It begins with a phone call. Or an email. Or WhatsApp. Or, or, or... We're not fussy about how you get in touch to make an enquiry, but as soon as you do, the Zafaris wheels start rolling and the process of pulling together a life-changing safari gets under way. This is what all of those "enquire now" buttons, nagging social media posts and mindful newsletters are for - getting you to make that first move so we can do our thing and dress to impress...

Once you've broken the ice, we're yours for the taking. That's right - you had us at "hello". We're bonded, and committed to making your safari dreams come true. Actually, we want to make those dreams feel second-rate and exceed your expectations, not just of us and what we do, but of Africa and the fantabulous, wondrous experiences it offers to those wanting to explore it. If you've visualised an "Out of Africa" moment, gazing longingly over vast plains filled with wildlife as the sun dips towards the horizon, we'll top it - giving you a front-row seat to the Great Wildebeest Migration and a myriad mind-blowing sunsets. Get our drift?

The first thing we do is "chat" to you - we'll need to know where you are in the world, when you're looking at travelling, how many of you are travelling, the destinations you've set your heart on (if your heart is not set, we can set it for you)... We also like to know what your interests are and what makes you tick... Are you keen on birds? Do you like photography? Are you active and outdoorsy (like our very own Sian)? Is romance part of the picture? Are you wanting to "wow" your partner? Are you celebrating a special occasion? So, there'll be questions. Lots of questions. 

All these questions make up the "getting to know you" phase of our relationship and go towards us getting an accurate understanding of what you're looking for. Of course, the most important question we will ask you is "how much do you want to spend?" 

Budget is always a sticky thing, because your understanding of what things cost may not exactly meet the actual cost! So it's our job to find out what an ideal spend would be from your side and see if we can work with it to deliver on all the things on your wish list. Sometimes its possible, sometimes it isn't. Whatever the case, we work with you to reach a place where everything gels and the perfect itinerary for the perfect price is possible. 

Once we have the gist of the ins and outs, likes and dislikes and the size of your wallet, we're ready to move into matchmaking mode. This is when we apply our brilliant safari minds to sourcing the best destinations for you - the places we know will give you exactly what you're looking for and more. Then we match you with superlative camps, lodges and hotels that we think will fit you, your personality and your vibe.

Once we've got this part of the process out of the way, we start pulling together all of the different threads to weave them into an effortless itinerary and a quote that hopefully meets the budget, and makes your bank account as happy as you are. We send that to you and move into the "tweaking" phase. No, that's not when we all freak out and get over excited. It's when we work together to fine tune your itinerary, if necessary, dot i's and cross t's. 

We'll ask you your dietary requirements and if there are any special arrangements that need to be made in advance, so that we can pass all of that information on to the places you'll be staying and people who'll be hosting you throughout your journey.

When you're happy as a chappy with what we've put together, we'll get deposits put in place and start the countdown to your journey, staying in touch with you every step of the way, sending you everything you need for a seamless adventure, from useful information to travel vouchers, flight details and confirmations. 

We do recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers absolutely everything from flight delays and cancellations and lost luggage to emergency medical services. As much as we love you (and we do - you're the reason we do what we do), if something goes wrong that's beyond our control the responsibility is yours to ensure you are covered for it. We are happy to advise you on this if necessary.

And there you have it. Done and dusted. You pack your bags, leave home and get whisked away to wildest Africa, with Zafaris as your wing (wo)men, on hand to make sure everything goes smoothly and wave you a sad farewell when it's time to head home again. What could be easier? 

Right then. You know what to do. Get in touch. The end.

Text: Sharon Gilbert-Rivett