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Famous Africa plans journeys across Southern Africa, East Africa, Madagascar and Antarctica — Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Antarctica. Every itinerary is designed individually rather than sold as a fixed departure, so a trip can combine several of these countries or concentrate on one.

Colette van Zyl, the founder of Famous Africa, plans each journey personally. She was born and raised in Durban, holds a Diploma in Tourism, and began her career working inside luxury lodges before moving into consulting — so the recommendations come from someone who has worked on the ground.

Famous Africa is a member of SATSA, the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, and is also listed on SafariBookings.com. Bookings are made with the relevant lodges and suppliers on the traveller's behalf through Famous Africa.

For most of the safari countries Famous Africa works in, the dry winter months of roughly June to October concentrate wildlife around water and are the classic season. The pattern shifts by country: Kenya's Masai Mara peaks from July to October, Botswana's Okavango peaks with the flood from June to October, Madagascar is dry from April to November, and South Africa is year-round because the Cape and the coast are at their best in the southern summer. Each destination page on this site carries its own month-by-month guide.

Antarctica can only be visited during the austral summer, roughly November to January. Famous Africa arranges Antarctic journeys through White Desert, and Emperor penguin chicks are seen in November and December. Outside that window the continent is closed to visitors, so an Antarctic trip has to be planned well ahead around those months.

Yes. South Africa is the destination Famous Africa points travellers to for malaria-free safari, which is often the deciding factor for families with young children or anyone who would rather not take prophylactics. Travellers should still take current medical advice for any African itinerary, because malaria risk varies by region and by season.

A 30% deposit of the total amount for all land arrangements. Furthermore, a 100% payment will be required for Air Travel as tickets must be issued simultaneously. Payment terms are governed by the relevant supplier, which Famous Africa books and confirms on the traveller's behalf.

The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to travel. If bookings are made less than 60 days before departure, then full payment (100%) is required at the time of the booking. Famous Africa sets out the full schedule in writing at the time of booking.

All cancellations must be sent to Famous Africa in writing. Between 60 and 31 days before travel, 75% of the final invoice value is charged; at 31 days or less, 100% is charged. Penalties are governed by the relevant supplier, so Famous Africa makes no guarantee as to securing refunds, which is why travel insurance is important on a trip of this kind.

Send Famous Africa a note with a rough idea of where and roughly when, and Colette replies personally to begin shaping the itinerary. She can be reached on +27 71 349 1066, on WhatsApp, or at safari@famous-africa.com. No passport, document or payment details are needed to make a first enquiry.