Many travellers think a custom safari is expensive. It is not. Here is the truth: at Blue Mountain Trekking, a custom 7-day safari costs the same — or less — than a comparable group tour.
The difference is in the planning. Group operators publish fixed itineraries months in advance. You fit their schedule. A custom safari fits yours.
**How customisation actually works**
*Step 1: The first message*
Most trips start with a WhatsApp message: "Hi, I want to do a safari in August, 2 adults, 1 child, budget around $X." That is enough. We do not need a brief — we need a starting point.
*Step 2: The discovery call*
Within 24 hours, one of our planners schedules a 30-minute call. We ask about: travel style (luxury vs adventure), physical limitations, dietary needs, must-see vs nice-to-have, photography priorities, and budget honesty.
*Step 3: The draft itinerary*
Within 48 hours of the call, we send a draft itinerary. It includes day-by-day plan, suggested accommodations (3 options at different price points), park fees, vehicle type, and total cost with no hidden extras.
*Step 4: Refinement*
Most travellers go through 2–4 rounds of edits. Add a day here, swap this lodge, change the vehicle type. We use a shared Google Doc so changes are tracked.
*Step 5: Confirmation*
Once you are happy, we send an invoice for a 30% deposit. The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure. We book everything — parks, lodges, internal flights, transfers.
*Step 6: The trip*
You arrive. We meet you at the airport. The driver-guide briefs you on day 1. We are on WhatsApp throughout — if anything needs adjusting mid-trip, we adjust.
**What "custom" really means**
Custom does not mean expensive. It means your trip fits you, not the other way around.
Current costs depend on the route, dates, group size and arrangements selected. Ask Blue Mountain for a written quote and confirmation of the current inclusions before booking.
**The honest part**
We cannot do everything. We do not book gorilla permits in Uganda (we partner with a Kampala operator who does). We do not run our own beach properties in Diani (we use trusted partners). If a custom request is outside our scope, we will tell you — and refer you to someone we trust.
**Start your custom safari**
Message us on WhatsApp at +254 722 761738, or fill in the trip request form. There is no commitment until you confirm and pay a deposit. We answer every enquiry, usually within 4 hours.