Luxury Tanzania Safari
2025 Journey is Postponed
An East African safari is the journey of a lifetime. Are you ready for yours?
Experience the iconic golden savanna of the Serengeti and the raw power of nature at her finest. Marvel at Tarangire’s elephants and Manyara’s tree-climbing lions, and enjoy the dense wildlife at unique Ngorongoro Crater. Learn about indigenous East African cultures and their deep ties to the land.
Rest in style at luxurious hotels, lodges, and tent camps, knowing that every last detail has been taken care of on this all-inclusive, double-carbon offset journey.
Solo explorers are welcome in our happy safari family!
Our 2025 Tanzania safari has been postponed, but we’d love to have you on our next journey! Please click the button below to let us know if you are interested in hearing when our next Tanzania safari is announced.
Trip at a Glance
- Escorted by BJ & Lauren, owners of RetreaTours
- Led by expert Tanzanian safari guides
- Daily safari drives to spot the iconic “Big Five”
- Explore the golden savanna of the Serengeti
- Marvel at the geology and animals of Ngorongoro Crater
- Enjoy Tarangire National Park’s legendary baobab trees
- Witness the rare tree-climbing lions of Tanzania
- Learn more about Maasai culture
- Maximum of 16 guests
- Enjoy an online photo album after the journey
- This journey is double carbon offset
- Opportunity for independent trip extensions to Zanzibar or to the mountain gorillas of Rwanda
Click to Jump to…
- Safari Guest Testimonials
- Daily Itinerary Details
- Price & What is Included
- Payment Details
- Cancellation Policy
- Our Carbon Offset Commitment
- Vaccines & How to Stay Healthy
- Suggested Fitness Guidelines
- Travel Insurance
- Passport & Visa Requirements
- Temperatures & Packing List
- About our Hotels and Luxury Camps
- International Flights
- Contact
- About BJ & Lauren
Arusha
Tarangire
Serengeti
Ngorongoro Crater
Lake Manyara National Park
Kilimanjaro International Airport
“The vastness of the African wilderness humbles you, reminding you of your place in the grand canvas of life. Here, amidst the towering trees and endless plains, one feels an acute awareness of our connection to the natural world.”
– Peter Matthiessen
Itinerary at a Glance
September 16 You’ll arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and be taken to our 5-star luxury hotel in Arusha. (Overnight in Arusha)
September 17–18 This morning we’ll drive to Tarangire National Park, enjoying a safari drive along the way to our lodge in the bush. Tarangire is famous for its iconic baobab trees and its huge elephant population! We’ll enjoy driving safaris and even a walking safari here. (Two nights in Tarangire National Park)
September 19–21 We’ll fly northwest to the famous Serengeti landscape, and you’ll understand why Serengeti translates to “the place where the land runs on forever.” We’ll enjoy morning and afternoon safari drives and we’ll attempt to spot “The Big 5” here. Optional hot air balloon ride over the savanna. (Three nights in Serengeti National Park)
September 22 This morning we’ll take a short flight to Ngorongoro Crater, visiting a cultural Maasai village before heading to our luxury lodge on the rim of the crater. (Overnight at Ngorongoro)
September 23 This morning we’ll drive down into the crater for our safari; this is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and another chance to spot “The Big 5.” We’ll continue on to our luxury lodge in Manyara at the edge of the Great Rift Valley. (Overnight in Manyara)
September 24 Today we’ll take a morning and an afternoon safari drive to explore Lake Manyara National Park and its woodlands, grasslands, and alkaline lake. This area is famous for its birds! (Overnight in Manyara)
September 25 As make our way from Lake Manyara back to Arusha, we’ll visit Mto wa Mbu, a crossroad of 120 tribes, and we’ll meet local farmers, artisans, and craftspeople. Then we’ll continue back to our 5-stay Arusha hotel for our final dinner together. (Overnight in Arusha)
September 26 While our time together comes to a close, the memories will last forever! You’ll be transported to Kilimanjaro National Airport to head home–or perhaps you’re interested in trekking with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda? Or what about unwinding on the beaches of Zanzibar! We can help!
What to expect on this journey
We’ve curated a well-paced, luxury journey that maximizes comfort and wildlife viewing. We use an intentional mix of driving and flying to show you the best of Tanzania while minimizing travel times between parks.
You’ll experience daily safari drives (2 on our full days, 1 on any half days). We’ll start in the early light of sunrise to witness the flurry of animal activity, and late afternoon game drives provide gorgeous light and wonderful temperatures to see the animals.
Our vehicles are comfortable Toyota Land Cruisers, never filled to capacity. On our safaris, everyone has a window seat, and we never put more than 5 guests in a vehicle. (Click here for a photo comparison.)
Our lodging is all perfectly located within or directly adjacent to the national parks & all rooms have a private bathroom with shower. Think “glamping” with these hard-floored, fully-outfitted camps.
We’ve taken out the guesswork and hassle of pulling out your wallet by including all tips to drivers, guides, restaurant staff, and hotel staff; we include laundry, alcoholic beverages, extra luggage allowance on flights, as well as airport pick-up & drop-off and an online album of our photos after the journey.
What our past safari guests are saying…
“At one point I became so overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and wonder of all the amazing animals, I started to weep.”
“Their kind and ethical guidance brought out the best in each of us.”
“It was like a giant field trip—one where I didn’t have to worry about anything and yet any considerations I had were listened to and all questions were answered with a smile.”
“I feel both superbly cared for and proud to travel with their graceful guidance, and in fact don’t intend to travel internationally again without them.”
“I had no worries about anything the whole time I was gone and felt safe at every stop we made.”
Click here for more safari testimonials
It was the best vacation ever! At one point I became so overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and wonder of all the amazing animals, I started to weep. And I’m not a weepy person. Absolutely wonderful, educational, safe, and perfect. Heaven on earth! ~Julie D.
BJ and Lauren are so thoughtful and prepared and helpful and humorous that an atmosphere is established which brings out the best in each participant. It’s like magic!!!!! ~Barbara B
It was amazing. Even the smallest detail was taken care of for each of us. You also went out of your way to meet our individual needs and desires. I wholeheartedly recommend your company and this trip. ~Pat N.
This is my second trip with BJ and Lauren; these two people are so loving, and caring, full of energy, and just fun, when you meet them you end up having two best friends. When you travel with them you really don’t have to worry about anything, they will go out of their way to help you with any problems you have. ~ Sue T.
Every person I’ve met since I’ve been home the first words out of my mouth are “GO ON A SAFARI AND USE RETREATOURS!” It truly was a dream come true for me. The people I met on the safari that were part of the tour to all the employees at the different camps and hotels were a pleasure to meet and interact with. To see the animals in their environment and not in a cage was beyond exciting. Lauren and BJ become family after a very short time. I felt like I’d know them forever and feel I’ve made new lifelong friends. I had no worries about anything the whole time I was gone and felt safe at every stop we made. ~Carol W
BJ and Lauren did a great job of making us all feel safe and comfortable. They supported our every whim… Their pre-trip communications were just right, and their kind and ethical guidance brought out the best in each of us. ~Brooke B.
This has been the best trip ever, full of miracles, truly lovely people in our group, and the best tour leaders in the world. Someone in our group suggested BJ and Lauren seem to attract really nice travel companions. Another wise soul amended that idea: BJ and Lauren seem to bring out the best in us, making us our best selves on the trip.
BJ and Lauren create ‘paint by number’ instructions for [trip preparation]… Huge for me was that BJ and Lauren are phenomenal photographers, sharing their amazing photos every day. Those photos were truly works of art, shared in nearly real time.
They have created extensive relationships in each country to provide support for our travels and to ensure our travel dollars actually get to the people in the country rather than some international chain. BJ and Lauren guided us at every step, giving their valuable information and creating continuous enjoyment. It was such a pleasure and, truly, the trip of a lifetime. Thank you! ~Jane M.
I travel often and would have never considered a tour. I actually vowed never to take a tour. It does injustice to BJ and Lauren to even mention that it is a tour. It’s an experience that builds into fond memories and life changing opportunities if seized. I did seize and my exposure to the people of Kenya, Rwanda, wildlife and nature, was life altering. ~Andrew B.
This trip exceeded any expectations I had. This was due to Bj & Lauren’s patience and availability at all times. Any obstacle was handled with ease and aplomb. It was a “no worries” vibe.
The order of the trip was exceptional with each day being more amazing than the next. The guides/drivers were knowledgeable, polite, patient and fun. I felt well-taken care of by them-and safe.
Another wonderful service provided was BJ and Lauren’s photos which they made available to us at the end of each day via whatsApp. Very valuable for someone like me who isn’t a photographer and who didn’t want to see everything through a viewfinder. There were times I had a bit of zoom lens envy. That was quickly quelled when I realized I’d get great photos anyway!
The fact that RetreaTours donated so much money to various sanctuaries and research centers, making them available to us, meant a lot. The knowledge gained and experience of them enhanced the trip no end. And it certainly made me feel like the tour contributed to the wellbeing of the communities.
Overall, BJ and Lauren’s first hand experience with venues and in-country partners paid off to create a safe, rich tour. Their well-thought plans offset any “surprises” that can occur on such tours. Plus, we were well-prepared with very, very thorough emails sent out at several and well-timed intervals. Right down to step-by-step instructions for visa applications and vaccination certificates.
It was like a giant field trip. One where I didn’t have to worry about anything and yet any considerations I had were listened to and all questions were answered with a smile.
(Even when they were asked a million times).
Was it worth the money? YES! A great value
Would I do it again? YES! Saving my shillings for another time ’round.
A magnificent trip made more so by the magic of RetreaTours! ~Vicky R.
BJ and Lauren are extraordinary at what they do. Their knowledge of local conditions is wide-ranging and deep, their enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, and the care and respect evident in their relationships with local partners is striking. They treat each traveler with compassion and even-handedness. They individually have qualities that complement and support the other, demonstrating a profound personal and professional partnership. I feel both superbly cared for and proud to travel with their graceful guidance, and in fact don’t intend to travel internationally again without them. They are superb travel guides who set and meet a platinum standard. ~Judith S.
This was my first big vacation in 29 years and it far exceeded my expectations. It was a rarified experience to be immersed in nature for 12 days exploring various national parks and conservatories throughout Kenya. BJ and Lauren are true professionals and wonderful hosts who apply an extra measure of care and attention to ensure the trip offers something personal and meaningful to each and everyone of us.
In my case, I was delightfully surprised to plant a tree on the grounds of Ashnil Samburu in memory of my late husband Robert. This is the kind of special care and attention that comes with people who are passionate about their life’s work. Lauren and BJ go above and beyond to ensure our experiences are extraordinary, while simultaneously giving back to the local communities consciously & generously.
I am touched to the core of my being with the people, animals and experiences I had on my safari. I learned that safari means journey in Swahili and this was the first of many journeys I will continue to explore with these two wonderful hosts. ~Stephanie D.
Daily Itinerary and Highlights
Destination Highlights
- Marvel at the iconic Baobab trees
- Enjoy the huge elephant population
- Experience the intimacy of a walking safari
- 550 bird species
- Opportunity to see tree-climbing lions
Arusha
Tarangire
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Karibu Sana–welcome to Tanzania!
Tanzania is a gem in East Africa (and we’re not even talking about Tanzanite, a rich blue gemstone found only in Tanzania!) With 39% of its land protected for wildlife, Tanzania takes conservation seriously and it shows. Tanzania is home to 22 National Parks and we want to share the highlights with you!
The National Parks at Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and, of course, the Serengeti, are each magical destinations and we’ll immerse ourselves in truly wild, majestic landscapes. We’ll be visiting at the end of the dry season which is perfect for wildlife spotting, when grasses are short and animals tend to congregate at watering holes and rivers.
After breakfast on the 17th, we’ll start our drive to Tarangire National Park (3 hours direct, but we will safari on the way in!) Tarangire is world-renowned for its dense elephant population. Tanzania hosts the 3rd largest population of elephants on the continent (after Botswana and Zimbabwe), and Tarangire National Park is thought to be home to the largest number of elephants in northern Tanzania, with almost 3,000 individual elephants. Elephant herds can consist of hundreds of these magnificent creatures.
This is also a very special place to see the iconic Baobab tree. There is only one species of Baobab on the mainland continent, the African baobab tree (Adansonia digitata), with all other species found in Madagascar. Would you believe these enormous trees that can live for over a thousand years are actually succulents? They store water in their trunks to survive the dry season, and elephants often strip their bark for moisture. Tarangire baobabs play a vital role in the ecosystem by providing shelter for animals like baboons and birds, while their nutrient-rich fruit offers food to both wildlife and humans. In Tarangire, these ancient trees stand as enduring sentinels in the wild landscape.
Tarangire is also home to a population of tree-climbing lions! It seems Tanzanian lions have developed an unusual and delightful habit of climbing trees. Despite not being naturally adapted for climbing, some prides have developed this ability over generations. For older lions, climbing requires significant strength, effort, and regular practice, but with experience, they become more skilled at it. Whether it is to avoid insects, enjoy the breeze, or spot prey more efficiently, it is a rare joy to witness firsthand.
You’ll have the opportunity for a walking safari in Tarangire, as well. Although this walking experience will not get you up close and personal with lions, it will give you a “human scale” appreciation of this landscape and allow a different perspective on the park. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore both the local flora and fauna, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich cultures of the indigenous peoples who have lived and flourished on this land.
Destination Highlights
- Enjoy an unforgettable dinner in the bush
- Experience a high density of big cats
- Chance to view tree-climbing lions
- Witness the unique kopje formations
- Home to the Big 5
- 500 bird species
- Optional hot air balloon ride during sunrise in the savanna
Serengeti
On the morning of the 19th we’ll fly to the central Serengeti National Park and head to our home base at Seronera Wildlife Lodge. The Serengeti is massive, ten times larger than Kenya’s neighboring Maasai Mara which is part of the same ecosystem. As you look across the Serengeti’s vast golden plains, the land seems to go on forever, offering a humbling view of the natural world in its purest form. In fact, the name “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai word siringet which translates to “the place where the land runs on forever.”
Granite kopjes are ancient metamorphic rock formations and they add a beautiful dimension to the landscape, rising like islands in the Serengeti’s grassy sea. These striking outcrops provide shelter, water, and hunting vantage points for wildlife while adding dramatic contrast to the plains.
In mid-September, the Serengeti is prime for wildlife sightings, as the dry season has drawn animals to the park’s waterholes. The short grass and reduced vegetation make it easier to spot herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelle– along with the predators in pursuit. With some luck, we may see the “Big 5” here: lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffalo, and rhinos. The Serengeti has a dense concentration of predators, with 3,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, hundreds of cheetahs, and thousands of hyenas calling the savana their home.
We’ll have the opportunity here in the Serengeti for dinner in the bush. We’ll dine under a canopy of stars, with the soft sounds of wildlife as our evening serenade. You’ll also have the opportunity to add on a sunrise hot air balloon ride for a special bird’s eye view of this iconic world wonder!
Destination Highlights
- Learn indigenous customs during a Maasai village visit
- Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera
- Opportunity to see “The Big 5”
Ngorongoro Crater
On September 22nd, we’ll take a final safari drive through the Serengeti as we make our way to our airstrip and fly to our next exciting destination! We’ll arrive at Manyara airstrip and visit a nearby Maasai Village to learn more about the unique culture of this indigenous pastoral tribe.
Tonight we’ll sleep on the edge of Ngorongoro crater in a comfortable lodge and tomorrow we’ll head down into the crater itself. This crater is one of the most unique geological formations on Earth. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and offers a special safari experience.
Formed millions of years ago when a massive volcano collapsed, the crater is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five.” With its relatively small area (about 100 square miles), the crater provides exceptional game-viewing opportunities, as animals are concentrated in this lush and fertile area.
In the crater, the cooler climate and rich biodiversity create a stunning contrast to the dry Serengeti, making it one of the most rewarding places to observe wildlife in a concentrated area. You’ll enjoy the dramatic scenery, including the steep walls of the crater rising above the crater floor.
Ngorongoro Crater is home to a remarkable variety of habitats, each teeming with wildlife. The steep crater walls are mostly covered in montane forest, with euphorbias dominating the shallower western side, and are a favorite haunt for leopards. At the center lies Lake Magadi, a seasonal alkaline lake fringed by soda flats that attract flocks of greater and lesser flamingos alongside other waterbirds.
Nearby, the Mandusi and Gorigor Swamps provide refuge for elephants, hippos, lions, and diverse bird species, while the adjacent Hippo Pool is a favorite picnic site. Lerai Forest, a small acacia woodland, shelters elephants, baboons, and monkeys. Finally, the expansive grasslands host an array of iconic wildlife, including lions, rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, spotted hyenas, and elands, completing the crater’s extraordinary ecosystem.
Lake Manyara National Park & Arusha
September 9–13
Hotels
Destination Highlights
- Enjoy a beautiful vantage point of the Great Rift Valley
- 450+ bird species at Lake Manyara
- Another opportunity to witness tree-climbing lions
- Learn about many Tanzanian tribes during a cultural visit to the crossroads of Mto wa Mbu
Arusha
Lake Manyara National Park
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Tonight we’ll sleep at the edge of the Great Rift Valley in the Manyara Region. The Great Rift Valley in Tanzania is a geological wonder formed by the shifting of tectonic plates over millions of years, creating deep valleys, volcanic craters, and dramatic escarpments. This rift marks a boundary between the eastern and western parts of the African continent and has shaped the region’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
We’ll take a morning and an afternoon safari drive around Lake Manyara National Park’s different habitats—woodlands, grasslands, and the soda lake—all of which attract a wide range of birds, including pelicans, hornbills, and storks. It’s also possible to spot tree-climbing lions here, so keep your eyes on the trees!
On the morning of the 25th, we’ll say goodbye to Manyara and begin our journey back to Arusha. On the way we will visit the Mto wa Mbu area, a vibrant town at the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park. Known for its agricultural activity, Mto wa Mbu is celebrated for its rice fields and the distinctive red bananas that are a hallmark of Tanzania. During a short tour with a local guide, you’ll have the chance to meet local farmers, artisans, and craftsmen, and even sample the region’s unique banana beer. This culturally rich village, home to around 120 tribes, offers an intriguing mix of languages and customs.
We’ll have our final dinner together back at Melia Arusha, where you’ll rest comfortably tonight and reflect on our grand adventure together. Tomorrow you’ll be taken to the Kilimanjaro Airport (~1 hour drive) before your flight.
Please click the Registration button below to sign up for this journey. After receiving your registration form, Lauren will reach out via email with options for the deposit.
The Need to Knows
Click each box to expand the information
Price & What is Included
Stay tuned for 2026 journey pricing.
- A $2000 non-refundable deposit holds your space.
- The second installment of $5000 is due by April 1, 2025
- The balance is due by June 1, 2025
- We will email you an invoice (via PayPal) about a week before each due date.
If you prefer to have your own room, the private room supplement is $1699 USD and will be added to your last payment. (Click here to understand why this private room supplement is necessary). We are happy to say we have partially subsidized this single supplement for you! Please note that we cannot guarantee you a roommate for this trip, and if you room alone, you will be responsible for the single supplement.
Price Includes
- Airport pickup and airport drop-off
- All lodging starting the night of September 16th through the morning of September 26th
- All ground transportation within Tanzania
- Flights between Tarangire and Serengeti; Serengeti and Manyara
- All meals, starting with breakfast on September 17th and ending with breakfast on September 16th
- All water, on safari and at meals
- All alcoholic beverages at the hotels and lodges (domestic beer, house wine, house cocktails)
- All safaris in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser (only 4 to 5 guests per vehicle)
- All National Park entrance fees
- All tips to guides, hotels, and restaurants
- All laundry except at Gran Melia in Arusha
- Online photo album after the trip
- Double carbon-offsetting for your time in Tanzania
Price does not include
- International airfare (although will be more than happy to help you decide on arrangements!)
- Dinner on September 16th
- Tanzania visa fee (~$100 USD for Americans)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Premium alcohol or if you choose to have alcohol while on a game drive
- Excess luggage fees if you have more than 33 lbs luggage total (~$80 to upgrade to 50 lbs total, the maximum)
- Optional Hot Air Balloon ride in the Serengeti ($550 USD, payable directly to our partners)
Payments
Please refer to the Price tab for specific information about price & what is included on your journey.
The non-refundable $2000 deposit guarantees your space. The 2nd installment of $5000 is due on April 1, 2025 and the balance on June 1, 2025. The private room supplement ($1699) will be added to the final balance.
For our American guests, we accept payments via check, credit, or debit card (via PayPal), Zelle, or Venmo. Lauren will send you these details after receiving your registration form.
For our guests outside the U.S., Lauren will connect with you about the best ways to transfer money.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by our guests
The cancellation charges are as follows unless otherwise indicated on the detailed itinerary for each trip. All cancellations must be received via e-mail or US mail.
- Cancellations prior to 120 days to departure, money will be refunded minus the non-refundable deposit.
- Cancellations received 61 to 119 days prior to departure are subject to a penalty of 50% of the total cost of the trip.
- Cancellations received 60 days or fewer prior to trip departure will forfeit the entire cost of the trip.
If a trip is cancelled by RetreaTours
When a tour is cancelled in the case of force majeure, the Tour Participant will receive a refund minus any funds that we are unable to recover from any supplier.
You can see the full cancellation policy in our contract here.
Our Carbon Negative Commitment
RetreaTours is Climate Positive!
We purchase double carbon offsets for your travels with us—that’s from your home, through the entire tour, and back to your home again, times two!
RetreaTours is officially a partner with Cool Effect.
You may have heard the term “carbon neutral,” which means that a company offsets as much carbon as it produces. With this 200% offset, RetreaTours is actually offsetting more carbon than we produce each year, making us “carbon negative” (or “climate positive,” which has a nicer ring to it!)
Since 2012 we’ve focused on making travel safe and easy for our guests; with our double carbon offset tours, we’re pleased to make our trips as sustainable as they are memorable.
Please see more at RetreaTours.com/CarbonNegative
Vaccines & Staying Healthy on Tour
Vaccines
No vaccines are required to enter Tanzania*, but this is one destination where we highly encourage you to work with your local travel clinic or the travel department of your local health department (often a much cheaper option). (*Please note that a Yellow Fever vaccine IS required if you are coming from a country that has endemic Yellow Fever OR if you are continuing on to Rwanda).
- Please see the CDC’s general advice for Tanzania: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania
- Please see the NHS’s general advice for Tanzania: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/united-republic-of-tanzania
It is good general practice to be up to date on your flu shot and tetanus shot; please discuss with your physician if this is right for you.
Malaria
As you can see on the NHS’s malaria map below, malaria is endemic throughout Tanzania and preventatives are recommended. We can tell you anecdotally that we do not encounter many mosquitos during this dry season, but this is ultimately a decision you’ll have to make with your qualified travel health provider.
Staying Healthy on Tour
Please visit our comprehensive article, “How to Stay Healthy While Traveling…Naturally,” which addresses all of the most common travel ailments.
Suggested Fitness Requirements
Safaris are not physically strenuous, but they do require a decent amount of time sitting in a vehicle.
We cut down on driving with this itinerary by flying, but we will have some drives between destinations.
Our morning game drives can be up to 4 hours at a stretch (afternoon game drives about 3 hours), but we will also have time to stretch our legs for “bush” toilet stops.
If you have any questions at all about whether this trip is right for you, please email us and ask!
Travel Insurance
Required Coverage
RetreaTours requires that each guest carries travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and emergency evacuation and repatriation. Theminimumcoverage should be $100,000 emergency medical treatment and $250,000 emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Please send Lauren your policy information as soon as you have it.
Suggested Coverage
We suggest trip cancellation insurance, as well, as you never know what obstacles life can toss at you leading up to a trip. However, we do not require this coverage, we only suggest it highly.
Please familiarize yourself with RetreaTours’ guest cancellation policy in your journey’s contract. Please read this article to understand a bit more about trip cancellation insurance and what it may or may not cover. “Cancel For Any Reason” policies do exist, as well, although do check to see what percentage of the trip cost they actually reimburse.
When to purchase your policy
Please purchase this insurance as soon as we tell you the trip has reached its minimum. Please do not wait until the last minute, should you need to use your (optional) cancellation coverage before then.
Where to search for policies
Below you will find some options to start your search for trip insurance. However, we ask that you carefully consider your choice in travel insurance. What works for some people may not work for others, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions. Please do take the time to consider the best policy for your individual needs.
Squaremouth.com and InsureMyTrip.com are two sites where you can see and compare many policies at once, and you can refine the options by what coverage you would like. Squaremouth’s interface is very easy and intuitive to use, and you can easily opt out of trip cancellation coverage.
It may also be a good idea to check with your credit card companies, especially American Express, to see if they offer any medical coverage for travel.
"Bugs & Temperature"
We know these two topics are important! Do you know how we know? We see your Facebook page and this is what all your friends ask you while you are on safari with us! Here’s the scoop:
Temperature
Yes, you’re in Africa. Yes, you’re near the equator. But, YES, it can still be chilly! Bank on chilly mornings and evenings (as in 55°F chilly, possibly in places) and getting to 80°F in the afternoon. This is due to weather patterns and altitude (we’ll range from 3000 to 4500 feet altitude on this journey).
It will also get warm during the heat of the day (80°F+). This means layers, layers, layers. Feel free to bring light t-shirts or even tank tops and shorts for warm afternoons back at the hotels and camps, but please do bring long pants and a sweater or jacket (especially if you plan on doing the optional hot air balloon ride).
Bugs
You may have a vision of tons of insects and mosquitos invading your space on a safari. It just ain’t so!
We will be visiting Tanzania during the end of the dry season and mosquitos and creepy crawlies, in general, aren’t a big concern.
Malaria is still endemic in Tanzania and you should have that conversation about antimalarials with your travel doctor (please see the “vaccines” box above for more information about that).
We say this not to lessen any of your precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses—we’re big fans of being well-prepared and taken care of. This is to give you a bit of perspective about what the actual situation is on the ground.
Please do bring personal insect repellent, and please do wear it and/or long-sleeves and pants at night; certainly, feel free to use any mosquito nets around your bedding (available at some camps). But please don’t let fear of bugs put you off a Tanzanian safari!
Passport & Visa
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of this journey and have two empty pages in it (three, if you are going to Rwanda, as well).
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for this journey, and we’ll give you further visa instructions along with the orientation before the journey. The Tanzanian visa is $100 USD for Americans.
Temperature & Suggested Packing List
The historic temperatures in Kenya and our safari destinations will range between 55°F and 80°F+. This will mean chilly evenings and early mornings to pleasantly warm afternoons.
We’ll provide a packing list well before the journey! Please note that we highly suggest soft-sided luggage in order to fit inside the safari vehicles.
About our Accommodations
During our time together in Tanzania, we’ll be staying at a mix of hotels and luxury tent camps (true “glamping!”). The camps are stylish and comfortable and each tent has its own bathroom with running hot water and shower. If you’d like to see our accommodations, please see the links below:
- September 16 and September 25, Arusha: Gran Melia Arusha
- September 17–19, Tarangire: Tarangire Treetops Lodge
- September 20–21, Serengeti: Sametu Serengeti Camp
- September 22: Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw
- September 23–24. Lake Manyara: Lake Manyara Kilimamaoja Lodge
WiFi & Electricity
Wifi
The internet is accessible throughout this journey, although it may only be available in the common areas at our camps. We recommend staying connected with your loved ones via WhatsApp (which we will also use on the tour to communicate the schedule and updates).
If you choose to utilize an international plan with your home carrier, you should have access to the internet for most of this journey.
Electrical Outlets and Adaptors
You’ll need an electrical adaptor for Tanzania. We highly recommend a Universal Adaptor such as this (for its Type G adaptor), which also has USB and USB-C outlets so you can charge multiple devices at once.
About your International Flights
We are more than happy to recommend international flights, but ultimately you will make the purchase yourself. Here is some important information if you would like to research flights yourself:
When must I arrive in Tanzania / where will I stay?
You’ll fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. We advise arriving before midnight on the September 16th at the very latest. You may wish to arrive early to account for any flight delays or cancellations or weather incidents at your departure airport.
If you wish to arrive early, we can help you with hotel reservations.
On arrival, you’ll be picked up and taken to Gran Melia Arusha. Your first hotel night included on this journey is the night of September 16th, check in at 3 PM.
What time should I book my departing flight from Tanzania?
Your hotel night is included on September 26th, but you can leave anytime after ~7 PM on the 25th. Check-out time at Gran Melia Arusha in noon on September 26th, although you can check out and have them hold on to your luggage if your flight is not until later in the day. Your transport to the airport (~1 hour away) is included.
What if I am continuing on to Rwanda or Zanzibar?
Please let BJ help you if you are planning an extension to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda or for some beach time in Zanzibar.
Contact RetreaTours
About BJ and Lauren of RetreaTours
You’ll be joined on this journey by BJ & Lauren, owners of RetreaTours–and we are so excited to show you the natural beauty of Tanzania!
Husband-and-wife team BJ Graf and Lauren Rathvon left the U.S. and have traveled the globe year-round since January 2013, researching, designing, and leading impactful journeys.
We are committed not only to our guests but to our host destinations and the planet at large. We engage with local businesses and guides to keep money within the community, and we double carbon offset each of our tours.
We invite you to visit our Testimonials page to see what other people have to say about us! You can head to our About Us page to learn more about our story.
You can have a smartphone safari!
Do we recommend only having your smartphone on safari? Not necessarily. Can you bring home some excellent shots on your smartphone, though? Absolutely! We get so close to so many animals that sometimes you have to use your phone instead of a zoom lens.
The video below highlights footage that BJ took exclusively on his iPhone 11 in 2019—nothing edited or zoomed beyond the standard 2x zoom. This video goes to show that it’s not only about what camera you are using on safari!
Want to relax and not worry about capturing the moment? Bring your smartphone & a pair of binoculars and then rely on our photo album at the end of the safari!
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