Safaris can be complex and are not inexpensive. Resist the temptation to choose a safari company based on price alone. Working with the wrong safari planner can have consequences ranging from the disastrous to a waste of your precious time and money. So before you part with thousands of dollars, explore the following questions with your safari planner. Ensure you are working with the best! You should receive a resounding YES and further details to all of these questions:
 | What percent of your time do you spend planning safaris to Africa? (Ideally, you want an exclusive specialist, spending 100% of their time, but don’t settle for anything less than 75%) |
| How many years of experience do you have in planning travel to Africa? (Look for at least 10 years to ensure they have dealt with a variety of destinations in varying economic and political climates) |
| How many safaris have you planned? (Should be at least 500; planners with less experience will not have the buying power with ground operators nor will they have the expertise to deal with non-standard requests or offer unique recommendations.) |
| Does your company have direct relationships with the camps, lodges and safari operators? |
| Have you personally visited the safari camps you are recommending? How many others? Who paid for your visit? (Many operators tend to visit only those camps offering free trips—but this hardly results in an unbiased opinion. It’s like a restaurant critic reviewing a restaurant only when the owner knows he’s coming and is providing a free meal! Is the practice of “sponsored” visits in the best interest of the safari planner or the client?) |
| Do you track my entire trip and manage all issues that may arise while I am traveling? What if there is a forced change in the itinerary dictated by poor weather or a missed connection? |
| Are you members of the Better Business Bureau, American Society of Travel Agents, Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa, Institute of Certified Travel Agents? |
| If I call the tourist board, can they vouch for your good standing? Can you provide client references? |
| What awards have you won? Can you send me any articles written by professional journalists who have traveled with you? |
Frankly, we think you’ll be hard-pressed to come up with as qualified a team as the professionals at African Portfolio!
Yours Truly,
Ferdinand Che
Few countries in the world have a more spectacular natural border than that which divides Zimbabwe and Zambia, the magnificent Zambezi River. The entire length of the river has been set aside as a protected wilderness area supporting one of the highest wildlife concentrations in southern Africa. Both participatory and fully serviced canoe safaris of three to nine days are available. No previous canoeing experience is required as you paddle downstream along this enchanting river, observing some of Africas best bird, plant and animal life. In Botswana, mokoro trails offer an eco-friendly means to explore the intricate waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Traditional walking safaris are unique to only a few countries in Africa, providing one of the most fascinating opportunities to experience its wonderful wilderness and wildlife. These safaris take you to some of the most remote and unspoiled areas of Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley, Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Selinda and Kalahari Desert, Kenya’s semi-desert environment at Lewa Downs and Tanzania’s famed Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks. Follow the footsteps of Africa’s first explorers as your safari guide shows you how to track elephant, lion, buffalo and the rare rhino, while also unfolding the mysteries of the wild for you, explaining how the myriad species of animals, birds, trees and plants interact. Although no two safaris are alike, walking is not strenuous, generally covering about five to eight miles each day, stopping frequently to watch the animals or to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Reminiscent of Isek Dinisen’s Out of Africa, these exclusive, fully supported safaris guarantee an exciting encounter with wildlife and a fascinating exploration of their habitat. Safaris are conducted in the same traditional style as walking safaris and are supported by backup vehicles and a team of staff. The emphasis is on close encounters with nature in a comfortable and informed manner. Mobile safaris offer the flexibility to view game on foot, by open vehicle or by boat and to visit areas otherwise inaccessible by road. Your safari itinerary is entirely flexible and each day’s activities can be discussed and arranged to suit your group’s particular interests.
Elephant back safaris are one of the most thrilling safari experiences in Africa. These safaris not only make it possible to view wildlife from the back of an elephant, but perhaps more importantly, provide the unique opportunity to share a day in the life of the elephant. Whether it’s game viewing from their backs, picnicking with them in the bush, grooming, feeding or swimming with them, or simply experiencing the pleasure of being close to such magnificent animals, the encounter is truly unforgettable. The concept of elephant riding has been pioneered by dedicated conservationists who believe that sustained utilization of wildlife, (essentially, getting the elephants to pay for themselves), is the only means by which the elephant will survive in this modern world.
We invite you to an adventure that harks back to the days of the trailblazers and pioneers. Come and explore the wilderness of the African bush on horseback or camelback. On horses and camels that have been carefully trained to carry even those with no previous riding experience, a professional guide shows you an amazing variety of wildlife from the near extinct rhino and the formidable elephant, to many different species of antelope and perhaps even the elusive leopard. On horseback or camelback, one is more in tune with the wild, blending into the surrounding ecosystem in a natural way and allowing for an unequaled opportunity of seeing wild animals at quite close range.
Go in search of the world’s most elusive primate, the mountain gorilla, one of the most awe-inspiring animals in Africa. The approximately six hundred mountain gorillas remaining in the wild are found only in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda. To track them in their forest habitat is a thrilling experience. For conservation reasons, access to the gorillas is carefully controlled. To have the privilege of seeing these gentle giants is an amazing experience. You may want to combine a gorilla trek with viewing chimpanzees in Uganda’s Kibale National Park or in Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains.
Southern Africa has always attracted adventurous and romantic souls; those discerning travelers who crossed the land in as much comfort as possible. But it was not until 1928, when the first luxury train was introduced between Johannesburg and Cape Town that truly luxurious train travel became a reality. The mere mention of a rail journey evokes an image of elegance, comfort and style reserved for travelers who appreciate beautiful surroundings, impeccable service, fine wines and superb cuisine. Experience the excitement and sophistication of traveling on the world famous Blue Train on various routes within South Africa or the majestic Victoria Falls. Steam trains have a magic and romance of their own, and Rovos Rail offers luxurious steam train safaris throughout southern Africa, providing deluxe accommodation and star-studded service as well as a unique wildlife viewing experience.
Africa is famous for it's variety of birds. Wherever you travel and regardless of what activity you pursue, beautiful birds will be seen. However, for the birding enthusiast, dedicated birding safaris are available, each accompanied by a local expert ornithologist. These safaris cover several different habitats, each with their own variety of indigenous birds and a special effort is made to locate some of the most unusual birds in each habitat. In general, the southern hemisphere summer months (November March) are best for birding in Africa. 
For those who prefer to do-it-yourself, South Africa offers an excellent road system and a reliable network of service stations along your route. Cars or four wheel drive vehicles are available for hire for any duration of your trip. A U.S. drivers license is all that is required but of course, driving is on the left hand side of the road. One of the advantages of a self-drive tour is the ability to visit people, places and things that are off the beaten track where some wonderful surprises may be in store. 
Camping safaris are characterized by camaraderie and team spirit and are ideal for the active adventurer who prefers to rough it a bit. These safaris are known as overland (by road) or cross-country safaris and feature accommodation in dome style tents. There is generally one guide and an assistant that accompany you throughout the duration of the trip. Accommodation is in national parks’ campsites with shared facilities and the vehicle is a modified land cruiser/land rover with large windows and roof seating. With expectations set properly, these camping trips are a fun and adventurous way to experience Africa.