Question 1

Where is the best place to go on safari?

Accepted Answer

"Safari" in Kiswahili simply means "a journey" — today it is synonymous with a wildlife-viewing adventure in the African bush. If your main reason for travelling to Africa is to experience an abundance of wildlife in unspoiled wilderness, Tanzania should be your destination of choice.Tanzania protects over 25% of its land through national parks and reserves — more than any other country on the continent. The parks are home to vast herds of wildebeest across the Serengeti, large populations of elephant and buffalo, and plenty of plains game and their predators, all roaming freely as they have for thousands of years.Tanzania also holds a remarkable number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Kilwa Kisiwani and the Songo Mnara ruins, and Mafia Island Marine Park.

Question 2

When is the best time of year to go on safari in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Any time other than the long rains season (Mid-March to May) is a wonderful time to be on safari. We adjust each itinerary to take advantage of the best possible game viewing for the season and the current concentrations of wildlife.

Question 3

What kinds of animals will I see on safari in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania is home to more than 35 species of large mammal and over 1,000 recorded bird species. On a typical northern-circuit safari you can expect elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, baboon, monkeys, and plains game such as wildebeest, hartebeest, zebra, impala and gazelle.Most guests see lion and hyena, and often cheetah or leopard. In the Ngorongoro Crater you may spot one of the few remaining black rhino in Tanzania. With a little luck you might also see wild dog, or shy antelope such as lesser kudu, bushbuck, oryx and eland.

Question 4

What is the Great Migration?

Accepted Answer

Every year more than a million wildebeest move through the Serengeti in search of food and water — a movement driven by the seasonal rains. It is impossible to predict the timing exactly, but there is a pattern.From roughly mid-December to May the herds feed on the southern Serengeti plains, and calving peaks in February. Between June and July they begin moving north, reaching the Mara River around the Kenyan border between late July and early August. After the first short rains, usually in early November, they return south into Tanzania.Even when the migration is in Kenya over the summer, resident herds and abundant wildlife remain in the Serengeti year round. In the dry season, large numbers of elephant also gather along the Tarangire River, making that park especially rewarding.

Question 5

Can I have a custom or private safari?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We would be glad to work with you to plan the best possible safari for your interests, dates and budget — whether you are a photographer, a honeymooning couple, a family or a group.

Question 6

Can I take my children on safari?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design family safaris around the needs of travelling with children — a chance to experience Africa together, learn about wildlife and other cultures, and enjoy the trip at a comfortable pace. Our itineraries are well suited to families.

Question 7

How big are your safari groups?

Accepted Answer

We keep groups small — usually between 2 and 5 people, and never more than 15 — so you have a more intimate connection with the bush and more flexibility on game drives.

Question 8

What is the weather like in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Northern Tanzania sits at 1,500–2,300 m (5,000–7,600 ft), so the climate is mild and dry rather than tropical. Daytime temperatures are typically in the mid-20s °C (70s–80s °F) and evenings cooler, around 15 °C (60s °F). June to August is a little cooler. Coastal and lowland areas such as Zanzibar are warmer and more humid.

Question 9

What should I pack for safari?

Accepted Answer

Safari dress is casual and comfortable — bring light layers in neutral colours, and things you do not mind getting dusty. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and a good camera or binoculars are worth having. Once your safari is booked we send detailed pre-departure notes to help you prepare.

Question 10

What is the food like on safari?

Accepted Answer

Most guests are pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the variety. Lodges usually serve buffet-style meals, so you can choose what you like, with a mix of international and local dishes. On camping safaris, fresh food is prepared by our camp chefs to a high standard — camp cooking gets consistently good reviews from returning guests.

Question 11

Can you cater for special diets?

Accepted Answer

Yes — vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be arranged with advance notice, so please tell us as early as possible. If you have multiple or severe food allergies, it is wise to bring some supplemental snacks as well.

Question 12

Are safaris in Tanzania safe?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania is one of Africa's most stable and welcoming countries, and every care is taken for your health and safety on safari. Lodges and camps are set right in the wildlife areas but are comfortable and well run, with amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, restaurants and often a pool. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every trip.

Question 13

Is it safe to drink the water?

Accepted Answer

We provide bottled water on game drives and in camps, and good-quality bottled water is available at all lodges and camps. We do not recommend drinking tap water.

Question 14

Are there a lot of insects?

Accepted Answer

Fewer than most people expect — the areas you visit are mostly dry, especially from July to November. The insects you do see are fascinating and generally nothing to worry about; repellent and long sleeves in the evening are enough.

Question 15

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

As early as you can, to secure availability for your dates — this matters most for the peak periods (July–August and the Christmas / New Year weeks) and for private custom safaris or trip extensions.

Question 16

What vaccinations or health precautions do I need?

Accepted Answer

Always confirm with your doctor or a travel clinic, ideally 4–6 weeks before you travel. For entry to Tanzania a yellow fever certificate is generally required if you are arriving from a country with risk of transmission, and anti-malarial medication is recommended for the safari areas.

Question 17

When are the safari seasons?

Accepted Answer

Peak season: 1 January – 29 February, and 1 June – 31 OctoberHigh season: 1 – 31 March, and 1 November – 31 DecemberLow season: 1 April – 31 MayLodge and camp rates are lowest in the low season. Every itinerary can be tailor-made to your interests — contact us to start planning.

Question 18

How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?

Accepted Answer

Kilimanjaro is a long, high walk rather than a technical climb — there is no rope work or scrambling — but it is demanding: five to eight days on the trail, six to eight hours of walking most days, and a summit night that involves seven or more hours of uphill in the cold and dark. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be a regular hiker and train for a few months beforehand. See our Training for Kilimanjaro page.

Question 19

What is the summit success rate?

Accepted Answer

It depends almost entirely on how many days you spend acclimatising. Rushed five-day climbs have success rates well below 50%; six-day climbs are around 65%; and seven- to nine-day routes such as Lemosho and the Northern Circuit report rates of 85–95%. This is why routes of seven days or more are strongly recommended.

Question 20

Which route should I choose?

Accepted Answer

For most people, Lemosho (7–8 days) is the best balance of scenery, gentle acclimatisation and high success. The Northern Circuit (9 days) has the best acclimatisation profile and the fewest people. Machame (7 days) is scenic and popular but busy. Rongai (6–7 days) approaches from the drier north and is a good choice in the rainy season. Marangu (5 days, or 6 with an acclimatisation day) is the only route with huts rather than tents. Umbwe is steep, fast and for experienced, well-acclimatised trekkers only.

Question 21

How many days should the climb take?

Accepted Answer

Seven or eight days on the mountain is the sweet spot — long enough to acclimatise properly without dragging on. Six days is the practical minimum for a reasonable chance of success; nine days (the Northern Circuit) maximises it. Add a night before and after the climb for briefing, kit checks and rest.

Question 22

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Accepted Answer

The two dry seasons — January to mid-March and June to October — are the most reliable, with clearer skies and better trail conditions. The long rains (late March to May) and the short rains (November) are climbable, quieter and cheaper, but you should expect wet days, and some prefer the northern Rongai route then. Full-moon dates are popular for the summit night.

Question 23

What is altitude sickness, and how is it managed?

Accepted Answer

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the body reacting to thin air — headache, nausea, poor sleep and loss of appetite are common above about 3,000 m. It is managed by climbing slowly ("pole pole"), choosing a route with good acclimatisation, drinking plenty of water and eating well. On a well-run climb the crew checks your oxygen saturation and pulse twice a day, carries emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit, and the lead guide has the authority to turn you around if serious symptoms (HACE or HAPE) appear. Some climbers take acetazolamide (Diamox) — ask your doctor.

Question 24

Do I need mountaineering skills or special equipment?

Accepted Answer

No technical skills, and no ropes, crampons or ice axes on the standard routes. You do need proper gear: broken-in waterproof hiking boots, warm layers down to about −15 °C wind chill, a four-season sleeping bag, trekking poles and a head torch. You will get a full kit list when you book, and most items can be hired in Moshi or Arusha if you would rather not buy them. See our Packing & Gear List.

Question 25

How cold does it get?

Accepted Answer

The lower forest is warm and humid. It gets progressively colder with altitude: nights at high camp are typically −5 to −15 °C, and summit night, when you set off around midnight, can feel like −20 °C or lower with the wind. Daytime temperatures at the summit are usually a little below freezing.

Question 26

What is included, and what do I need to bring myself?

Accepted Answer

A typical climb includes park and rescue fees, a qualified mountain guide and support crew, all camping equipment and meals on the mountain, transfers to and from the gate, and a night either side in Moshi or Arusha. You bring your own personal clothing and gear (or hire it), travel insurance that covers trekking to your route's altitude, and money for tips. Your exact inclusions are listed on your quote.

Question 27

How much should I budget for tipping the crew?

Accepted Answer

Tips are a significant part of the crew's income and are expected. As a widely used guideline, budget roughly US$250–350 per climber for the whole team (guide, assistant guides, cook and porters combined), pooled and handed over at a small ceremony on the last morning. You will get a suggested breakdown before you start.

Question 28

Are there age limits, and can complete beginners climb it?

Accepted Answer

The national park minimum age is 10, and there is no upper limit — people in their seventies summit every year. Many climbers have never done a multi-day trek before; what matters is arriving fit, choosing enough days, and walking slowly. Children and anyone over about 60 may be asked for a doctor's letter.

Question 29

When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

The long dry season, June to October, is the classic window: wildlife concentrates around water, the bush is thin so animals are easier to spot, and the northern Serengeti river crossings usually happen from July. January and February are also excellent — dry, warm, and the wildebeest calving season on the southern Serengeti plains. The green season (November, and March to May) is quieter, cheaper and beautiful, with superb birding, though afternoon rain is likely. See the Weather & Seasons page for the full picture.

Question 30

What is the Great Migration, and when can I see it?

Accepted Answer

Around 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra move through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in a roughly circular, year-round pattern. In broad terms: Dec–Mar calving on the southern plains near Ndutu; Apr–Jun the herds move north-west through the central and western Serengeti; Jul–Oct the dramatic Grumeti and Mara river crossings in the north; Nov the return south. It is always somewhere in the Serengeti — the trick is matching your dates and your camp location to where the herds will be.

Question 31

Will I see the Big Five?

Accepted Answer

Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. On a well-planned northern-circuit safari of about a week — Serengeti plus the Ngorongoro Crater — most guests see four of the five comfortably; rhino is the hardest, and the Crater is the most reliable place for it. No guide can guarantee sightings of wild animals, but longer trips and good areas stack the odds heavily in your favour.

Question 32

How many days do I need for a safari?

Accepted Answer

Three days is enough for a short Ngorongoro-and-Tarangire taster. Five to seven days is the sweet spot for the northern circuit and lets you reach the Serengeti properly. Ten days or more opens up combinations — the south, the west, or a beach finish in Zanzibar. Driving distances between parks are long, so more days means less time in the vehicle in transit and more time watching wildlife.

Question 33

What is a typical day on safari like?

Accepted Answer

An early start — tea or coffee at dawn, then a game drive when animals are most active. Back to camp mid-morning for a full breakfast, then rest through the heat of the day. An afternoon game drive from around 4 p.m., often finishing with a sundowner drink, then dinner back at camp. Some camps offer a full day out with a picnic lunch, and in private conservancies you can add night drives and walking safaris. See "What to Expect on Safari" for more detail.

Question 34

Private, small-group or fly-in — what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

A private safari is your own vehicle and guide, on your own schedule — the most flexible. A small-group safari shares a vehicle with a few other travellers on a set route and date, which keeps the cost down. A fly-in safari swaps the long road transfers for light-aircraft hops between airstrips, so you spend more time in the parks and less on the road — it costs more but is the best way to reach the remote south and west. See the Safari Styles page.

Question 35

Is a safari safe? Are the animals dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania is a well-established safari destination and serious incidents are very rare. The animals are genuinely wild, so the rules matter: stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise, keep noise down, never stand up or lean out near big animals, and follow the guide and camp staff — especially walking between tents after dark, when you are escorted. Your guide is trained and reads animal behaviour constantly.

Question 36

Which circuit should I choose — Northern, Southern or Western?

Accepted Answer

The Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara) has the highest wildlife density, the Migration and the best infrastructure — the right choice for a first safari. The Southern Circuit (Nyerere, Ruaha) is wilder and quieter, with boat safaris and walking, usually done fly-in. The Western Circuit (Katavi, Mahale, Gombe) is for chimpanzees and true remoteness. Many longer trips combine a northern or southern safari with Zanzibar.

Question 37

What is included in a safari price?

Accepted Answer

A typical private safari includes park entry and concession fees, a 4x4 with a pop-up roof and an English-speaking guide, all accommodation, meals as specified (usually full board in the parks), drinking water in the vehicle, and airport transfers. It usually excludes international flights, visa, travel insurance, drinks, tips, and optional extras such as balloon flights. Your quote itemises exactly what is and is not included.

Question 38

How much should I tip on safari?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is customary and appreciated. As a widely used guideline, budget roughly US$20–30 per group per day for your safari guide, and US$10–15 per guest per day for camp and lodge staff (pooled). Tip in cash — US dollars or Tanzanian shillings — at the end of your stay.

Question 39

Can I bring children on safari?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it can be a wonderful family trip. Some camps have a minimum age (often 6 or 12) for shared game drives, and a private vehicle removes that restriction. Long drives can test younger children, so a shorter northern-circuit route, a private guide and family-friendly camps with pools and flexible mealtimes make a big difference.

Your Trusted Home for Unforgettable African Safaris

Explore Tanzania's National Parks

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Tarangire National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Kilimanjaro Treks

7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb

5-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb

7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb — Rongai Route

9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb — Northern Circuit

6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb — Umbwe Route

Top Safari Activities

Game Drives

The Great Migration

Hot-Air Balloon Safari

Walking Safari

Night Game Drive

Birdwatching

Popular Tours & Safari Packages

7-Day Classic Northern Circuit Safari

4-Day Zanzibar Beach Escape

Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour

Marangu Village & Waterfalls

4-Day Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari

9-Day Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar

5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

Stone Town & Spice Farm Day Trip

Kilimanjaro Day Hike (Marangu Route)

Why Choose Big 5 Africa Safari

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Tailor-Made Itineraries

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Every Safari Includes

Safe Transfers

Catering & Dining

Comfortable Stays

What Our Guests Say

Mae O'Connell & Mathew Sipple

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Robert Tanaka

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