Travel Process & Frequently Asked Questions
Our Process
Effortless. Personal. Tailored travel.
At Aterra, we design every journey around you—whether it’s a luxury safari in Namibia or an Antarctica expedition, we curate every detail for a seamless experience.
Step 1: Discovery
We begin with a conversation to understand your travel style, pace, and vision—shaping the perfect bespoke itinerary.
You’ll receive:
A personal consultation
A custom itinerary in 23-48 hours
Expert recommendations from firsthand experience
Unlimited refinements until it’s perfect
Step 2: Seamless Planning
Once confirmed, we quietly manage all logistics behind the scenes so your only job is to arrive.
We take care of:
Private charters, regional flights, and overland transfers
Entry and visa requirements
Health, safety, and packing guidance
Luxury lodging and special requests
Local partners and on-the-ground hosts
Step 3: The Journey
From arrival to departure, every moment is seamless—handled by our trusted partners with 24/7 ground support so you can be fully present.
You can expect:
Smooth transitions across destinations
Expert local guides and support
Discreet, white-glove service
Immersive experiences and thoughtful touches
Complete peace of mind worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to know before, during, and after your journey.
Health & Safety
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Yes. Requirements vary by destination. Yellow fever may be required for countries like Tanzania if transiting through endemic areas. We’ll guide you on what’s necessary and advise consulting the CDC website as well
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Yes. You'll receive destination-specific health prep, including vaccine and medication recommendations, and a personalized packing list.
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Absolutely. We liaise with lodges, camps, ships, and guides to ensure dietary preferences and medical conditions are well managed.
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Yes. Many of our partners include emergency medical evacuation or have trained medics on site. That said, all travelers are required to carry their own comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical coverage. We'll help confirm your coverage is appropriate for your itinerary.
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Yes. Many of our partner lodges, camps, and ships offer accessible accommodations and experiences. We work closely with each client to tailor the trip according to specific mobility or medical needs.
Transportation & Logistics
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We don’t book international flights directly, but we’re happy to advise on routes and refer you to trusted partners.
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Yes. We coordinate all internal domestic flights, private charters, and overland transfers within each country in Africa, as well as will arrange the transport within Easter Island and Antarctica.
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Depending on your itinerary, you’ll travel by bush plane, 4x4 vehicle, boat, or chartered light aircraft. All transfers are pre-arranged and included.
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Yes. Small bush planes often have limits (15–20kg) and require soft-sided bags. We’ll advise you based on your route.
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Transportation varies based on destination. In Africa, you’ll move between luxury vehicles in cities and purpose-built safari vehicles in the bush. Some parks use open-air 4x4s for immersive wildlife viewing, while others feature closed vehicles with pop-top roofs for comfort and visibility. Longer distances may involve bush planes like Cessna Caravans or commercial flights, and private charters are available for added privacy and convenience.
In Antarctica, expedition cruises rely on Zodiac boats for daily landings and wildlife excursions, with long-range travel aboard luxury ships. For fly-in experiences such as White Desert, guests arrive by private jet and explore using snowmobiles, specialized 6x6 Arctic vehicles, and guided hikes on foot.
On Easter Island, the rugged terrain calls for durable 4WD vehicles, typically SUVs or trucks. While traditional luxury sedans aren’t practical, our local partners provide high-end, terrain-suited options along with trusted private drivers for seamless exploration.
Documentation & Entry Requirements
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Most destinations require a tourist visa. We’ll tell you what’s needed and assist in the process.
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Yes. Rapa Nui National Park requires a permit for archaeological site access. We handle this for you.
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Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory and must include medical and interruption coverage. Evacuation is often included by our partners in remote regions.
Safari Questions
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Guided wildlife drives typically occur at dawn and end at dusk in custom safari vehicles. Each is led by a tracker and guide, and will include wildlife and scenic stops.
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Depending on the region, expect lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, leopards, hippos, rhinos, and more.
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Yes. Our guides are trained to maintain a safe distance and prioritize guest and animal wellbeing.
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Typically 3–4 hours or full day. Many lodges offer two per day with optional walking safaris or pre-sunset ‘sundowner’ drives.
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Safaris typically use open-air 4x4 vehicles or custom safari cruisers with raised seating and canopy covers. Some may be fully open, while others are partially enclosed for comfort and weather protection. All vehicles are designed to maximize visibility and safety.
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Yes. Many lodges offer accessible vehicles and tailored experiences. We'll select the right ones for you.
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Yes, though many lodges have minimum age policies (usually 6–12). We'll recommend family-friendly options.
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Aterra prioritizes private trips. However, you may share safari vehicles depending on the lodge, but private vehicles can be arranged.
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Neutral-colored layers, a hat, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and binoculars. We’ll send a full list.
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Yes. We'll provide a tipping guide per region.
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It depends on your destination, but dry seasons (typically May–October) are ideal for wildlife visibility.
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Yes. All wildlife encounters are non-invasive and follow strict ethical guidelines. We only partner with lodges and guides who prioritize conservation, respect animal behavior, and maintain safe distances during game viewing.
Antarctica Questions
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No. Summer temperatures typically range from 20–40°F (-6–4°C). It’s drier than many expect, and gear is provided.
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We provide a full packing list and coordinate gear rentals. Expedition ships often supply boots and parkas.
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If you're traveling by expedition ship, most days include two Zodiac landings—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—along with onboard lectures, wildlife viewing, and time to relax or explore the ship's wellness offerings.
If you're traveling with White Desert, your day begins from camp with tailored excursions such as ice climbing, abseiling, fat biking, or visiting the Atka Bay emperor penguin colony. Days are structured around weather windows and led by experienced polar guides. Meals are chef-prepared and evenings offer time to unwind in luxurious domes, complete with warmth and comfort in one of the world’s most remote places.
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Limited satellite WiFi is available through Starklink (sometimes for a fee). We encourage disconnecting—but you’ll always be able to reach us.
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Moderate fitness helps, but landings are accessible to most travelers. No prior experience required.
Easter Island Questions
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It's home to the iconic moai statues, rich Polynesian culture, and sacred landscapes. You'll explore it all with expert local guides.
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Absolutely. Held each February, it's an immersive celebration of Rapa Nui tradition and one of the island's most unforgettable events. However, Rapa Nui is a great place to visit all-year round with a sub-tropical climate!
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Yes. Direct flights from Santiago, Chile take ~5 hours. We coordinate all logistics and permits.
Responsible & Impactful Travel
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Yes. We only work with partners who uphold the highest environmental and ethical standards. Your journey directly supports local communities, cultural heritage, and conservation efforts. Where possible, we include opportunities for deeper connection and give-back experiences.
Other Common Questions
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Yes. Every Aterra journey is custom-designed. We start with your preferences and build from there.
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Each journey typically begins at USD $4,000–$5,000 per person, with most of our private safaris, cruises, & expeditions falling in the USD $10,000+ range per person. For ultra-rare experiences such as the South Pole, costs can reach USD $50,000–$100,000+ per person. Pricing varies based on destination, season, accommodation level, and the exclusivity of the experience.
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Yes. For African safaris, many lodges and camps welcome children from 6 years and above, though some properties set a higher minimum age for activities like game drives or walking safaris. We work closely with families to select the right lodges and tailor experiences that balance adventure with comfort.
For Antarctica cruises and expeditions, most luxury operators require children to be at least 8–12 years old (depending on the itinerary) due to the challenging conditions. Private charters may accommodate younger travelers with additional arrangements.
For Easter Island, there are no strict age limits. However, we recommend children be at least 6 years old to enjoy the cultural sites, hikes, and excursions. For younger travelers, itineraries can be adjusted with family-friendly pacing, private guides, and downtime by the coast.
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Most itineraries include:
Luxury accommodations handpicked for location and experience
Private transfers and drivers throughout the journey
Guided excursions with expert naturalists, historians, or local specialists
On-trip logistics support from door to door, including charter flights where needed
Not included: international flights, visas, specialty activities or experiences added by request, and discretionary spending.
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We recommend 7–21 days depending on destination and pace. We'll help you find the sweet spot.
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Yes. From the moment you land, you're in trusted hands.
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Yes — most journeys are fully inclusive of meals, especially at safari lodges, remote camps, and expeditions. Breakfast is always provided, with lunch and dinner typically served either at your lodge or seamlessly during your experiences — such as bush lunches on game drives or sunset dining on private cruises. Specialty dining experiences, premium wines/spirits, and unique add-on activities may carry an additional cost, which we’ll always highlight in advance.
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Many lodges and ships have WiFi. Some remote areas may have limited connection—we encourage taking this time to disconnect online to recharge.
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Tipping is customary and appreciated across many of our destinations. In general:
Safari lodge staff: $10-15 per person per day
City drivers: $10 per person per day
Rangers: $10 per person per day
Porters or trekking teams: $20 per person per trek
Personal Guides: $20-25 per person per day
Trackers & Trekking Guide: $20-25 per person per day
Restaurants in cities: 10% of the bill (or more for exceptional service)
Cash is preferred, especially in remote areas. Tips in USD are widely accepted in most safari regions. If you'd prefer to tip by card, lodge managers can help process gratuities on your final day. We'll provide destination-specific guidance before your trip.
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Get in touch with Aterra at +1-646-222-6365 or info@aterratravel.com