Question 1

How does a tailor-made trip with TANZURI work?

Accepted Answer

It starts with a conversation. Tell us your travel dates (or rough timing), who is travelling, what you would love to see and do, and the style of accommodation you prefer. You can use our Plan Your Trip form, email us or message us on WhatsApp. We then design a suggested itinerary with a clear quotation. You can ask questions and request changes — swap a park, add a beach stay, change the accommodation tier — until the plan feels right. Once you are happy, we confirm the booking and help you prepare for the journey.

Question 2

How far ahead should I book?

Accepted Answer

For the busiest periods — roughly July to September, and the Christmas and New Year holidays — we recommend booking six to twelve months ahead, especially for popular camps in the Serengeti, for Migration-season stays and for Kilimanjaro climbs on specific dates. Outside peak times, three to six months is usually comfortable. Shorter-notice trips are often possible too; just get in touch and we will tell you honestly what is available.

Question 3

Is my safari private or shared with other travellers?

Accepted Answer

Most of our trips are private: you have your own vehicle and guide, and the itinerary is built around your group. This gives you flexibility over timings and how long you stay at a sighting. Some itineraries can also be arranged as small-group departures, which can reduce costs for solo travellers and couples. Each itinerary shows whether it is private or available as private or small group, and we will explain the options in your quotation.

Question 4

Can I combine a safari with a beach holiday?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it is one of the most popular ways to see Tanzania. Short domestic flights connect the safari parks with Zanzibar and Mafia Island, so you can go from the Serengeti or Nyerere to the beach in a few hours. A common pattern is five to eight days on safari followed by four to seven nights on the coast, but we will shape it around your time and interests.

Question 5

How do your quotes and prices work?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing is by quotation. Every trip is different, and the cost depends mainly on the season, the size of your group, the accommodation tier you choose (Budget, Mid-range or Luxury), the length of the trip and how you travel between areas (by road or light aircraft). Your quotation sets out what is included and excluded, any park and conservation fees, and how long the price is valid. If anything is unclear, just ask — we would rather explain it before you book than surprise you later.

Question 6

Can you help with international flights?

Accepted Answer

We focus on the journey within Tanzania — safaris, domestic flights, transfers, accommodation and activities. We are happy to advise on which airport to fly into and on sensible arrival and departure times so that everything connects smoothly.

Question 7

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Most visitors need a visa. Tanzania offers an electronic visa (e-visa), which you should apply for through the official Tanzania Immigration Services online portal well before you travel. Please be careful to use the official government website rather than third-party agents. Visa rules, fees and processing times vary by nationality and can change. Some nationalities are exempt, and some require additional approval. We confirm the current requirements with you at booking, but the final responsibility for holding the correct visa rests with each traveller.

Question 8

How long must my passport be valid?

Accepted Answer

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to leave Tanzania, and should have blank pages for entry stamps. Please check this as soon as you start planning, as renewing a passport can take time.

Question 9

Do I need a yellow fever certificate?

Accepted Answer

If you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you may be asked to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate on entry to Tanzania, including Zanzibar. This can include some transit stops in other African countries. The list of countries and transit rules can change, so we confirm the latest requirements at booking. Please speak to a travel clinic about whether vaccination is appropriate for you.

Question 10

Is there malaria in Tanzania? What vaccinations do I need?

Accepted Answer

Malaria is present in much of Tanzania, including the coast and Zanzibar, though risk is lower at higher altitudes. Please consult a travel clinic or your doctor, ideally six to eight weeks before you travel, about malaria prevention medication and any recommended vaccinations. Whatever medication you take, avoiding mosquito bites matters too: use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening, and sleep under a mosquito net where one is provided.

Question 11

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is a condition of booking with us. It should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation (including air evacuation from remote areas), cancellation and curtailment, and loss of belongings. If you are climbing Kilimanjaro, make sure your policy covers trekking to approximately 6,000 m. Zanzibar currently requires visitors to hold Zanzibar-specific inbound travel insurance in addition; we’ll confirm the latest rules when you book.

Question 12

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania can be visited year-round, and the best time depends on what you want to do. The main dry season, roughly June to October, is the most popular time for safaris: vegetation thins out, animals gather near water and the weather is generally pleasant. Late December to February is another good period, often dry and warm, and it coincides with calving season in the southern Serengeti. The long rains usually fall around March to May, when some camps close but prices can be lower and landscapes are lush. The short rains, roughly November to December, typically bring brief showers rather than all-day rain.

Question 13

When and where can I see the Great Migration?

Accepted Answer

The wildebeest migration moves in a broad, year-round loop through the Serengeti ecosystem, following the rains and fresh grazing. Timing changes every year, so the patterns below are typical rather than guaranteed. Around December to March the herds are usually in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, with calving typically around January to February. Around April to June they tend to move north and west through the central and western Serengeti. Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti typically happen around July to September, sometimes continuing into October, before the herds drift south again with the short rains. If the Migration is a priority, tell us early — we will suggest the best area and camps for your dates.

Question 14

What is the weather like in the rainy seasons?

Accepted Answer

The long rains (roughly March to May) can bring heavy downpours, and some roads and camps — especially in the south and on the coast — close during this time. The short rains (roughly November to December) are usually lighter, often falling as afternoon showers. Travelling in the green season can be very rewarding: fewer visitors, lush scenery, newborn animals and excellent birdwatching. We will be honest about what to expect for your dates.

Question 15

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Accepted Answer

The most popular climbing seasons are roughly January to mid-March and June to October, when conditions are generally drier and views clearer. January to March is often a little warmer; June to October is typically drier but colder at night. Climbing is possible year-round, but the long rains (roughly March to May) and the short rains (around November) make trails wetter and muddier.

Question 16

What kind of vehicle will we use?

Accepted Answer

Safaris in Tanzania are usually in 4x4 safari vehicles, typically adapted Land Cruisers, with a pop-up roof or open sides for viewing and photography. Every guest should have a window seat. Your driver-guide stays with you throughout your road safari. Some camps, particularly in the south and in remote areas, use their own open vehicles and resident guides instead. We confirm the vehicle arrangements in your quotation.

Question 17

What does a typical safari day look like?

Accepted Answer

Days usually start early — often around sunrise — when animals are most active and the light is beautiful. You may return to camp for breakfast or take a picnic breakfast out with you. The middle of the day is hot and quieter, so it is a good time for lunch and rest. Afternoon drives usually run until close to sunset, as park rules generally require vehicles to be back at camp or out of the park by dusk. Full-day drives with a picnic lunch are common in large parks like the Serengeti.

Question 18

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Pack light, comfortable clothing in neutral colours (khaki, beige, olive), plus a warm fleece or jacket for cool mornings and evenings — especially in the Ngorongoro highlands. Add a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable closed shoes and a swimsuit. Useful extras include binoculars, a camera with spare batteries and memory cards, a torch or headlamp, any personal medication, and a universal adapter. We share a detailed packing list once your trip is confirmed.

Question 19

Are there luggage limits?

Accepted Answer

If your trip includes light-aircraft flights between parks or to the coast, luggage is usually limited to around 15 kg per person, including hand luggage, and it must be packed in soft-sided bags without wheels or rigid frames so it fits in the aircraft hold. Exact limits vary by airline, so we confirm them at booking. Excess luggage can often be stored or sent ahead — just ask.

Question 20

Can children come on safari?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and many families have a wonderful time. A private vehicle works best, so you can go at your own pace and take breaks when needed. Some camps and activities have minimum age limits (for example, walking safaris, balloon flights and some lodges), and malaria prevention for children needs medical advice. We choose family-friendly properties and plan realistic driving times for young travellers.

Question 21

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Accepted Answer

Most lodges and camps can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and other dietary needs, as well as food allergies, when told in advance. Please let us know when you book so we can pass the details to each property. In very remote camps, choice may be simpler, but we will always check with suppliers first.

Question 22

Is it safe to go on safari?

Accepted Answer

Safaris are generally very safe when you follow your guide’s instructions. Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to get out, keep your voice low near animals, and never walk around camp alone after dark if you are asked to use an escort. In towns, take the same sensible precautions as anywhere: keep valuables out of sight, use hotel safes and use transport arranged through your hotel or through us.

Question 23

What currency is used in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). US dollars are widely used in tourism, for example for some park fees, tips and hotel extras. If you bring US dollars, bring clean, undamaged notes from recent series (ideally printed in 2013 or later), as older or torn notes are often refused. Local shillings are useful for small purchases, markets and local transport.

Question 24

Can I use cards and ATMs?

Accepted Answer

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at many hotels, lodges and larger shops, sometimes with a surcharge. ATMs are available in towns such as Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam and Stone Town, but not in the parks. We suggest carrying a mix of a card and some cash, and letting your bank know about your travel plans before you leave.

Question 25

How much should I tip?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is customary in Tanzania’s tourism industry and much appreciated. As a general guideline, many travellers give their safari driver-guide around US$20–30 per day for the group, and around US$10–15 per guest per day to a lodge or camp’s shared staff tip box. For Kilimanjaro, tips for the guides, porters and cook are an important part of their income; we share a clear guideline for your group size and route before you travel. In the end, tip according to the service you received.

Question 26

Will I have phone signal and internet?

Accepted Answer

Mobile coverage is good in towns and along main roads, and patchy or absent in many remote parks. Most lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, though in the bush it may be slow or limited to shared areas. You can buy a local SIM card on arrival (you will need your passport to register it), and eSIMs for Tanzania are available from several providers if your phone supports them.

Question 27

What plugs and voltage are used?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania uses 230 V electricity with Type D and Type G sockets (Type G is the three-square-pin plug used in the UK). Bring a universal adapter. Some remote camps run on solar power or generators, so charging may be limited to certain times or shared areas.

Question 28

What should I wear in Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim and quite traditional. Beachwear is fine at beach hotels, but in Stone Town and villages please dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and avoid see-through clothing. A light scarf or sarong is handy to carry.

Question 29

What should I know about visiting during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Zanzibar is open to visitors during Ramadan, and it can be a fascinating time to experience local life, especially in the evenings after the fast is broken. During daylight hours, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public outside your hotel, and dress especially modestly. Some local restaurants close during the day, and the pace of life is slower. Dates change each year, so we will let you know if your trip overlaps.

Question 30

Why are the tides important on the east coast?

Accepted Answer

On Zanzibar’s east coast (around Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu and Michamvi), the tide can go out a very long way, leaving wide sandy flats and lagoons. It is beautiful for walking and kitesurfing, but swimming may only be possible for a few hours around high tide. If swimming at any time of day is important to you, the north of the island (around Nungwi and Kendwa) is usually less affected. We will help you choose the right area.

Question 31

Do I need special travel insurance for Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Zanzibar currently requires visitors to hold Zanzibar-specific inbound travel insurance; we’ll confirm the latest rules when you book. This is in addition to, not a replacement for, your own comprehensive travel insurance.

Question 32

How do I get to Zanzibar from the safari parks?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is by domestic flight from Arusha, Kilimanjaro or directly from some safari airstrips, often with a short connection. From Dar es Salaam there are frequent flights and fast ferries, typically taking around two hours by sea. We arrange these connections as part of your trip.

Good to know before you go

Planning & Booking

Entry & Health

When to Go

On Safari

Money & Connectivity

Zanzibar