Question 1

What exactly is a tailor-made safari?

Accepted Answer

A tailor-made safari is a private trip designed around you alone - your dates, pace, parks, lodges and interests. You do not share the vehicle or the itinerary with strangers, and every element (routing, guide, accommodation level, activities) is adjusted before you confirm.

Question 2

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

For June to October and the December holidays we recommend 8 to 12 months ahead, because the best camps in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro sell out early. Outside peak season, 3 to 4 months is usually comfortable, and we can often arrange short-notice departures within 2 to 3 weeks.

Question 3

How much does a tailor-made safari cost?

Accepted Answer

Mid-range lodge safaris typically run about USD 250 to 400 per person per day, luxury lodges and tented camps about USD 500 to 900, and camping-based trips from about USD 180. Fly-in circuits, private guides and remote parks such as Katavi or Mahale sit above those ranges. Your quotation always shows a full per-person breakdown.

Question 4

What is included in the quoted price?

Accepted Answer

Standard inclusions are park and conservation fees, accommodation, meals as listed, a private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, fuel, drinking water and airport transfers. International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips and personal items are excluded and are always listed separately.

Question 5

How do payments and deposits work?

Accepted Answer

We ask for a 30% deposit to confirm your booking and hold lodge space. The balance is due one week before departure. We accept bank transfer and card payments, and you receive a written confirmation and full itinerary once the deposit clears.

Question 6

What is the best time of year to go?

Accepted Answer

June to October is the classic dry season with the easiest game viewing. The Serengeti calving season peaks in late January and February, and the river crossings usually fall between July and September. April and May bring long rains, fewer visitors and the lowest prices - excellent value if you do not mind a wet afternoon.

Question 7

Can you combine several countries or add a beach stay?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Common combinations are Tanzania with Zanzibar or Pemba, Tanzania with Rwanda for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and northern Tanzania with Kenya's Masai Mara. We handle all internal flights, border crossings and transfers so the trip runs as one seamless booking.

Question 8

Is a safari suitable for children and older travellers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We adjust driving distances, choose family-friendly or accessible lodges, and can arrange interconnecting rooms, child seats, shorter game drives and private chefs for special diets. Please tell us about any mobility or medical needs in your enquiry so we can plan properly.

Question 9

What vaccinations and health precautions do I need?

Accepted Answer

Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for most Tanzanian parks, and a yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from or transit a yellow fever endemic country. Routine vaccinations should be current. Always confirm with your own travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before departure.

Question 10

Do I need a visa, and can you help?

Accepted Answer

Most nationalities need a tourist visa for Tanzania, available online through the official e-visa portal or on arrival at Kilimanjaro and Julius Nyerere airports. Rwanda and Kenya offer e-visas too. We send you a step-by-step visa note with your confirmation and can supply any supporting documents you need.

Question 11

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Neutral, layered clothing (avoid bright white and camouflage), a warm fleece for early game drives, a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with spare batteries and any personal medication. Soft duffel bags are required on light aircraft, usually with a 15 kg limit.

Question 12

Is travel insurance required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We require comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and baggage. For Kilimanjaro treks and remote fly-in areas, make sure your policy covers high-altitude trekking and air ambulance evacuation.

Question 13

How safe is a tailor-made safari?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania and Rwanda are among the most stable safari destinations in Africa. Our vehicles are serviced and radio-equipped, guides are licensed and first-aid trained, and camps follow strict wildlife safety protocols. Our Arusha operations team is reachable 24/7 throughout your trip.

Question 14

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations more than 60 days before departure forfeit the deposit only. Between 60 and 30 days, 50% of the total is payable, and inside 30 days the booking is non-refundable. Some luxury camps and domestic flights carry stricter terms, which we always flag in writing before you pay.

Question 15

How many people fit in one safari vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Our extended Land Cruisers seat up to 7 guests, but on private trips we guarantee a window seat for everyone and usually cap at 4 to 6 for photographic comfort. Solo travellers can request a private vehicle at a supplement.

Question 16

Will I have phone signal, wifi and charging?

Accepted Answer

Most lodges and camps offer wifi in public areas and charging points in the rooms, and our vehicles carry 12V charging sockets. Mobile coverage is good in the Ngorongoro and Serengeti gate areas but patchy in remote western Tanzania - plan for some genuine off-grid time.

Question 17

How long will it take to receive my quotation?

Accepted Answer

Our Arusha team replies with a tailored itinerary and full costing within 24 hours of your enquiry, and we revise it as many times as you like until it is right. There is no charge and no obligation to book.

Tailor Your Own Safari

Answer a few questions - we draft the safari

Where would you like to go?

Questions travellers ask before a tailor-made safari