Tanzania Safari FAQs
What is the safari drive like?
During the safari, you will be riding in 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers that have been specially converted for safaris. These vehicles are comfortable and well-maintained, with the ability to get you through muddy patches and rough roads. All vehicles have a safari roof that can be opened to get better views and a feel of the outside. The vehicles have room for five to seven travelers, plus the driver-guide, guaranteeing you a good seat – everyone gets a window!
Can I customize my trip?
Yes! We are happy to take the time to get to know you and your interests and design a customized itinerary. We can highlight specific destinations for you, or if you already have a list of places you want to visit, we can work to create an itinerary that best combines them. Considering your budget will also help determine the best routes and destinations.
Will we see the Big Five? (Lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros?)
Our guides are experts in providing you with excellent wildlife sightings, but with no boundaries to restrict movement and with some animals being more elusive than others (such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards), it would be unfair to guarantee sightings of all the animals. Different parks offer different variations and densities of certain wildlife, however, so if you are keen on seeing a certain species, we can arrange your itinerary to maximize this possibility.
Will we see the great migration?
The great migration is defined by the large herds of wildebeest that travel around the Serengeti plains each year in search of pasture and water. Our guides have knowledge regarding which areas are most likely to have migrations at certain times of the year, and we can work to maximize the chance of seeing the migration on your safari. For instance, the calving season is generally between December and March in the south of the Serengeti.
What’s included in our safari?
All lodging, all ground transportation (including airport transfers), all park fees and local taxes, all safari activities, all meals and water while on safari, and all light-aircraft flights within Tanzania.
Can special diets be accommodated?
With advanced notice, special meals such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be arranged. We will communicate your preferences to lodges on your itinerary so they can plan ahead. Please advise us of any serious allergies or dietary needs in advance.
Is Tanzania safe?
In the early 1960s, Tanzania’s first president Julius Nyerere successfully mentored peace and united the numerous separate tribes of Tanzania into one cohesive society. Today, Tanzania still enjoys this peace. On a micro level, Tanzanians are polite, engaging, and cordial people. But poverty exists and incidents of pick-pocketing and robbery can happen occasionally. If you avoid too much time in crowded places and keep valuables secure, you will unlikely experience anything unsafe.
What kind of insurance do we need?
We advise visitors to obtain a comprehensive insurance policy before their trip, with the following additions to general medical coverage:
Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Because many camps and lodges require full payment well ahead of time and have somewhat restrictive cancellation policies, we suggest trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Baggage and Personal Effects: We recommend this additional insurance for the protection of the important personal effects you may have, such as your passport, wallet, and personal items, as well as protection for your luggage being lost or stolen during your trip.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: This type of insurance coverage ensures you can be taken to a hospital of international standards as quickly as possible by air or ambulance, if necessary.
