Q Who are we?
My First Safari was established in 2001 by Marianne Birrell and her associates, who offer African safari options and recommendations, assistance with local travel and efficient safari reservations. She draws experience from her days in a well-known safari lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. In 1992 she and her husband created, developed and managed Willowbrook Lodge in Somerset West near Cape Town. MFS actively supports and encourages ethical wildlife practices and organisations.

Q Why shop around for a safari?

  • Every SAFARI LODGE is different. Some are small and intimate, some large and buzzy. Some are more child-friendly than others. Some are tented camps, others traditional thatched chalets. We help you choose the best safari lodge accommodation to suit your style and your pocket.
  • Each GAME RESERVE is different. Some have the Big 5, some don't. Reserves have different road infrastructures; and some are easier to get to than others. Traffic differs in each reserve. They have different micro-climates, depending on their area or country. These factors all affect your safari.

Q Why book through My First Safari?

  • it costs you NO EXTRA
  • best chance of seeing Africa's AMAZING WILDLIFE in the wild and roaming free
  • you BENEFIT from our personal visits to the lodges and reserves
  • we can HELP with advice on local flights and transfers to the game reserves
  • virtually NO RISKS; you pay your safari lodge directly
  • a generous CHOICE of safari lodges
  • an interesting CHOICE of game reserves
  • EFFICIENT reservation service
  • SPECIAL OFFERS; winter & group discounts offered
  • a LOCAL CONTACT in case of queries or emergency

Q How does it all work?

1. E-mail us. Let us know what sort of safari appeals to you; is this your first safari? Tell us.
2. We get to work and present you with African safari lodge ideas, recommendations, options and prices.
3. We advise you how to get there ~ by air, car or coach - and help with seat bookings.
4. We make a provisional safari booking on your behalf at the lodge you have chosen.
5. You pay a deposit directly to the safari lodge to secure your booking.
6. You pay the balance of your safari a month before your safari starts, also directly to your safari lodge.
7. Before you go on safari, we send you clothing tips, health advice and other useful info.

Q When should I book?

 Game viewing is excellent all year through. Bear in mind that many safari lodges are small (6 - 12 double rooms) and therefore fill up quickly, so advance booking is essential.

Q What are the "Big 5"?

Elephant, rhino, lion, Cape buffalo and leopard. Cheetah and wild dog are rare and are not often seen.

Q What am I paying for on safari?

Prices are usually per person per day sharing a double room or suite, and usually include full board: all meals, teas and coffees, VAT, selected drinks (in some lodges), two accompanied game drives on open vehicles, and a bush walk. Accommodation is in chalets, tents or suites with private patios, twin or king size beds and en-suite bathrooms. Some have additional private outdoor showers. Lodges all have swimming pools and curio shops. All-suite luxury lodges have individual private splash pools; some are heated.

Q What does it cost?

Approximate prices are listed on the Top 20 Safaris pages, subject to exchange movements. South Africa's currency is the Rand (R). Recent exchange rates are approx: US$1 = R8.50 • £1 = R15.00 • €1 = R12.50.

Q What is excluded?

A small tourism levy, bar, service charges & tips (gratuities), telephone, and travel insurance; transfer costs to and from the safari lodges; park/game reserve entry fees.

Q How do I get there?

By road or by air. South Africa has good roads and most roads to the game reserves are safe; only a few are not recommended. Air travel is reliable and safe; scheduled and charter flights are available. Ask us for details.
 
 
   
 


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