Tanzania safari FAQs

Vehicles used are generally 4x4 open roof 4WD Toyota safari Land Cruiser which are comfortable, well-maintained and most suitable to the wilderness terrain. For larger groups we use 4WD buses as it is more convenient for clients to be all together in one vehicle only, and it is also more economic and better for the environment. Our drivers have been trained in customer service, tourism-related topics, environmental issues and vehicle maintenance. They are very familiar with the routes we take.

If your primary reason for traveling to Africa is to experience an abundance of African wildlife in unspoiled wilderness, then Tanzania should be your destination of choice. Tanzania protects over 25% of its land through national parks and reserves, more than any other country on the continent. You simply cannot beat the wildlife concentrations found in Tanzania.

Anytime is a wonderful time to be on safari. April tends to be rainy, but for the more adventurous travelers, we can arrange a private trip for you during that time. we adjust our safari itineraries to take advantage of the best possible game viewing in accordance with the seasonal concentrations of wildlife.

You simply can’t beat northern Tanzania for wildlife concentrations. Most people have heard of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and the wide array of wildlife dwelling on the crater floor. Most have heard of the vast Serengeti savanna, which hosts the annual migration of wildebeest and the predators that follow in its wake. This is only the beginning of the natural phenomena awaiting your discovery on a safari to Tanzania. Guests consistently tell us the wildlife they experienced far surpassed their most optimistic expectations.

Tanzania is home to over 35 species of large four-legged mammals and has over 1000 species of birds. On a typical safari in northern Tanzania you can expect to see elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, baboons, monkeys and a variety of plains game such as wildebeest, hartebeest, zebra, impala and gazelle. Most people see lions and hyenas, and possibly a cheetah or leopard. In Ngorongoro Crater you may see one of the few remaining black rhinos to be found in Tanzania. You’ll undoubtedly see several different species of mongoose and some hyrax and other small mammals. If you’re lucky, you’ll see one or more of the smaller cats, foxes, wild-dogs or the more reticent antelope like lesser kudu, bushbuck, oryx or eland.

Every year, over one million wildebeest move through the Serengeti plains in search of food and water. The phenomenon of these animals moving in mass groups through the African savanna is what is known as the Great Migration. Their movement is driven by seasonal rains that water their grazing pastures. It is however impossible to predict in advance exactly how or when this progression will take place, but there is a circular pattern of movement between Serengeti National park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania) and Maasai mara game reserve (Kenya) throughout. Generally from mid-December through May the herds feed in the southern Serengeti. During February thousands of calves appear on the plains. Between June and July, the wildebeest begin their annual migration north reaching the Mara River that marks the Kenyan border sometime between the end of July and beginning of August. After the first short rains, usually in mid-october, the herds move back into Tanzania’s Serengeti and make their way to the southern pastures where they rest and feed through the rains until their search for better grazing leads them to begin their annual migration once again.

The vast majority of Tanzanians still live a lifestyle very close to their traditional lifestyles. Most people are subsistence farmers. The Maasai people, favored by photographers for their strikingly colorful décor, live a pastoral existence following their herds of cattle to better grazing areas, still adhering to the traditions and ceremonies of their ancestors. Their villages are located throughout northern Tanzania. Other small tribes of hunter-gatherers, living according to their ancient customs and traditions can also be found in this area. we consider the cultural component of any safari to be subtle yet essential. All of our guides are Tanzanian born. They are an excellent resource to help you gain greater insight into the local culture. We don’t promote specially staged dances and tourist oriented presentations. Instead, on most of our trips, we begin with a visit to a traditional village where you are welcomed as friends of Operation Kilimanjaro into their lives and invited to get to know them as they get to know you. As we drive between parks, we pass many villages and Maasai Bomas giving you further glimpses into the lives of the Tanzanian people.

We would be delighted to work with you to help you and your family, friends or organization plan the best possible safari to match your interests and budget. We organize custom safaris for individuals, professional photographers, honeymooning couples, and families.

YES! Operation Kilimanjaro has a personal understanding and deep commitment to meeting the special needs of families. We have designed our unique family safari programs to allow you and your children to experience the wonders of Africa together.

Our safaris offer a wide array of safari styles to suit your interests and budget. You can choose the standard accommodation. The cheapest and simplest option is basic camping. If you expect 5-star luxury accommodation, it is best for you to choose luxury lodges.

Our scheduled safaris vary in size depending on the nature of the safari. We typically keep our groups small to allow a more intimate connection with the African bush.

You will be pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the variety of the food available on safari. In most lodges, meals are served buffet-style so you can choose what you like. The food is prepared according to western tastes, with some curries and local cuisine included. Fresh meat and produce is procured locally and then prepared by expert chefs to the highest standards. Returning guests are consistently amazed by the meals we are able to prepare out in the bush.

Today’s modern safari is a far cry from the rugged safaris of the past and the images we see in old movies. After a stimulating day of wildlife viewing, you can relax at comfortable, attractive lodges, with amenities like swimming pools, full service restaurants and en-suite bathrooms. Located right in the heart of scenic settings within wildlife reserves, the lodges and Safaris are close to nature. Askari (night watchmen) patrol the grounds at night, just to make sure that all is well. Tanzania is one of Africa’s most stable countries, where you’ll receive a warm welcome from its gracious people. Every care is taken to ensure your health and safety on safari.

Safari dress is comfortable and casual –layers are recommended. Keep it simple and bring things you don’t mind getting dusty. After you have booked your safari, we will send you a pre-departure information booklet including a detailed packing list to help you prepare for your safari.

All groups and individual travelers will be provided with an English speaking Tanzanian guide. Some of the guides also speak Spanish or German. They are trained and experienced in leading trips and knowledgeable about the fauna, flora and many more aspects of their country. Often they become lifelong friends with the travelers. Interactions with staff are often the highlight of people’s trips. It is a great way to get to know the real life of Tanzania.

It is important to keep luggage to the barest minimum on the safari, as this will ease the burden of the drivers and vehicles. Baggage should be of the round squashy type rather than hard suitcases that are difficult to fit into jeeps. Try to use something that is both lockable and water proof as luggage can often end up sitting on the roof of the vehicle. It is a good idea to bring another smaller bag so that unwanted clothes can be kept in it at the hotel or our office when you go on safari. This also helps to keep city clothes clean and free from dust. You should also bring a small day pack which can be carried while riding or can be readily accessible when you are traveling in the vehicles on long drives. On camping trips all equipment will be provided except sleeping bags. You do not need to provide any other camping gears, only personal belongings.