6 Days Annual Serengeti Migration Safari Mara-river 

Where is Tanzania, and how do I get there?

Tanzania is located in East Africa and is bordered by the Indian Ocean on its eastern side, Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. Arrival in Tanzania is normally at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (640km, or 2 hours’ flight from Arusha City) or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (45 minutes’ drive from Arusha City).

How is the weather in Tanzania?

Northern Tanzania enjoys one of the world’s most pleasant climates year-round. With an elevation of 5000 ft. in Arusha and even higher atop the plateau of the Great Rift Valley, The daytime temperatures are normally in the high 70’s to mid 80’s and from the mid 50’s to low 60’s in the evenings and mornings. Southern and coastal Tanzania tend to get much warmer and can be very humid, depending on the season. There are two rainy seasons, but the sun shines throughout the year. Travel can sometimes be difficult during the long rainy season of April and May, but the short rains of November and December are fine for traveling, with short showers usually in the late evening.

When is the best time to go to Tanzania?

The best times for a safari in Tanzania are any months but April and early May, during the “big rains.” If you want to see the “great migration,” then November through March and June through July are excellent. This is when the herds are in the Serengeti. By August, they have usually moved up into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, coming back down in early November. Patterns will fluctuate in most parks depending on the season and where the “food” is. For example, in the dry season of July–October, large concentrations of up to 6,000 elephants and a variety of other animals migrate to Tarangire National Park to the banks of the Tarangire River.

Is it safe for me to visit Tanzania?

Most of our visitors come to Tanzania for our wildlife, but by the time they leave, their experience is much wider and richer than perhaps they had expected. Why? Part of that is due to our friendly, welcoming, and colorful people. Tanzanians are a true mix of many ethnicities and different religious beliefs, and they all live together in harmony in what is one of the African continent’s safest destinations. We are sure you’ll feel very safe here, and we’re sure you’ll feel very welcome. As in everywhere else in the world, just use a bit of common sense, don’t flaunt any valuables, and you can enjoy the natural wonders, the culture, and the people of Tanzania.

What language is spoken in Tanzania?

Kiswahili is the official language of Tanzania, and most of our people speak it. Just as well, as we have well over 100 different tribal languages! You will be pleased to know that English is widely spoken in the larger towns and places where visitors frequent. At Landside Adventure, we have a team of driver-guides who can speak languages such as English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German.

Which is the better safari destination—Kenya or Tanzania?

If your budget was unlimited, then you might choose to combine both of these destinations on your safari trip to East Africa. For many visitors, it is a question of making a choice. Many people are very keen to see the Great Migration as part of their trip, so choosing your destination country is important. The migration spends eleven months of each year in Tanzania, and it is only in September that the herds cross the Mara River and spend their time in the Maasai Mara, which is, of course, in Kenya. Even in that month, there are thousands of wildebeests who prefer not to cross the river, spending their time grazing instead in the Northern Serengeti, Tanzania. When making your decision, you might also consider that Serengeti National Park in Tanzania has twice consecutively won the World Travel Awards coveted ‘Best African National Park’ award (2019 and 2020).

How do I organize my Tanzanian safari?

Just let us know when you want to visit, how long you want to be on safari, how many people will be in your group, and give us an idea of your budget. That’s all we need to design a trip of a lifetime for you. Let us send you our proposal for you to consider, and we can make any adjustments. Just contact us!

How is tipping done in Tanzania?

The general guideline for tipping during the safari is between $5 and $10 per person per day for your driver. So for a 2-person 5-day safari, your tip to the driver can range from $50 to $100. If you have fewer people on the safari, you should tip in the high-end range of $10 per person per day. If you have four or more people on your safari, then you can tip in the lower range of $5 per person per day.

Can Landside Adventure arrange an airport pick-up for us from Nairobi City or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)?

Of course, Landside Adventure is happy to organize either a private or public shuttle transfer to Arusha from Nairobi City or JKIA.

Please note that the cost of this transfer is not included in your trip cost, nor is the return transfer back to either Nairobi City or JKIA at the end of your trip. Landside Adventure will arrange transfers for you from or to Nairobi City or JKIA. All you have to do is let us know your flight number and arrival time, and make the appropriate payment to us in addition to the price of your trip.

Two daily public shuttles operate from JKIA to Arusha, with one departing at 08.00 hours and the other at 14.00 hours. The price for a single ticket is $40 per person, and the journey time is between 6 and 7 hours. The price for a private shuttle is $400 per vehicle, one way, so it will usually only be suitable if you are arriving in a group. Whichever airport you arrive at, we strongly advise that when you approach the driver (who will be waiting outside the baggage reclaim area), you ask him who he has come to collect, rather than giving him your name. (Our driver will display your name on a Landside Adventure signboard.) By following this advice, you will be sure that you are picked up by the correct driver, rather than by an airport taxi driver who is just looking for business.

What is the cost of a safari in Tanzania?

The cost of a safari to Tanzania depends on a number of different factors, principally the accommodation style you choose, the number of days your trip lasts, and how many people will share your vehicle. Once you discuss your requirements with us, we will devise an itinerary for you and advise you of the exact cost.

What are the accommodation options, and what are they like?

Landside adventure safaris are available with four different styles of accommodation to suit your taste and budget. We offer basic, comfort, comfort plus, and luxury-style accommodation options.

Landside Adventure selects the best available accommodations in each category. Basic-style accommodation is on public campsites with shared bathroom facilities. In the other three categories, accommodations include private bathroom facilities. The rooms in these three categories are spacious, furnished with either twin beds or king-size beds, a dressing table, and a wardrobe where you can store your luggage. Lodges and tented camps located within the National Parks use generators for power. Please note that although some accommodations have hot showers available 24 hours per day, others only have hot showers at set times in both the morning and evening.

Does the wildlife come close to the camps and lodges?

Perhaps the best thing about a Tanzanian safari is that you get really close to the wildlife, and sometimes it might seem that the wildlife actually wants to get close to you. There are no fences around most camps, so the animals wander in and out as they wish. These are wild animals, not tame pets; you have to be cautious, and of course we at Landside Adventure take your safety very seriously. Attacks on visitors are very rare, but you have to act sensibly. In particular, those with children should never let them out of sight or let them wander alone. You will often be escorted from your tent to dinner and back again, particularly at the smaller tented lodges. Any concerns you have about safety should be immediately raised with a staff member or camp manager.

Are mosquito nets provided at all camps and lodges?

Those who choose our comfort-style accommodations (tented camps) will find them equipped with mosquito nets. Although not all camps and lodges in Tanzania have mosquito nets, during the nightly turndown service, the bedrooms are sprayed with mosquito repellent. We also encourage visitors to bring their own insect repellent and to use it during the safari.

Will I be able to do my laundry at the camps and lodges?

Most of the lodges and camps are able to offer laundry services at an extra cost to you. In our comfortable-style accommodations, please note that all laundry is done by hand and drying relies on sunlight. Please only ask for laundry services when you are staying for more than one night. This ensures that there will be sufficient time for your clothes to dry before you depart the camp.

What types of cuisine are available?

You will find that both western-style and local cuisines are available on our safari trips. A vegetarian choice is offered at each meal. Landside Adventure can cater for special dietary requirements with advance notice.

Can you provide me with a single room?

Prices for safaris are based on room-sharing, but you can have a room to yourself at an additional cost. Please let us know what your accommodation preference is when making your initial inquiries.

How far in advance should I book my Tanzanian safari with Landside Adventure?

Peak season (December to February) and high season (June to October) put pressure on the availability of accommodation, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended. We at Landside Adventure suggest that you book your safari trip between six months and one year in advance, as this helps secure the accommodation choices and allows us to sort out all other logistics. We welcome inquiries for last-minute bookings, but the availability of the accommodation will determine if we can provide your last-minute desired safari package.

What is included in the price of the safari package?

The price agreed for your safari package includes all lodging and meals throughout your trip as detailed on your itinerary, all park entrance fees, the services of an expert driver-guide, game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle, and 1 liter of bottled water per person per day during game drives only.

The following things are not included in the price:

Any international flights, any domestic flights (unless specified and agreed as part of your package), any travel and medical insurance, entry visa to Tanzania (you should obtain this before you arrive; you can get a visa on entry to Tanzania, but this involves standing in long lines between 30-45 minutes or sometimes more), soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, gratuities for your driver-guides or any other Landside Adventure staff, gratuities for any camp or lodge staff, Maasai Village visit, any extra activities not pre-booked and paid for, emergency evacuation service (unless pre-booked and pre-paid), and any other items not mentioned in this list.

What are the Landside Adventure booking terms and conditions?

Once we have agreed on your safari trip itinerary with you, you will be required to make an initial deposit of 30% with us. This allows us to be able to confirm your booking. The full balance must then be paid 30 days before the start of your safari trip. For any last-minute booking made less than 30 days prior to your proposed arrival date, we require payment of the full amount to be made when booking.

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations must be sent in writing to the office that confirmed the reservation. Cancellations shall only be effective from the date of receipt of cancellation by the booking office. In the event of a booking cancellation, the company shall retain the full deposit.

*If a booking is canceled, the client is subject to a cancellation fee as follows:

• until 4 weeks prior to departure, a 30% cancellation fee
• 4–2 weeks prior to departure: 50% cancellation fee
• 2-1 weeks prior to departure: 75% cancellation fee
• less than 1 week prior to departure: 100% cancellation fee

What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept payment either by credit card or by direct wire transfer.

Payment by Direct Wire Transfer:
If paying by this method, any bank charges incurred will be at your cost. Beneficiary bank charges are approximately $45, and they will be added by us to your invoice. It usually takes a minimum of 3 to 7 working days for the funds to arrive in our account. At that point, we are able to issue your booking confirmation.

What should I wear on my safari?

Our recommendation is to bring neither dark clothing (no black or dark blue clothing) nor bright or white clothing. The former attracts tsetse flies, and the latter is unsuitable for the often dusty conditions. Khaki is the recommended color for safari trips. Bringing layers of clothing will give you the maximum flexibility, and you should bring clothing made from lightweight, quick-dry fabric. Remember that a safari holiday is informal; you do not need super-smart clothing. Put the emphasis on comfort and practicality, not fashion! For your feet, bring a pair of decent-quality walking boots or shoes. In higher-altitude regions, such as the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, it can be cold in the evenings, so bring a warmer layer. A light rain jacket is also a good idea. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are all essential.

Do I need to bring any special equipment or gadgets?

It’s always nice to forget about the developed world when you are enjoying your ‘wilderness experience’ out on safari, but a few modern devices will maximize your enjoyment and ensure that you can take home some special memories.

First of all, you will need to bring a converter plug for any devices you bring. Note that electricity in Tanzania is 220 to 240 volts (50 hertz), and our Tanzanian sockets are of the British-type with three rectangular blade pins. You will no doubt want to take loads of photos, so a lightweight camera with a good zoom or a suitable mobile phone, plus extra memory cards, batteries, and/or a charger, are essential. You may also want to bring a small, powerful flashlight, as some camps have little lighting. You can share the binoculars provided by us in the safari vehicle, though many visitors choose to bring their own to make sure they don’t miss anything.

What road conditions can I expect while on safari?

There is no point in denying it: road surfaces in our national parks can be rutted and rough, especially after rain. Our driver guides are expert drivers, but you will definitely feel some bumps along the way! If you suffer from back problems, you should seriously consider whether a safari is right for you. Let us know, and we can provide extra back cushions to minimize discomfort. You should also keep your safety belt fastened at all times, keep your valuables secure (to avoid damage), and hold on when standing up to view the wildlife from the pop-up roof.

Will the safari be dusty?

As well as the wildlife, you are guaranteed to see some dust when you visit Tanzania! Between June and October—the dry season—the dust is at its worst. But even in other months, the dust can cause a slight irritation, and visitors should expect this. Some visitors like to wear a bandana over their mouth or nose to combat this, and if you wear contact lenses, you may need extra lens fluid. It is also advisable to ask your driver’s guide to close the vehicle windows. Remember that dust can also affect sensitive camera and video equipment, so storing these in a suitable bag when not using them is a good idea.

How do the National Park entrance fees work?

The entrance fees for the national parks on your itinerary are, of course, included in the cost of your safari package. All these entrance fees are valid for a maximum of 24 hours of single entry, and your itinerary is carefully planned and arrangements for entering the parks are made—and often paid for—in advance. Each evening, your driver-guide will brief you about the following day’s schedule. Overstaying the time limit for any stay in a National Park incurs a penalty, and if this is as a result of visitors wishing to stay beyond the permit limit, then the visitor will be wholly responsible for that penalty.

What is the availability of washroom facilities out on safari?

Rest assured, bathroom facilities are available at many places throughout your safari trip. These are located at lodges, camps, park ranger stations, visitor centers, and picnic areas. Of course, a lot of the time we are out in the wilderness, so there will be plenty of times when there will be no nearby toilet facilities and no other visitors or vehicles in sight. That means that you will be able to simply get out of the safari vehicle in privacy to attend to your toilet needs, out of view of any of your fellow travelers. This is what we call the ‘bush bathroom’ and most of our visitors adapt! Our driver guides are sensitive to this issue and will always make sure that it is dealt with professionally and discreetly.

What vehicles does Landside Adventure use for their safari trips? What luggage can I bring?

Landside Adventure uses Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4s, which are recognized by many as the best and most reliable vehicles for the rough terrain of Tanzania. Each of the maximum six passengers enjoys the benefit of a window seat. The Land Cruisers are fully equipped, featuring: a pop-up roof for excellent game viewing; a radio call facility for optimal communications; a mini cooler box for keeping drinks cool (while the vehicle engine is running); a UK-type socket for charging your mobile phone, camera battery, or laptop; and guidebooks and binoculars.

Due to space restrictions, all passengers are limited to one softshell, one duffel-style bag, and one carry-on bag. Please note that hardshell suitcases are not advisable on safari, as they take up too much space.

Will we have to share our safari vehicle with others?

Those booking one of our private tours will have exclusive use of the safari vehicle. If you choose one of our small group tours, you will share the vehicle with other travelers who have chosen the same departure date as yourselves.

Are credit cards acceptable?

Most lodges accept credit cards, but if you want to pay in cash instead, you should use US dollars. Please note that all dollar bills should be dated from 2009 onwards. For credit cards, you should bring either a Mastercard or a Visa.

Am I able to withdraw cash from an ATM while in Tanzania?

For cash, we advise you to bring US dollars with you from home, as these are accepted in most places. If you need to withdraw cash while in Tanzania, then there are several ATM machines in Arusha City, and these are where you should withdraw any additional cash before your safari begins. Note that in many small towns or beach hotels, there are no ATM machines, so you should have sufficient cash before you depart for remote areas or the beach. Any cash withdrawn from ATM machines will only be issued in Tanzanian shillings (Tshs), and there is a daily limit of 400,000 Tshs per card per day.

Will I be able to use foreign currency?

The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (Tshs), but please note that you cannot take this currency either in or out of the country. However, it is freely convertible for the US dollar, euro, and other Tanzanian currencies. If you have to change money in Tanzania, there are several banks where you can exchange your money. Do not change money on the street; you should only exchange your money in hotels, banks, bureaux de change, or with your tour operator. Always get a receipt for currency exchanges.

What additional costs might I incur when traveling in Tanzania?

Your safari package with Landside Adventure includes all your accommodation, game drives, park fees, the services of driver guides, and meals as set out in your program. It also includes your transfers between Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport, but not if you choose to arrive at another airport. Your package does not include international flights, domestic flights (unless agreed with us as part of your program), insurance, tips for your driver-guide or staff at your accommodations, drinks purchased at hotels, bars, lodges/tented camps, laundry services, phone calls, any activities not included in your safari package, visas, or any shopping. Every guest has different spending habits, so we cannot advise as to how much you will need. You should budget, taking into account the above items and the length of your safari trip.

Should I bring gifts to give to the local children?

It is not advisable to randomly hand out pens, money, and sweets. Our experience is that this just sets unrealistic expectations and encourages begging. Landside Adventure appreciates visitors’ desire to express their generosity, and we have connections with schools and orphanages that can responsibly distribute any gifts to those who need them. Do let us know if you would like to make a gift, and we can organize this for you and advise on what might be an appropriate gift or donation.

What souvenirs can I buy in Tanzania?

During your safari, there will be opportunities to purchase handicrafts, gifts, and souvenirs on your way to and from the National Parks. Examples of items you will find include woodcarvings, masks, antiques, beadwork, and paintings. Those visitors who like jewelers might be interested in Tanzanite, a unique precious gemstone that can only be found in Tanzania. Tanzanite is a beautiful, dark blue stone. Major credit cards (Mastercard and Visa) are accepted by most of the larger curio shops. Prices are negotiable for most items.