Tanzania Safari & Kilimanjaro FAQs

A Tanzania safari is a wildlife viewing adventure in Tanzania's national parks and game reserves. It involves game drives in 4x4 vehicles to observe animals in their natural habitat, including the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). Safaris typically include accommodation in lodges or tented camps, professional guides, and transportation between parks.

The top national parks for Tanzania safari include:

• Serengeti National Park - Best for the Great Migration and Big Five
• Ngorongoro Crater - World's largest intact caldera with high wildlife density
• Tarangire National Park - Famous for large elephant herds and baobab trees
• Lake Manyara National Park - Tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife
• Arusha National Park - Perfect for day trips and walking safaris

Tanzania is home to the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) plus many more incredible species. You can see over 400 species of birds, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species. The Great Migration features over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle moving across the Serengeti ecosystem.

We recommend a minimum of 4-5 days for a meaningful Tanzania safari experience. This allows you to visit 2-3 national parks and see diverse wildlife. For the best experience, consider 7-10 days to include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and other parks. Longer safaris (10-14 days) allow for more relaxed game viewing and better wildlife photography opportunities.

The Great Migration is one of nature's most spectacular events, involving over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle moving across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing. This annual cycle includes dramatic river crossings, calving season, and predator-prey interactions. The migration occurs year-round, with different phases visible in different areas of the Serengeti and Masai Mara.

The most popular and successful routes for Kilimanjaro trekking are:

• Machame Route - 7 days, scenic and challenging, 95% success rate
• Lemosho Route - 8 days, remote and beautiful, excellent acclimatization
• Marangu Route - 6 days, hut accommodation, classic route
• Rongai Route - 7 days, less crowded, northern approach
• Northern Circuit - 9 days, longest route, highest success rate

For beginners, we recommend the Machame Route or Lemosho Route for better acclimatization and higher success rates.

You don't need to be exceptionally fit to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, but good physical preparation is essential. We recommend:

• Regular cardiovascular exercise (hiking, running, cycling)
• Stair climbing or uphill walking training
• Mental preparation and determination
• 1-3 months of consistent training before your climb

Our experienced guides will help you maintain a steady pace and provide support throughout the climb. Mental strength is often more important than physical fitness for summit success.

Most Kilimanjaro climbs take 6-9 days depending on the route chosen:

• Marangu Route - 6 days (5 days up, 1 day down)
• Machame Route - 7 days (6 days up, 1 day down)
• Lemosho Route - 8 days (7 days up, 1 day down)
• Northern Circuit - 9 days (8 days up, 1 day down)

Longer routes have higher success rates due to better acclimatization. We strongly recommend at least 7 days for first-time climbers.

Yes, Kilimanjaro is safe to climb with proper preparation and experienced guides. Our safety measures include:

• Certified mountain guides with first aid training
• Emergency oxygen and medical equipment
• Daily health monitoring and altitude checks
• Emergency evacuation procedures
• Small group sizes for personalized attention

We maintain a 95%+ success rate and have never had a serious incident. Your safety is our top priority.

Yes, beginners can climb Kilimanjaro with proper preparation and guidance. No technical climbing experience is required, but you need:

• Good physical fitness and training
• Mental determination and positive attitude
• Proper gear and equipment
• Experienced guides and support team
• Realistic expectations about the challenge

Our experienced guides will help you every step of the way, providing encouragement and support to help you reach the summit.

The overall Kilimanjaro success rate is around 85% across all climbers and routes. However, success rates vary significantly based on:

• Route chosen - Longer routes have higher success rates
• Preparation - Physical and mental preparation
• Guide experience - Professional guides improve success rates
• Weather conditions - Dry season has better success rates
• Group size - Smaller groups often have higher success

Our success rate is 95%+ due to our experienced guides, proper acclimatization schedules, and comprehensive support.

Yes, most foreigners need a Tanzanian visa to visit the country. US, Canadian, British and most European citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport:

• US citizens - $100 for a multiple-entry visa (valid for 1 year)
• Other nationalities - $50 for a single-entry visa (valid for 3 months)
• African nationals - Some can enter without a visa

You need a passport valid for at least 6 months after your departure date. We recommend applying for an e-visa online before travel for faster processing.

Required and recommended vaccinations for Tanzania travel:

• Yellow Fever - Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever
• Hepatitis A & B - Highly recommended for all travelers
• Typhoid - Recommended for food and water protection
• Tetanus - Ensure up-to-date (within 10 years)
• Polio - One-time booster if not received as adult
• Malaria prophylaxis - Essential for safari and Kilimanjaro

Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. Bring your yellow fever certificate as it may be checked at immigration.

Yes, you can use your mobile phone in Tanzania, but international roaming charges can be expensive. We recommend:

• Buy a local SIM card - Available at the airport or in town (Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo)
• Unlock your phone - Ensure your phone is unlocked for international use
• Data packages - Local data is much cheaper than roaming
• WiFi availability - Most lodges and hotels offer free WiFi

Check with your home carrier about international plans, but local SIM cards are usually the most cost-effective option.

Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) as its official currency. However, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted, especially for:

• Safari and Kilimanjaro tour payments
• Hotel and lodge accommodations
• National park entrance fees
• Tips and gratuities
• Major purchases and souvenirs

We recommend bringing USD in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) for tips and local expenses. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and lodges.

Tanzania has several international airports, with the main ones being:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) - Closest to Arusha and safari destinations
• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) - Dar es Salaam, good for southern safaris
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) - Zanzibar Island

We recommend flying into JRO for safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs. Major airlines include KLM, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways. We can arrange airport transfers and provide flight booking assistance.

Tanzania safari costs vary depending on accommodation level, duration, and season:

• Budget Safari - $200-350 per person per day
• Mid-Range Safari - $350-550 per person per day
• Luxury Safari - $550-800+ per person per day

Costs include park fees, accommodation, meals, game drives, and professional guide. International flights and tips are additional. We offer competitive rates with no hidden fees.

Kilimanjaro climb costs range from $1,500 to $4,000+ per person depending on:

• Route chosen - Longer routes cost more
• Group size - Private climbs cost more than group climbs
• Accommodation level - Before and after climb
• Equipment included - Gear rental costs
• Season - Peak season (July-September) costs more

Our prices include all park fees, guide and porter services, meals, camping equipment, and airport transfers. We offer the best value for money with experienced guides.

Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and online payments with the following conditions:

• Online payments - 5% bank fee added to invoice total
• In-person payments - 5% bank fee for card payments in our office
• Required information - Full name, city, country, and phone number
• Invoice system - We send detailed invoices before payment

We also accept bank transfers and cash payments. All fees are clearly stated in our invoices with no hidden charges.

Our safari prices include:

• All national park entrance fees and conservation fees
• Accommodation in lodges or tented camps
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Professional English-speaking guide
• 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Airport transfers and ground transportation
• Drinking water during game drives
• All activities mentioned in itinerary

Not included: International flights, tips, alcoholic beverages, personal items, travel insurance, and optional activities.

No, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden costs. All our prices are clearly stated and include:

• All park fees and conservation charges
• Accommodation and meals as specified
• Professional guide and vehicle
• All activities mentioned in your itinerary

The only additional costs are clearly communicated: international flights, tips (optional but recommended), alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, and travel insurance. We provide detailed cost breakdowns before booking.

Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, especially in national parks and tourist areas. Safety measures include:

• Professional guides accompany all safaris and climbs
• National parks have security personnel
• Lodges and camps have security measures
• Tourist areas are well-monitored
• Local communities are tourism-friendly

We provide safety briefings and follow all recommended security protocols. Your safety is our top priority throughout your journey.

Required and recommended vaccinations for Tanzania travel:

• Yellow Fever - Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever
• Hepatitis A & B - Highly recommended for all travelers
• Typhoid - Recommended for food and water protection
• Tetanus - Ensure up-to-date (within 10 years)
• Polio - One-time booster if not received as adult
• Malaria prophylaxis - Essential for safari and Kilimanjaro

Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. Bring your yellow fever certificate as it may be checked at immigration.

Malaria prevention in Tanzania includes:

• Antimalarial medication - Consult your doctor for the right prescription
• Insect repellent - Use DEET-based repellent (20-30% concentration)
• Long clothing - Cover arms and legs, especially at dawn and dusk
• Mosquito nets - Use treated nets when sleeping
• Avoid standing water - Stay away from stagnant water sources

Most lodges and camps are in low-risk areas, but prevention is still important. We provide mosquito nets and repellent recommendations.

Food and water safety in Tanzania:

• Bottled water - Always drink bottled or purified water
• Hot food - Eat well-cooked, hot food when possible
• Avoid raw foods - Skip raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits
• Ice cubes - Avoid ice unless you know it's made from purified water
• Street food - Be cautious with street food, choose busy vendors

Our lodges and camps serve safe, well-prepared meals. We provide bottled water throughout your safari and Kilimanjaro climb.

The best time for Tanzania safari is during the dry season from June to October and January to March. This is when wildlife viewing is optimal, animals gather around water sources, and the Great Migration occurs in the Serengeti. The dry season offers clear skies, minimal rainfall, and excellent visibility for photography.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons:

• January-March - Cooler, higher chance of snow on summit
• June-October - Warmer, clearer skies, peak season
• July-September - Busiest months, book early

Avoid the rainy seasons (April-May and November-December) as trails can be slippery and visibility poor. Weather is unpredictable, so always be prepared for cold conditions at altitude.

Essential items for your Tanzania safari:

• Clothing - Neutral colors (khaki, beige, green), layers for temperature changes
• Binoculars - Essential for wildlife viewing
• Camera equipment - Extra batteries, memory cards, lens cleaning kit
• Sun protection - Hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent - DEET-based for malaria protection
• Comfortable shoes - Closed-toe shoes for walking safaris
• First aid kit - Basic medications and personal items

Avoid bright colors and white clothing as they can disturb wildlife. We provide detailed packing lists for each safari type.

The best times for wildlife viewing on safari are:

• Early morning (6-10 AM) - Animals are most active, cooler temperatures
• Late afternoon (4-7 PM) - Predators become active, golden hour lighting
• Night drives - Nocturnal animals, different species

Midday (11 AM-3 PM) is usually quiet as animals rest in shade. Our game drives are timed to maximize wildlife encounters during peak activity periods.

Yes, photography is encouraged on Tanzania safari! Tips for great photos:

• Camera equipment - DSLR with telephoto lens (200-400mm recommended)
• Binoculars - Essential for spotting distant wildlife
• Extra batteries - Bring multiple batteries and memory cards
• Lens cleaning kit - Dust can be a problem
• Patience - Wait for the perfect moment

Our guides are experienced photographers and know the best angles and timing for wildlife photography. We can arrange specialized photography safaris.