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 much should I expect to pay for safari?
When planning a safari you should consider quality (locations and service) 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$ 450 per person per day.
Staying in a Luxury Lodge (4* or 5*) or Tented Camp for 2-3 people, budget for around US$600 to US$750 per person per day.
For a standard adventure camping safari for 2-3 people, budget for around US$ 400 per person per day.
Single room supplements will apply.
Low season discounts apply for March and April (the rainy season).
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.
We would suggest saving for another year if these numbers do not work within your budget.
What is included and excluded in the safari prices?
Our pledge is to offer excellent value for money not a cheap and cheerful safari tour.
All tailor-made safari are individually priced, based on the number of days and people, standard of accommodation and the national parks and conservation areas visited.
Our popular set safari packages are all priced individually.
Safari prices include:
Camping safari: 4X4 fully serviced Landrover or Landcruiser with viewing roof hatch, fuel, national park and reservation entry fees, government taxes, rescue fees, services of a professional English speaking driver/guide, bottled water, campsite fees, tents, sleeping pad, tables, chairs, three meals a day, the services of a professional chef and any local community donations and guide fees. Please use the enquiry form if you are interested in a budget camping safari.
Lodge and Tented Camp safari: 4X4 fully serviced Landcruiser with viewing roof hatch, fuel, national park and reservation entry fees, government taxes, rescue fees, services of a professional English speaking, driver/guide, bottled water, Lodge (3/4/5*) or Tented Camp (mobile or static) accommodation 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 (gratuities) - an expected practice in Tanzania.
Private safari: All our safaris are private booking for a minimum of 2 people.
Please note:
- Hotel accommodation before and after the safari is not included in the price of safari bookings (unless stated in the program or requested at the time of booking)
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport only) are not included for safari bookings (unless stated in the program or requested at the time of booking)
- Once you confirm your safari booking and your deposit is received we will check availability and secure the accommodation. Safari lodges/tented camps each have their own refund/variation policy; cancellations and/or variations (starting from 60 days prior to the safari date) carry a % penalty. Such policies are outside our control.
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.
As soon as you are happy with your safari program and definite on your dates, you should make your booking.
How to book:
There are two ways to book a safari:
1. Choose one of our popular safari packages and follow the links.
2. Tell us your 'wish list' for a tailor-made safari. We take our time to get to know a little about you and your interests so we can personalize your safari for you.
You can also send your safari requests and ideas via the enquiry formAlso, please take time to read our Pricing Policy.
What is the best time for a safari?
There are two rainy seasons, long rains (March to May) and short rains (off and on from November to January). The hottest time is from December to early March when the rains break (some time in March). The coolest time is between June and August.
The peak 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 (March 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. In June and July the beasts start moving west and north where good grazing can be found.
To help you decide which 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. To fully enjoy a safari visiting Serengeti, you should consider a minimum of 4 days.
If your aim is to see as many wildlife areas as possible but you are limited with time you should consider flying into the locations to join your safari 4X4. This will of course add to your costs.
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 travel time.
What are the choices for accommodation?
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 limited in order to discourage wildlife. For example, showers will not be available if water is scarce locally. A special feature of bush camping is the 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 permanently sited or seasonal, semi-permanent camps (e.g. sited to catch the migration). Spacious individual tents are provided, offering a luxury standard of service and facilities e.g. solar lights en-suite solar showers, full-sized beds.
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 the more popular ones become fully booked very quickly. BOOK EARLY.
You can pick-and-mix the programs presented on this website or we are equally happy to work with your ideas. Tell us your 'wish list' for a tailor-made safari.
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 adventure camping with other accommodation.
We take our time to get to know a little about you and your interests so we can personalize your safari for you.
You can also send your safari requests and ideas via the enquiry formCan 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 let us know what's on your 'wish list' for a tailor-made tour.
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.
Any 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. Swimware may also be useful especially if you are staying in some of the lodges.
No hard suitcases please. Flight carriers limit luggage to one 15k soft bag.
We can store your excess luggage safely and free of charge.
For more ideas on packing for safari, visit Travel FAQ's
The tipping question is often asked. While we do not get involved in the process we realize our guests appreciate advice.
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.
We suggest the following as a guidance only: Driver/guide from US$20 to $30 for each day of service and the camping chef from US$15 to $18 per day.
Tipping the lodge staff is at your discretion but a service charge of 10% of the total bill is acceptable.
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 Lancruisers. The vehicles are Tanzanian registered, taxed, insured and fully serviced. They are specifically adapted for safari with a viewing roof hatch, high frequency radio, cool-box and plenty of storage. The vehicle(s) have seating capacity for 5, 6 or 7 guests plus driver.
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 20/04/2013
