Tanzania: The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Local Flavours - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

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

  The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange, though British Pounds and Euros may also be accepted. Please note that US dollar bills older than 2006 are not accepted. ATMs are available in major centers. Visa/Plus system cards are most widely accepted; Mastercard/Cirrus cards are less common. Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns but are not widely accepted for payment and usually incur a 5-10% fee. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best, and have at least an additional USD $200 as an emergency fund.

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

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Resources for LGBTQ+ travel safety and security are available on their dedicated LGBTQ+ page.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for my trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. A Yellow Fever certificate may be required upon entering the country; check with your local consulate and health expert for advice on inoculations.

• What are the modes of transportation on this trip?

  Transportation is primarily by private 7-seat 4x4 Land Cruiser vehicles, designed for wildlife viewing with sliding windows and large pop-up roofs. Walking is also included.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and the exploitation of people in the sex trade is strictly against the tour philosophy. Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) have the right to expel any group member found violating these rules.

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

  Accommodation includes 1 night in a Hotel, 3 nights in Tented Camps, and 2 nights in Safari Lodges.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  This trip includes 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will lead the group throughout the tour.

• Will I get my own room?

  If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. Otherwise, single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

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

  The maximum group size is 12 travelers, with an average group size of 8.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for local communities to earn income from tourism, by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses and integrating them into the tour operator's itineraries globally.

• What do I need to know about safety and security on my trip?

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave expensive jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. A luggage lock is advised. Your CEO can amend the itinerary for safety reasons. During free time, use good judgment for optional activities and travel in small groups or use taxis at night.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include safari across the Serengeti to witness the Great Migration, descending into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife encounters, a picnic beside Hippo Lake, a local cooking experience and community lunch in Mto wa Mbu, and a bike ride through banana plantations or a village walk in Mto wa Mbu.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  An optional Serengeti Balloon Safari, including a one-hour flight and champagne breakfast, is available in Serengeti National Park.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping for all included activities and meals is covered on Geluxe Collection tours. Tipping for your CEO and porterage is not included; a guideline for the CEO is $10-$15 per person per day. For non-included meals and activities, a 10% tip is appropriate and expected in Africa.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Single travelers are paired with someone of the same sex.

• How much spending money do I need for my trip?

  Spending money requirements vary by traveler, depending on personal habits for drinks, shopping, and additional tipping. Please consider your own spending habits when planning.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

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

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Yes, you can subscribe to their adventure travel e-newsletter and Planeterra's monthly news for updates and information on community investments.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  Contact your family physician or local travel clinic for health information and inoculations at least one month before departure. A basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers are recommended. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate may be compulsory if traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions; discuss preventative medication and use insect repellent.

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

  All local flights are included unless otherwise noted. Internal flight tickets are issued locally. A maximum checked luggage weight of 15kg (33 lbs) applies to internal flights.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the tour price. On some combo tours traveling between two countries, international flights may be included; consult your booking agent for details. Baggage allowances vary by airline.

• What is included in this tour?

  This tour includes a Mto wa Mbu Banana Plantation Bike Ride or Village Walk & Community Lunch, a welcome briefing and dinner, an 'OMG Day' choice of Lake Manyara Safari Drive or Elephant Cave Walk & Coffee Plantation Tour in Karatu, complimentary arrival and departure transfers, farewell dinner, picnic lunch at Hippo Lake, Crater Rim View Point visit, safari drive inside Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park safari drives, wildlife safari drives near Ngorongoro Highlands, all tips for activities and meals (excluding CEO and porterage), and all transport between destinations and included activities.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  During office hours (9am-5pm local time), contact the local representative in Tanzania at +255 754 400 141 or the local office in Nairobi, Kenya at +254 727 208 832. Outside these hours, you can call their sales team numbers for North America, UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, or +1 416 260 0999 for other regions.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join without proof of coverage, including a minimum of USD200,000 for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and luggage loss coverage are strongly recommended.