Frequently asked questions
Your safari experience is uniquely crafted by the destination you choose. Each location offers distinctive attractions and experiences. To explain it better, if you wanted a beach holiday in Ireland, you’d probably rather go to Kerry than Carlow. The great thing about safaris is their versatility—there are options to suit any budget or preference. When planning your ideal safari holiday, our top priority is understanding your desires and translating them into reality. Whether you have a clear vision or no specific preferences, that's perfectly fine. After our initial free consultation, we'll be well on our way to tailoring the perfect trip that aligns with your dreams.
One of the most enchanting aspects of a safari is encountering wildlife in their natural, untamed habitat. Unlike a zoo where you consult a map to find the designated lion section, the thrill of a safari lies in the unpredictability of spotting animals in the wild. While this does require diligent effort to locate wildlife (a responsibility we happily shoulder for you), it amplifies the joy of spending intimate moments with these animals. Throughout the safari planning process, we collaborate closely with you to understand your specific desires and preferences, ensuring a tailor-made safari experience. Whether you're seeking the majestic Big 5, the intriguing Ugly 5, a global birding adventure, or simply wish to witness a renowned African sunset, we are passionate about all these facets. No matter your preference, we take immense pleasure in crafting and realizing your safari dreams.
To put it simply, contact us through the website or by email, we’ll organize a free consultation for whenever suits you and then we’ll take care of everything from there. We’ll also be there the entire time for any questions along the way. Whether you want to make changes to your trip or it’s the night before and you’re struggling to fit everything into your suitcase, as our guest we will always be available to you to help whatever the query.
When reaching out to us, whether it's your initial consultation or any subsequent communication, we are flexible and eager to connect in the manner that suits you best. While a Zoom call is often the most efficient for delving into the intricacies of your safari, we understand that preferences vary. Whether you prefer a phone call, text, email, WhatsApp, or any other mode of communication, simply let us know, and we'll adapt to your preferred channel with pleasure.
The prime period for safaris typically spans from May to September, coinciding with the dry season. During this time, wildlife observation becomes more straightforward as vegetation thins out, and water sources become more scarce. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that crafting the perfect safari is possible at any time of the year. Each month offers unique advantages and considerations. While the high season enhances animal sightings, it can also bring higher costs and increased crowds in some reserves. Choosing the right time for your safari involves weighing up some key factors.
Firstly, wildlife viewing is a crucial consideration. Although the dry season facilitates this, it's important to note that wildlife is present year-round, and with experienced guides, excellent sightings are possible throughout. Special events, such as the great migration, demand careful timing. Weather is another vital element; the wet season may pose travel challenges in certain areas, but it transforms others into paradises teeming with life and unique animal behavior. The African scenery undergoes significant transformations throughout the year, transitioning from dry and dusty to lush and vibrant after the first rains.
Costs play a significant role in choosing the timing of your safari. As mentioned earlier, prices and demand tend to peak during the high season, emphasizing the importance of aligning your priorities for the trip. Lastly, crowd concerns need not be a worry when booking with Wild Emerald. The reserves we frequent are not tailored for mass tourism, ensuring that your safari experience remains uncrowded and intimate
Unlike most holidays, packing for your safari is actually a fun experience. Although it can be difficult to decide if you need that 17th pair of socks or not. What you should pack will depend entirely on where your safari is taking you and the time of year. At Wild Emerald, we eliminate the stress by providing a comprehensive packing breakdown for your trip when you book with us. This way, you can channel your energy into the thrill of what you are packing for, leaving behind any concerns. If you still find yourself uncertain about having all the essentials, we are more than happy to jump on a call to review the contents of your suitcase and ensure you're fully prepared. FYI you probably don’t need that 17th pair of socks after all.
For your Wild Emerald safari, we aim for you to have no need to take out your wallet from the moment you land, right up until your flight home. Your accommodation, meals, transport and all safari activities are all included in the price of your trip. The only spending money you might need is if you fancy a drink in the evening time or you’d like to purchase some gifts.
Selecting the ideal lodging for your safari is a crucial aspect, with numerous factors like location, pricing, culinary offerings, available activities, and the presence of amenities such as a pool requiring thoughtful consideration. The process of deciding where to stay can often feel like navigating a labyrinth, leaving you without a clear answer. This is where our expertise becomes your guide. After engaging in a conversation with you to understand the vision of your dream safari, we dedicate our knowledge and experience to meticulously curate the perfect lodges and locations. We keep you actively involved in the journey of crafting your trip, ensuring that any preferences or changes, big or small, are seamlessly incorporated into the final plan.
A private safari is a meticulously curated, personalized adventure where the focus is entirely on your enjoyment and satisfaction. Throughout the entire tour, you'll be accompanied by a seasoned Wild Emerald guide, ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience. This private adventure allows you to immerse yourself fully in the excitement of the safari, all under the dedicated care of a guide and host whose sole mission is to exceed your expectations from the moment you begin until the very end.
Crafting the ideal safari involves significant time and effort. Optimal planning occurs when booking well in advance, providing ample time to ensure your satisfaction, address any preferences, and make necessary adjustments. While last-minute bookings are possible, we understand that a safari is often a dream, possibly a once-in-a-lifetime journey. To honor the significance of this experience, we refrain from rushing through the planning process. Whether you have a specific date in mind or not, reach out to us, and we'll bring your safari dreams to life.
