How it works
From first message to last game drive.
No brochures, no hard sell, no pricing that changes when you ask twice.
You tell us the shape of it
Dates or even just a month, how many of you, roughly what you would like to spend, and the one or two things you would be sad to go home without. If you do not know yet, that is a normal place to start — most people do not.
5 minutesWe come back with a costed draft
Within 48 hours, and usually sooner. A real itinerary: named lodges, the specific room type, the flights between them, what each day holds and what the whole thing costs. Nothing marked "luxury lodge to be confirmed".
If your budget does not stretch to what you asked for, we will say so and show you what does.
Within 48 hoursWe rework it until it fits
Second and third drafts are normal and never charged for. Most changes are about pace — people almost always want one more night in the bush and one fewer in the city.
A few daysYou confirm, we hold everything
A deposit secures the lodges, charters and guides. The balance falls due six weeks before you fly. You get a single invoice in your currency, full terms in writing, and honest advice on travel insurance.
Deposit at confirmationBefore you fly
A final pack: flight times, transfer names, lodge contacts, what to wear on a June morning drive, luggage limits for light aircraft, and the camera lens you will wish you had brought.
Two weeks outAnd while you are here
Someone meets you at the airport. Every transfer is confirmed the day before. If a flight shifts or a plan needs changing, we handle it before it becomes your problem. One number, answered day and night.
ThroughoutA few things you might like to know.
How does planning a trip with Gone Wild Africa work?
It starts with a conversation about where you’d like to go, what you enjoy and what you’d like to spend. Matt then puts together a suggested itinerary and refines it with you. Once you’re happy with the plan, we arrange the bookings and walk you through everything you need before departure.
Do you charge a separate planning fee?
No. Our services are included in the total itinerary price, with no separate planning fee. We work with our lodge and travel partners to offer competitive rates, and your proposal clearly sets out what is included and what costs extra.
Can you plan around our budget?
Yes. Sharing a budget early helps us recommend the right combination of accommodation, destinations and experiences. We’ll explain the options and where a change in timing, route or length of stay could help you get more from your trip.
Will Matt personally plan our trip?
Yes. Matt plans every itinerary and is your main point of contact throughout the process. His recommendations draw on more than a decade of guiding and travelling across Southern Africa, as well as relationships built with the people who will look after you along the way.
How far in advance should we book?
The earlier you start, the more choice you’ll have, especially for popular lodges, school holidays and trips with several stops. If your dates are close, it’s still worth getting in touch. We’ll check availability and help you understand what’s possible.
How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
A deposit is required to confirm your trip and secure your bookings. The amount depends on the lodges and services in your itinerary, with the balance typically due six weeks before arrival. You’ll receive the exact payment schedule before you commit.
What if we need to change or cancel our trip?
Let Matt know as soon as possible so he can look into your options. Changes and cancellations are subject to the terms of the lodges, airlines and other providers in your itinerary. We share these terms before you pay, including any non-refundable amounts.
Can you work with our travel advisor?
Yes. We work with travel advisors and agencies to plan and arrange journeys across Southern Africa. If you already have an advisor, introduce us and we’ll coordinate with them on your itinerary and bookings.
Who can we contact while we’re travelling?
Matt remains your point of contact throughout your trip. If a question comes up or plans change along the way, you can get in touch directly.
How soon will I hear back after enquiring?
We aim to respond to new enquiries within 24 hours. We’re based in Cape Town and work on South African time. Tell us a little about your dates, group and ideas so we can make the first conversation useful.
Start with a month and a rough number.
We will take it from there, and you will have something real to read within two days.