Tanzania: Safari Thrills of the Serengeti and Zanzibar Shores - 10 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this tour?

  The main highlights include thrilling wildlife drives through the iconic Serengeti, marveling at Ngorongoro Crater's unique wildlife, spotting towering termite mounds and searching for elephants in Tarangire National Park, exploring Arusha as the vibrant gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, and unwinding on Zanzibar’s stunning white-sand beaches.

• What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

  You can expect to see a high concentration of wildlife like lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo in Ngorongoro Crater, as well as a large elephant population and wildebeest on the Serengeti plains and Tarangire National Park.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes 7 nights in hotels and 2 nights in a tented camp.

• What meals are included in the trip?

  The trip includes 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 14 travelers, with an average group size of 10.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

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

• What transportation methods are used during the safari and between destinations?

  During the safari, private, 7-seat 4x4 Land cruiser vehicles with sliding windows and large pop-up roofs are used for wildlife viewing. The journey from Arusha to Zanzibar will be by plane. All other transport between destinations and to/from included activities will use private vehicles. Please note that road conditions can be rough at times.

• Are there any optional activities available on this trip?

  Yes, optional activities include a Lake Manyara Morning Safari Drive, a Serengeti Balloon Safari, Zanzibar Snorkelling, and a Jozani Forest Tour (which costs between 36-160 USD per person). You can also simply relax on the beach and swim in Jambiani.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex without an extra charge. If you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What currency should I bring and how should I manage money during the trip?

  The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). The easiest foreign currencies to exchange are USD (notes newer than 2006), British Pound, and Euro. Large USD notes (USD50, USD100) may be difficult to change in some places but offer the best exchange rate. ATMs are available in major centers but can be unreliable due to power outages or running out of cash. Credit cards are accepted in major cities and towns only, usually with a 5%-10% fee. It is highly recommended to bring foreign currency cash, especially USD for visas, and a combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances. Travelers' cheques are not recommended. You should also have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have a policy that covers 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 and personal effects. Please ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities. Additionally, as of October 1st, 2024, all travelers to Zanzibar must obtain mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).

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

  It is recommended to contact your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. Medical facilities are basic. A basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes are advisable. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling from or transiting for more than 12 hours through a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, and preventative medication (prophylaxis) combined with insect repellent is recommended. Please advise your tour leader of any medical conditions that may affect you during the trip.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Tanzania and Zanzibar?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. It is your responsibility to check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements based on your nationality. A Yellow Fever certificate may be required upon entry. As of October 1st, 2024, Zanzibar will introduce a new mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) that all travelers to the island must obtain for the duration of their stay.

• What are some important safety and security tips for this trip, especially in Arusha and Zanzibar?

  For general safety, it's recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt, leave valuable jewelry at home, use hotel safety deposit boxes, and lock your luggage. When exploring cities at night, stay in small groups and use taxis. In Arusha, politely but firmly decline beggars, street sellers, and safari touts. In Zanzibar (Stone Town/Nungwi/Kendwa), be wary of touts and 'beach boys', and avoid walking alone at night on the beach or in Stone Town. Dress modestly as Zanzibar is overwhelmingly Muslim. Exercise extreme caution due to high HIV prevalence regarding prostitution in coastal areas. Do not take photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration/border crossings, army personnel/barracks, or any government buildings, as it is against the law.

• Are there any specific rules I need to be aware of during the trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and possessing or using them is against the law and puts the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also strictly against the tour's philosophy. The CEO has the right to expel any member of the group if these rules are violated.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of the hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.

• What is Planeterra and how is it connected to the tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses that empower Indigenous people, women, and youth, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of donations go directly to their projects. This tour includes a 'G for Good Moment' like the Mto wa Mbu Community Visit and Lunch, which is a Planeterra-supported initiative.