A safari quote from a DMC arrives fastest when your first message is a complete brief: exact dates, number and ages of travellers, room types, budget per person, travel style, must-see parks and your pricing model. With those details, a good Kenya DMC can check space and send an itemised written quote within 24 hours.
Sense of Adventure is a Nairobi-based ground operator licensed by Kenya’s Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA1/47/C01/77087) that quotes safaris for travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and MICE planners every day. This guide shows how to request a safari quote from a DMC: the ten details to include, a brief template you can copy, what a good quote should contain, what slows quotes down and how to compare suppliers fairly. To send a brief now, use the form on our Kenya DMC for travel agents page.
Table of Contents
✅ Safari Quote From a DMC: The Quick Answer
- Send one complete brief: dates, numbers, ages, rooms, budget, style, parks and pricing model.
- Expect speed: many Kenyan DMCs, including Sense of Adventure, reply within 24 hours to a complete brief.
- Expect detail: named camps, day-by-day route, inclusions, exclusions, park fees and terms.
- Allow time for peak dates: July to October and festive dates may need extra availability checks.
- Ask for options: two or three price levels help your client decide faster.
- Confirm the terms: quote validity, deposit, balance and cancellation scale.
🤝 Have a client brief ready to quote?
Send it to our trade desk and we will reply with an itemised written quote within 24 hours. 💬 WhatsApp Our Trade Desk
What Happens When You Request a Safari Quote From a DMC
When you request a safari quote from a DMC, the team turns your brief into a route, checks space with camps and suppliers, then prices each part.
- Brief review: the trade desk checks that dates, numbers and budget are clear.
- Route design: parks, drive or flight times and the order of stops.
- Camp selection: properties that match style, budget, child ages and season.
- Availability checks: rooms, light-aircraft seats and any special activities.
- Costing: accommodation, vehicles, guides, park fees, flights and extras.
- Pricing: net or commissionable, as agreed with your agency.
- Written quote: itinerary, price, inclusions, exclusions and terms.
With any safari quote from a DMC, most delays happen at step one, when information is missing, and at step four, when camps are busy. You control the first; a good DMC manages the second and tells you honestly when space is tight. Our guide to the Kenya DMC role explains what a DMC does in more detail.
The 10 Details Every Safari Quote From a DMC Needs
Ten details decide the route, the camps and the price, so include all of them when you ask for a safari quote from a DMC.
| Detail | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Exact dates or a window | Seasons, park fees and space depend on dates | 12 to 19 August, or any 7 nights in September |
| 2. Number of travellers | Vehicles and rooms are sized to the party | 4 adults |
| 3. Ages of children | Camp age rules and child rates | Two children aged 9 and 13 |
| 4. Room types | Doubles, twins, singles and family units | One double, one twin |
| 5. Budget per person | Sets camp level and route | Mid-range, about a set amount per person excluding flights |
| 6. Travel style | Lodge, tented camp, conservancy or mixed | Tented camps, private vehicle |
| 7. Must-see places | Shapes the route and transport | Masai Mara and Amboseli |
| 8. Arrival and departure flights | Sets day one and the last day | Arrive JKIA 06:30, depart 23:55 |
| 9. Special needs | Diets, mobility, celebrations | Vegetarian, honeymoon |
| 10. Pricing model and branding | How the price is shown to you | Net rates, white-label documents |
Expert tip from our Nairobi operations team: if your client has not set a budget, send two reference points, such as a trip they liked elsewhere and a price they would not exceed. It lets the DMC pitch the first quote at the right level and saves a full second round.
Road or fly-in: say which in your safari quote from a DMC
Transport changes the price more than most details. A road safari uses a pop-up roof 4×4 Land Cruiser or safari van with a driver-guide for the whole trip. A fly-in safari uses scheduled light aircraft from Wilson Airport, with game drives in camp vehicles and soft-bag luggage limits. If your client is unsure, ask for both and let the price decide. Our guide to the window seat guarantee on safari explains how many people share a vehicle on each type of trip.
A Brief Template for a Safari Quote From a DMC
A short, structured brief is the quickest way to get an accurate safari quote from a DMC; copy the template below into your email or WhatsApp.
- Agency and contact: agency name, your name, market and preferred reply channel.
- Client type: FIT, family, honeymoon, small private group, group tour or incentive.
- Dates: fixed dates or a travel window, with arrival and departure flights.
- Travellers: adults, children with ages, and room configuration.
- Budget: per person, with or without international flights.
- Style: lodge, tented camp, conservancy, road or fly-in.
- Places and interests: parks, beach extension, photography, culture, walking.
- Extras: balloon safari, Nairobi day tour, Zanzibar or coast extension.
- Special needs: diets, medical or mobility notes, celebrations.
- Commercial terms: net or commissionable, white-label documents, currency.
- Deadline: when your client needs the proposal.
For groups, add the minimum and maximum numbers and whether rooms must be in one camp. Our guides to FIT and GIT safaris and Kenya group ground handling explain why these points change the quote.
What a Good Safari Quote From a DMC Should Contain
A good safari quote from a DMC is itemised, specific and honest about what is and is not included.
| Section | What to look for | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Itinerary | Day-by-day route with drive or flight times | Vague days with no times |
| Accommodation | Named camps, room types and meal plans | A similar camp with no name |
| Transport | Vehicle type, private or shared, flights | No vehicle details |
| Park fees | Shown per person per day, at current rates | Fees hidden or missing |
| Inclusions | Clear list of what the price covers | Only a total price |
| Exclusions | International flights, visas, insurance, tips, drinks | No exclusions listed |
| Price basis | Per person sharing, single and child prices | Unclear basis |
| Terms | Validity, deposit, balance, cancellation | No written terms |
| Availability | Whether space is held or only checked | Confirmed space with no hold date |
Park fees are a common gap. In 2026 the Masai Mara charges non-resident adults USD 200 per day from July to December, and Amboseli USD 90 per day under Kenya Wildlife Service fees. Check that every quote shows them. Our guide to Kenya park fees for tour operators explains how to count fee days, and the Masai Mara for travel agents shows how to quote the reserve and its conservancies.
Groups, MICE and Multi-Country Trips
Larger and more complex trips need a staged safari quote from a DMC: an outline price first, then a full quote once space and details are confirmed.
Group and incentive briefs
For groups, add the minimum and maximum numbers, the room split, whether everyone must stay in one camp, and any events such as a gala dinner or team activity. A group of 24 needs about four vehicles and four guides, and small camps may need a buyout or two neighbouring properties. For incentive and MICE programmes, include the client objective, the reward level and any conference or meeting needs. See Kenya incentive travel for how these programmes are built.
Kenya, Tanzania and extensions
If the trip crosses a border or adds a beach, say so in the first message. A safari quote from a DMC for Kenya and Tanzania must allow for border crossings or regional flights, separate park fee systems and visas for each country. Zanzibar, the Kenyan coast, Uganda and Rwanda extensions add flights and, for gorilla trekking, permits that sell out. Ready-made trips such as the Kenya and Tanzania Classic Safari: Masai Mara and Serengeti and the Kenya Safari and Beach Holiday for Groups show typical combinations.
How Fast Should a Safari Quote From a DMC Arrive?
For a complete brief, a first safari quote from a DMC should usually arrive within 24 hours, with longer times for peak dates and large groups.
| Request type | Typical first response | What can take longer |
|---|---|---|
| FIT, flexible dates, low or shoulder season | Within 24 hours | Rarely anything |
| FIT, July to October or festive dates | Within 24 hours, with options | Confirming space at popular camps |
| Fly-in safari | Within 24 hours | Seat availability on light aircraft |
| Group tour | Outline price quickly; full quote after checks | Blocks of rooms in one camp |
| Incentive or MICE | Outline and questions first | Venues, events and exclusive use |
We reply to every request for a safari quote from a DMC partner within 24 hours. If a camp has not confirmed space by then, we say so and offer alternatives rather than wait. For lead-time advice by season, see how far in advance to book a Kenya safari.
📩 Request Our Current Trade Rates
Tell us your market and the trips you sell most and we will send current trade rates with a sample itemised quote. 📋 Fill in the B2B Rates Form
Common Mistakes That Slow Down a Safari Quote From a DMC
Most slow quotes come from missing information, not slow suppliers, so check your brief before you request a safari quote from a DMC.
- No dates: “sometime next year” cannot be priced; give a window at least.
- No ages: some camps do not accept young children, and child rates differ.
- No budget: the DMC must guess the camp level, often needing a second quote.
- Too many options at once: ask for two or three versions, not seven.
- Missing flights: arrival time decides whether day one can include a drive.
- Unclear pricing model: net and commissionable quotes look different.
- Late changes: changing dates after availability checks restarts the process.
- Several channels: one brief on one channel avoids crossed messages.
Expert tip from our Nairobi operations team: send the brief in one message, then reply to the DMC’s questions in the same thread. A single thread gives the whole team the full history, so whoever picks it up can quote without asking again.
How to Compare Quotes From Different DMCs
Compare every safari quote from a DMC like for like, because a lower total often means a different camp, vehicle or set of inclusions.
- Match the camps: the same properties, room types and meal plans.
- Match the transport: private or shared vehicle, road or fly-in.
- Match the nights: the same number of nights in each park.
- Check park fees: included, excluded or estimated.
- Check the terms: deposit, balance, cancellation scale and validity.
- Check support: who answers if something goes wrong while clients travel.
- Check the licence: confirm the operator with the Tourism Regulatory Authority and Kenya Association of Tour Operators membership on its website.
Our checklist of 12 questions to ask a Kenya safari DMC and our guide to DMC vs tour operator vs ground handler give you more questions to ask before you choose a partner.
From Safari Quote From a DMC to Confirmed Booking
Once your client accepts, the safari quote from a DMC becomes a booking in a few clear steps.
- Re-check space: availability can change between quote and acceptance.
- Confirm names and details: passport names, dates of birth if needed, diets.
- Pay the deposit: on the agreed terms; see our guide to safari payment terms for travel agents.
- Receive confirmation: camp confirmations and a final itinerary.
- Pay the balance: by the agreed date before arrival.
- Receive documents: vouchers and pre-departure information, white-label if agreed.
- Brief the client: eTA, insurance, luggage limits and emergency contacts.
Most visitors need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation from the official Kenya eTA portal before boarding. Every Sense of Adventure safari includes complimentary AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover, alongside the client’s own travel insurance.
Request a Safari Quote From a DMC With Sense of Adventure
Send us a brief by form, WhatsApp or email and we will reply with an itemised, written quote within 24 hours.
- Trade pricing: B2B net rates or commissionable rates, terms confirmed in writing, plus seasonal offers.
- Dedicated trade desk: one thread for each brief, with real-time operational updates.
- Custom itineraries: Great Migration, Big Five, family, honeymoon, photography, educational and incentive.
- Ground handling: lodges and camps, Land Cruisers and safari vans, driver-guides, light-aircraft bookings, park entry and activities.
- Arrivals: meet and greet at JKIA and Wilson Airport.
- Range: Kenya and Tanzania, with Zanzibar, Uganda and Rwanda extensions, and white-label documents.
Want a starting point for your first safari quote from a DMC partner in Kenya? Ask us to quote a ready-made trip such as the Kenya Group Safari: Mara, Nakuru and Naivasha or the Kenya Classic Group Safari: Amboseli, Naivasha and Mara, browse more in our B2B trade partners portal, or see our private Kenya safari options.
Safari Quote From a DMC FAQs
How long does a safari quote from a DMC take?
For a complete brief, many Kenyan DMCs reply within 24 hours, and Sense of Adventure aims for that on every trade request. Peak dates, fly-in trips and large groups can take longer to confirm because camps and airlines must check space.
What information does a DMC need to quote a safari?
Send exact dates or a window, number of travellers and children’s ages, room types, budget per person, travel style, must-see parks, flight times, special needs and your pricing model. These ten details let the DMC choose camps and check space at once.
Is a safari quote from a DMC free?
Trade quotes are normally free for travel agents and tour operators. Space is usually not held until the booking is confirmed or a provisional hold is agreed, so ask how long the price and any hold are valid.
Should park fees be included in the quote?
They should be shown clearly, usually per person per day as a separate line. Park and reserve fees are set by government bodies and passed through at cost, so check that every quote uses current rates and states how later changes are handled.
Can I get net and commissionable prices in one quote?
Most DMCs quote on the model agreed with your agency. If you are still deciding, ask for the same trip priced both ways so you can compare. Our guide to safari net rates vs commission explains how each model works.
How do I compare quotes from two DMCs?
Compare like for like: the same camps, room types, meal plans, vehicles, nights and park fees, plus the deposit, balance and cancellation terms. A lower total often means a different camp or fewer inclusions.
Can a DMC quote under my agency brand?
Many can. Sense of Adventure supplies white-label itineraries and documents under your agency name, so your client sees your brand from quote to departure. Mention this in your brief so the quote arrives in the right format.
🏕 Partner With Sense of Adventure in Kenya
Kenya-based ground operator. Real local knowledge. Transparent trade pricing. Send us your next client brief and we will reply with an itemised quote within 24 hours. 📋 Request B2B Rates · 💬 WhatsApp Our Trade Desk
Call or WhatsApp: +254 799 160 081 · Email: info@senseofadventure.co.ke
Related Trade Guides
- › Kenya DMC for Travel Agents: B2B Rates and Ground Handling
- › Safari Payment Terms for Travel Agents: Deposits, Balances and Credit
- › Safari STO Rates Explained: Contracting With Camps and Lodges
- › Kenya Tour Operator for Travel Agents: How a Local Partner Works With You
- › How to Sell Kenya Safaris: A Practical Guide for Travel Agents
Official licensing & park resources: Tourism Regulatory Authority ↗ · Kenya Wildlife Service ↗
