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Frequently Asked Questions about Tanzania Safaris

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about planning a Tanzania safari, climbing Kilimanjaro, and visiting Zanzibar. If your question is not here, do not hesitate to contact us.

Safari Questions

Tanzania offers excellent safari experiences year-round. The dry season (June-October) provides the best wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. The Great Migration river crossings occur July-September. The green season (November-May) offers lush scenery, fewer crowds, and lower prices. December-February is excellent for calving season in the Serengeti.

Tanzania is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and much more. Expect to see zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, hyena, warthog, baboon, and dozens of antelope species. Birdwatchers will encounter over 500 species in the northern circuit alone. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but our experienced guides know where to find the action.

Yes. Tanzania is one of the safest countries in East Africa for tourism. Our guides are trained in safety protocols, vehicles are equipped with communication equipment, and we follow strict guidelines in all national parks. You will always be with experienced professionals who know the terrain and animal behavior.

Budget safaris use basic camping or simple guesthouses, shared vehicles are possible, and meals are simpler but nutritious. Mid-range safaris use comfortable lodges or permanent tented camps with private facilities. Luxury safaris feature exclusive lodges, private vehicles, gourmet dining, and personalized service. The wildlife experience is equally spectacular at all levels.

Absolutely. Tanzania is a wonderful family destination. Most parks welcome children of all ages. We design family-friendly itineraries with shorter game drives, engaging activities, and accommodations that cater to families. Some walking safaris and certain camps have minimum age requirements, which we will discuss during planning.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and polio boosters. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised for all visitors. We recommend consulting your travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.

Booking & Payment

We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance for peak season travel (June-October, December-February). For the green season, 2-3 months is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible but availability is limited, especially at popular lodges.

We accept bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), and PayPal. A 30% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 60 days before your travel date. Flexible payment plans are available for early bookings.

Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. Between 30-60 days, a 50% refund applies. Less than 30 days is non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. Details are in our booking terms.

Yes. Our quoted prices include all national park entrance fees, conservation fees, camping/concession fees, guide fees, vehicle and fuel, accommodations, and meals as specified. International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses are not included.

Practical & Travel Tips

Most nationalities require a visa. E-visas can be obtained online before arrival at immigration.go.tz, or visas on arrival are available at major entry points. The standard tourist visa costs $50 (some nationalities pay $100) and is valid for 90 days. We provide visa guidance to all our guests.

Pack neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, brown), comfortable walking shoes, a warm fleece or jacket for early morning drives, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a hat. We send a detailed packing list with your booking confirmation.

Tipping is customary in Tanzania. For safari guides, $15-20 per person per day is standard. For Kilimanjaro, see our specific tipping guide. Hotel staff, drivers, and restaurant servers also appreciate small tips. We provide detailed tipping guidance before your trip.

The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted for tourism services. We recommend carrying some USD in small denominations. ATMs are available in major towns. Credit cards are accepted at most lodges and hotels.

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