Questions worth asking before you book.
Thirty years in the field means we have heard most questions before. Here are the ones that come up most often. If yours is not here, reach out directly and we will answer it.
About the company.
What kind of company is Savanna Secrets Safaris?
We are a family-owned safari specialist, founded in Mombasa in 1990 by Salim Suleman and led by his son, Kenyan-born Sharik Suleman, since 2010. We design and operate bespoke, personal safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. We are not a booking platform or a mass-market operator, every journey is managed directly by our own team to ensure the highest standard of care.
Do you run fixed group departures?
No. We do not operate shared group tours with fixed departure dates. Every itinerary we build is designed for one client, one group, one set of dates. You travel with your own party and your own guide, on a schedule built around you.
How long has Savanna Secrets been operating?
Since 1990, over three decades of continuous operation across East Africa.
Which countries do you cover?
Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. We have permanent relationships and ground operations across all three destinations.
What languages do your guides speak?
Our driver-guides operate in English, French, and German.
Before you travel.
How far in advance should I book?
For travel during peak season, particularly July to October, when the Great Migration is active in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, we recommend enquiring at least three to six months in advance, as popular lodges fill quickly. Outside peak season there is generally more flexibility, but earlier is always better for securing your preferred accommodation.
Can you build a safari around specific interests?
Yes. Whether your priority is wildlife, birdwatching, cultural encounters, coastal relaxation, or a combination, we design around what matters to your group. The itineraries on our website are sample starting points, nothing is fixed.
Do you cater for families with young children or elderly travellers?
We do, and we do it often. Multi-generational family groups are among the clients we work with most regularly. When you enquire, tell us about everyone in your group, ages, mobility considerations, any special requirements, and we plan around that.
Can solo travellers book with you?
Yes. Solo travellers receive the same personal approach as any other group. You travel privately, with a guide dedicated to your experience, not joined onto a shared vehicle with strangers.
What is the best time to visit East Africa?
It depends on what you want to see and where. Broadly, the dry seasons, January to March and July to October, offer the best wildlife viewing. The wildebeest migration crosses from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara between July and October. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and often better value. See our Travel Guide for more, or let us advise on your specific interests.
Do you offer honeymoon or anniversary safaris?
Yes. If you are travelling for a milestone occasion, tell us when you enquire and we make sure the experience reflects that.
While you are with us.
What is included in a Savanna Secrets safari?
This varies by itinerary and package. Your confirmed itinerary will detail exactly what is covered, including accommodation, meals, game drives, transfers, park fees, and guide services. We walk you through inclusions and exclusions clearly before you confirm.
Who will be our guide?
Your driver-guide will be a member of the Savanna Secrets team, career professionals, many of whom have been with the company for over two decades. They are not freelancers or contractors brought in for individual trips.
What vehicles do you use?
We operate a fleet of 7-seater safari minibuses fitted with pop-up roofs for game viewing, with guaranteed window seats for every passenger. Our vehicles are maintained to a strict replacement and servicing standard by our in-house workshop team.
Is 24-hour support available during my safari?
Yes. Savanna Secrets provides 24-hour backup support on every single day of your safari, at no hidden cost. Your guide is your primary point of contact on the ground, and our operations team is reachable throughout.
Do you cover medical evacuation?
Flying Doctors evacuation cover is included in our safari packages. Details of the coverage are confirmed with your itinerary.
Documents, packing, and safety.
What should I pack?
Light, neutral-coloured clothing is ideal for game drives, and layers are important, particularly in the early mornings and evenings in higher-altitude locations. A full packing guide is available on our Travel Guide page.
Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities travelling to Kenya can apply online through the Kenya e-Visa system before departure. Tanzania and Rwanda each have their own requirements. We recommend checking the official government portal for your destination and confirming with your airline. Our Travel Guide has a starting point, though requirements can change and should always be verified before travel.
Is it safe to travel in East Africa?
East Africa is a well-established international travel destination visited by millions of people each year. The national parks and safari circuits we operate in are regions our team knows thoroughly. We monitor conditions on the ground continuously and will always advise you honestly if anything warrants discussion.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation and amendment terms are set out in our Terms & Conditions, which are shared with every client at the point of booking. We recommend reviewing these and ensuring your travel insurance covers the relevant eventualities before you confirm.
Most conversations about a safari start with exactly that, a question.
Reach us directly and we will answer it.
Get In Touch