Answers before you book your safari
Honest answers from our Arusha team on visas, health, safari days, and booking. For deeper planning, explore our safari tips, Tanzania guides, and safari packages. Booking terms are in our Terms & Conditions.
Planning
Visas, seasons & trip length
On safari
Game drives & daily rhythm
Booking
Payments, custom routes & support
Jump to topic
Planning & seasons
Visas, timing, trip length
Life on safari
Drives, packing, families
Health & safety
Malaria, vaccines, insurance
Booking & payments
Deposits, inclusions, changes
Still unsure? Request a travel proposal, WhatsApp our team, or browse the travel guide hub.
Planning & seasons
When to travel, how long to stay, and entry requirements for Tanzania.
When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?
The dry seasons (June–October and January–February) offer the best wildlife viewing and river crossings in the Serengeti. Green season (March–May and November) means fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and lower lodge rates. See our Serengeti migration month-by-month guide for crossing dates.
How many days do I need for a northern circuit safari?
Most travellers need 5–8 days to cover Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro without rushing. Add 2–3 nights for Lake Manyara or a Zanzibar beach finish. Browse ready-made itineraries or ask us to tailor the pacing.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most nationalities need a tourist visa. Apply online via the official Tanzania e-Visa portal before travel, or obtain a visa on arrival at major airports. Carry a passport valid for at least six months and a return ticket.
What currency should I bring?
US dollars (post-2006 notes) are widely accepted for tips and park fees. Tanzanian shillings are useful for local purchases. ATMs are available in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar Stone Town; notify your bank before travelling.
Life on safari
What a game drive day feels like, what to pack, and how families travel.
What does a typical safari day look like?
Expect an early morning game drive (around 6:30 am), a bush breakfast or lodge brunch, midday rest during the heat, then an afternoon drive until sunset. Your guide sets the rhythm based on wildlife activity and park rules.
What should I wear on safari?
Neutral layers in khaki, olive, and tan work best. Bring a brim hat, closed shoes, and a light jacket for dawn drives. Full details are in our Tanzania safari packing list.
Can children join game drives?
Yes — many lodges welcome families. We recommend private vehicles for flexibility with meal times and shorter drives. Share ages and interests on our travel proposal form and we will suggest family-friendly routes.
Will I see the Big Five on a short safari?
A focused 4–5 day northern circuit safari gives strong chances for elephant, buffalo, lion, and rhino (Ngorongoro). Leopards are shy but often spotted in Serengeti riverine areas. Wildlife is wild — no sighting is guaranteed, but expert guides maximise your odds.
Health & safety
Vaccinations, malaria, insurance, and staying comfortable in the bush.
Do I need malaria tablets for Tanzania?
Malaria risk exists in many safari and coastal areas. Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before departure about prophylaxis suited to your health profile. Use insect repellent and long sleeves at dusk.
Is a yellow fever vaccination required?
Yellow fever certificate rules depend on your travel history. If you arrive from or transit through a yellow fever endemic country, Tanzania may require proof of vaccination. Check the latest WHO and Tanzanian immigration guidance before you fly.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Tanzania is a well-established safari destination. Follow your guide’s instructions, keep valuables secure, and use registered operators. Our team is based in Arusha and travels the circuits we sell. Read first-timer safari advice for more practical tips.
What travel insurance should I have?
Choose a policy covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and adventure activities in remote areas. Confirm it covers safari driving and any Kilimanjaro or beach extensions you add.
Booking & payments
How to reserve, what is included, and how we customise your route.
How do I book a safari with Zamadam Adventure?
Send dates, group size, and interests via our Book Now form or pick a departure from all trips. We confirm availability, issue a proposal, and secure your dates with a deposit.
What is included in your safari packages?
Packages typically include park fees, 4×4 transport, English-speaking guide, lodge or camp accommodation, and meals as listed on each tour page. International flights, visas, tips, and personal items are usually excluded — every itinerary spells this out clearly.
Can I customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Swap lodges, add nights in the southern circuit, combine bush and beach, or adjust pacing for photography and birding. We build routes around your dates, not the other way around.
Do you offer budget-friendly safaris?
Yes. Camping combos, shoulder-season travel, and smart park sequencing lower cost without skipping key wildlife areas. See our budget safari guide for route ideas.
What is your cancellation policy?
Policies vary by lodge and park fee deadlines. We outline terms on your booking confirmation and in our Terms & Conditions. We work to reschedule when possible — ask us before paying if your dates are flexible.
Quick answers
Short replies for common pre-booking questions. For detail, open the full sections above or explore our safari blog.
Peak season (July–October) lodges fill 3–6 months ahead. Shoulder season is more flexible. Contact us early if you need specific camps or a migration crossing window.
Yes — most guests fly Arusha or Seronera to Zanzibar after safari. We coordinate domestic flights and beach hotels. Read our bush-to-beach itinerary guide.
All Zamadam Adventure safari guides speak fluent English. Many also speak Swahili and local languages. Private tours can be paced for photographers, families, or birders.
Guides, cooks, and lodge staff appreciate tips in USD or Tanzanian shillings. As a rough guide, budget $10–15 per guest per day for your safari guide and $5–10 per day for camp staff. Your proposal can include suggested amounts for your route.
Yes — we coordinate Kilimanjaro (JRO), Arusha, and Zanzibar transfers to match your itinerary. Include flight details when you request a travel proposal.
Ready to plan your Tanzania safari?
Tell us your dates, group size, and must-see parks. We build a route that fits your pace, from migration season game drives to a calm Zanzibar finish.
- Custom routes for Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar & more
- Arusha team replies within one business day
- Transparent pricing, no surprise lodge fees
No payment required to start. Share your trip idea and our Arusha team will respond within one business day.
