We always look forward to hearing from our clients after their safaris. Their stories are filled with excitement, and their detailed feedback plays a vital role in planning future journeys. One of our favorite questions to ask is, “What advice would you give future travelers?” Over the years, we’ve gathered some wonderful insights—and a few stunning photos—which we’re excited to share.

Many responses begin with a simple but enthusiastic, “Go!” It’s clear that for most, the experience not only met but exceeded expectations.

Go! – Dru Berkett

Don’t hesitate – book a trip with African Portfolio! It will be a highlight of your life! And better yet – go twice to different areas! – Reesa Eisler

Go, if you are longing to see Africa make it happen. – Kathy Lorentzen

Do not hesitate to visit Africa! – Tom and Colleen McDonough

Go! Africa will change you forever and capture your heart. – Judy Short

Go the Africa if you can. Africa should be on everyone’s bucket list to visit. – Julie Davis

If you have the privilege of being able to consider a safari with African Portfolio, do NOT hesitate. Grab the opportunity for an unforgettable adventure that will be forever etched in your mind. Yvette is the person to contact! With the depth of her knowledge, she will help shape and guide your experience to include everything you care about…and she has the patience to help you navigate any and all questions and concerns along the way. – Risa Bernstein

Don’t wait to go on your dream safari. The team at African Portfolio will work with you to plan a safari based on your desires. You get what you pay for. – Mark Abdy

GO !!! I was truly a bit panicked a few days before thinking of the travel time and the heat and the potential of being greeted by mosquitoes etc….all for nothing! I would GO all over again. – Lisa Stevens

Plan to stay in northern Africa or Europe at end of vacation to break up flight. Also, if you are on the fence about booking such a huge trip, DO IT! – Giovanni Weller

Go! You will never regret it and it will change your life.– Lori Murfitt

Don’t worry about getting there, just go! – Erin Swain

Don’t wait book it now! – Mindy Houck

Don’t wait to go on an African Safari – do what you can to make it happen…..you will not be disappointed! – Michelle Jeffrey

That said, another common theme was keeping an open mind…

Go to see all you can see and don’t have expectations. I went with an openness to any and everything that we could see and do and was never. – Deborah Torvinen

Be open to whatever your trip has in store. You may or may not see that certain animal but you will be constantly awed but all that is around you. And the more questions you ask your guides and the more curious you are the more you will fall in love with Africa! – Wendy Tucker

Every safari is different and this one was as well. Each day is a new adventure. You never know what is going to happen or what you will experience. Something unexpected could be around the next tree or rock and you always think it can’t get better than this, and then it does. Cheetahs leaping on a jeep, lions cooling in the shade of your truck, gorillas brushing past your shoulder, baby wildebeest with the zoomies. An Africa safari is an adventure you can’t afford to miss! – Cathi Zilling

Be open and don’t set unrealistic expectations. Nature has no set script. You may not see what everyone says you need to see (a wildebeest crossing), or you may experience smoke from controlled burnings in the Serengeti. Don’t let that disappoint. Learn from the guides. They love to share and answer questions. Get to know your fellow travelers. Sit back and take in all that is around you and you may get surprised by the unexpected. – Jill Ause

Expect the unexpected! – Christophe Boes

For Safari – Just roll with it – everything is thought of for you, settle in and enjoy the experience. – Lisa Strobel

Some clients cautioned against trying to fit too much in …

Do not be scheduled the whole time. Take some time appreciate the beauty and the people. – S.S.

Spend more than a couple of days at any one place to get a feel for the place rather than move from one place to another too soon. We enjoyed spending three days in Victoria Falls and four days at the same lodge in Sabie Sands. We spent our down time admiring the views and animal life from our private patio at Simbambili. – S.M.

Others gave practical advice on what to bring…

Take advantage of the laundry. Don’t overpack. – Renee Stuckey

You don’t need half the clothes you think you need. Reduce! The laundry is fantastic. Buy the park wildlife guides and take them with you on your drives. Definitely bring good binoculars and bring a camera with a telephoto lens. Your phone just isn’t that great. If you are really unhappy with your guide and they are a poor match, speak up.- Diane Bedell

Pack lightly – the ability to have laundry done every night (at no extra cost) is great. – Steven Golightly

Don’t overpack! The packing list provided is very accurate. The laundry service was excellent. I personally wish I had purchased a rolling duffle bag for the trip. 22lbs became awfully heavy after 26 hours of traveling! Get out early for best animal viewing. A picnic lunch is a great way to see more and get out further into parks but prepare for long days. Be sure to bring plenty of cash. We had some issues where we could not use our credit cards because the Wi-Fi was down. – Marilyn Doane

Don’t overpack! Also – you don’t need to buy safari hats. – Wendy Werblin

It is hot all the time in Samburu and chilly in the mornings/evenings, but comfortable during the day in the Mara. Packing for a range of temperatures is a must! Evelyn Chou

Go with African Portfolio. Don’t over pack travel light. Bring a very good camera and a lens at least 500mm- 600mm.- Karen Halkovic

Others spoke of the beauty of getting away from it all …

Enjoy the moment – this is not a check the box experience, but one to be truly savored! Looking back on photos and revisiting memories of the trip, it is surreal to think that we were truly in the Serengeti! – Char Frith

Use a booking company like African Portfolio! Don’t have a specific checklist, it’s not a zoo! Leave home at home! – Kimberly Darwin

And some last bits of advice…

Follow the packing rules. With the laundry services you can get away with one week’s clothing for 2 weeks. We brought too much clothing! – Dawn Dinkins

Stick with a trusted planner like African Portfolio. – Nancy and David Ment

Take advantage of the knowledge and connections that African Portfolio has to offer. Worth it to spend extra money for peace of mind! – Diane Nicosia

Visit multiple camps with different ecosystems! – Shannon Mitchell

And finally, to sum it up…

Just relax and enjoy every step of the trip. African Portfolio will have every detail ironed out and will have everything so well coordinated you will not have to worry about anything. – Alexis Volpe