Kenya, Tanzania Overland Safari & Participation Camping - 10 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. Some tours travelling between two different countries might include international flights, please check with your booking agent for details. Baggage allowances vary by airline, so contact your airline for the most up-to-date information.

• What health considerations should I be aware of before travelling?

  We recommend contacting your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information. Carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers. Medical facilities are basic. You must advise your tour leader of any medical conditions. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory for Kenya and Tanzania, regardless of your country of origin. Malaria is present in some regions, so discuss preventative medication with your doctor and use insect repellent.

• Are there any specific safety considerations for this itinerary?

  In cities like Nairobi and Arusha, be cautious with valuables, avoid flaunting cameras, and do not wander alone at night; use taxis. In Zanzibar, be wary of touts and avoid walking alone at night in Stone Town or on beaches. Dress modestly in Zanzibar as it is a Muslim society. Never photograph police stations, airports, or government buildings.

• What type of trip is this, regarding the itinerary style?

  This is a camping-level trip, meaning you will be camping most nights, with some basic hotel/hostel stays at the start and end. Campsite facilities in Africa can be basic, but offer an experience close to nature under the African stars with incredible wildlife.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  No, solo travellers are not charged extra for shared accommodation. You will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

• How will we travel between destinations?

  The safari portion uses private, 7-seat 4x4 Land cruiser vehicles designed for wildlife viewing, with sliding windows and pop-up roofs. For larger groups, multiple vehicles are used. The journey from Arusha to Dar es Salaam is by private bus, and a public ferry is used to cross to Zanzibar. On Zanzibar, minibuses are used for travel. Roads can be rough and long.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include: Bomas of Kenya Tour, The Carnivore Restaurant, National Museum, Railway Museum, Karen Blixen Museum (Nairobi); Serengeti Balloon Safari (Serengeti); Zanzibar Express flight option (Arusha); Stone Town Walking Tour, Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market, Sultan's Palace Museum (Stone Town); Swimming (Jambiani); and Jozani Forest Tour (Jozani Forest).

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include tracking the 'big five' on safari drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, camping under the stars in the wild, relaxing on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches and swimming in its clear waters, and discovering Stone Town.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It is strongly recommended to also cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage. Ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Tipping is expected, though not compulsory, and serves as appreciation for exceptional service. Recommended daily guidelines per person are: CEO $5 USD, Driver $5 USD, Supply crew $2-5 USD. Local guides (per couple of hours) $1 USD, Local guides (Zanzibar) $2 USD per day. Hotel porters in Zanzibar $1 USD. For restaurant/café servers, 10% of the bill is suggested.

• What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow?

  Always check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. Your group leader can amend the itinerary for safety. During free time, use good judgment for optional activities and consider staying in small groups or taking taxis at night in cities.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting community-owned businesses, such as those supporting Indigenous people, empowering women, and protecting the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.

• What should I expect from the accommodations on this trip?

  This tour includes 6 nights in basic hotels (single or twin-share), 1 night in Beach Bandas, and 2 nights of full-service camping. Camping in Tanzania involves staying at basic public campsites within or near national parks. All camping equipment except your sleeping bag is provided, including tents, mattresses, and pillows. Tents are 2-person safari canvas tents. Facilities at some camps may be basic, with long-drop latrines and cold showers, and no electricity. Camps are open to the natural environment, so caution is advised at night. In Zanzibar, accommodation is standard twin-share.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The local currencies are Kenyan Shilling (KES) and Tanzanian Shilling (TSH), obtained locally or via ATMs. USD, British Pound, and Euro are easily exchanged. USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Bring foreign currency as buying it locally can be expensive. Travellers’ cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus cards are widely accepted; Mastercard/Cirrus are less common, so consider bringing both. Credit cards are accepted in major cities but not widely relied upon, and a 5%-10% fee usually applies. Occasional power outages or ATM issues mean you should not rely solely on cards; a combination of foreign currency and cards is best.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. Travellers are encouraged to visit the tour operator's LGBTQ+ page for resources and information, including the Equaldex tool, to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

• What is included in the tour?

  The tour includes a G for Good Moment (Mto wa Mbu Community Visit and Lunch), a Welcome Moment to meet your CEO and group, transfer from Nairobi to Arusha, entrances and wildlife safari drives in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, ferry to Zanzibar, a Stone Town orientation walk, beach time in Zanzibar, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Where can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Hand washing facilities are available at most campsites; bring non-polluting soap and a drying line. Your start hotel also offers laundry service for a fee.

• Who do I contact for arrival issues or in the event of an emergency?

  For urgent issues, first call the tour operator's Local Representative or Local Office. If you cannot reach them, leave a detailed message. For Nairobi airport transfer issues, contact Phelix at +254 729 692 653 (from outside Kenya) or 0729 692 653 (from within Kenya). The tour operator's Nairobi office is +254 727 208 832. The Zanzibar Local Representative is Mr Salum Muhidin at +255 773 258 773.

• Who will be leading the group?

  The group will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer), certified safari guides/drivers, and local guides.