How do you price a journey?

We show a from-price where it helps, or invite a private proposal for highly tailored travel. Luxury is in the experience, not a catalogue number.

Can you arrange gorilla permits?

Yes. Permits are limited and often sell out months ahead in peak season. We recommend starting the conversation early so we can secure the right dates and parks — Uganda, Rwanda, or both.

How far ahead should we book permits?

For June–September and Christmas peak windows, six to twelve months is wise. Shoulder months can be shorter, but popular lodges still fill. We will tell you honestly what is still available.

Are chimpanzee permits easier than gorilla permits?

Usually yes — but busy weeks still book out. We confirm current allocation when we propose your dates.

When is the best time to visit East Africa?

It depends on what you want to see. Dry seasons (roughly June–September and December–February) are most reliable for wildlife and trekking. We still travel in the green seasons when it suits your pace and interests — fewer vehicles, softer light, and often better rates.

Is the rainy season a bad idea?

Not necessarily. Short rains can mean greener landscapes and quieter parks. Long rains can slow roads and close some treks briefly. We match season to your priorities, not a calendar myth.

No. We select stays for location, character, and how they complement your journey.

When is the Great Migration best?

Herds move with rain and grass — timing shifts year to year. We plan Mara–Serengeti chapters around the latest intelligence, not a fixed brochure month.

What is typically included in a private journey?

Private guiding and vehicles, lodge nights as confirmed, park fees and permits as agreed, and the logistics that stitch each day together. International flights, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses are usually separate — we spell this out clearly in your proposal.

Do you own the lodges?

No. We select stays for location, character, and how they complement your journey. We do not own camps — we curate preferred partners.

Are meals and park fees included?

Meals follow each lodge’s plan (often full board on safari). Park fees and permits are confirmed line by line in your proposal so there are no surprises.

Is Pearl Pulse suitable for families?

Yes. We design family journeys with age-appropriate pacing, quieter camps where possible, and activities that work for mixed ages — from gentle game drives to cultural visits and swimming holes.

How old must children be for gorilla trekking?

Parks set minimum ages (commonly 15 for mountain gorillas). We plan chimpanzee forest, savannah, and boat days for younger travellers, and keep gorilla days for those who qualify.

Can grandparents and toddlers travel together?

Often yes — with private vehicles, flexible daily rhythm, and lodges that welcome mixed ages. Tell us the ages and energy levels; we design around them.

How does payment work?

We outline a clear deposit and balance schedule in your proposal, tied to lodge and permit deadlines. International bank transfer is most common; we confirm details once the itinerary is agreed.

What is your cancellation policy?

Terms depend on permits, stays, and season. Non-refundable permits and lodge deposits are common close to travel. We set everything out in writing before you pay a deposit — see also our Cancellation Policy page.

Can we change dates after booking?

Sometimes — subject to permit availability and lodge rules. Early notice helps. We renegotiate on your behalf and confirm any cost difference before you decide.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?

Many travellers to Uganda and the region need proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Rules change — check official sources and your doctor; we share current guidance when you enquire.

What about malaria and travel insurance?

East Africa is a malaria region for many itineraries. Discuss prophylaxis with a travel clinic. Comprehensive travel insurance (including evacuation) is essential; we can outline what cover to look for.

Do you help with visas?

We advise on typical requirements and visa-on-arrival or e-visa processes, but you remain responsible for valid documents. We include a practical briefing in your pre-departure notes.

Kenya

Savannah and migration country

Why Kenya

Africa, deeply personal

Kenya is where many travellers meet the Big Five and, in the right months, the Great Migration. We do not treat the Mara as a postcard. We choose camps for location and guiding, use private vehicles, and leave room in the day for the unexpected — a leopard at last light, or a crossing that is worth waiting for.

Beyond the Mara, Amboseli is elephant country with Kilimanjaro on a clear morning. Samburu is drier, more specialised, and a strong contrast if you have the nights. We would rather you see two landscapes properly than collect names.

Nairobi is the usual gateway. We plan connections so you are not exhausted before the first game drive. Migration weeks book early; if those dates are gone we will say so, and we will offer a Mara or Amboseli chapter that still feels exceptional.

Featured journeys

All Kenya journeys

Kenya 6 days

Kenya Mara Migration

The Mara at the right time of year, with guiding that leaves room for wonder.

Uganda · Kenya 10 days

Uganda to Kenya

Gorillas and chimps, then open plains — a two-country journey with a clear change of light.

Experiences

Experience

Big Five Safari

Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — privately guided.

Experience

Wildlife Photography

Light, vehicles, and time shaped around the image.

Where to go

Rift Valley

Maasai Mara

Endless plains, big cats, and the drama of the Great Migration.

South

Amboseli

Great tuskers, swamp-edge game, and the mountain on a clear morning.

North

Samburu

Dry-country wildlife, the Ewaso Nyiro, and a different Kenya beyond the Mara.

Selected stays

Places we have selected — we do not own these lodges.

Selected stay

Mara Plains Camp

Maasai Mara, Kenya

A highly considered camp for travellers who want exclusivity and exceptional guiding.

Best time

July–October for the Mara River crossings; year-round for wildlife

Practical information

July–October is the classic Mara River period. Wildlife is strong year-round. Conservancy stays often mean fewer vehicles and a different night-drive permission set than the reserve itself — we will explain the trade-offs before you choose.

FAQs

How do you price a journey?: We show a from-price where it helps, or invite a private proposal for highly tailored travel. Luxury is in the experience, not a catalogue number.
Can you arrange gorilla permits?: Yes. Permits are limited and often sell out months ahead in peak season. We recommend starting the conversation early so we can secure the right dates and parks — Uganda, Rwanda, or both.
How far ahead should we book permits?: For June–September and Christmas peak windows, six to twelve months is wise. Shoulder months can be shorter, but popular lodges still fill. We will tell you honestly what is still available.
Are chimpanzee permits easier than gorilla permits?: Usually yes — but busy weeks still book out. We confirm current allocation when we propose your dates.
When is the best time to visit East Africa?: It depends on what you want to see. Dry seasons (roughly June–September and December–February) are most reliable for wildlife and trekking. We still travel in the green seasons when it suits your pace and interests — fewer vehicles, softer light, and often better rates.
Is the rainy season a bad idea?: Not necessarily. Short rains can mean greener landscapes and quieter parks. Long rains can slow roads and close some treks briefly. We match season to your priorities, not a calendar myth.
Do you own lodges?: No. We select stays for location, character, and how they complement your journey.
When is the Great Migration best?: Herds move with rain and grass — timing shifts year to year. We plan Mara–Serengeti chapters around the latest intelligence, not a fixed brochure month.
What is typically included in a private journey?: Private guiding and vehicles, lodge nights as confirmed, park fees and permits as agreed, and the logistics that stitch each day together. International flights, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses are usually separate — we spell this out clearly in your proposal.
Do you own the lodges?: No. We select stays for location, character, and how they complement your journey. We do not own camps — we curate preferred partners.
Are meals and park fees included?: Meals follow each lodge’s plan (often full board on safari). Park fees and permits are confirmed line by line in your proposal so there are no surprises.
Is Pearl Pulse suitable for families?: Yes. We design family journeys with age-appropriate pacing, quieter camps where possible, and activities that work for mixed ages — from gentle game drives to cultural visits and swimming holes.
How old must children be for gorilla trekking?: Parks set minimum ages (commonly 15 for mountain gorillas). We plan chimpanzee forest, savannah, and boat days for younger travellers, and keep gorilla days for those who qualify.
Can grandparents and toddlers travel together?: Often yes — with private vehicles, flexible daily rhythm, and lodges that welcome mixed ages. Tell us the ages and energy levels; we design around them.
How does payment work?: We outline a clear deposit and balance schedule in your proposal, tied to lodge and permit deadlines. International bank transfer is most common; we confirm details once the itinerary is agreed.
What is your cancellation policy?: Terms depend on permits, stays, and season. Non-refundable permits and lodge deposits are common close to travel. We set everything out in writing before you pay a deposit — see also our Cancellation Policy page.
Can we change dates after booking?: Sometimes — subject to permit availability and lodge rules. Early notice helps. We renegotiate on your behalf and confirm any cost difference before you decide.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?: Many travellers to Uganda and the region need proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Rules change — check official sources and your doctor; we share current guidance when you enquire.
What about malaria and travel insurance?: East Africa is a malaria region for many itineraries. Discuss prophylaxis with a travel clinic. Comprehensive travel insurance (including evacuation) is essential; we can outline what cover to look for.
Do you help with visas?: We advise on typical requirements and visa-on-arrival or e-visa processes, but you remain responsible for valid documents. We include a practical briefing in your pre-departure notes.