Opening word
from our founder
When I established my company back in 2006, little did I know that it would take me on such a fulfilling journey. It’s truly a blessing to have transformed my hobby into a profession and to have the privilege of sharing it with countless amazing people over the years.
My fascination with wildlife, particularly birds, dates back to my childhood. I owe a debt of gratitude to my father for igniting this passion by allowing me to accompany him on weekend walks and trips throughout the Netherlands.
As I entered my teenage years, my enthusiasm for all things related to wildlife continued to grow. My travels initially took me eastward, with Central Asia becoming a significant part of my explorations. My insatiable curiosity about this region led to numerous journeys to these once-remote lands. At the age of 23, I took a bold step and relocated to Almaty, Kazakhstan, where I founded my company.
Now, at the age of 40, I find myself venturing even deeper into the natural world, with a particular fascination for the wildlife of East Africa. I take great pride in the fact that we have evolved into the largest ecotour operator in Central Asia. Today, I am delighted to introduce our Safari division, focusing on captivating expeditions into the incredible wildlife of this enigmatic part of the world.
I’m immensely grateful to collaborate with exceptional leaders and thrilled that our team of experts continues to grow. Since the inception of RBT, I’ve been dedicated to operating our ventures with a professional approach, aiming to provide our clients with an exclusive and personalized experience. Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans for further expansion, and I eagerly anticipate venturing into the wild with you to discover the awe-inspiring natural world of East Africa with Rubythroat Safari Expeditions.
– Machiel Valkenburg
Why travel
with us?
Rubythroat Safari Expeditions takes pride in its exceptional team of professionals. Each journey is led by a remarkable leader who brings outstanding expertise in East African wildlife and birding to the table. Our leaders also possess exceptional logistical skills and have a knack for creating a fun and engaging atmosphere throughout the expedition, making them great companions for extended journeys.
In addition to our field leaders, Rubythroat boasts a competent and experienced office staff dedicated to coordinating logistics for holidays and expeditions, even in challenging and remote locations. We specialize in providing intensive birding holidays and wildlife safaris, with the added advantage of handling all logistics in-house. This enables us to offer competitive tour pricing without compromising on the quality of the experience.
When you choose Rubythroat Safari Expeditions, you can expect a seamless and enriching adventure led by a team of experts who are passionate about sharing the beauty of East African nature with you.
Who travels
with us?
At Rubythroat Safari Expeditions, we have had the pleasure of traveling with thousands of birders, encompassing individuals of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a novice enthusiast, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive environment with us. Our team is committed to helping you develop your birdwatching skills, regardless of your prior experience.
What truly matters is your passion for travel and your eagerness to witness the world’s diverse and captivating bird species. In addition to the avian wonders, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at a myriad of other wildlife, stunning landscapes, and immerse yourself in the unique cultures we encounter along our journey. It’s a holistic experience that goes beyond birdwatching and into the heart of exploration and discovery.
What is included
in our tour fees?
Rubythroat Safari Expeditions offers all-inclusive tours based on twin occupancy for most destinations. Single occupancy options are also available, although they may be limited, so it’s advisable to contact the Rubythroat office for more information. If you’re traveling alone and prefer to share a room, Rubythroat will make an effort to pair you with another participant who has the same preference. However, if there are no other single travelers on the tour seeking a roommate, a necessary single-room supplement may apply.
Rest assured that all expenses are covered from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart. There are no hidden costs, so you can fully enjoy your time in the field without the hassle of dealing with additional expenses like lunches or extras. Rubythroat takes care of these details for you. Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, tips, and alcoholic beverages, are not included.
On each tour page, you’ll find the pricing for the in-country logistics. Rubythroat operates on the international market, and participants join from various parts of the world. Therefore, international flight costs are not included in the tour prices. However, the Rubythroat office is more than happy to assist with any domestic or international air travel arrangements you may require.
Before purchasing your air ticket, it’s advisable to check with the Rubythroat office to confirm that the tour has sufficient participants to operate as planned. Rubythroat cannot be held responsible for any air ticket expenses incurred without confirmation.
Our tours are well provided; the cost of our service covers the following:
- Airport transfers
- All domestic transport
- All lodging
- All meals plus enough bottled mineral water (distributed by need)
- Expert tour leaders and expert local guides
- Tour managers/translators
- Entrance to national parks
The items which you will be required to pay yourself are those of a purely individual nature such as:
- Travel & health insurance - check with the Rubythroat office for deals
- Visa
- Alcoholic drinks - in some tours beers and wines are included with dinner
- Souvenirs
For more comprehensive and specific information about your particular journey, we encourage you to review the details of your tour carefully. Each tour may have unique aspects and details, and a thorough examination of the provided information will help ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect during your adventure with Rubythroat Safari Expeditions.
How big are
our groups?
At Rubythroat Safari Expeditions, we firmly believe that small groups contribute to the high-quality experience of our birding tours. With this in mind, we meticulously design each trip, considering the group size to ensure an enriching and enjoyable adventure for all participants.
For most of our travels, we utilize 8-seat Toyota Landcruiser vehicles, known for their durability and comfort. In East Africa, where long drives are sometimes unavoidable, we prioritize your comfort during these journeys and do not compromise on transportation quality.
Our fixed departure tours adhere to participant limits ranging from 4 to 10 individuals. These limitations are steadfast, and we do not exceed the limit by one to accommodate a couple, even when only one space remains open.
We are committed to the educational aspect of birding, and occasionally, we may have a guide or manager in training accompany a group to gain field experience. In such cases, one seat in the 4WD or bus will be allocated to the guide in training. To ensure fairness, our guides follow a rotation system within the vehicle, allowing all clients to share any minor inconvenience equally. We believe that the presence of an additional guide more than compensates for any minor disruptions and enhances the overall experience for our clients.
Fixed
Departure
Tours
Many of the tours featured on our schedule are offered as fixed departure tours tailored for small groups. These tours are open for single travelers to book. Once the minimum number of participants required for a tour is met, it will proceed as scheduled. In most cases, tours are confirmed with a minimum of 4 participants. Upon confirmation, we will promptly inform you in writing, marking the joyous occasion when you can proceed with booking your flights to the destination.
To explore the full range of our travel offerings, please visit our TOURS page for detailed information on each tour.
Individual
Tours
Rubythroat Safari Expeditions not only offers fixed departure tours but also specializes in organizing individual tours. Whether you’re an intrepid solo traveler or prefer exploring East Africa’s avifauna and wildlife with a private group, you’re more than welcome to contact us for a customized tour experience.
We provide you with two flexible options: We can craft a personalized trip using one of our available tours as a foundation. This ensures that the itinerary perfectly aligns with your preferences and requirements. Another option is if you have specific ideas and requests in mind for your East African adventure, we’re more than willing to design a completely unique itinerary from the ground up. This tailored approach ensures that every aspect of your journey caters to your unique interests.
Simply share your desires with us, and we’ll go above and beyond to accommodate you and your companions. Whether you choose to explore solo or with a private group, our goal is to create a memorable and personalized journey through East Africa’s breathtaking avian and wildlife wonders.