Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar - 12 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in the trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. We recommend picking up a light lunch or snacks at Kilimanjaro Airport, as no meal is served on the flight, (and you will be hungry by the time you get to Stone Town).

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if you are travelling to Tanzania from a Yellow Fever endemic country, or if you have transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of a Yellow Fever endemic country.

• What are the specific safety considerations for this itinerary?

  In Arusha, people are generally friendly, but avoid being taken advantage of. Always leave your passport (carry a photocopy instead), traveller’s cheques, flight tickets and unused money in your hotel room/reception safe deposit. Do not leave bags unattended or flaunt jewellery/cameras. Avoid wandering through the city at night; stick to main streets during the day and take taxis after sundown. Be wary of con men approaching you on the street. Please refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration/border crossings, army barracks, personnel, or any government building, as it is against the law.

• How will we travel between destinations on this tour?

  This trip uses private 7-seat 4x4 Land Cruiser vehicles, designed for wildlife viewing, with sliding windows and large pop-up roofs. If there is a large group, two vehicles will be used. A local airline is used to fly between Arusha and Zanzibar, and minibuses are used on Zanzibar. Seat belts are mandatory at all times.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers, or can I get my own room?

  We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. If you have booked the "My Own Room/Tent" option, you will receive your own single room/tent for all night stops.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include a Serengeti Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park. In Stone Town, you can visit Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market (5USD per person), Sultan's Palace Museum (3USD per person), or take a Stone Town Walking Tour (15USD per person). In Jambiani, options include swimming, a Swahili Cultural Tour (70-200USD per person), or snorkelling (40USD per person). Scuba Diving (130USD per person) is available in Nungwi, and a Jozani Forest Tour (36-160USD per person) is also an option.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Enjoy wildlife drives in the Serengeti, savour traditional cuisine in a local village, take in the views at Ngorongoro Crater, meet local artisans on a village walk, explore Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take in the aromas of a spice plantation tour, and relax on a tropical beach.

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

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join without evidence of insurance. Minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation is required. We strongly recommend covering personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage. Review your itinerary to ensure coverage for all included activities.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program and is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Suggested guidelines (per person) are: CEO: $5 USD (per day), Driver: $5 USD (per day), Supply crew: $2-5 USD (per day), Local guides: $1 USD (per couple of hours), Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the cost of the bill.

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

  Please make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

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

  Check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for passport, tickets, and cash. Leave valuable jewellery at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Your group leader can amend the itinerary for safety reasons. During free time, use good judgment, stay in small groups at night, and take taxis for excursions. Water-based activities should only be participated in when accompanied by a guide(s).

• What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?

  The maximum number of travellers on this tour is 14.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  This trip includes 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners.

• What kind of accommodations can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation includes simple hotels (7 nights) and full-service camping (4 nights). Camping in Tanzania is an adventure at basic public campsites, often shared with other groups, inside and near national reserves. All camping equipment (except sleeping bag) is supplied, including quality 2-person dome tents, mattresses, sleeping sheets, and small pillows. Camp staff handle pitching tents, preparing meals, and washing up. Facilities at Serengeti and Ngorongoro campsites are more basic with long-drop latrines, cold showers, and no electricity. Camps are open to the natural environment, requiring care, especially at night. In Zanzibar, expect standard, twin-share hotel accommodation in Stone Town and on the beach (location subject to change).

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

  The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Travellers’ cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system cards are most widely accepted debit cards; Mastercard/Cirrus are harder to find. We highly recommend travelling with both. Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY, usually with a 5%-10% fee. ATMs outside larger centres may run out of cash or be out of order. Do not rely solely on cards; a combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. For daily exchange rates, refer to www.xe.com.

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

  The safety and well-being of all our travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What is included in the tour price?

  Your G for Good Moment: Mto wa Mbu Community Visit and Lunch, Mto wa Mbu. Your G for Good Moment: Clean Cookstove Project Visit, Mto wa Mbu. Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Lake Manyara wildlife safari drive. Serengeti wildlife safari drives. Ngorongoro Crater wildlife safari drive. Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. Orientation walk in Stone Town. Spice plantation guided tour. All national park fees and entrances are included. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Where can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Hand washing of clothes can be done at campsites, as most have simple facilities for this. We recommend you bring a non-polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry. Your start/end hotel also has laundry service for a fee.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

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