Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our official Tanzania safari FAQ guide.
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General FAQs
How much does a 7-day safari cost in Tanzania?
A 7-day Tanzania safari generally ranges from $1,400 to $2,500 per person for budget group safaris, $2,800 to $4,500 per person for mid-range lodge safaris, and $5,000 to $8,000+ per person for luxury private safaris. At Chimera African Safaris, our 7-Day Northern Circuit Safari includes private 4×4 Land Cruiser transport, national park fees, professional safari guides, and full-board accommodation.
What is included in a Chimera African Safaris package?
All Chimera African Safaris packages include private 4×4 Land Cruiser transport with pop-up roofs, unlimited bottled drinking water on game drives, official TANAPA park entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide fees, full-board accommodation, and complimentary airport pick-ups/drop-offs in Arusha or Kilimanjaro (JRO).
What is the cheapest safari option in Tanzania?
The most cost-effective safari options in Tanzania are 1-day and 2-day short safaris from Arusha (such as our 1-Day VIP Serval Wildlife Safari or 2-Day Ngorongoro Crater & Farm of Dreams Safari) or joining a shared group camping safari in Tarangire, Manyara, and Ngorongoro.
Which safari company is the best in Tanzania?
Chimera African Safaris is a top-rated, locally owned safari company based in Sanawari, Arusha, specializing in tailored private safaris, group Northern Circuit tours, Serval Wildlife day trips, Mount Kilimanjaro trekking, and Zanzibar excursions.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari?
The best time for a wildlife safari in Tanzania is during the dry season from June to October, when animals gather near water sources and the Great Migration occurs in the Serengeti. January and February are ideal for seeing the Great Migration wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti.
Will I see the Big Five on a Tanzania safari?
Yes! Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier destinations to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). The Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park offer the highest probability of viewing all five animals in a single 3-day or 5-day itinerary.
Can I combine a Serengeti safari with Zanzibar or community volunteering?
Absolutely. Chimera African Safaris creates multi-destination itineraries that combine Northern Circuit wildlife game drives with direct flights to Zanzibar beaches or community volunteering visits to local schools and projects around Arusha.
Is a private safari better than a group safari?
A private safari provides exclusive control over game drive schedules, window seat availability, photography stops, and flexible departure times. A group safari offers a more budget-friendly alternative by sharing vehicle and guide costs with fellow travelers.
Booking & Cancellation FAQs
How do I modify my booking?
Log in to your account and select the booking you wish to change. You can modify dates, participants, or request custom changes.
Can I cancel my trip after booking?
Yes, you can cancel your booking by notifying us in writing via email. Cancellation fees depend on how close to your trip departure date you submit the request, as non-refundable safari lodge and park permits may already be secured. Please check our detailed Terms & Conditions for full refund tier details.
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Yes, in most cases you can transfer your booking to another person, provided we are notified at least 14 days before your departure date. Any fees incurred for reissuing internal flights, park permits, or lodge reservations under a new name will apply.
What if the trip is canceled by Chimera African Safaris?
If Chimera African Safaris must cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure, you will receive a 100% full refund or the choice to reschedule your safari to a future date at no extra charge.
Are last-minute bookings allowed?
Yes, we accept last-minute bookings depending on safari vehicle availability and lodge/camp openings. Contact us directly via WhatsApp or phone at +255657968828 for quick arrangements.
Can I add extras after booking?
Yes! You can add extra experiences—such as a Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari, cultural village visits, or additional days in Zanzibar—at any time before your trip starts, subject to availability.
Policies & Safety FAQs
What safety precautions are taken during safaris?
Our safari vehicles are equipped with first-aid kits, direct communication systems, and pop-up roofs designed for secure wildlife viewing. Our professional guides are trained in wilderness first aid and follow strict national park guidelines to keep you safe at all times.
Do I need travel insurance for my trip?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests. Your policy should cover medical expenses, emergency air evacuation, personal travel accidents, and trip cancellations or delays.
What vaccinations or health requirements are needed for Tanzania?
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you are traveling from or transiting through a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. We also strongly recommend consulting a travel clinic regarding malaria prophylaxis and routine vaccinations prior to travel.
What is your policy regarding wildlife encounters?
For your safety, guests must follow all instructions given by our driver-guides. You must remain inside the safari vehicle unless in designated picnic or stretch areas, avoid loud noises, and never feed or disturb the wildlife.
How do you handle medical emergencies on tour?
In the event of a medical emergency, our team arranges immediate assistance through local medical services or Flying Doctors air evacuation cover (if included or selected in your package) to transfer you to the nearest top medical facility.
Are your safaris child-friendly?
Yes! We welcome families with children. We can customize itineraries with family-friendly lodges, shorter drive times between parks, and engaging activities tailored for younger travelers.
Extras FAQs
Can I add optional activities like a Hot Air Balloon Safari?
Yes! Hot air balloon safaris over the Serengeti can easily be added to your itinerary. We recommend booking this extra in advance as spaces fill up quickly. Log in to your account and select the booking you wish to change. You can modify dates, participants, or request custom changes.
Do you arrange cultural tours and community visits?
Yes, we offer authentic cultural experiences, including visits to Maasai villages, Hadzabe bushmen hunting trips, and local coffee plantation tours. These can be added as day trips or integrated into your main safari route.
Can I request airport transfers or pre/post-safari hotel bookings?
Absolutely. We can arrange all airport pickups and drop-offs (Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport, or Zanzibar Airport) as well as accommodation before or after your safari.
Are dietary requirements accommodated during tours?
You can book directly through our website by selecting your desired tour and following the checkout process. If you need a custom itinerary or personal help, our travel experts are happy to assist you via chat, email, or phone.
Can I upgrade my accommodation standard after booking?
You can book directly through our website by selecting your desired tour and following the checkout process. If you need a custom itinerary or personal help, our travel experts are happy to assist you via chat, email, or phone.
Can I add extras after booking?
You can book directly through our website by selecting your desired tour and following the checkout process. If you need a custom itinerary or personal help, our travel experts are happy to assist you via chat, email, or phone.
On the Trip FAQs
What type of vehicles do you use during safaris?
We use custom-built 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers equipped with pop-up roofs for optimal 360-degree game viewing, comfortable seating, charging ports for cameras and phones, a fridge/cooler for cold drinks, and a long-range radio.
What should I pack for an African safari?
We recommend lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, tan, or green), a warm jacket for chilly early morning game drives, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera with extra batteries.
Are meals and bottled water provided during the safari?
Yes, full-board packages include all breakfasts, lunches (either packed picnic lunches in the parks or hot meals at your lodge), and dinners. Complimentary purified drinking water is provided inside your safari vehicle throughout every game drive day.
Is tipping driver-guides and lodge staff customary?
Most safari lodges and tented camps offer free Wi-Fi in common areas. Mobile network reception is generally good across major roads and lodge areas, though signal strength may drop in remote corners of national parks like the deep Serengeti.
Are last-minute bookings allowed?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is standard practice and deeply appreciated by safari crews. As a general guideline, $10–$15 USD per day per group for your driver-guide and $5–$10 USD per day for general lodge staff/tip boxes is customary.
What currencies are accepted for local expenses?
US Dollars (USD) printed in 2013 or newer are widely accepted for tips, souvenirs, and optional activities. Local currency (Tanzanian Shillings) is also accepted and can be exchanged at airports, banks, or hotels upon arrival.
Where Unforgettable Adventures Begin
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Thomas Mosha
Safari & Guide Specialist
“Let us guide you through the wild—your safari begins with one message.”
