Your safari. Your experiences.
Your must-see moments.
The safari you’ve been dreaming about, built only for you.
A custom safari gives you freedom to see Africa your way.
Whether you’re a new or experienced safari traveler, I help you choose the right season, parks, lodges, and activities so the wildlife encounters you’re hoping for aren’t left to chance.
You’ll travel with trusted local guides, stay in comfortable lodges close to the action, and spend unhurried time with the animals you came to see.
If you want a trip that feels genuinely personalized,
this is the right safari for you.
Not a template.
Not a tour package.
Your safari, your way.
What Your Custom Safari Delivers.
Every itinerary is built from the ground up based on your interests, timeline, and comfort level.
- The wildlife you want to see
- The experiences you want to have
- How much time you want to spend
- Your travel style
- Your budget
From there, I plan all your logistics: parks, transfers, timing, and all the details that will make your safari seamless.
With an itinerary designed just for you, you just need to show up and enjoy your adventure.
How does a custom safari work?
Straightforward. Personal. Built around you.
We talk.
You tell me what’s exciting you about Africa and what you hope to experience. Not sure what you want? I will ask questions to understand your needs.
I design your itinerary.
You’ll receive a proposed itinerary that explains where you’ll go, when, and what makes the itinerary special.
We refine it together.
We make adjustments until the trip fits exactly what you want.
You travel with confidence.
Enjoy a safari with logistics that have been taken care of, trusted guides, smooth connections, and days designed for authentic moments in the wild.
book a tour
Some trips call for a plan built entirely around you.
Why plan a custom safari with Dave Burns?
You set the dates.
Travel when it works for you, not when a group is scheduled to go.
You decide the pace.
Spend longer with wildlife, add rest days, or focus on specific parks without worrying about group timing.
You choose the level of comfort.
Select the camps and lodges that fit your style and budget, instead of accepting a pre-set package.
You shape the wildlife experience.
Pick the animals, activities, or environments that matter most to you – migration crossings, big cats, elephants, birds, you name it.
You get dedicated planning.
Every detail is tailored to your preferences, and every question is answered one-on-one. No “one-size-fits-all” trip, no competing priorities.
You travel with the people you choose.
Bring a partner, family, or close friends and keep the experience personal and comfortable.
Real words from safari travelers
Unplug from the busy life. Step into the wild.
FAQs
Yes. Your rooms all have power outlets for charging at night and safari vehicles frequently have power outlets in them to charge while on game drives. I’ll give you plenty of information about what type of adapter to bring for each country you will visit.
Photo gear is heavy, especially the big lenses for wildlife, and that can make air travel tough. Flights on small planes usually come with weight limits but on guided tours, I’ve arranged for increased allowances. This can also be arranged for custom safaris.
Ideally about a year ahead, especially for peak wildlife seasons. Camps and lodges fill quickly, and early planning gives you the best options.
I’ve had travelers spend from 8 to 18 days on safari, depending on how many parks they want to visit and the type of wildlife experiences they’re hoping for.
Small, comfortable lodges and luxury tented camps located close to the wildlife and away from the crowds. These are places I know personally and trust.
In addition to the safari itinerary design and any pre-departure support you need, I plan everything – including lodging, food, and transportation from when you arrive on your international flight to when you depart. Game drives, park fees, guides, and any internal flights too. Each itinerary lists the full details.
Not at all. While photographers love traveling with me, custom safaris are designed for anyone who simply likes watching wildlife and wants to experience Africa.
Safaris are generally relaxed. Expect early mornings, time in the vehicles, and gentle walks around camp. Roads can sometimes be a little bumpy but there’s always someone to carry your bags. Of course, if you want to move, I can organize activities like a Kilimanjaro climb or snorkeling in Zanzibar.
Both custom and guided safaris are great for solo travelers. Either way, you’ll have plenty of local support and a great itinerary. You can join a guided safari and enjoy company so you don’t have to navigate Africa alone. If you prefer a custom plan, plenty of travelers take solo safaris and have a great experience.
The vehicles are Land Rovers or Land Cruisers: reliable and rugged yet still very comfortable inside. Some are open-sided, some have pop-top roofs, but all provide ample shade from the sun and 360-degree views of the wildlife. There is cold, bottled water during our game drives and the guide has a radio/phone for any emergencies, help locating game, etc.
Each itinerary stays at different camps but in all of the lodging, there is great food, comfortable beds, private toilet/bathrooms, and power to charge your electronics. All of the camps provide laundry services either for free or for a nominal fee.
On my guided safaris, everyone gets an entire row in the vehicle to themselves so they can have unobstructed views and plenty of space for any backpacks and gear. For custom safaris, we can tune the amount of space to whatever you request.
ready to experience an unforgettable safari?
Let’s design the safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.