ANSWERS QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Our collaborative planning process unfolds in six steps:
- Initial Consultation - We begin with an in-depth conversation about your travel dreams, preferences, interests, and previous experiences
- Conceptual Itinerary - Our team creates a preliminary journey framework featuring recommended destinations, properties, and experiences
- Refinement - Through thoughtful dialogue, we adjust and perfect your itinerary until it precisely matches your vision
- Confirmation - Once you're completely satisfied, we secure all reservations, permits, and special arrangements
- Pre-Departure Support - You'll receive comprehensive materials and guidance on everything from packing to cultural etiquette
- Journey Experience - Throughout your travels, our team provides seamless support and can make real-time adjustments as desired
This process ensures every detail reflects your preferences while benefiting from our extensive expertise.
While many companies offer African travel experiences, Aleiba distinguishes itself through four key pillars:
Unparalleled Expertise: Our leadership team includes former luxury hotel executives, conservation specialists, and born-and-raised African tourism pioneers with a combined 75+ years of experience across the continent. Unlike companies with remote headquarters, our presence in both North America and Africa ensures authentic, up-to-date knowledge.
Exclusive Access: Through decades of relationship-building, we've secured privileges unavailable to other operators: private viewings of cultural sites before public hours, meetings with renowned conservationists, invitations to ceremonies typically closed to outsiders, and access to private wildlife reserves with dramatically lower visitor numbers.
Bespoke Customization: We never offer "off-the-shelf" itineraries. Each journey is built from the ground up based on your specific interests, pace preferences, and travel style. Our planning process involves in-depth consultation to understand the experiences that will resonate most deeply with you.
Sustainable Luxury: We partner exclusively with properties and experiences that meet our rigorous standards for both environmental responsibility and exceptional quality. This commitment extends to our carbon-neutral operations and our Aleiba Foundation, which directs a substantial portion of our profits to conservation and community initiatives.
For optimal choice of accommodations and experiences, we recommend:
- 12-18 months for travel during peak seasons (particularly if gorilla trekking is on your wish list)
- 9-12 months for travel during shoulder seasons
- 6-9 months for travel during low seasons
That said, our extensive connections occasionally allow us to craft extraordinary last-minute journeys when unexpected opportunities arise. Don't hesitate to contact us regardless of your timeframe.
Aleiba specializes in private, custom journeys. However, we do offer a limited collection of small-group departures (maximum 8 travelers) led by renowned experts in fields like wildlife photography, culinary arts, and conservation. These departures combine the camaraderie of like-minded travelers with the premium experience Aleiba is known for.
We also accommodate private groups of friends or family with itineraries tailored to varied interests and multi-generational needs.
We tailor each itinerary to match your desired activity level. Options range from leisurely explorations with minimal exertion to challenging adventures for active travelers. During our planning process, we'll discuss specific activities in detail to ensure they align with your comfort level and physical abilities.
For travelers with mobility concerns, we have extensive experience creating accessible experiences that don't compromise on quality or authenticity. Many luxury safari lodges and even certain adventure activities can be adapted for various accessibility needs.
Our fully customized journeys typically begin at $750-$1,500 per person per day, depending on the destination, season, accommodation choices, and activities selected. This comprehensive pricing includes luxury accommodations, expert private guides, premium transportation, most meals, all internal flights, conservation fees, and exclusive experiences.
We believe transparency is essential in luxury travel. During our consultation process, we'll provide clear guidance on how different choices affect your investment, allowing you to make informed decisions that align with both your dreams and your budget.
While this varies based on your available time and specific interests, we've found that:
- Single-country journeys typically require 7-10 days to experience a destination meaningfully without feeling rushed
- Multi-country explorations are best enjoyed with 14-21 days to allow for proper immersion in each location
- Grand African journeys connecting three or more countries benefit from 21+ days
We specialize in designing journeys that respect the rhythm of each place, balancing activity with reflection, adventure with relaxation.
Our comprehensive journeys typically include:
- All luxury accommodations
- Expert private guides and drivers
- All internal flights and premium ground transportation
- Most meals (as specified in your itinerary)
- All entrance fees, permits, and conservation contributions
- Exclusive experiences and special access
- VIP airport assistance where available
- 24/7 concierge support throughout your journey
- Comprehensive pre-departure materials
- All applicable taxes and fees
International flights to and from Africa are typically arranged separately, though our team can assist with reservations and upgrades through our premium airline partnerships.
Visa and health requirements vary by destination and your country of citizenship. Upon booking, you'll receive:
- Custom Visa Guide - Detailed instructions for each country on your itinerary, including application procedures, required documentation, and processing timelines
- Health Recommendation Document - Comprehensive information on required and recommended vaccinations, prevention measures for region-specific concerns, and guidance on travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage
Our team stays updated on changing requirements and provides continuous support throughout the preparation process.
Each African destination has optimal seasons based on weather, wildlife viewing, and special events:
Morocco:
- Peak: March-May, September-November (Ideal temperatures, vibrant markets)
- Shoulder: February, June (Fewer tourists, mild in most regions)
- Low: July-August (Very hot in desert regions), December-January (Cooler, potential for rain)
Ghana:
- Peak: November-March (Dry season, comfortable temperatures)
- Shoulder: April, October (Transitional months with less rainfall)
- Low: May-September (Rainy season, lush landscapes but potential logistical challenges)
Kenya:
- Peak: July-October (Great Migration, dry season with excellent wildlife viewing)
- Shoulder: January-February, November-December (Lower visitor numbers, good wildlife viewing)
- Low: March-May (Long rains, extraordinarily lush landscapes, fewer visitors)
South Africa:
- Cape Region Peak: October-April (Warm, dry summer months)
- Safari Region Peak: May-September (Dry winter months, excellent wildlife viewing)
- Year-round appeal with regional variations makes South Africa ideal for any season
Ethiopia:
- Peak: October-January (Dry season, major festivals including Timkat)
- Shoulder: February-March, September (Mild temperatures, good conditions)
- Low: April-August (Rainy season, dramatically beautiful landscapes but some logistical challenges)
Rwanda:
- Peak: June-September (Dry season, optimal for gorilla trekking)
- Shoulder: December-February (Short dry season, good conditions)
- Low: March-May, October-November (Rainy seasons, lush landscapes, reduced rates)
During our consultation, we'll discuss your travel dates and preferences to recommend the optimal destinations for your specific timeframe.
ACCOMMODATIONS & EXPERIENCES
Our accommodation partners represent the pinnacle of their categories, with options including:
- Luxury Safari Lodges - Permanent structures offering spacious suites, premium amenities, and world-class dining in wilderness settings
- Exclusive Tented Camps - Sophisticated canvas accommodations combining authentic safari atmosphere with luxury comforts
- Boutique Hotels - Intimate properties with distinctive character, personalized service, and local connection
- Historic Properties - Carefully restored riads, palaces, and colonial buildings with contemporary comforts and authentic heritage
- Private Villas - Exclusive-use properties with dedicated staff for the ultimate in privacy and personalization
All properties in our portfolio are personally evaluated against our stringent criteria for service excellence, sustainability practices, authentic design, and meaningful connection to their surroundings.
Absolutely. Africa offers extraordinary opportunities for family bonding and educational experiences. We specialize in family journeys that engage travelers of all ages with:
- Age-appropriate activities led by guides who excel at connecting with young travelers
- Family-friendly accommodations with suitable room configurations and amenities
- Carefully paced itineraries that balance stimulation with necessary downtime
- Special experiences that transform educational concepts into exciting hands-on activities
Our consultants will work with you to understand your family dynamics and create a journey that delights every generation.
Culinary experiences are central to the Aleiba journey. Depending on your destination and preferences, you might enjoy:
- Private dining under the stars in the Serengeti
- Chef's table experiences at award-winning restaurants in Cape Town
- Cooking classes with renowned chefs highlighting regional ingredients
- Curated wine tastings at exclusive South African estates
- Traditional ceremonies showcasing local culinary heritage
- Bush breakfasts overlooking spectacular landscapes
All dietary preferences and restrictions are meticulously accommodated throughout your journey, with our team communicating your needs to each property well in advance.
We believe transparency is essential in luxury travel. During our consultation process, we'll provide clear guidance on how different choices affect your investment, allowing you to make informed decisions that align with both your dreams and your budget.
Wildlife viewing varies by destination, ecosystem, and season. In East and Southern Africa's premier reserves, you can reasonably expect to encounter most of the following during a 3-4 day stay:
- The Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino
- Plains Game: Giraffe, zebra, numerous antelope species, and primates
- Other Predators: Cheetah, hyena, and smaller carnivores
- Abundant Birdlife: From massive eagles to tiny, colorful sunbirds
What distinguishes an Aleiba safari is not just the species checklist, but the quality of each encounter. Our expert guides know individual animals and their territories, positioning you for meaningful observations of natural behaviors rather than fleeting glimpses.
For specialized interests such as particular bird species or rare mammals, we design itineraries that maximize your chances of successful sightings.
PRACTICAL TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS
Sustainability is foundational to every Aleiba journey through our comprehensive approach:
Environmental Responsibility:
- Carbon-neutral operations through verified offset programs
- Partners selected for their conservation initiatives and environmental practices
- Elimination of single-use plastics throughout our operations
- Support for wildlife corridor preservation and habitat restoration
Community Engagement:
- Local employment at above-market wages
- Investment in education and healthcare in tourism-dependent communities
- Preservation of cultural heritage through sustainable tourism practices
- Fair trade purchasing policies for all locally sourced products
Measurable Impact:
- Transparent reporting on the specific conservation and community initiatives supported by your journey
- Opportunities to engage directly with projects through meaningful visits and interactions
- Annual sustainability report documenting our collective impact
We believe luxury and responsibility are complementary, not contradictory, values.
Our comprehensive approach minimizes your need to handle cash or payment details during your travels:
- Most expenses are prepaid as part of your journey cost
- For personal purchases, major credit cards are widely accepted at quality establishments in urban areas
- For markets and rural areas, we provide guidance on obtaining local currency and negotiating fair prices
- Gratuity guidelines are clearly communicated, with options to pre-arrange tips for seamless service
When special opportunities arise during your journey, your guide can facilitate payments that can be settled with Aleiba afterwards, allowing you to remain fully present in the experience.
Packing requirements vary significantly by destination, activities, and season. Upon booking, you'll receive:
- Customized packing list specific to your itinerary
- Guidance on dress codes for various settings (safari, city dining, cultural sites)
- Information on laundry services available throughout your journey
- Recommendations for specialized gear when relevant
For certain destinations, we offer premium gear rental to eliminate the need to purchase items you may not use frequently.
Most safari destinations have luggage weight restrictions for light aircraft flights. We'll provide detailed guidelines and can arrange for excess luggage storage when needed.
Your safety is our absolute priority. Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Continuous monitoring of conditions in all destinations through local teams and global intelligence services
- Partnerships with properties demonstrating exemplary security protocols
- Emergency response plans tailored to each region
- 24/7 concierge support with direct access to our senior management team
- Comprehensive traveler insurance requirements including medical evacuation coverage
We maintain thorough risk assessments for all destinations and activities, and we will always be transparent about any concerns that might affect your journey.
We understand that circumstances can change. Our standard terms include:
- More than 120 days prior to departure: Fully refundable except for a modest planning fee
- 120-90 days: 30% of journey cost
- 89-60 days: 50% of journey cost
- 59-30 days: 75% of journey cost
- Less than 30 days: 100% of journey cost
For added peace of mind, we offer premium travel insurance options that provide comprehensive coverage for cancellations due to unexpected circumstances.
Connectivity varies widely across Africa, from excellent high-speed service in urban centers to limited or no access in remote wilderness areas. Before your departure, we provide:
- Detailed connectivity maps for your specific itinerary
- Options for portable WiFi or local SIM cards where advantageous
- Guidance on setting expectations with colleagues or family regarding your availability
- Emergency contact protocols for urgent situations
Many of our travelers value the opportunity to disconnect in certain areas, finding that a temporary digital detox enhanc
ABOUT ALEIBA
"Aleiba" derives from ancient Swahili trading terminology, roughly translating to "the guiding path that leads to precious discoveries." This name reflects our commitment to leading travelers to Africa's most extraordinary experiences while honoring the continent's rich linguistic heritage.
Aleiba maintains headquarters in both New York and Cape Town, with satellite offices in London, Nairobi, and Marrakech. This dual-continent presence allows us to combine international service standards with on-the-ground expertise and relationships.
Our team includes specialists based in each of our destination countries, ensuring real-time knowledge and authentic connections.
Contact our team of Africa specialists to start planning your extraordinary adventure:
Email: hello@aleiba.com
Phone: +1 (800) 555-AFRICA
Website: www.aleiba.com/contact
Aleiba was founded in 2020 by King whose family has been involved in African tourism for three generations. After a distinguished career in international luxury hospitality, King David assembled a team of Africa's most knowledgeable specialists to create a new standard in premium African travel.
Our founding principle remains our guiding philosophy: that Africa's extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and communities deserve to be experienced with profound respect, genuine connection, and uncompromising quality.
The Aleiba Foundation directs 5% of our gross revenue (not just profit) to carefully selected conservation and community initiatives across our destination countries. Current focus areas include:
- Anti-poaching technology and training in Kenya and South Africa
- Education scholarships for students in tourism-dependent communities
- Healthcare accessibility projects in remote regions
- Cultural preservation initiatives documenting endangered traditions
- Female entrepreneurship programs in the hospitality sector
Each journey directly supports these initiatives, and we provide transparent reporting on the impact of your specific contribution.
Join our community of passionate Africa travelers through:
- Quarterly Journal - Our limited-edition print publication featuring in-depth stories and photography
- Monthly Dispatch - Email updates on new experiences, conservation success stories, and travel insights
- Instagram - Daily visual inspiration from across the continent
- Private Events - Exclusive gatherings in major cities featuring African cuisine, culture, and conservation leaders
We respect your privacy and never share your information with third parties.
NEWS & ARTICLES
Stay Update with Aleiba
June 6, 2021 • David Hale
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June 6, 2022 • Jackie Lou
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March 14, 2023 • fredrick Shaw
In the mood for meditation
Enjoy the very best of of world travels with aleiba.com. You can be sure of nothing but the best.
Get in Touch
Email:
info@aleiba.com
Phone:
+2348155614129
Fax:
+2348155614129
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