Where is the best place / time to go?
Tanzania is great to visit any time of year. Most people avoid the rainy months of April, May, and November.
What is the migration?
The migration in East Africa is world-renowned. Millions of wildebeests participate in the migration through Tanzania and Kenya. Hundreds of thousands of zebra join them. Although lions and other carnivores do not migrate with the grazing animals, they feast on them when their paths cross.
When is the best time to see the migration?
The best time to see the migration in Tanzania is often January-March and June-August. In the Kenya, it is often best September-October. These are also the most popular times to go, so you will need to book well in advance. You will see an abundance of wildlife all year round.
What does a typical day look like?
Your day will start after breakfast. Activities for the day are described below. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotel or campsite. A box lunch is also provided daily to be eaten at a designated lunch spot in the parks. The national parks close at 18:00pm, so all game drives are completed by that time.
Do you accommodate people with dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian and other special diets can be accommodated. Please let us know ahead of time. Protein options may be minimal on a vegetarian diet, so you may want to bring protein supplements.
What immunizations / shots are required?
Talk to your doctor about
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
- Tetanus
- Polio
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Meningococcal Meningitis (Africa/Asia)
Can I get a visa upon arrival?
Yes, you can get a visa at major airports and at border crossings, but try to get one ahead of time to make your entry into the country as easy as possible.
>>Welcome to Tanzania Electronic Visa Application System!
How soon do I have to book your tour?
We recommend booking your trip as soon as possible. Lodges and tented camps on safari are booked quickly, so we need to reserve those before they fill up.
Do you customize a tour?
Yes, just let us know what’s in your mind and we will put all together for you!
What’s the food like on the safari?
Lodges and tented camps serve breakfast and dinner, typically buffet-style. Lunches are often a box lunch eaten while on your game drive.
What type of vehicles do you provide?
We use 4 or 6 passenger 4-wheel-drive Land Cruisers, all with viewing roofs for the safaris. The vehicles have an inverter for charging batteries, a radio, and a cooler.
Who will guide my safari?
Our safari guides are among the best in the business, with comprehensive knowledge and a passion for sharing Tanzania with you. They are wildlife experts, trained to provide you with detailed information about the animals, environments, ecosystems, Tanzanian culture, and more. Combining academic coursework with years of practical experience, our guides ensure you find wildlife off the beaten path, creating a lively and fun experience.
What kind of vehicle will I be in?
We provide 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers, equipped for rough roads. These vehicles have pop-up roof hatches for 360-degree game viewing, a cooler box for keeping drinks cold, VHF radios for communication, and electrical outlets for charging electronic accessories.
To maintain the pristine safari experience, Wi-Fi is not available in the vehicles, encouraging full immersion in your surroundings. All camps and lodges have Wi-Fi. Our vehicles are inspected by mechanics after each safari to ensure they are in top condition.
What is a day like on safari?
Most days begin early with a game drive when animals are most active. When staying in the same national park for multiple days, you can choose to take a packed, hot lunch and stay out all day or return to your lodge or camp for lunch and a rest before a second-afternoon game drive. Each day’s schedule is flexible and will be discussed with your guide the evening beforehand, allowing for a personalized safari experience tailored to your preferences.
Can children go on safari?
Pristine Trails welcomes children on safari, ensuring family-friendly experiences that are both safe and educational. Our team crafts itineraries that incorporate the right balance of game driving, out-of-the-vehicle activities, and downtime for children of various ages. While safari is a wonderful experience for people of all ages, you know your child best and what kinds of travel may or may not work well for them.
How do I get to Tanzania?
Travelers can fly into major airports such as Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) on the island of Zanzibar. The airport closest to your safari destinations is Kilimanjaro International, and this is where Pristine Trails provides meet-and-greet and pick-up services. If you find more favorable flights to other regional airports, we can assist in booking connecting domestic or regional airfare.
Are there limits to how long I can game drive?
Pristine Trails does not impose mileage limits on our safaris, allowing for flexible and extensive exploration of the parks away from the crowds. Game driving is only permitted during daylight hours – unless you have booked a special night game excursion.
Can I interact with wildlife (petting/walking/selfies)?
Interacting with wildlife is generally not allowed for safety and conservation reasons. In some parks, walking safaris are available that may bring you closer to the wildlife, but touching, feeding, or interacting with any animals is not permitted.
What are the meals like on safari?
At lodges and tented camps, you will be served both continental dishes and traditional Tanzanian and African fare, along with fresh fruit and salads, all safe to eat. Some properties offer buffet-style meals, while others provide individual plated meals. Various dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten intolerance, can be accommodated. You will be asked about your preferences upon booking your trip. Filtered drinking water will be available throughout your safari, and you can purchase soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages at the lodges and camps. Your drinks will be included at select properties.
Is there AC in the vehicle?
Pristine Trails’ safari vehicles do not have air conditioning to allow for optimal game viewing and photographic opportunities through the open windows and roof hatches.
Are beverages included?
Filtered drinking water is always included. Some packages will include soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages. If your package does not include additional drinks, they will be available for purchase.
Will there be Wi-Fi?
Your camps and lodges will have Wi-Fi available. Wi-Fi is not provided in our safari vehicles to encourage full immersion in the experience.
Can I choose/propose an accommodation other than the ones you listed?
Yes, Pristine Trails can accommodate requests for different lodges or camps, tailoring the experience to your preferences.
Can I do laundry during the trip?
Laundry services are available at most lodges and camps for an additional cost. Generally, you will be charged per item, with heavy and bulky items priced higher (i.e. fleeces and jackets). In most places, laundry is hand-washed and line-dried. It is therefore best to have laundry done in locations where you are staying for a minimum of two nights.
What are bush flights like?
Bush flights are typically on small Cessna planes seating 12-15 people, with strict luggage restrictions due to the limited space.
What are the toilet facilities like during a safari?
There are toilet facilities available at the national park gates and dotted throughout the national parks. If you are far from a toilet while out on a game drive, your guide will find a safe place to stop where you can use nature. Your accommodations all have en suite bathroom facilities.
Is there a dress code for the safari?
On safari, it is best to wear lightweight clothing in neutral colors, such as tan, green, gray, and white. It is important to avoid bright colors while out on game drives, as these can disturb the animals. In certain areas of Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park, it is recommended to avoid dark blue and black to deter Tsetse flies. Always be mindful of weather conditions and ensure your clothes are suited to the time spent under the hot sun. While at your accommodations, feel free to wear whatever is comfortable and any colors you’d like.
Am I required to dress up for dinner at the lodges?
Casual attire is generally acceptable throughout your trip. Some high-end lodges may have a smart-casual dress code for dinner.
Are binoculars provided?
Each safari vehicle will have one pair of binoculars at a minimum. You are welcome to bring any additional pairs you would like.
Are drones allowed?
Drones are prohibited from being brought into Tanzania without proper permits. Without these permits, your drone can be confiscated by customs officials at the airport. Permits must be acquired from five different government entities and can cost upwards of $5,000, taking a minimum of 3 months.
