Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Tahzi Travel different?
Tahzi Travel is built for travelers who want meaning over checklists. We design small-group and private safaris that move at a human pace, led by certified local experts, with cultural encounters rooted in respect and real relationship.
To us, a Premier Safari means you’re cared for in every detail while still being fully immersed in the wild. Think beautifully located camps, exceptional food, thoughtful service, and expert guiding, plus the breathing room to slow down, feel the place, and stay present. You won’t be roughing it. You’ll be comfortable in the middle of something extraordinary.
Premier, in the Tahzi way, is comfort with conscience, a journey that’s luxurious, deeply human, and leaves the world better than it found it.
How much does a Tahzi Premier Safari cost and why is it priced lower than some other premium brands?
Our 13-day Tanzania safari is currently $8,750 per person. We know that’s less than many premium safari companies charge for a comparable length and lodge standard. We’re able to offer this price for one simple reason: we put your money into the safari, not into overhead.
Here’s what that means in real terms:
Exceptional guiding and handpicked camps come first. Your days are led by top-tier, certified local guides and supported by trusted on-the-ground partners we’ve worked with for years.
Small groups, never “mass market.” We keep departures limited and vehicles spacious so the experience stays intimate, we leave the crowded vehicles to the discount specialists.
Efficient, relationship-based operations. We don’t carry big international office structures or heavy marketing layers. Our long-standing local relationships and direct planning model let us keep costs fair without cutting quality.
A curated set-departure model. Because we run specific dates rather than unlimited custom trips year-round, we can lock in the best logistics and rates early then pass that value on to you.
So yes, you’re paying less than some luxury brands, but you’re not getting less safari. You’re getting a high-touch, ethically grounded, beautifully paced journey where every dollar is working toward your experience in the wild.
How far in advance should I book?
We secure our lodging, guides and vehicles a year in advance and limit each safari to a total of 12 people unless it’s a private family or business event. These trips typically fill up at least six month in advance if not sooner, so if our date work for you it’s best to book early.
Safety, Health, and Accessibility
Is it Safe?
Yes. Tanzania is one of Africa’s most stable safari destinations. Like anywhere, cities require basic awareness, but once you’re on safari you’re in one of the most professionally protected tourism environments in the world.
Trusted local experts only. Your guides are certified professionals trained in animal behavior, park rules, road safety, and guest care.
Conservative wildlife ethics. We never crowd animals, chase sightings, or take risks for a photo. The animals come first, and that keeps everyone safer.
Emergency readiness. Our partner camps have established medical and evacuation protocols, and we require travel insurance for peace of mind.
Smart routing + real-time monitoring. If plans need to shift, we handle it quietly and smoothly.
Do I need Malaria medication or vaccines?
We recommend speaking with your primary care physician or a travel clinic for personalized advice. Some of our past guests have found that prescription anti-malarial medications can occasionally cause stomach upset while on safari.
Is a yellow fever card required?
If you’re arriving directly from the U.S./Europe, Tanzania does not require proof. If you transit through or arrive from a yellow-fever-risk country (like Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Brazil), you may need it at entry if your stay was over 12 hours.
Can you accommodate mobility limitations?
Usually, yes, with a few important notes. Safari happens in wild places, and some parts of the experience can be physically demanding. Walking safaris take place on natural terrain where animals roam, so paths may be uneven or rugged and can be challenging if you’re not steady on your feet.
Our open safari vehicles also require three steps to get in and out. Overall, we’d rate this trip around a 3.5 out of 5 for mobility needs.
Because of the adventure-based nature of the itinerary, this safari may not be the right fit for guests who rely on walkers or wheelchairs. If you have specific concerns, please tell us before booking, we’re happy to talk it through and help you decide if this journey will feel comfortable and enjoyable for you.
Visas, Entry and Getting There
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes. U.S. passport holders are required to obtain a tourist visa (~$100), either online in advance (e-visa) or on arrival. In our guests’ experience, many find the visa-on-arrival process simpler and faster, while the e-visa website can be a bit challenging and occasionally leads to delays.We always get visa on arrival.
Which airport should I fly into?
Please fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Our team will meet you on arrival and transfer you to a comfortable hotel or lodge nearby for an overnight stay. Your safari begins the following morning, so you’ll have time to rest and settle in before the adventure starts.
What are luggage limits for bush flights?
Most small aircraft flights allow about 15kg / 33lbs total per person, including hand luggage, in soft-sided duffel bags only. If your itinerary uses a carrier with different limits, we’ll tell you.
Packing & Gear
What should I pack?
Pack light, pack layers. Safari days run cool early and warm by midday.
Essentials:
Neutral-colored clothing (greens, tans, browns)
A warm fleece or jacket for mornings
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Any medications in original packaging
A small daypack for drives
We’ll send you a curated Tahzi packing guide after booking.
Can I wear camouflage?
No, you cannot wear camouflage in Tanzania as it is illegal for civilians and reserved for the military. Wearing it can result in fines, confiscation of the clothing, or other penalties. Stick to neutral colors like khaki, brown, and green, which also help you blend in with the environment for wildlife viewing.
Do lodges and camps do laundry?
Laundry is available at each location we overnight at and usually can be completed the same day.
Will I be able to charge cameras and phones?
Yes, each room has electricity available and each of our vehicles have USB ports for charging as well.
Can I bring a drone?
Drones in Tanzania are highly regulated. You need permits from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, and national parks require special approval and often a ranger escort. Many areas prohibit recreational drone flights outright. If aerial filming matters to you, check out this great resource on drone laws in Tanzania.
On-Safari Experience
What does a typical safari day look like?
Some days start early, like our visit with the Hadzabe, which can mean a 5:00 AM departure, or Ngorongoro Crater, where we aim to be at the gate right at sunrise.. So you’ll typically wake to coffee in the dark, roll out at first light, and watch the world come alive. Midday is for rest, reading, or a nap. Late afternoon brings another drive and perhaps a sundowner somewhere beautiful. Evenings are warm meals, fires, and stories under the stars.
How long are game drives?
Usually 3–4 hours in the morning and 2–3 in the afternoon, but we flex based on wildlife, weather, and the groups energy level.
Will we see the Big Five?
We aim for remarkable wildlife, not safari bingo to check off animals on our list. Tanzania offers excellent chances for lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopard; rhinos are rarer but possible in specific areas. We set expectations honestly and then let the wild surprise you and we’ve never been disappointed.
How many guests per vehicle?
In our open-top vehicles, we typically limit seating to four guests (and occasionally one Tahzi staff member if we’re assisting with photography). In the Serengeti, our open-sided safari vehicles feature stadium-style seating for up to six guests, with plenty of space to move around and capture great photos.
For private tours, we’re happy to arrange a vehicle setup that best suits you and your family or guests.
Are balloon safaris available?
Yes, balloon safaris are available in the Serengeti. We work with the premier operator, Serengeti Balloon Safaris, and we’re happy to reserve this experience for you in advance.
The current shared-flight rate is about $599 per person (typically including transfers and a champagne-style bush breakfast after landing). Prices are set by the operator and can change seasonally, so we’ll confirm your exact cost at booking.
Animal Encounters
How close will we get to the animals?
Closer than you might expect, through patience and good guiding, but always at a distance that keeps wildlife comfortable and undisturbed. We let the animals decide how close they come to us, and we often rely on binoculars and zoom lenses rather than pushing into their space.
At Tahzi Travel, we believe unforgettable sightings should never come at the expense of the animals or their home. We follow park guidelines and keep respectful distances so wildlife can choose how close they want to be. Our guides avoid crowding animals and any behavior that stresses wildlife, because a truly sustainable safari protects the very moments you came to experience.
Why don’t you drive off-road to get closer for photos?
Off-road driving can damage fragile habitats, disturb breeding areas, and change animal behavior. We stick to designated tracks except where conservancy rules clearly allow otherwise. Great sightings are important, but a healthy ecosystem is even more important. Many areas in the parks do not allow off track driving and we will only do so if in a properly designated zone.
Is it safe to stand up or lean out of the vehicle?
For safety and respect for wildlife, guests must remain inside the vehicle body and follow their guide’s instructions at all times. Your guide will let you know when it’s safe to stand in the open roof for better viewing and when you need to sit so animals aren’t startled. Please remove your shoes when standing on the seat while viewing animals.
How does my safari support a sustainable Tanzanian future?
Your safari helps fund park fees, conservation projects, and community initiatives that keep wildlife landscapes intact. In Tanzania, our partners also support education and community programs (including Maasai-led initiatives), ensuring tourism benefits the people who share their land with wildlife every day.
Guides & Language
Who are your guides?
Your guide is the heart of your safari. We work with highly trained, handpicked, certified local professionals, many born and raised in Tanzania, who are also multilingual. See our About Page to learn more about the guides who lead our journeys.
What languages are available?
English is standard. Other languages can be arranged with enough notice.
How much should we tip on safari?
Tipping is always discretionary, but here’s a helpful range for Tanzania. We’ll give you a simple tipping sheet before departure.
Safari guide: We suggest at minimum $25 per guest per day
Camp/lodge staff (shared tip box): about $5–$10+ per guest per day
Porters and luggage handlers typically $1-2 per piece of luggage
Culture, Ethics, and Impact
How do you approach cultural visits respectfully?
We don’t “drop in.” We visit communities through long-term relationships we have personally built, with consent, fair compensation, and a focus on exchange, not spectacle. You’ll be briefed beforehand so you feel confident and respectful.
Should I bring candy, chocolates, pencils, or small gifts to give to children while on safari?
We know many visitors feel a genuine desire to “give something” to local children, and it often comes from a kind heart. But this can do more harm than good.
When you hand out candies and treats, a few things happen:
Children start to associate visitors with free handouts instead of genuine interaction.
Candy and chocolate are not things families can easily or regularly afford, so once you leave, the child may be left frustrated, wanting something they can’t access.
Wrappers and packaging from sweets often end up on the ground, adding litter to otherwise pristine landscapes and villages.
Pencils and school supplies can also be problematic when they’re handed out directly to children rather than through teachers or community leaders; it can create jealousy, tension, and a sense that tourism is about grabbing what you can.
If you’d like to give back, we encourage more thoughtful options, such as:
Supporting vetted community projects and schools through organized donations (see below)
Purchasing local crafts directly from artisans
Tipping your guides and camp staff fairly
Contributing to conservation or education initiatives we partner with
In short: please don’t bring or hand out candy, chocolates, or random gifts to children. The most respectful “gift” you can offer is to be present, listen, learn, and support communities in ways they’ve said are truly helpful.
How does my trip support local people and conservation?
Premium travel has power. That’s why we choose partners who protect wildlife habitat, employ local teams, and reinvest in the communities that make safari possible, through education, women’s initiatives, and conservation programs.
In Tanzania, our on-the-ground partners help fund and operate the Maasai Magic Charity, a registered 501(c)(3)nonprofit. A portion of your safari proceeds supports their work fighting poverty through education and helping ensure more children have access to a quality schooling.
If you’d like to learn more, please visit the Maasai Magic Charity website.
What wildlife-viewing ethics do you follow?
Our code is simple: the animals come first. No chasing, no crowding, no pushing for a shot at their expense. We want you to leave feeling awe and integrity.
Special Requests & Logistics
Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, we’ll communicate everything to camps in advance.
What about Wi-Fi and connectivity?
Most luxury camps offer Wi-Fi in common areas and sometimes rooms. But safari is a rare invitation to unplug. We encourage a balance, stay connected, but take this time as an opportunity to be in the moment.
What if weather disrupts flights or activities?
East Africa runs on nature’s schedule. If weather shifts plans, we adapt quickly and keep you cared for. We build smart buffers into itineraries for exactly this reason.
Final Notes
What if I still have questions?
That’s what we’re here for. A safari is a big dream, and we take the responsibility seriously. Send us what you’re wondering, big or small, and we’ll walk you through it like a trusted friend who happens to know Tanzania inside out.