Safari Planning
Your safari questions
- How much should I expect to pay for a safari?
- What is included and excluded in the price for safari?
- How do I book with your company?
- When is the best time to go on safari?
- How much driving is there between the wildlife parks?
- What is the choice of accommodation?
- What should I pack for safari?
- Should I tip and if so, how much?
- Can I design my own safari?
- Can I combine my safari with another activity?
- Are there discounted rates for groups?
How to make an enquiry or booking:
When you book directly with Kilitreks and Safaris you can be sure of the highest quality service for your vacation/holiday. We take our time to get to know a little about you so we can personalized your safari for you.
As soon as you are happy with your safari program and definite on your dates, you should make your booking.
If you are interested in one of our featured safari programs or you want to customize your own safari program, go to the Enquiry Form and send your details and ideas. On this form you have an opportunity to tell us how many days, where you want to visit and your budget.
The featured safari programs can be adjusted to provide different accommodation to suit your style and budget.
Also, please take time to read our Pricing Policy.
How much should I expect to pay for safari?
When planning a safari you should consider doing quality (locations) rather then quantity (lots of national parks in few days).
A safari staying in a standard (no frills) lodge for 2-3 people, budget for around US$ 295 per person per day.
Staying in a Luxury Lodge (4* or 5*) for 2-3 people, budget for around US$ 395 to US$450 per person per day.
For a standard camping safari for 2-3 people, budget for around US$ 210 per person per day.
We would suggest saving for another year if these numbers do not work within your budget.
For a quote please complete the Enquiry form:
A wildlife safari in Tanzania is a life enhancing experience that will give you memories to fuel conversations for a long time. Wild places stay wild only when they are protected and cherished. Tanzania National Park Authorities are doing a good job to keep Tanzania's wild places for the future. To do this they (justifiably) charge tour operators/agents licence fees and visitors entrance fees. We add the cost of any equipment, staff training, running costs and a small profit so we can build for the future and continue to offer a way into the wild places of Tanzania.
Safari prices:
Our pledge is to offer excellent value for money not a cheap and cheerful safari tour.
All safaris are individually priced, based on the number of people, standard of accommodation and the national parks and conservation areas visited.
For a quote please complete the Enquiry form:
Safari prices include:
Camping safari: 4X4 fully serviced Landrover or Landcruiser with viewing roof hatch, fuel, national park entry fees, government taxes, rescue fees, transit fees, services of a professional English speaking driver/guide, bottled water, campsite fees, tents, sleeping sleeping pads, tables, chairs, three meals a day, the services of a professional chef and any local community donations.
Lodge safari: 4X4 fully serviced Landrover or Landcruiser with viewing roof hatch, fuel, national park entry fees, government taxes, rescue fees, transit fees, services of a professional English speaking, driver/guide, bottled water, lodge fees (3/4/5*) on a full-board basis.
Not included in the price for safari:
Sleeping bags (camping), visas, airport taxes, international or internal flights, personal insurance, alcohol/soda, personal toiletry items and service tips - an expected practice in Tanzania.
Private safari:
A supplement of US$ 80 per vehicle per day may be included on the overall cost if there are less than 2 people booking and sharing the vehicle. We reserve the right to add people to the vehicle, unless a private safari is requested and an agreement is reached to pay the supplement.
Solo travelers:
Each safari trip has a single supplement fee for solo travelers. This is due to the cost of running the safari car. However, if you are traveling alone and would like to share a car, every effort will be made to match you with another traveler. We will bill you for the single supplement initially, but delete the charge from your bill if you are matched with a travel mate.
Please note:
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Hotel accommodation before and after the safari is not included in the price of bookings (unless otherwise stated in the program)
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Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport only) are not included for safari bookings (unless otherwise stated in the program)
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Safari lodge accommodation is paid in full once you confirm your booking by sending the deposit. Accommodation booked on your behalf can not be changed or any money refunded. This is Lodge policy and outside our control.
There are two rainy seasons, long rains (late March to June) and short rains (from November to January). The hottest time is from December to March. The coolest time is between June and August. The safari season usually extends from May to August (when the climate is comfortable; mild during the day but cooler at night) and the hot months of September and October. However, the weather is always variable with long spells of dry weather in the rainy season and magnificent rain storms in the dry season.
Basically, there is always something to see on safari whatever time of year. All Tanzania's protected areas have 'resident' animals and birds as well as migrants. November is particularly good for spotting migrant birds.
During the dry season it is easier to spot the wildlife as there is less foliage on the trees, sparse grass and the animals and birds are attracted to the water holes. During the wet season, food and water is plentiful and the wildlife is more widely dispersed. In some areas, long grasses make wildlife spotting more of a challenge.
At it's wettest (April to May) wildebeest and Zebra are found in great numbers in the Serengeti before they start the famous mass migration to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. December to March they are back in the Serengeti but also found in large numbers within the Ngorongoro Conservation area. The numbers of animals at this time increase considerably with the birth of newborn calves.
To help you decide which wildlife areas to explore, visit Wildlife Safaris
How much driving is there between the wildlife parks?
This is dependant on your safari program!
Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha National Parks are situated not too far from Arusha town (from 30 minutes up to three hours). Serengeti and Ngorongoro are more distant, and to fully enjoy your safari days in these areas, you should consider at least 4-5 days for your safari.
If your aim is to see as many wildlife areas as possible and are limited in time, you will definitely be spending more time transferring from park to park.
Plan to spend as many days on safari as possible. A longer safari will allow time to linger and enjoy your wildlife viewing.
When we are finalizing your safari program we will work out the best routing to maximize your time within the parks and reduce your transfer time.
Camping: We use campsites located either outside or within the national parks. Outside the parks, campsites are of a good standard with toilet, showers, dining area and located within a secure compound. Inside the national parks the designated campsites offer basic amenities (long drop toilets and dining area). There are shower blocks but access to running water is sometimes variable in order to discourage wildlife. For example, showers will not be available if water is scarce locally. The sites special feature are their closeness to the natural elements. You may be enjoying breakfast when your eye is drawn to a herd of elephants in the distance.
Tented camps: These are semi-permanent camps with spacious individual tents, some offering a luxury standard of service and facilities.
Wildlife lodges: The standard of wildlife lodges are comparable to international 3/4/5* hotels, with all the comforts, services and facilities you would expect. The lodges are located on the borders or within the national parks in areas of outstanding beauty. During peak season they become fully booked very quickly, so book early.
We are happy to work with your ideas. With our considerable expertise we can advise you what will or will not work and give you alternatives to consider. You can mix different standards of Lodges or mix Lodges with luxury tented camps. You can not mix camping with other accommodation.
For a quote, please present your ideas by completing the Enquiry form:
Can I combine my safari with another activity?
It is your vacation. If you have the time and want to experience more of Tanzania, we are more than happy to work with you to plan and organize your dream holiday.
Take a look at the activities and destinations presented within the web site as a starting point and present your ideas by completing the Enquiry form.
Travel light. One soft main bag (e.g. rucksack or other soft shower proof bag) for your main items of clothing, toiletries and extra gear, and one day bag. Pack a day bag with camera gear, water bottle and personal items needed during the day. Stuff sacks are always useful.
All items not needed for safari can be left with us for safe storage.
Most people are generally comfortable wearing shorts and a T-shirt during the day and changing to a long sleeved shirt and trousers in the evening (to avoid biting insects). For light or sensitive skins, a loose fitting, long sleeved cotton shirt with a wide brimmed hat and liberal sun cream will help to avoid sun burn. Insect repellent and clothes to cover up at night is essential protection from mosquitoes.
Slip on sandals are useful for inside the car and comfortable light boots to quickly put on for any exploring. Swim ware may also be useful especially if you are staying in some of the lodges.
We can store your excess luggage safely and free of charge.
For more ideas on packing for safari, visit Travel FAQ's
Tipping is always a question asked. Tipping is an expected practice in Tanzania but remember you are tipping for good service not bad. Before you decide what to give the driver/guide, consider the safety of the driving, the information given, the standard of daily car cleaning and maintenance, the route planning and punctuality. For the chef (camping), consider the standard and service of food and the location of your tent.
Tipping the lodge staff is at your discretion but a service charge of 10% of the total bill is acceptable.
It is always difficult to suggest an amount, but from experience we know our visitors appreciate some guidance. We suggest the following as a guidance only: Driver/guide from US$18 to 20 for each day of service and the chef from US$12 to 15 per day.
Tour operator and group leader safari discounts:
Excellent rates offered for volume bookings. Please contact our office. sales@kilitreks-safaris.com
What equipment and vehicles do you provide for safari?
Vehicles: We provide 4X4 Landrovers or Lancruisers. The vehicles are Tanzanian registered, taxed, insured and fully serviced. They are specially adapted for safari with a viewing roof hatch, high frequency radio, cool-box and plenty of storage. The vehicles have a seating capacity for 5 or 6 guests plus crew.
Camping equipment: We provide canvas high dome safari tents. We also provide sleeping pads, dining table and folding chairs or stools. Dining and cooking items are also provided for your personal chef. We do not provide sleeping bags for hygiene reasons, but we do keep a small stock for hire with prior notice.
Page update 03/10/09
