FAQ

Yes, we offer both private tours and set departures. Private tours are fully customizable to your preferences, allowing you to choose the dates, locations, and specific activities that interest you most. Set departures are pre-scheduled group tours with a fixed itinerary, ideal for those who prefer a more structured experience with a group of like-minded travelers.

Our tours typically have an extensive list of inclusions: all accommodations, meals, transport in comfortable 4×4 vehicles, experienced local guides, all gratuities paid on your behalf, entrance/activity fees, airport transfers, and photographic instruction from our expert Photo Tour Leaders. Exclusions generally cover international flights, personal travel insurance, visa fees, gratuities, and any optional activities or personal expenses not listed in the itinerary. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be provided with each tour package.

We strive to be transparent in our pricing. All standard inclusions and exclusions are clearly outlined in your tour package. Our extensive list of inclusions mitigates surprise costs so that you can focus on the experience while we handle the rest. Any optional activities or personal expenses will be communicated in advance, so there are no hidden surprises.

• Photographic Guidance: Your Photo Tour Leader is an experienced photographer who assists with equipment setup, teaches you how to use both natural and artificial light, guides composition, and helps you tell compelling stories through your images. Whether you’re capturing wildlife or cultural scenes, they provide personalized critiques to help you grow as a photographer while teaching a mix of technical and creative techniques. 

• Collaboration with Local Guides: Our leaders work closely with expert local guides who have deep knowledge of the area and strong relationships with local communities. This collaboration ensures access to the best locations for both wildlife and cultural photography, as well as authentic, respectful interactions with local people. The Photo Tour Leader ensures the itinerary is tailored perfectly for photographers by coordinating photography plans on the ground with local teams.

• Wildlife and Cultural Expertise: Your Photo Tour Leader offers insights into wildlife behavior and cultural sensitivities, helping you anticipate moments and making sure that you are at the right place at the right time. 

• Support and Logistical Coordination: Beyond photography, your leader ensures all logistical aspects of the tour run smoothly, acting as an intermediary for any issues and communicating directly with our ground team in Cape Town, South Africa, to ensure a seamless experience. Example: Our team can arrange an urgent flight change requested by your photo tour leader while you enjoy sundowners in the Masai Mara.

Absolutely. At FROST Photo Tours, we take our responsibility as pioneers in travel to new and remote places very seriously. We believe that our destinations are not just places to visit, but communities and ecosystems we have a duty to respect and protect. The footprint we leave behind is important to us—it’s our legacy.

We work exclusively with competent and professional local partners who share our commitment to ethical and responsible travel. All of our Destination Management Companies (DMCs), ground handlers, and tour partners adhere to our Responsible Travel Code of Ethics, which ensures seamless travel experiences for our guests while making a positive socio-environmental impact.

Our Responsible Travel Code of Ethics covers everything from guide etiquette to our entire team’s behavior towards local people and wildlife. We aim to celebrate cultural heritage and honor both the differences and similarities we share with the communities we visit. Our approach is to tread gently on the earth, fostering friendship, compassion, support, laughter, and love with all those we encounter, regardless of our differences.

We also support the conservation of wild places by conducting our tours only in protected areas that manage biodiversity ethically and responsibly. Where education or improvement in these practices is needed, we do not remain silent; instead, we actively steer tourism towards a more responsible travel ideology. Our commitment to responsible travel is at the core of everything we do, ensuring that our tours leave a positive legacy for future generations.

Absolutely! Our tours are designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, our Photo Tour Leaders provide personalized guidance to help you improve your skills and capture stunning images. Although our tours are not firmly structured as workshops/courses, beginners find the supportive environment and expert instruction beneficial.

Our more experienced guests (of which we host many) with a clearer understanding of the technicals and what they want to achieve photographically don’t feel friction between the guide’s vision and their own, but rather build on ideas to bring YOUR photographic objective to light!

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a range of lenses is recommended for wildlife and cultural photography, we provide a detailed gear list based on the specific tour. 

Our tours typically feature the best available accommodations, ranging from luxury lodges and boutique tented camps to comfortable options in more remote areas where tourism infrastructure is still developing. In these remote destinations, we prioritize comfort and convenience, ensuring that even in less luxurious settings, you will enjoy a comfortable stay.

Our accommodations are carefully chosen for their prime locations, often situated near the best photography spots, whether for wildlife or cultural experiences. This strategic placement allows for easy access to prime locations during sunrise and sunset, maximizing your photography opportunities.

In certain locations, such as South Sudan and Northern Kenya, we offer our own exclusive-use, high-end mobile tented camps. These camps feature spacious bell tents, each with a diameter of 4 meters (approximately 13 feet), providing a comfortable and immersive experience in some of the most remote and stunning landscapes.

We typically use comfortable 4×4 Land Cruisers or similar vehicles for our tours. These vehicles are ideal for navigating the varied terrain of the wilderness while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride. Vehicles are equipped with spacious seating, ample legroom, and large windows for unobstructed views. We often have a support vehicle carrying additional luggage.

Cancellation, medical & repatriation insurance is compulsory for all FROST Photo Tour bookings, and it is the client’s responsibility to arrange insurance. Due to the remote locations we visit, it’s essential to have emergency evacuation insurance. We partner with Global Rescue , which offers specialized travel insurance that includes medical, security, and evacuation services. We can provide more details upon booking.

Malaria is a concern in some of our destinations. We will provide details specific to your safari location and strongly recommend consulting with a travel clinic for the most up-to-date information on malaria prevention. Taking the appropriate prophylactics, covering up in the evenings, and using insect repellent are precautions our travelers take into consideration.

Yes, we can accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have other dietary restrictions, our lodges and camps are well-equipped to meet your needs. Our more remote tour destinations have fewer dietary options, but with ample notice, we always make a plan to suit your needs. Please inform us of any specific requirements on your booking form, so we can ensure everything is prepared for your arrival.

It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous about embarking on a new adventure, but rest assured, our tours are designed to be safe, comfortable, and incredibly rewarding. Our experienced team is here to support you throughout the journey, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared. Many of our guests have found that taking this leap has led to some of the most memorable experiences of their lives.

Payments can be made via direct wire transfer or PayPal. A 40% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the balance due 90 days before the tour start date. Please note that PayPal payments will include % surcharge. Bank details and payment instructions will be provided upon booking. 

The booking process is straightforward. To book a tour, you’ll need to 1.) fill out our booking form and 2.) make a 40% deposit to secure your spot. Once your booking form and deposit are received, we’ll confirm your reservation!

The remaining balance will be due 90 days before the tour begins. We’ll remain in contact every step of the way and send you detailed pre-trip information and instructions well in advance of your departure to help you prepare.

Yes, a wildlife photo safari is safe. We prioritize your safety above all else, operating in secure environments with professional guides who are trained to handle wildlife encounters responsibly. Our safaris follow strict safety protocols to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Expertise and Experience

• – Experienced Leader: Kirsten Frost, the tour leader, is a renowned photographer with extensive experience leading photo tours in Africa and beyond. His expertise in both photography and the regions visited ensures a high-quality experience​​.
• – Proven Track Record: FROST Photo Tours has a solid reputation for organizing high-end, photographer-focused tours in various remote destinations.

Unique Cultural and Wildlife Insights

• – Exclusive Access: Our tours offers unique access wildlife and cultures that are rarely seen by outsiders​​.
• – Cultural Immersion: For our cultural tours, participants will gain a deep understanding of the local customs, traditions, and spiritual beliefs through direct interaction with the local communities.

Comprehensive and Comfortable Travel

• – All-Inclusive Package: Our list of inclusions is extensive. The tour cost generally includes all accommodations, meals, private 4×4 vehicles, domestic flights, guides, entrance fees, photography permits, and gratuities​​. We pride ourselves on mitigating any surprise costs.
• – Small Group Size: Limited to 4-6 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

Photographic Opportunities

• – Expert Guidance: Hands-on photographic tuition by our expert Photo Tour Leaders, helping participants capture the best possible images throughout the tour.

Support and Convenience

• – Seamless Logistics: FROST Photo Tours handles all the logistics, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience and photography.
• – No Single Supplement: Many of our tours offer no additional charge for single travelers, making it an attractive option for solo photographers​​.

Social and Environmental Responsibility

• – Community Contribution: A portion of the tour cost goes to the FROST Socio-environmental Fund, supporting local communities and conservation efforts​​.