Tanzania safari questions, answered

Tanzania is an exceptional year-round safari destination. The dry season from late June to October offers prime game viewing as wildlife congregates around water sources, and late July to October is ideal for the world-famous Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti. January to March is the great calving season in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu), where thousands of wildebeest give birth daily, attracting intense predator activity. The green season (April to May and November) offers lush scenery, fewer tourists, excellent birding, and competitive low-season rates.

Read more: Serengeti and the Great Migration

Four key factors determine the total cost: the number of travelers (sharing the private 4x4 vehicle and guide fees), travel season (high vs. low/green season), chosen accommodation tier (comfortable mid-range tented camps vs. premier luxury lodges), and safari duration. All Asoupe Travel safari packages are fully inclusive of private 4x4 Land Cruiser transport, professional driver-guide, all essential permits and safari logistics, full-board accommodation, and government taxes.

Read more: See our safaris

All our custom safaris are 100% private. You and your family or travel party will have exclusive use of a customized 4x4 safari Land Cruiser equipped with a pop-up photographic roof, guaranteed window seats, inverter charging sockets, and a dedicated private driver-guide. You determine the daily pace, game drive departure times, and how long to linger at wildlife sightings.

Yes! The "Bush to Beach" combination is our most popular itinerary. Daily scheduled bush flights connect the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Arusha airstrips directly to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) in approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. You can spend the morning watching lions on the savannah and be relaxing on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches by late afternoon.

Read more: Zanzibar

Yes, we organize fully guided, private and group Kilimanjaro expeditions via the Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, and Rongai routes with certified mountain guides, dedicated porters, quality mountain tents, oxygen cylinders, and high safety standards.

Read more: Climbing Kilimanjaro

Yes, Tanzania is a wonderful destination for families! Because our safaris are private, we tailor game drive durations to children's attention spans and select family-friendly lodges and camps with swimming pools, interconnected family suites, and engaging junior ranger activities.

We recommend lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral earth tones (khaki, beige, olive, tan). Avoid dark blue and black which attract tsetse flies in woodland areas, and bright white which spooks wildlife. Pack a warm fleece or light jacket for chilly early mornings in Ngorongoro Crater, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, insect repellent (DEET), binoculars, and camera gear with extra memory cards.

Most international travelers require a tourist visa, which can easily be obtained online in advance through the official Tanzania Immigration e-Visa portal, or purchased upon arrival at Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) international airports. Yellow fever vaccination is only mandatory if you are arriving from or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Yes. Foreign travellers entering Mainland Tanzania must hold the mandatory Tanzania inbound travel insurance, subject to the exemptions that apply, and buy it before arrival. It is not part of the safari price unless your quotation says so. We also ask you to have comprehensive travel and medical insurance. If your trip includes Zanzibar, the rule that applies depends on where you first enter. The authorities can change these requirements, so check them before you travel.

Read more: Terms, section 7: Travel insurance

Your booking is confirmed when you have signed the Safari Travel Agreement and paid the confirmation deposit shown in it, normally 30% of the total price. The deposit secures your accommodation, park permits and safari logistics. The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before your safari starts, on the date stated in your Agreement.

Read more: Terms and Conditions

Pay only by the methods and to the accounts shown on the official invoice we issue. We will not change payment details through messaging apps without formal confirmation. If you receive unexpected new payment instructions, call our management to check them before you pay.

Yes, if it is possible. Changes you want after signing must be requested in writing and depend on availability and any extra costs or supplier charges. A change to dates, group size, inclusions or price is confirmed in an updated version of your Agreement.

Read more: Terms, section 10: Changes to the itinerary

Cancel by email; it takes effect when we receive it during business hours in Arusha. 61 days or more before the start date: we refund what you have paid, less a 15% administration fee and any non-refundable deposits already paid to lodges, airlines or wildlife authorities. 31 to 60 days: we keep the confirmation deposit plus non-refundable third-party costs. 30 days or fewer, or no-show: 100% of the total is non-refundable. Travel insurance can cover cancellation for illness or emergencies.

Read more: Terms, section 8: Cancellation

Our office in Arusha is open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 18:00 East Africa Time, and WhatsApp messages are answered every day. If you send a request through our safari planner, a planner from our Arusha team replies within 24 hours with a day-by-day plan.

Read more: Plan your safari