General Questions
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Can I make my own itinerary?
Absolutely. 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!
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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 six on our family safaris. There is a minimum age of 16 on our traditional safaris.
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Will I stay in tents or lodges?
At Thomson, 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 tents in the heart of the 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.
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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 sightlines and a guaranteed window seat.
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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.
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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.
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Can I use a credit card to pay?
We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover for your safari deposit. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to departure and is payable by check, wire transfer or money order.
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What additional costs can I expect when traveling in Tanzania?
Your safari land packages will include all accommodations, 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.
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Do I need travel insurance?
Thomson strongly encourages you to purchase travel insurance within two weeks of making your deposit to protect your investment. Travel Guard comes highly recommended by our guests.
Health & Safety
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What are the COVID-19 entry requirements for Tanzania?
Thomson 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 Thomson encourages everyone, including all Thomson staff in the U.S. and Tanzania, to stay up to date on their vaccinations.
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What is Thomson doing to help me stay safe during safari?
Because most of your trip will be outdoors, safaris are particularly well-suited to our new era of travel. And Thomson’s common-sense approach to safety is designed to help you feel at ease without impacting your enjoyment of your once-in-a-lifetime trip.
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What do I need to do to protect my health on safari?
Thomson 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.
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Are safaris in Tanzania safe?
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most stable countries. Some even refer to it as “the Switzerland of Africa!” You’ll be welcomed by its 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.
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Is it okay to drink the water?
There is free bottled water at all Nyumba camps and during all wildlife-viewing drives. You can also purchase bottled water at all lodges.
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Are there a lot of bugs in Tanzania?
There are more bugs in many places in the U.S. 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.
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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.
Wildlife
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Where is the best place to go for wildlife viewing in Africa?
Northern Tanzania! Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has 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.
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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.
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When is the best time of year to go on safari in Tanzania?
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.
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What is the 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 the migration is rain, making it difficult to predict.
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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 Tanzania. Even if you don’t happen to see the Great Migration, you’ll still see an abundance of wildlife.
Food & Climate
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What’s the food like on safari?
At the Nyumba camps, 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).
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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.
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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).
