Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend booking your safari at least 3-6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak season (June-October) or wish to visit during the Great Migration. Popular lodges and camps fill up quickly, and advance booking ensures you get your preferred accommodation and dates. For travel during the green season (November-May), 2-3 months advance booking is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible but limit your options.

Absolutely! Custom itineraries are our specialty. Every traveler is different, and we love designing bespoke safaris that match your interests, budget, fitness level, and travel dates. Whether you want to focus on photography, combine safari with a Kilimanjaro climb, add a Zanzibar beach extension, or plan a multi-generational family trip, our team will craft the perfect itinerary. Simply fill out our inquiry form or contact us directly to start the conversation.

Tanzania is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences. The dry season (June-October) is the most popular time for safari, with excellent game viewing as animals gather around water sources. January to March is calving season in the Serengeti with dramatic predator action. The green season (November-May) offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, baby animals, excellent birding, and lower prices. For Kilimanjaro, January-March and June-October have the least precipitation. The best time depends on your priorities, and we are happy to advise.

Most visitors to Tanzania require a visa. Citizens of many countries can obtain a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Dar es Salaam Airport for $50 USD. However, we strongly recommend applying for an e-visa through the Tanzania Immigration website before your trip to avoid potential delays at the airport. The e-visa application process takes 5-10 business days. Some nationalities require a visa referral which takes longer, so please check requirements specific to your passport well in advance.

Tanzania is one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Safari tourism is a well-established industry with high safety standards, and our experienced guides are trained in first aid and wildlife safety protocols. All our vehicles carry communication equipment and first aid kits. We are registered with the Flying Doctors Society of Africa for emergency evacuations. While you are in the wilderness around wild animals, our guides maintain safe distances at all times. We recommend standard travel precautions: keep valuables secure, follow your guide's instructions, and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 6-8 weeks before your trip. Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Recommended vaccinations typically include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Anti-malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all visitors, as Tanzania is a malaria-endemic country. You should also bring insect repellent with DEET and consider sleeping under a mosquito net, although most lodges and camps provide nets.

Pack neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige) in lightweight, breathable fabrics. Bring layers for early morning game drives when it can be surprisingly cold. Essential items include: a wide-brimmed hat, quality sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, a warm fleece or jacket, a rain jacket, binoculars, and a camera with extra batteries and memory cards. Most lodges offer laundry service, so you can pack lighter than you think. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking.

We use custom-built 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers specifically designed for safari. Each vehicle features a pop-up roof for 360-degree game viewing and photography, large windows, comfortable seats with ample legroom, and charging ports for camera batteries and phones. We limit each vehicle to a maximum of 6 guests, ensuring everyone has a window seat with unobstructed views. Our vehicles are regularly maintained and equipped with first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and two-way radio communication.

Tanzania is one of the best destinations in Africa for Big Five viewing (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). On our northern circuit safaris covering the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the vast majority of guests see all five species. Lions, elephants, and buffalo are seen on virtually every safari. Leopards require more patience but are frequently spotted, especially in the Seronera area of the Serengeti. Black rhinos are most reliably seen in the Ngorongoro Crater. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, our experienced guides have exceptional tracking skills and local knowledge.

We offer a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, from comfortable standard lodges to luxury tented camps and exclusive private camps. Standard lodges typically feature en-suite rooms with hot water, electricity, and restaurant dining. Luxury tented camps offer spacious canvas suites with king-size beds, private verandas, and often outdoor bush showers, combining rustic charm with modern comfort. All our accommodation is carefully selected for quality, location, and wildlife viewing opportunities. We are happy to recommend the best options for your budget.

Yes! Tanzania is a wonderful destination for families, and we specialize in family-friendly safaris. Most national parks welcome children of all ages on game drives. Our family-oriented guides are skilled at engaging children with the wonders of wildlife, and we can arrange special activities like junior ranger programs, nature walks, and cultural visits. We select family-friendly lodges with swimming pools and interconnecting rooms. For very young children (under 5), we recommend private vehicles and flexible itineraries that allow for nap times and shorter game drives.

We require a 30% deposit at the time of booking to confirm your safari. The remaining 70% balance is due 60 days before your arrival date. For bookings made within 60 days of travel, full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept payment via bank transfer, credit card (Visa/Mastercard), and PayPal. All prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD). Upon receipt of your deposit, we send a detailed confirmation with your finalized itinerary, accommodation details, and all essential travel information.

We understand that plans can change, and we try to be as flexible as possible. Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus a $200 administrative fee per person. Cancellations 30-60 days before departure forfeit the 30% deposit. Cancellations less than 30 days before departure are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, as this protects your investment against unforeseen circumstances. We can recommend reputable travel insurance providers.

Tipping is customary in Tanzania's tourism industry and is an important part of your guide and staff's income. We provide tipping guidelines with your pre-departure information, but general recommendations are: Safari guide $15-20 USD per person per day, cook $8-10 per person per day, and other safari staff $5-8 per person per day. For Kilimanjaro climbs: lead guide $20-25 per person per day, assistant guides $15 per person per day, porters $8-10 per person per day, and cook $10-12 per person per day. Tips are always at your discretion based on service quality.