Find answers to the most common questions about Tanzania travel, safaris, Kilimanjaro treks, and Zanzibar holidays.
General Travel
The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June to October). The Great Migration peaks from July to September. For Kilimanjaro climbing, the best months are January-March and June-October. Zanzibar is beautiful year-round, with the best weather June-October and December-March.
Most nationalities require a visa. You can apply online for an e-Visa before arrival (recommended) or get a visa on arrival at airports and border crossings. The e-Visa costs around $50 USD and is valid for 90 days. We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Yes, Tanzania is one of Africa's safest destinations for tourists. Our 24/7 support team, professional guides, and carefully vetted accommodations ensure your safety throughout your journey. Exercise normal precautions — secure valuables, avoid walking alone at night in cities, and follow your guide's advice during game drives.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Polio. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended. Consult your travel doctor at least 6-8 weeks before departure for personalized advice.
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted at lodges, safari companies, and major hotels. We recommend carrying a mix of USD cash (small bills for tips) and a credit card for larger payments. ATMs are available in major cities and towns.
Safari Questions
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive), a warm jacket for morning game drives, comfortable closed shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, and a reusable water bottle. Avoid bright colors, camouflage, and heavy perfumes.
The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) are all present in Tanzania's northern parks. Ngorongoro Crater offers the best chance of seeing all five in one day. Our experienced guides know the best locations and animal behavior patterns to maximize your sightings. On a 5+ day safari, seeing the Big Five is very likely.
We use custom-modified Toyota Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for optimal game viewing. Each vehicle seats up to 6 guests and includes charging ports, a minibar, and comfortable seating. All vehicles undergo daily safety inspections and are equipped with satellite phones and first-aid kits.
Absolutely. Every TMS safari is fully customizable. You choose the parks, duration, accommodation level, group size, and budget. Contact us with your preferences and we'll design a personalized itinerary within 24 hours.
Our prices typically include: private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, professional English-speaking guide, park entrance fees, accommodations, all meals on safari, bottled water, airport transfers, and 24/7 support. International flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, and tips are not included. We provide a full breakdown in your quote.
Kilimanjaro & Hiking
Kilimanjaro is considered a challenging trek but does not require technical climbing skills. The main challenge is altitude. With proper acclimatization (choosing a longer route), physical preparation, and a positive attitude, most people with average fitness can summit. Our summit success rate is over 95%.
The Machame (6 days) and Lemosho (7-8 days) routes are excellent for beginners due to their gradual ascent and high success rates. The Marangu route is the shortest but has lower summit rates due to less acclimatization time. We recommend the Lemosho route for the best balance of scenery, solitude, and success.
You don't need to be an athlete, but good physical preparation is essential. We recommend cardiovascular training (hiking, running, cycling) 3-4 times per week for 3 months before your climb. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy the experience and the higher your chances of summiting.
Zanzibar & Beach
The easiest way is a 1-hour direct flight from Arusha (ARK) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) airports to Zanzibar (ZNZ). We can arrange all flights and transfers as part of your Safari & Beach package. The flight offers stunning aerial views of Kilimanjaro and the coastline.
It depends on your preferences. Nungwi (north) offers stunning sunsets, vibrant nightlife, and year-round swimming. Kendwa has calm tides perfect for swimming. Bwejuu (east coast) offers pristine beaches and a peaceful village charm.
Booking & Payments
Simply fill out our inquiry form, send us a WhatsApp message, or email us. Our safari experts respond within 2 hours to discuss your preferences, customize your itinerary, and provide a detailed quote. A 30% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 30 days before arrival.
We accept bank wire transfers, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and PayPal. All payments are processed securely. A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining 70% due 30 days before your arrival date.
Cancellations made 60+ days before arrival receive a full refund minus a 10% administration fee. 30-59 days: 50% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions.
We recommend all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance from their home country. Insurance should cover medical evacuation (critical for Kilimanjaro climbs), trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability. We can provide recommendations for reputable insurance providers.
Absolutely. Solo travelers are welcome on all our tours. You can join an existing group (if available) or book a private safari with your own vehicle and guide. Solo travelers often appreciate the flexibility and personalized attention of a private safari. Contact us for solo-friendly pricing.
