Guided Safaris
In 2023 our team spent a combined 280 days on safari. From the roof of the world in the Himalayas to the frozen temperatures of the Arctic with half of sub Saharan Africa in-between, we were treated to an amazing array of wildlife.
We thrive on sharing these experiences with our guests and believe our guided safaris to be the perfect blend of personal, adventurous and fulfilling. With all the perks of a bespoke safari with the added benefit of a personal guide to host your journey from start to finish.
How Much is a Guided Safari?
All trips are different but we suggest a starting budget of US$9,000 per person. This will allow us to explore a wide range of options for you and create the perfect itinerary.
Likely one of our co-founders, Will or Matt. You can request either of us or we can determine who would work best with your family/ group. We also have a range of guest guides we will pair you with where we think it’s right to do so.
Who Will My Guide Be?
“Our guided safaris take your experience to the next level, ensuring complete peace of mind throughout your safari as we take care of all the logistics and share our first hand stories and experiences of the journey you are on.”
Matt Armstong-Ford, co-founder
Guided Safari:
1.
Send us an enquiry, tell us a little about what you are looking for and we can begin preparing ideas.
2.
We will arrange a meeting with you and go through our ideas in detail and start preparing your itinerary.
3.
Having finalised your itinerary we will secure the relevant bookings and send you a detailed itinerary.
4.
Once approved by you we ask for a 30% deposit to secure the booking and lock in your safari.
5.
Your final balance will be due up to 45 days prior to departure, with regular contact between us and you on your upcoming safari.
6.
At the start of your trip you will be met at the airport by your private guide and begin your safari.
7.
Throughout the safari your guide will host and document your trip and run all logistics required, providing valuable first hand experience of your trip and allowing you to totally relax.
8.
Once you are back home we will provide a film and photo collection of your trip, ensuring those memories last a life time.
Recent Guided Safaris
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Photo Safari, Zambia
In October 2023 we took three of our favourite guests down to South Luangwa, spending eight nights between the Shenton Safari Camps there, seeing leopard every day, lion and wild dogs and elephants with almost similar regularity.
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Family Safari, Kenya
Will recently had the real pleasure of taking an awesome family of four to Kenya, visiting Borana conservancy, Lake Turkana and the Maasai Mara. He ranks it amongst his favourite ever trips, due to the family as much as the locations.
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Private Trip, Northern Norway
Matt took one of his longest clients on her first trip round the Nordic fjords, finishing in Svalbard to join up with our group Svalbard trip. They were both blown away by the scenery and Northern lights.
Our Guides
William Fortescue (Africa/ Arctic/ Asia)
Armstrong Fortescue co-founder, Will spent three years living and working in the Maasai Mara at Governors’ Camp Collection. His experience hosting guests, running a camp and leading safaris was the perfect entry to the world of safaris.
Since staring Armstrong Fortescue he has taken guests to destinations across three continents and shared some remarkable experiences with each of them; from showing guests first snow leopards to trekking mountain gorillas and sailing through the Arctic
Matt Armstrong-Ford (Africa/ Arctic/ Asia)
With over a decade of experience in the safari industry, Matt now specialises in highly exclusive wildlife expeditions around the world. From the plains of Africa to the jungles of India or the remote northern most wilderness of the Arctic circle, Matt has gained a reputation as one of the leading private guides in the industry and regular photographic contributor to the ‘Remembering Wildlife’ book series, one of the most successful conservation fundraising initiatives around.
His passion for wildlife and experience as a naturalist, combined with his expertise in photographing some of the most iconic wildlife around the world ensures you stand the best chance of coming away with the shots you have long dreamed of. With Matt’s “wildlife first” approach, not only will you create incredible images but also enjoy a truly authentic wildlife experience and memories that will last a life time.
Africa
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BOTSWANA
To many the holy grail of safari destinations Some of the best game viewing on the continent and its most exclusive camps and lodges.
Starting Budget Per Person: $20,000+
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KENYA
One of our favourite destinations and perhaps best for those on a family safari. A wide variety of activities and locations paired with a stunning coastline.
Starting Budget Per Person: $10,000+
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NAMIBIA
Redefining “off the beaten track” with national parks larger than Switzerland and sand dunes rising out of the coast line.
Starting Budget Per Person: $7,000+
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RWANDA
A country defined by gorilla trekking but with so much more to offer. Primate viewing here is unrivalled and delve in to Akagera for something untamed
Starting Budget Per Person: $11,000+
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SOUTH AFRICA
Incredible safaris, vibrant cities, beautiful beaches mixed with a renowned food and wine scene. Here there is something for everyone.
Starting Budget Per Person: $11,000+
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TANZANIA
From the Great Migration to chimpanzee trekking with some of the best big cat viewing in Africa, Tanzania’s safari offerings are second to none.
Starting Budget Per Person: $10,000+
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ZAMBIA
One of Africa’s last hidden gems. There’s so much to discover here and perhaps nowhere better in Africa to see leopards.
Starting Budget Per Person: $10,000+
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ZIMBABWE
A country defined by gorilla trekking but with so much more to offer. Primate viewing here is unrivalled and delve in to Akagera for something untamed
Starting Budget Per Person: $10,000+
Asia
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INDIA
A stunning assault on the senses India is a perfect blend of wildlife, food and culture. From tiger safaris in billion year old forests to trekking snow leopards in the Himalayas there’s so much on offer here.
Starting Budget Per Person: $6,000+
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MONGOLIA
Coming soon…
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KYRGYZTAN
Coming soon…
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TAJIKISTAN
Coming soon…
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UZBEKISTAN
Coming soon…
General Enquiry
Be it a combination of the locations below or something totally off the beaten track, please use the contact form and Matt and Will can schedule a call to discuss your ideas, the unique options available and begin planning your next adventure with you.
FAQs
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest allowing as much time as possible when booking a safari. As lodge sizes are often only 8-10 rooms bookings fill up fast so to ensure the best safari we suggest a year minimum, ideally 18-24 months notice.
What’s the difference between guided and bespoke safari?
Bespoke safaris are custom built to your desires, with a unique itinerary to you. A guided safari has the same level of itinerary care with the added bonus of having one of our team guide your trip from start to finish, offering that extra personal touch.
What’s the value of a group safari?
We love the buzz of a group safari. With sizes limited to 8 (Africa) and 10 (Arctic) being a group safari does not mean we hold back on luxury or attention to detail. Being able to share images and opinions with your fellow guests will help elevate your photography to new levels.
Can I still do a last minute booking?
Of course. Depending on the time of year we can always look to secure you a last minute deal and ensure you can have a spontaneous safari get away.
Can I do a privately guided photography trip?
Absolutely. While many of our photography based trips are for groups, we do offer these privately. Any of our destinations listed is available as a private photographic safari.
I can’t see a location I’m interested in?
We are trying to cover as much of the world as we can take on. We’ve set our sights on those listed for now but have many more in the works. If you can’t see a location on here that you would like to go to chances are we may be building a trip there behind the scenes. Get in touch with us here to see if we can still accommodate you.