is required to confirm a booking?

    A 30% deposit is required to confirm your safari, with the remaining balance due prior to travel.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept:

    • International bank transfers
    • Credit card payments (subject to processing fees)

8. Sustainability & Conservation

  • Does Ongeri Expeditions support conservation?

    Yes. Conservation and community engagement are central to our philosophy. We work with camps and partners that actively support:

    • Wildlife conservation
    • Community development
    • Sustainable tourism initiatives

    Many of our safaris include opportunities to engage with conservation projects.

9. Getting Started

  • How do I start planning a safari?

    You can begin by:

    • Submitting an inquiry through our website: PLAN YOUR SAFARI 
    • Emailing our safari advisory team
    • Scheduling a consultation call

    Our team will then design a personalized safari proposal tailored to your travel style.