FAQs

The dry season, June to October, is the best time for wildlife: animals gather at rivers and waterholes and the grass is short. The green season, November to May, is great for birdwatching, newborn animals and fewer crowds. January to March is calving season in the southern Serengeti.

Most safaris last 3 to 7 days. With 3 days you can see Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater; 5 days adds the Serengeti; 7 days lets you travel slower and follow the migration north or south.

Tanzania is one of the best places to see the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino — plus giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hippos and hundreds of bird species. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but experienced guides greatly improve your chances.

About 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000–300,000 zebras and hundreds of thousands of gazelles move around the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem all year, following the rains. The pattern is fairly predictable, but the herds can shift by several weeks, so nothing is guaranteed — travelling with a guide who tracks them daily gives you the best chance.

Tanzania is one of Africa's safest and most welcoming safari destinations, especially when you travel with a trusted local operator. Follow your guide's instructions, keep valuables safe, buy good travel insurance and keep a safe distance from wildlife.

Most travellers need a visa, which you can apply for online or get on arrival — check the current rules for your nationality. Vaccinations are recommended, and a yellow fever certificate may be required on entry.

Neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours and camouflage), comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, a light jacket for early game drives, binoculars, a camera with spare memory cards, a power bank and any personal medication.

The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, lodges and camps. Swahili is the national language and English is widely spoken in tourism.

Choose from budget camping and mid-range tented camps to luxury lodges inside the parks. Game drives are done in 4×4 safari vehicles with expert driver-guides, usually in the morning and afternoon, often with a picnic lunch in the park.

January to March (warm, mostly dry, excellent visibility) and June to October (cool, dry and clear). Avoid April–May and November, when rain makes the trails muddy and slippery. Nights near the summit are cold, so layering is essential.

Yes — many travellers celebrate the summit with a safari. Our 12-day package climbs the Machame Route and then visits Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, and any climb can be joined to any safari.

We recommend US$15–25 per day for your guides, porters and cooks, given at the celebration at the end of the climb. Tips are not included in the climb price.

Yes. Short flights connect Arusha and the Serengeti with Zanzibar, so it is easy to finish a safari or climb on the beach — see our safari & beach packages, or add excursions like the dolphin tour, Stone Town and Prison Island.

As a guide, per person per day: budget about US$250–350, mid-range US$400–700, luxury US$800–1,500+ and ultra-luxury US$1,500–3,000+. Season, group size, lodges and parks all change the price, so we quote every trip personally — free and within 24 hours.

Park entrance fees, accommodation, meals, a professional English-speaking guide, a 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof, bottled water on game drives, and government taxes and conservation fees. International flights, visas, insurance, drinks, tips and optional activities such as balloon safaris are usually extra. Every trip page lists exactly what is included.

Tipping is expected for guides, drivers and lodge staff. Our guideline is US$15 per person per day on safari; tips are not included in the price.

For June–October and the Great Migration, book 6 to 12 months ahead. April, May and November are usually the cheapest months, with lower demand and seasonal discounts.