Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

FROST Responsible Travel
FAQ

Welcome to our photo tour FAQ page! Here, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our photography tours. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, we’re here to help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Yes, we offer both private photo tours and set departures. Here’s the difference:
Private photo tours: Fully customizable to your preferences. You can choose the dates, locations, and specific activities that interest you most. This option is perfect for those seeking a tailored experience.
Set departures: These are pre-scheduled group photo tours with a fixed itinerary. Ideal for travelers who prefer a structured experience with a group of like-minded individuals.

Our photo tour packages typically include all accommodations, meals during the tour, transport in comfortable 4×4 vehicles, and experienced local guides. We also cover all gratuities on your behalf, entrance and activity fees, airport transfers, and provide photographic instruction from our expert Photo Tour Leaders.

Exclusions generally include international flights, personal travel insurance, visa fees, optional activities or personal expenses not listed in the itinerary, and gratuities.

A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be provided with each photo tour package, ensuring complete transparency for our guests.

We aim for complete transparency in our pricing. The cost of a photo tour includes all standard items, which are clearly outlined in your tour package. Our comprehensive inclusions minimize unexpected fees, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience. Any optional activities or personal expenses are communicated in advance, ensuring there are no hidden fees.

  • Photographic Guidance:
    Your Photo Tour Leader is an experienced photographer who provides expert guidance throughout your photography tour. From equipment setup to using natural and artificial light, they teach composition and help you tell compelling visual stories. Whether you’re capturing wildlife or cultural scenes, your leader offers personalized critiques to help you develop both technical and creative skills.

    Collaboration with Local Guides:
    Our Photo Tour Leaders work alongside expert local guides who have deep knowledge of the area and strong relationships with local communities. This collaboration ensures access to prime locations for wildlife photography and cultural photography, as well as authentic interactions with local people. Your leader tailors the itinerary specifically for photographers, coordinating plans with local teams to capture the best moments.

    Wildlife and Cultural Expertise:
    Your Photo Tour Leader brings valuable insights into wildlife behavior and cultural sensitivities, ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time for unforgettable moments.

    Support and Logistical Coordination:
    Beyond photography, your leader manages all logistical aspects of the tour, acting as a point of contact for any issues and communicating directly with our ground team in Cape Town. For example, if urgent flight changes are needed, our team can coordinate while you enjoy a sundowner in the Masai Mara.

Absolutely. At FROST Photo Tours, we are deeply committed to responsible and sustainable travel. We view our destinations not just as places to visit but as communities and ecosystems that we must respect and protect. The footprint we leave behind matters—it’s part of our legacy.

We exclusively collaborate with local partners who share our values of ethical travel and sustainability. All of our Destination Management Companies (DMCs), ground handlers, and tour partners follow our Responsible Travel Code of Ethics, ensuring our guests enjoy seamless experiences while making a positive socio-environmental impact.

Our Code of Ethics covers everything from guide etiquette to our team’s interactions with local people and wildlife. We strive to celebrate cultural heritage and honor the unique differences and similarities with the communities we visit. We aim to tread lightly on the earth, promoting friendship, compassion, and respect for all those we encounter.

We are also dedicated to the conservation of wild places, conducting our tours only in protected areas that ethically manage biodiversity. If there is a need for better practices, we speak up and guide tourism toward more sustainable approaches. Our commitment to sustainable travel ensures that our tours leave a positive legacy, preserving these destinations for future generations.

Absolutely! Our photography tours are designed for all skill levels, including beginners. Whether you’re just starting out or already have experience behind the lens, our expert Photo Tour Leaders are here to support you every step of the way. You’ll receive personalized guidance to help you grow your skills and capture incredible images—whether it’s wildlife, landscapes, or cultural portraits.

While our tours aren’t structured as formal workshops, the relaxed, supportive environment offers plenty of opportunities to learn. Beginners especially appreciate the hands-on instruction, feedback, and tips shared in real-time during shoots.

More experienced photographers, many of whom travel with us regularly, also benefit. Our leaders work collaboratively with you to enhance your creative vision, ensuring that your photographic goals are always front and center—no matter your starting point.

We recommend bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera along with a selection of lenses suited to both wildlife and cultural photography. A telephoto lens is ideal for capturing distant wildlife, while a wide-angle or standard zoom lens works well for portraits, landscapes, and immersive storytelling.

Whether you’re traveling light or bringing a full kit, our Photo Tour Leaders will help you get the best results from the gear you have.

Our photography tours feature a range of carefully selected accommodations, from luxury lodges and boutique tented camps to well-appointed options in remote regions where tourism infrastructure is still developing. Even in these remote areas, we prioritize comfort, safety, and a good night’s rest—ensuring that every guest enjoys a relaxing stay.

All accommodations are chosen for their proximity to top photography locations, allowing easy access to sunrise and sunset shoots, wildlife hotspots, and culturally rich environments.

In special locations like South Sudan and Northern Kenya, we provide our own exclusive-use luxury mobile camps. These include spacious 4-meter (13-foot) bell tents that blend comfort and authenticity—offering an immersive experience right in the heart of the wilderness.

We use comfortable 4×4 Land Cruisers (or equivalent vehicles) specially selected for photography tours. These vehicles are built to handle rugged terrain while ensuring a smooth, reliable ride across diverse landscapes.

Each vehicle features spacious seating, ample legroom, and large sliding windows—ideal for capturing wildlife and landscapes without obstruction. In some destinations, our vehicles are custom-adapted for photography, with open sides or pop-up roofs to offer even better shooting angles.

To enhance comfort and convenience, we often include a support vehicle to carry additional luggage and gear, ensuring plenty of room inside the main vehicle for photographers and their equipment.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all FROST Photo Tours. You must have coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and repatriation. Because we often travel to remote locations, it’s essential to include emergency evacuation insurance in your policy.

We recommend choosing a plan that covers medical treatment, lost baggage, trip delays, and unexpected cancellations. For added peace of mind, we partner with Global Rescue, which offers comprehensive travel insurance tailored for adventure and photography tours. Their services include medical evacuation, crisis response, and travel protection.

If you’re unsure where to start, we’re happy to provide more information or assistance once your booking is confirmed.

Malaria can be present in some of the regions we visit on our African photography tours. Risk levels vary depending on the destination and time of year. We will provide specific health information for your tour location during the booking process.

We strongly recommend consulting with a travel clinic or your healthcare provider for the latest guidance on malaria prevention. Most travelers take malaria prophylactics, use insect repellent, and wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings as standard precautions.

With the right preparation, malaria is a manageable risk—and we’re here to support you with accurate, timely advice every step of the way.

Absolutely. We can accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific food allergies, our team works closely with lodges and camps to ensure your needs are met.

In remote destinations, options may be more limited, but with early communication, we can usually find a suitable solution. Please share your dietary preferences or restrictions when completing your booking form so that we can make the necessary arrangements in advance.

Feeling nervous before an adventure—especially one far from home—is completely natural. But you’re not alone. Our photography tours are designed for comfort, safety, and support. From the moment you book, our experienced team will guide you every step of the way—helping with logistics, answering your questions, and preparing you for what to expect.

Whether you’re traveling solo for the first time, exploring a new culture, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone, we’re here to ensure that you feel confident and cared for throughout the journey.

We offer secure and flexible payment options for your photography tour. You can choose to pay via direct wire transfer or PayPal.

To confirm your booking, a 40% deposit is required. The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour start date. If you choose to pay via PayPal, please note that a small percentage-based surcharge will apply.

All banking details and payment instructions will be shared with you once your booking is confirmed. If you have any questions during the process, our team is here to help.

Booking your photography tour is simple and efficient. To secure your spot, follow these easy steps:

1. Fill out our booking form with your details
2. Pay a 40% deposit to confirm your reservation

Once we receive your form and deposit, we’ll immediately confirm your booking! The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour start date.

We’ll stay in touch throughout the process, sending you detailed pre-trip information to ensure you’re fully prepared for your photo safari adventure.

Yes, wildlife photo safaris are safe. At FROST Photo Tours, your safety is our top priority. We operate in carefully selected, secure environments and work exclusively with professional guides who are highly trained to manage wildlife encounters safely and responsibly.

Our safety protocols are rigorous, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all participants. You can feel confident knowing that our expert team is always by your side, committed to your well-being throughout the entire safari.

FROST Photo Tours offers an unmatched blend of photographic expertise, cultural immersion, and seamless logistics in some of the world’s most remote and captivating destinations. Led by award-winning photographer Kirsten Frost, our tours are crafted specifically for photographers — from beginners to professionals — seeking deeper connection, storytelling, and technical mastery.

With a proven track record in running high-end, small-group tours (4–6 participants), we provide exclusive access to wildlife and cultures rarely seen by outsiders. Our itineraries emphasize authentic cultural experiences and wildlife photography, guided by local experts and supported by world-class logistical planning.

Our all-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, meals, domestic flights, 4×4 vehicles, guides, permits, photography fees, and gratuities — so there are no surprise costs. We also eliminate the single supplement on many tours, making solo travel stress-free.

Beyond photography, we believe in leaving a positive footprint. Each tour contributes to the FROST Socio-environmental Fund, supporting local communities and conservation efforts.

With hands-on photographic guidance, immersive experiences, and responsible travel practices, a FROST Photo Tour isn’t just a trip — it’s an opportunity to grow your skills, connect with inspiring people, and capture moments that matter.

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