FAQ
What is Safari & Bird?
Safari & Bird is a specialist safari company offering bird and wildlife experiences across Africa with a strong photographic focus. Our journeys are designed to be unhurried, immersive, and educational — whether guided privately by specialists or explored independently through our learning resources.
Where is Safari & Bird based and where do your tours operate?
We are based in Durban, KwaZulu Natal — with over 600 species, it is South Africa’s most bird rich province.
Our safaris take place in KwaZulu Natal and across other select regions of Africa, chosen for their wildlife diversity, photographic potential, and sense of space. Destinations are matched carefully to season, interests, and travel style.
Do I need to be a birder to join a Safari & Bird trip?
Not at all. Many of our guests arrive with little or no birding experience. Our safaris are designed for curious travellers who want to understand wildlife and ecosystems more deeply — birds simply offer one of the richest ways to do that.
Are your safaris only focused on birds?
No. While birds play an important role in how we interpret the landscape, our safaris include the full wildlife experience — mammals, photography, ecology and scenery. Birding and traditional safari complement one another rather than compete.
What types of safaris do you offer?
We offer:
Privately guided bird & wildlife safaris
The Safari Photographer — a Photographer who guides your safari and captures your journey.
Photographic safaris with a specialist photographic guide who gives in the field tips, tricks & techniques.
Self-guided safari itineraries supported by eBooks and digital tools
Each experience is tailored to your interests, pace, and level of involvement.
Do I need professional camera equipment?
No. Many guests travel with smartphones or basic cameras. Photography on safari is about observation and timing rather than equipment. For those who prefer to stay fully present, we also offer safaris where a professional photographer captures the experience on your behalf. https://safariandbird.com/safari-photographer
Can you customise a safari to my interests?
Yes. All Safari & Bird journeys are privately guided and fully customised. Whether your focus is photography, wildlife behaviour, birds, comfort, or slow travel, we design itineraries around what matters most to you.
Are your safaris suitable for first-time safari travellers?
Absolutely. Many of our guests are first-time safari travellers. We take a thoughtful, unhurried approach that helps newcomers feel comfortable while gaining a deeper understanding of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes.
What is a self-guided safari and how does it work?
Our self-guided safaris combine curated routes with detailed eBooks and digital resources. They provide professional insight — where to go, when to be there, and what to look for — while allowing you the freedom to explore independently.
Do you take children, is there a minimum age range?
As our tours are private there is no minimum age limit. However at private lodges, 12 years of age is often the minimum. As a general it is better to safari with older children as there is a lot of time spent in vehicles on safari and traveling.
What is the size of your tour groups?
PRIVATE GROUP SIZE: We can cater for any group size, largest to date was a group of 12 photographers from Dubai.
BIRDING PHOTO TOURS: To maximize everyone’s photo opportunities we prefer to keep these groups small. Max 8
How challenging are your trips?
The beauty of private photo tours is that we can tailor it to preferences, as a general we tend to use locations that relatively easy walking, if not. we do our best to provide an alternative place to wait while the rest of group visits that specific spot.
A lot of our tour experience For our Safari and Bird Photo Tours is done from a vehicle, boat or a hide (blind).
How far in advance should I book?
|For peak season safari (July-Nov) we recommend book at least a year in advance to secure accommodations year and private guides. However, availability varies, and we’re always happy to advise based on your travel timeframe.
How do I make a booking?
You can use our contact form or call us (Whatsapp) +27760332343 so we can assist you further.
Email info@photographytours.co.za
Can I pay using a credit card, what other pay options do you provide?
Yes you can, we use www.yoko.com as our service provider, for tailored tours and safaris we send a payment link.
EFT – Payments can be made into our bank account, the details of which can be emailed through to interested parties.
CREDIT CARD – We send a payment link .There is a 4% surcharge for currency conversion and banking fees.
PAYPAL – Payments can be made into our PayPal account however there are hefty fee 5% PayPal and an additional 5% surcharge for banking fees.
How do I start planning a safari with Safari & Bird?
Simply get in touch via our website or email info@safariandbird.com
to start your conversation so we can understand your interests, travel style, and expectations — and build from there.
What if I need to cancel?
Due to the nature of these trips with advanced bookings paid to secure accommodation, guides and activities, the 40% deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellation 60 days prior ro tour commences 60% refund
Cancellation less than 60 days before tour commences no refund , however if you can find someone to take your place or if it is possible for us to reschedule to a different date, we will take that into consideration.
Please note all our tours require that you have travel insurance,