SUMMIT WILD

Tipping is one of the questions we are asked most before a safari. Who do you tip? How much? When, and in what currency? It can feel awkward, especially if tipping is not part of everyday life at home. The good news is that it is simpler than it looks. This rough guide covers everything you need to know, so you can say thank you with confidence and get back to watching the wildlife. Why tip on safari? Tipping is customary across Southern and Eastern Africa. It is never compul

Thinking about Kilimanjaro? You are in good company. Africa's highest mountain draws thousands of trekkers every year, and most arrive with the same questions. How hard is it? Which route is best? Will the altitude get me? We have stood on the summit more than once ourselves, so we know exactly what runs through your head before you book. Here are the questions we hear most often, answered honestly. How high is Kilimanjaro? Uhuru Peak sits at 5,895m above sea level. That make

On 3 June 2026, black rhinos returned to Matusadona National Park for the first time in more than 30 years, in an operation led by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority alongside African Parks and the national park itself. Black rhinos returned to Matusadona National Park for the first time in more than 30 years, marking a major milestone in Zimbabwe's wildlife conservation efforts Matusadona was once one of the country's great rhino strongholds, and its loss t

Swakopmund has a strange, wonderful identity: a slice of Bavarian seaside town dropped onto the edge of the Namib, with the Atlantic fog rolling in most mornings. It punches well above its weight for food, especially seafood, and it's usually where our guests get their first proper sit-down meal after a few days in the desert. Here's where we send people. The Tug Right on the water at the old jetty, and it's the classic choice for a reason. Fresh linefish, good oysters, and a

June to October: the classic choice This is the long dry season and it's the safest bet for a beach holiday. Clear skies, calm seas, warm days without the heaviest humidity, and reliable conditions for snorkelling and diving. It also lines up neatly with peak safari season on the mainland, so it's the natural window for anyone combining a few days on the Serengeti with time on the sand afterwards. Expect the island to be busy and prices to reflect that. December to February:

Thamel is chaos in the best possible way. Narrow lanes packed with trekking shops, prayer flags overhead, and more good food than you'll ever have time to eat. Whether you've just landed in Kathmandu and want to ease in gently, or you've come off Everest Base Camp and are dreaming of anything that isn't dal bhat, here's our go to list. Roadhouse Cafe The Thamel classic. Proper stone oven pizza with a generous hand on the cheese. Simple, reliable and always busy for a reason.

On 20 May 2026, the Namibian government, WWF Namibia, community conservancy leaders, donors, and private sector representatives signed a funding agreement exceeding N$1 billion at Droombos. The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare and Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Honourable Indileni Daniel. For conservation professionals who understand both the promise and the precariousness of long-term wildlife financing in sub-Saharan Africa,

There is a particular kind of quiet that settles over the Okavango Delta when the water arrives. Channels that sat dry for months begin to move. Floodplains that cracked under the sun fill slowly, turning the landscape from bronze to green. Elephants wade through papyrus. Fish eagles call from fever trees. The whole system exhales. In 2026, that quiet is louder than it has been in years. The Okavango Delta is experiencing one of its most significant flood seasons in recent me

For anyone who has dreamed of waking up to the vast plains of the Serengeti or sinking their toes into the white sands of Zanzibar, the journey from the UK just got a whole lot simpler. Air Tanzania has announced plans to launch direct flights from London Gatwick to both Kilimanjaro International Airport and Zanzibar from July 2027 - and for British travellers, it's the news they've been waiting for since 2013 The End of the Layover Marathon Until now, flying from the UK to T

How Arc'teryx's ill-fated marketing spectacle near the Himalayas triggered a chain of consequences that shuttered Everest's north side for an entire climbing season. On the evening of 19 September 2025, a cascade of light erupted over the Tibetan plateau near Shigatse, China. A winding trail of fireworks spiralled upward from a mountain ridge at roughly 5,000 metres above sea level, forming the shape of a dragon against the Himalayan sky. It was, by most accounts, visually sp

Mount Everest has always demanded sacrifice from those who dare to reach its summit - months of training, physical endurance, and significant financial investment. But as the spring 2026 climbing season approaches, that financial burden just got substantially heavier. On September 1, 2025, Nepal implemented a dramatic 36% increase in Everest climbing permit fees, raising the cost from $11,000 to $15,000 per person during the popular spring season (March-May). This spring will

Namibia's deserts offer one of Earth's most breathtaking natural experiences. When the sun sets over the endless dunes and ancient rocks of the Namib Desert, something magical happens. The landscape transforms into one of the best places on Earth to see the night sky - dark, clear, and filled with stars. At the heart of Namibia’s dark sky phenomenon lies the NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast protected area officially designated a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve by the

Choosing when to climb Kilimanjaro can significantly impact your experience and success rate. While Africa's highest peak can be climbed year-round, certain months offer better conditions, clearer views, and higher chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. Here's everything you need to know about timing your Kilimanjaro climb. The Two Best Seasons for Climbing Kilimanjaro: Kilimanjaro has two main climbing seasons, both offering excellent conditions: January to March (Dry Season) Colde

Packing for your first safari can feel overwhelming. What do you really need? What should you leave at home? After years of organising safaris across Africa, we've created the ultimate packing guide to help you prepare for your adventure without overpacking. The Golden Rules of Safari Packing: 1. Stick to Neutral Colours Khaki, beige, olive green, and brown are your friends. Avoid bright colours (especially blue and black, which attract tsetse flies) and white (shows dirt im

Planning your 2026 safari? You're in for an extraordinary experience. Africa's wildlife destinations continue to evolve, with new conservation successes, improved infrastructure, and unforgettable encounters with nature. Here's our expert guide to the best safari destinations for 2026. Kenya: The Classic Safari Experience Kenya remains the gold standard for safari adventures, and 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year to visit. Why Go in 2026: The Great Migration conti

Nepal has just announced something very special for mountaineers and adventurers: for the next two years, climbing permits will be...

Everest Base Camp is a destination that captures the imagination of travellers seeking both adventure and purpose. Located in the heart...

The allure of Everest Base Camp (EBC) captures the imagination of trekkers worldwide, drawing thousands annually to Nepal’s Khumbu...

When embarking on a Kilimanjaro trek, you not only undertake a personal adventure but also rely on a dedicated and hardworking team to help you reach the summit. Your Kilimanjaro mountain crew - guides, assistant guides, porters, cooks, and camp staff - work tirelessly to ensure your safety, comfort, and overall success on the mountain. An essential part of acknowledging their efforts is through tipping. At Summit Wild, we follow all guidelines set by the Kilimanjaro Porters

Embarking on the journey to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, is a dream for many...