Welcome To
Safaris by Locals
About Me
Living the Wild, Sharing the Adventure
I’m Arnau, a passionate traveler and wildlife photographer. I’ve visited Africa numerous times and even spent seven months living and exploring the continent. During that time, I had the chance to visit its most spectacular national parks, experience countless safaris, and connect with incredible local experts.
Through Safaris by Locals, I want to share everything I’ve learned to help you plan your perfect safari. From essential travel tips to insider knowledge, I’m here to make your adventure unforgettable. Plus, I’ll connect you directly with trusted local operators to get personalized quotes and book your safari with confidence.
Plan your safari from start to finish
What will you find in Safaris by locals?
In-Depth Safari Guides
Detailed guides on the best countries for safaris in East and South Africa, along with insights into the top national parks. All based on my personal experience, featuring my own photos.
Personalized Safari Planning
A form where you can share your safari preferences, and I’ll connect you with 1 to 3 trusted local agencies that match your needs and offer customized itineraries.
Pre-Designed Safari Itineraries & Costs
These pre-designed itineraries were developed with trusted local agencies and showcase some of the best safari options. Each includes estimated costs to help you plan confidently.
The Local Connection That Changes Everything
Every safari is different — and so is every local operator.
After going on countless safaris and working closely with many top-rated agencies across East and Southern Africa, I’ve learned how much the right match matters. Some specialize in wildlife photography, others in family-friendly trips, luxury escapes, or remote off-the-beaten-path adventures.
At Safaris by Locals, I connect you with 1 to 3 trusted specialists I personally know and recommend. These are not random listings — they’re top-rated local operators with excellent reviews from real travelers and often awarded the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice badge.
You’ll connect directly with local experts — no third parties, no inflated prices. Just honest advice, real value, and the kind of safari you’ll never forget.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to an Unforgettable Safari Adventure
Stress-Free Safari Planning
1. Fill the Form in Under 1 Minute
Before filling out the quick form, we recommend reading through our detailed safari guides to help you choose the best countries, national parks, and budget for your dream safari. Once you’re ready, the form will take you less than a minute to complete.
2. Receive No-Obligation Quotes
Based on your preferences, you’ll receive personalized quotes from 1 to 3 trusted local operators that I personally know. No middlemen, no pressure—just tailored safari packages within 48 hours.
3. Review and Request Changes
Once you receive your quotes, review the options and feel free to request any changes, whether it’s adjusting the itinerary, accommodations, or any other detail. Your safari should be exactly how you want it!
4. Book Your Safari Directly with Local Operators
Book directly with the local operators, ensuring you get the best prices, support local economies, and benefit from the personalized expertise of local guides who know the land best.
5. Enjoy Your Safari Adventure!
With everything set, you can now relax and enjoy the safari of your dreams—immersed in nature, wildlife, and experiences like no other!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does your service work?
You fill out a simple form sharing your safari preferences. I then connect you with 1 to 4 trusted local operators who create personalized itineraries and quotes tailored to your needs. You communicate directly with these operators and make your booking with them — Safaris by Locals does not handle bookings.
2. Is your service really free?
Yes! Using Safaris by Locals to get personalized safari quotes is completely free for travelers. I earn a small commission from the local operators only when a booking is confirmed. This fair collaboration helps local operators keep prices competitive without middleman markups. Plus, 10% of my commission goes directly to local conservation NGOs supporting wildlife and communities.
3. What types of tours can I book?
You can book a wide variety of safaris, including photographic safaris, family trips, luxury safaris, budget adventures, walking safaris, cultural tours, and off-the-beaten-path experiences across East and Southern Africa.
4. Can I customize my trip?
Absolutely! The local operators provide tailor-made itineraries based on your preferences. You can request changes to the itinerary, activities (such as balloon safaris, walking safaris, cultural experiences), accommodations, and more — all tailored to your interests and budget. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, halal, and others can also be accommodated.
5. How do you select the best operators?
I personally know the local operators, managers, and guides I recommend. I’ve traveled with most of them myself to experience firsthand their quality and authenticity. For those I haven’t visited yet, I rely on trusted contacts and plan to visit them soon to verify their standards. Additionally, all operators I work with have excellent reviews from real travelers and many are proud recipients of the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice award. This ensures you get trusted, highly rated experts who deliver exceptional safari experiences.
6. Why should I use your service instead of booking directly?
By using Safaris by Locals, you save time and avoid endless research. You get personalized advice from someone who knows Africa and the operators personally. Plus, you receive multiple competitive quotes with no extra cost or commission from your side.
7. Will I get multiple quotes?
Yes! You will receive between 1 and 4 personalized quotes from trusted local operators, so you can compare and pick the one that fits your style and budget best.
8. Are prices higher than booking directly?
No. Since you book directly with the local operators, prices are fair and competitive without middleman markups. My commission comes from the operators, not you.
9. Can I have a non-English speaking guide?
Yes, many local operators can provide guides who speak different languages. Just let us know your language preference when filling the form, and we’ll match you accordingly.
10. How long does it take to receive quotes?
Most clients receive their personalized safari quotes within less than 4 hours. All trusted local operators will respond with your tailored itineraries and offers within 48 hours at the latest, ensuring a fast and smooth planning process.
11. Can I book flights through your service?
No, Safaris by Locals focuses exclusively on connecting you with local safari operators. For flights, we recommend booking separately through airlines or travel agencies.
12. Which countries do you work with?
Currently, we work with trusted local operators in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
13. What happens if I need help during the booking process?
You can ask me any questions at any time — whether about itineraries, lodges, photography tips, or other safari details. After you receive your quotes, I’ll provide you with my email and WhatsApp contact so you can reach out easily. I’m here to offer expert advice and a second opinion to help you make the best decisions for your trip.
14. Have you personally traveled with the local operators you recommend?
Yes! I’ve traveled extensively in Africa and personally experienced safaris with most of the operators I recommend. For those I haven’t visited yet, I rely on trusted contacts and plan to visit them soon to ensure they meet the same high standards. This hands-on approach guarantees you work with professionals I trust and who deliver exceptional experiences.
15. Can I book safaris for groups or solo travelers?
Yes, the local operators cater to solo travelers, couples, families, and groups of all sizes.
16. What payment methods are accepted by local operators?
All bookings and payments are made directly with the local agencies. Each local operator has its own booking and payment policies. Typically, you will need to pay a deposit of 20-30% to confirm your reservation, and the remaining balance is paid either a few weeks before the safari or on the first day, depending on the provider. This will always be clearly explained in your personalized quote.
Credit card payments are usually preferred and widely accepted. However, for local agencies that do not support credit card payments or international transfers, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a great and affordable option for sending money internationally.
17. Are the safaris suitable for first-time travelers?
Absolutely! Many itineraries are designed to accommodate beginners, and operators provide support to ensure a smooth, memorable experience.
18. Do local operators follow responsible tourism practices?
Yes. All operators I work with prioritize sustainable and responsible tourism, supporting local communities and wildlife conservation.
19. What are the cancellation policies?
Since you book directly with the local operators, each agency has its own cancellation policies. These policies will always be clearly explained in your personalized quote. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask before confirming your booking.
Many of the local operators I work with offer free cancellation up to 1 month before the safari and often allow you to keep your deposit as credit for a future trip. However, cancellation conditions may vary depending on the season (high or low) and other factors, so it’s important to check each provider’s specific terms.