tanzania experience

Frequently asked Questions

Most Common Client Questions

How will you ensure we have our dream safari planned?

Allow us to take you behind the scenes and explain what sets us apart. Aside from our many
years of experience in the safari industry, we offer personalised itineraries, expert local
guides and have a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. We focus on
guest satisfaction.

Our bespoke adventure planning brings together many different elements, and here are just
a few of them:

For utterly unique experiences, we prefer to send our clients to some of the smaller, more
intimate camps in the most prolific wildlife areas. These camps have been designed to blend
sympathetically into their surroundings, yet often include spas, pools and plenty of quiet
corners for romantic, private dining.

Part of the ambience of an African safari is to eat delicious healthy food and the finest wines
(fresh juice or a cold beer). With every itinerary we craft, your appetite and taste buds are
some of our top priorities. We will match you with a selection of camps or lodges that will
surely reward your stomach. We handpick properties that will offer you some of the finest
gourmet safari dining made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients (ensuring that all of your
dietary requirements are met). Speaking of food, you may be surprised at how hungry you
feel after a game drive or guided walking safari adventure – all that fresh air, perhaps, or the
certainty that you’re about to be served another superb meal (maybe even out in the bush).

What should I take on a safari?

Aside from a camera, an open mind and comfortable clothing along with the willingness to be blown away by spectacular wildlife views.

What activities can I do on a safari?

Common activities include game drives (wildlife viewing), bush walks, night drives, bird watching, photography, cultural tours and boat trips.

What are the differences between the levels of the accommodation offered by Serenity African Adventures and others

Everyone’s hopes, expectations and budget are different, so we offer a range of
accommodation options to suit an individual’s personalised trip. Every one of our guests
must enjoy a 5-star service that goes beyond their expectations. Therefore, regardless of
your choice of accommodation, we will provide you with an outstanding, private guide and a
fully equipped safari vehicle for game viewing from start to finish. We will also take you to the
most remarkable areas of these stunning national parks for priceless wildlife viewing
experiences.

We offer two levels of the Serenity African Safaris experience as follows:

Midrange safari experience.
A 3-star comfortable accommodation, with prices ranging from about $499–599 USD per
person per day, depending on the seasonal and travel arrangements. At the more basic end
of the scale, these are usually small group tours with set departure dates, travelling by
vehicle and starting and ending in the same place. At the higher end, you have more
flexibility, allowing for personalised trips by road, air or a combination of the two. Classic
safaris include comfortable lodging in great locations, including gems like the rim of
Ngorongoro Crater or the banks of the Mara River. You will generally stay in larger lodges or
authentic camps and share communal meals and exhilarating safari activities. While they
don’t come with all the bells and whistles of a luxury safari, they offer a fantastic safari
experience at a more affordable rate.

Luxury safari experience
Typically, a 4-star luxury property ranges from about $699–899 USD per person per day,
depending on the season. The properties are all-inclusive, offering intimate settings, gourmet
safari dining, safari activities, scheduled light aircraft flights and more. You will only need to
open your wallet for optional extras like shopping or spa treatments (if at all). Private guides
will be provided for most trips. Everything about your trip is fully customised to your exact
specifications.

When is the best time to go on a safari adventure in Tanzania?

Tanzania offers spectacular views throughout the year, so guest can travel at any time
however, the classic time to visit Tanzania is during the primary dry season, which is from
June to October, when good weather conditions can be expected across the country and
wildlife viewing should be spectacular.

Another major highlight is during the wildebeest’s calving season in Serengeti (December – March), which coincides with good trekking conditions on Kilimanjaro and fair weather down on the coast.

Is malaria really an issue on a Tanzanian safari?

Most safari destinations range from malaria-free to low-risk, depending on where you go and
the month of travel. While malaria-free areas have no history of malaria, low risk means that
only a handful – or even no – malaria cases have been reported over several years.

For Tanzania, travellers are usually advised that anti-malarial pills are strongly
recommended. Malaria is easily preventable through medication. You only need to be
prepared ahead of your trip. Start taking the pills before your trip departure and sometimes
after the trip (follow the instructions for your specific anti-malarial drugs).

How young is too young to take kids on a safari?

You’re never too young for your first safari! If you’re planning an adventure for the entire
family to remember, Africa has plenty to offer any age group. You can of course take
advantage of babysitting services and fun kids’ activities for a bit of adults-only time once in
a while, but if you’re travelling as a family, you’ll probably want to enjoy the adventure
together as much as possible.

The thrill of searching out their favourite animals, glimpsing movement in the bush, or
spotting a herd of elephants on the horizon is something that your children will never forget,
and there’s nothing quite like the look on their faces when they see an elephant, giraffe or
zebra up close for the first time. There is also a wide selection of activities and experiences,
specifically for under 12s, to help them discover, explore and embrace the sheer magic of
the African wilderness.

Between the ages of 6 and 12, the kids will usually be welcomed on game drives and
activities with other guests. Teenagers are only bound by the typical minimum age for
walking safaris which is 16 years. In some cases, a height restriction may apply for hot air
ballooning.

What is an average day in the Serengeti?

When it comes to the Serengeti, there is no such thing! Every day promises its special, unique delights. Your guide will be in constant communication with other guides in the area to find out what the herds are up to, and you will have a chat each evening to make a plan for the following day.

Sometimes, the herds will be just around the camp or within a half-hour’s drive, and at other times you may need to pack a picnic breakfast and-or lunch to travel further afield. These days out, exploring all that the Serengeti has to offer is never predictable but always an adventure. We recommend that you set aside a minimum of four nights to spend in the Serengeti so that you can make the most of this remarkable part of the world.

Where is your office based?

Our headquarters is located in London, United Kingdom, at 128 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, with a regional office in Arusha, Tanzania, at P.O. Box 7000.

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?

Most visitors who wish to travel to Tanzania for tourism, are required to apply for an Ordinary Visa. Nationals of over 150 countries can apply for a visa upon entering Tanzania. To access further information on visa requirements or immigration information, please visit the Tanzania Immigration Services website at Immigration

Can I change foreign currency at the airport in Tanzania?

Yes, visitors can exchange currency at the airport in Tanzania. Both major airports, Julius
Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport
(JRO) near Arusha, have currency exchange bureaus where you can convert your foreign
currency into Tanzanian shillings.

Can visitors purchase a SIM card at the airport in Tanzania?

Yes, visitors can typically purchase SIM cards at Tanzanian airports upon arrival. Major
network providers like Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo, and Halotel have shops or authorized retailers
in or near the departure areas of international airports like Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

What should I wear?

Comfortable neutral-coloured clothing that can be layered is recommended, along with
comfortable footwear.

Should I bring binoculars during safari trip?

Yes, bringing binoculars on a safari is highly recommended — and here’s why:

Spot Distant Wildlife: Animals often stay far from vehicles. Binoculars let you see lions lounging under a tree, leopards in branches, or birds perched far off.

Bird Watching: East Africa is home to hundreds of bird species, many small and colorful. Binoculars enhance the experience immensely.

Enhance Photography: They help you scout scenes before taking photos.

Not Always Provided: Some safari vehicles may carry a shared pair, but it’s better to have your own for convenience and hygiene.

What kind of camera should I bring?

A camera with a good zoom lens is strongly recommended, however a good phone can also
help to capture stunning pictures and videos.