Safari FAQs

General Safari Information

When is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?

The best time for wildlife viewing is generally during the dry seasons: June to October and January to mid-March. During these periods, animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot, and the vegetation is less dense. The Great Migration is usually in the Serengeti from June to July and again in the Ndutu region (Ngorongoro Conservation Area) from January to March for calving.

How long should my safari be?

A typical Northern Circuit safari ranges from 4 to 7 days, allowing you to visit 3-4 major parks (Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti). Longer safaris (8-10+ days) allow for deeper exploration, more remote parks, or combining with other activities like Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.

What is the Great Migration, and when/where can I see it?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing. It’s a continuous cycle, but key highlights include the calving season in the southern Serengeti/Ndutu (Jan-March) and the dramatic river crossings (July-September) in the northern Serengeti. The exact timing varies with rainfall, and your Maasai Spirit guide will know the best spots to find them.

Is Tanzania safe for tourists and safaris?

Yes, Tanzania is generally very safe for tourists, especially on safari. We work with reputable lodges and operate secure vehicles. Our guides are highly trained and prioritize your safety. As in any travel destination, it’s wise to take standard precautions against petty crime in urban areas and always follow your guide’s instructions in wildlife areas.

What type of safari vehicle do you use?

Maasai Spirit Expedition uses custom-built 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers. These vehicles are robust, well-maintained, and designed for comfortable travel on rough terrain. They feature large sliding windows and pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing and photography, ensuring everyone gets a great vantage point.

Will I have a window seat in the safari vehicle?

Yes, we guarantee a window seat for every guest on our safaris, ensuring unobstructed views and photo opportunities.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! Our safari chefs and lodge kitchens are experienced in catering to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and specific allergies. Please inform us of your needs at the time of booking.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

We offer a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets:

• Camping Safaris: Comfortable dome tents with mattresses and bedding, full camping setup with private chefs and crew.
• Mid-Range Lodges/Tented Camps: Well-appointed rooms or permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms, often with pools and good amenities.
• Luxury Lodges/Tented Camps: High-end, often boutique properties offering exceptional service, amenities, and prime locations. We’ll discuss your preferences to recommend the best fit for your safari.

Are children allowed on safari?

Yes, children are welcome on safari! We offer family-friendly itineraries and can customize trips to include activities suitable for all ages. Some lodges have age restrictions for certain activities (e.g., walking safaris or specific types of game drives). Please discuss your family’s needs with us.

Do you offer private or group safaris?

Maasai Spirit Expedition specializes in private, tailor-made safaris for the ultimate personalized experience. We also offer options for small group safaris for those who prefer to travel with others and potentially share costs.

Health & Safety

Do I need any vaccinations before coming to Tanzania?

Yes, certain vaccinations are recommended. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance (at least 6-8 weeks) for personalized advice. Common recommendations include Yellow Fever (often required if coming from an endemic country), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Measles.

Is malaria a risk, and what precautions should I take?

Malaria is present in most parts of Tanzania, especially in low-lying and coastal areas. It is highly recommended to:

• Consult your doctor about taking anti-malarial medication (prophylaxis).
• Use a strong insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers during dawn and dusk.
• Sleep under mosquito nets where provided (most camps and lodges have them).

What happens in a medical emergency on safari?

Your safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and carry comprehensive medical kits. We maintain reliable communication. In serious cases, air evacuation services are available (often covered by good travel insurance), which can transport you to the nearest medical facility.

Is the water safe to drink?

No, tap water is generally not safe to drink. We will provide ample bottled purified drinking water throughout your safari, both in the vehicle and at your accommodation. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain it’s made from purified water.

Packing & Logistics

What should I pack for a safari?

• Clothing: Lightweight, comfortable, breathable clothing in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive, grey) is best. Pack layers as temperatures can vary greatly from cool mornings to hot afternoons and chilly evenings. Include long sleeves and trousers for sun protection and mosquito prevention.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for game drives, and sandals or flip-flops for camp.
• Essentials: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medications, a small first-aid kit, toiletries, power bank.
• Photography: Camera with zoom lens, extra batteries, memory cards, binoculars (a must-have!).
• Important: Avoid bright colors, white (shows dust quickly), dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies in some areas), and camouflage patterns (can be mistaken for military attire). A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

What kind of luggage should I bring?

Soft-sided duffel bags are recommended, especially if you have internal bush flights, as luggage space can be limited. Hard suitcases are generally discouraged. Check with us for specific luggage weight limits if flying between parks.

Can I charge my electronic devices on safari?

Most safari vehicles are equipped with charging points (often USB or standard 3-pin UK sockets). Lodges and permanent tented camps will also have charging facilities. It’s advisable to bring a universal travel adapter and a power bank.

Is there Wi-Fi or mobile phone reception on safari?

Many lodges and some tented camps offer Wi-Fi, often in common areas. Mobile phone reception can be intermittent or non-existent in remote national parks. Embrace the digital detox and enjoy nature!

Money & Tipping

What currency is used in Tanzania, and should I bring cash?

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted for tourism-related payments (safari fees, lodge bills). We recommend bringing a mix of USD (small denominations for tips) and withdrawing TZS from ATMs in major towns like Arusha for smaller purchases and local interactions. Important Note: Tanzania does not accept US Dollar bills printed before 2006 due to security concerns. Ensure your USD bills are recent.

What are the tipping guidelines for safari staff?

Tipping is customary and a significant part of the income for safari guides, chefs, and lodge staff. While always at your discretion and based on service satisfaction, here are general guidelines:

• Safari Driver-Guide: USD $20-30 per person per day (for excellent service).
• Camp/Lodge Staff (general tip box): USD $10-15 per person per day (to be shared among housekeepers, waiters, etc.).
• Porters (at lodges/camps): USD $1-2 per bag.
• Chef (on camping safaris): USD $15-20 per person per day. It’s best to give tips at the end of your safari/stay directly to the individual or in a designated tip box. Your guide can advise further.

Booking Your Safari

How far in advance should I book my safari?

We recommend booking your safari at least 6-12 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak season (June-October, Jan-Feb), or if you have specific lodge preferences or group size requirements. This ensures availability and often better rates.

What’s included in your safari packages?

Our packages typically include:

• Professional English-speaking safari guide.
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof.
• All national park entry fees and concession fees.
• Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the safari.
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle.
• Transfers to/from the airport.

Exclusions generally include international flights, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, and tips. Detailed inclusions/exclusions will be clearly outlined in your personalized itinerary.

Do I need travel insurance for my safari?

Yes, absolutely. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all our safaris. It should cover unexpected events like trip cancellation/interruption, medical emergencies, emergency evacuation (including air ambulance), lost luggage, and personal liability.