A: General Questions

Find out all you need to know before you go on your East Africa safari holiday – from what to wear on safari to tipping locals.

Can I make my own itinerary?

Absolutely Yes. Just contact us to start the process. We’ll listen to your needs and give expert recommendations based on your interests, timeline and budget. Leave the details to us!

Can I take my children on safari?

Of course! We think taking your whole family on safari is a wonderful way to learn and grow together; think of the lifelong memories! We recommend a minimum age of five (5) on our family safaris. There is a minimum age of 16 on our expedition safaris.

Will I stay in authentic tented camps or lodges?

At Northland Safaris, we know how important choice is when planning a trip. That’s why we offer an array of accommodation options. Do you want to stay in tented camps in the heart of the African wilds? Lodges with five-star luxuries? A combination of both? It’s completely up to you when planning a private, custom trip! Make sure to check the accommodations section of our itineraries to see what’s offered.

What size are your safari groups?

We specialize in small group travel (about 14 people or fewer), but the exact size varies from trip to trip. One thing’s for sure: you’ll have plenty of elbow room, 360-degree viewpoints and a guaranteed large window seat.

Will I have a chance to interact with the local people of Tanzania?

Many of our trips provide opportunities to visit local villages and interact with the people. However, if your itinerary does not include these visits, you’ll still gain valuable local insight from your expert guide, a native of Tanzania.

How far in advance should I book my safari?

We recommend booking as far in advance as possible to ensure availability. This is especially important for travelers booking private safaris or adding extensions to their trips.

Can I use a credit card to pay?

We accept Visa, Master Card, Maestro, Union Pay and Discover for your safari deposit. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to departure and is payable by wire transfer or credit card.

What additional costs can I expect when traveling in Tanzania?

Your safari land packages will include all accommodation, meals, water (with meals and on wildlife-viewing drives), airport transfers, Park fees and services of guides and drivers. International airfare is not included.

Additional costs may include tips for your guides, drivers and staff, bar beverages, laundry service, phone calls, passport and visa fees, souvenirs and travel insurance (if you choose to purchase it).

Please note: Your pre-departure packet includes a visa application form and information on travel insurance and tipping.

Do I need travel insurance?

Northland Safaris strongly encourages you to purchase travel insurance within two weeks of making your deposit to protect your investment. Travel Guard (https://travelguard.com is highly recommended by our guests.

B: HEALTH & SAFETY

What are the COVID-19 entry requirements for Tanzania?

Northland Safaris strongly recommends but no longer requires guests to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This decision follows the Tanzanian government’s announcement that it would no longer require vaccination for entry.

Of course, staying safe requires everyone to do their part for the good of their health, their communities and the people they visit when they travel. That’s why Northland Safaris encourages everyone to stay up to date on their vaccinations.

What are Northland Safaris doing to help me stay safe during safari?

Because most of your trips will be outdoors, safaris are particularly well suited to our new era of travel. Northland Safari’s common-sense approach to safety is designed to help you feel at ease without impacting on your enjoyment of your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

What do I need to do to protect my health on safari?

Northland Safaris strongly advises making an appointment with your travel doctor before your safari. They have specific knowledge about your destination and can recommend vaccines and preventative care that your physician may not. Masks are not required on safari, but we recommend packing a few anyway, just in case.

Are safaris in Kenya & Tanzania safe?

Kenya and Tanzania are one of Africa’s most stable countries. Some even refer to it as “the Switzerland of Africa!” You’ll be welcomed by friendly people and always taken care of by attentive staff. After full days of wildlife viewing, rest up at handpicked camps and lodges, which offer authentic African charm and modern-day conveniences.

Is it okay to drink the water?

There is free bottled water at some camps/lodges and during all wildlife-viewing drives. You can also purchase bottled water at all lodges when necessary.

Are there a lot of bugs in Tanzania?

There are more bugs in many places in the United States than you will encounter on safari! As in North America, DEET-based repellents and citronella-based products work well if you encounter mosquitoes or other small insects.

What shots should I get?

For medical advice, it’s always best to consult your doctor. Most travelers get antimalarial pills. Keep in mind that you’ll be staying in camps and lodges designed to accommodate American and European guests.

C: WILDLIFE

Where is the best place to go for wildlife viewing in Africa?

Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in the world. The vast plains of Serengeti National Park also host a myriad of wildlife and the legendary Great Migration, where the thrill of the African wilderness awaits!

Serengeti Tanzania is known for its massive annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. Seeking new pasture, the herds move north from their breeding grounds in the grassy southern plains. Many cross the marshy western corridor’s crocodile infested Grumeti River. Others veer northeast to the Lobo Hills, home to black eagles. Black rhinos inhabit the granite outcrops of the Moru Kopjes.

What kinds of animals will I see on safari in Tanzania?

All kinds! You will see the animals you’ve always dreamed of encountering on safari—zebra, elephant, hippo, giraffe, lion, warthog, wildebeest, rhino and so much more.

When is the best time of year to go on safari in Tanzania?

Kenya and Tanzania has the best year-round wildlife viewing, and we adjust our itineraries, departure dates, and accommodations based on wildlife migration patterns. In Tanzania, any time is a wonderful time to go on a safari. Of course, there are seasonal variations, but you’ll always see a lot of animals.

 What is Great Migration?

The Great Migration is a year-round phenomenon where millions of mammals, mainly wildebeest, gazelle and zebra, move around the Serengeti in a clockwise pattern in search of food and water. The driving force of migration is rain, making it difficult to predict.

 What if I don’t see the Great Migration during my safari?

Hakuna matata! No worries! Plenty of awe-inspiring moments present themselves whenever you travel in Kenya and Tanzania. Even if you don’t happen to see the Great Migration, you’ll still see an abundance of wildlife.

D: FOOD & CLIMATE

What’s food like on safari?

In most camps/lodges we select for you, chefs prepare fresh soups, breads, entrees and desserts daily, and we get incredible reviews! In most lodges, meals are served buffet-style. The food is often prepared with Western palates in mind (some local dishes are included).

 Can special diets be accommodated?

With advanced notice, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and diabetic-friendly meals can easily be arranged. Make sure to inform us when booking your trip.

What’s the weather like in Tanzania?

Tanzania’s climate is typically sunny, dry and warm, though there are variations:

April, like in North America, usually brings more rain so we do not operate scheduled trips during that time.

December through March is warmer (70ºF–80ºF) with a higher chance of occasional rain.

May through November is cooler and drier (60ºF–80ºF).