Frequently Asked Questions

The dry season (June-October) offers the best wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. However, the wet season (November-May) has fewer crowds, lush scenery, and is excellent for birding and witnessing the calving season. The Great Migration can be seen year-round in different parts of the ecosystem.

We recommend a minimum of 3-4 days for a meaningful safari experience. For the full experience including multiple parks and the Great Migration, 7-10 days is ideal. If you want to add Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar, plan for 12-14 days total.

Absolutely! Every safari can be tailored to your interests, budget, and timeframe. Whether you want to focus on photography, add a beach extension, or celebrate a special occasion, we'll create your perfect adventure. Contact us with your preferences and we'll design a custom itinerary.

For peak season (July-October and December-February), we recommend booking 6-12 months in advance to secure preferred lodges and dates. For shoulder seasons, 3-6 months is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings are possible but options may be limited.

Yes! Many of our guests combine their safari with a Kilimanjaro climb (before or after) or a relaxing beach extension in Zanzibar. We can seamlessly arrange multi-destination trips including domestic flights and transfers.

Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, meaning no special mountaineering skills are required. However, it is physically demanding and involves significant altitude. Success depends more on proper acclimatization and mental preparation than fitness alone. We recommend training with cardio and hiking beforehand.

We recommend the Machame or Lemosho routes for first-timers. They offer excellent acclimatization profiles, stunning scenery, and good success rates. Marangu is often called the 'easiest' but actually has lower success rates due to faster ascent. We can help you choose based on your preferences.

Overall success rates for Kilimanjaro are around 65-70%, but this varies significantly by route and duration. Longer routes (7-9 days) have success rates of 85-95%, while shorter options (5-6 days) are around 60-70%. Our guides are experienced in altitude management, contributing to our high success rate.

The minimum age for climbing Kilimanjaro is 10 years old (park regulations). There's no maximum age limit—we've guided climbers in their 70s to the summit. Fitness and health matter more than age. We recommend consulting your doctor before booking.

Your safety is our priority. Our guides are trained to recognize altitude sickness symptoms and will make descent decisions when necessary. If you need to descend, our team will accompany you safely. Unfortunately, no refunds are provided for early descent, which is why travel insurance is mandatory.

Our packages typically include: airport transfers, all park fees and conservation fees, accommodation as specified, all meals while on safari, professional English-speaking guide, 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, unlimited drinking water during game drives, and all government taxes. Items not included: international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips, and optional activities.

We accept credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), mobile money payments (M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Tigo Pesa), and bank transfers. All prices are quoted in USD. We use secure payment processing for all card transactions.

Cancellation fees are based on notice period: More than 90 days: loss of deposit only; 60-90 days: 50% of total; 30-59 days: 75% of total; Less than 30 days: 100% (no refund). We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all our trips. Your policy must include trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical coverage (minimum $100,000), and medical evacuation. For Kilimanjaro climbs, coverage must specifically include high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters.

A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your arrival date. For bookings made within 60 days of travel, full payment is required at booking.

Yes, Tanzania is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. Our experienced guides are trained in wildlife behavior and safety protocols. All our vehicles have radio communication and we follow strict safety guidelines. We never compromise on safety for closer wildlife sightings.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if coming from an infected country. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised. Please consult a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure for personalized advice.

Malaria is present in Tanzania, including safari areas and the coast. We recommend antimalarial medication, using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves/pants in the evening, and sleeping under mosquito nets (provided in all accommodations). Consult your doctor about the best antimalarial for you.

Our guides are highly trained in animal behavior and maintain safe distances at all times. You'll always remain inside the vehicle during game drives unless at designated safe areas. We prioritize your safety over getting the perfect photo, and our guides know when to back away.

All vehicles carry first aid kits and radio communication. Our guides are trained in first aid and emergency protocols. We have relationships with medical facilities throughout the safari areas and can arrange emergency evacuation if needed. Your travel insurance should cover emergency medical evacuation.

Most nationalities require a visa. Many can obtain an e-visa online before travel or a visa on arrival at major airports. US, UK, EU, and most other citizens can get a single-entry tourist visa valid for 90 days. Check requirements for your specific nationality well in advance.

US Dollars are widely accepted for tourist services. Bring clean, newer bills (post-2006) as older or damaged notes may be rejected. Tanzanian Shillings are used for small purchases. ATMs are available in major towns. Credit cards are accepted at most lodges but not always reliable.

Tipping is customary and appreciated. Guidelines: Safari guide: $20-30/day; Driver: $15-20/day; Lodge staff: $10-15/day (shared); Kilimanjaro crew: $20-25/day (guide), $15-20 (assistant), $10-15 (porters/cook). Tips should be in USD or TSH.

Swahili and English are the official languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by all our guides. Learning a few Swahili phrases (Jambo = Hello, Asante = Thank you, Hakuna Matata = No worries) is appreciated by locals.

Most lodges have Wi-Fi, though it can be slow or intermittent in remote areas. Mobile coverage is surprisingly good in many safari areas. We recommend buying a local SIM card at the airport for data. Consider disconnecting and enjoying the experience!

Essential items include: neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, brown, beige), layers for varying temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, sun hat and sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, and any personal medications. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking.

For light aircraft transfers, luggage is limited to 15kg in a soft-sided bag. For road safaris, standard luggage is fine. Laundry services are available at most lodges. We'll advise on specific limits based on your itinerary.

Wear comfortable, breathable layers in neutral colors (avoid blue and black which attract tsetse flies). Mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring a warm jacket. Long sleeves and pants are recommended for sun protection and evening mosquitoes.

A camera with at least 200mm zoom is recommended for wildlife photography. DSLR or mirrorless cameras work great, but modern smartphones also capture excellent images. Bring extra batteries and memory cards—you'll take more photos than expected! Dust-proof camera bags are helpful.

Yes, most lodges and camps have charging facilities, though some remote camps may have limited hours. Safari vehicles often have USB charging ports. We recommend bringing multiple batteries and a portable charger as backup.

Absolutely! We offer dedicated photography safaris with extended game drives, optimal timing for golden hour, and guides who understand photographers' needs. We can arrange exclusive vehicle use so you're not sharing with non-photographers who may want to move on quickly.

No, drones are prohibited in all Tanzania national parks and conservation areas to avoid disturbing wildlife. This is strictly enforced. Drones found will be confiscated and you may face fines.

We employ local staff, source supplies from local businesses, and visit community-run tourism projects. A portion of every booking supports education and healthcare initiatives in rural Tanzania. We also work with lodges that have strong community programs.

We follow strict Leave No Trace principles, minimize plastic use (we provide reusable water bottles), support wildlife conservation programs, and offset the carbon footprint of our operations through tree planting initiatives. We choose eco-certified lodges where possible.

Yes, we can arrange respectful community visits and school visits where appropriate. These are designed to be mutually beneficial—not 'voluntourism.' We ensure visits are arranged in partnership with communities and don't disrupt daily life.