Planning a safari or holiday in Tanzania or Kenya often comes with questions. Below are answers to the ones our travellers ask most — about booking, what to expect on safari, where you’ll stay and how you’ll get around, and staying healthy along the way.
Planning & Booking
For our July–September and December–January peak seasons, we recommend booking 6–9 months ahead so EATL can secure the camps and lodges for your Tanzania safari. Outside peak season, 2–3 months is usually enough — reach out to our team in Arusha to check availability.
It depends on what you want to see. June to October is dry season with excellent game viewing across parks like Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro, plus the tail end of the wildebeest migration. December to March is calving season on the southern Serengeti plains, with fewer crowds and lush green scenery.
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Tanzania, available on arrival or, faster, through the official Tanzania e-visa portal before you travel. For Kenya, most visitors must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure. Let us know your nationality and travel dates and we’ll confirm the exact requirements for both countries.
We ask for a deposit to confirm your booking, with the amount depending on the package and season you choose — our team will confirm this when you enquire. The balance is due before departure, and deposits can be paid by bank transfer or card.
You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, your visa or e-visa approval, proof of yellow fever vaccination if applicable, and your travel insurance details.
Yes, all of our safaris can be tailored — parks, pace, accommodation level and add-ons like Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro can all be adjusted to fit what you’re looking for.
US dollars are widely accepted in both countries, alongside Tanzanian shillings in Tanzania and Kenyan shillings in Kenya. Cards are increasingly accepted at lodges and larger shops, though cash is still useful for tips and small purchases. We’ll share more detail once your trip is booked.
Cancellation terms depend on how far out you cancel and the specific camps and lodges booked, since many of them have their own policies. We’ll walk you through the exact terms for your itinerary before you confirm.
Yes, we can arrange domestic flights between regions, such as connecting Arusha with the Serengeti or Zanzibar, or Nairobi with the Maasai Mara, as part of your itinerary.
Absolutely — many of our travellers combine a safari with time relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, or with climbing Kilimanjaro before or after. Let us know and we’ll build a combined itinerary.
For our July–September and December–January peak seasons, we recommend booking 6–9 months ahead so EATL can secure the camps and lodges for your Tanzania safari. Outside peak season, 2–3 months is usually enough — reach out to our team in Arusha to check availability.
It depends on what you want to see. June to October is dry season with excellent game viewing across parks like Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro, plus the tail end of the wildebeest migration. December to March is calving season on the southern Serengeti plains, with fewer crowds and lush green scenery.
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Tanzania, available on arrival or, faster, through the official Tanzania e-visa portal before you travel. For Kenya, most visitors must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure. Let us know your nationality and travel dates and we’ll confirm the exact requirements for both countries.
We ask for a deposit to confirm your booking, with the amount depending on the package and season you choose — our team will confirm this when you enquire. The balance is due before departure, and deposits can be paid by bank transfer or card.
You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, your visa or e-visa approval, proof of yellow fever vaccination if applicable, and your travel insurance details.
Yes, all of our safaris can be tailored — parks, pace, accommodation level and add-ons like Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro can all be adjusted to fit what you’re looking for.
US dollars are widely accepted in both countries, alongside Tanzanian shillings in Tanzania and Kenyan shillings in Kenya. Cards are increasingly accepted at lodges and larger shops, though cash is still useful for tips and small purchases. We’ll share more detail once your trip is booked.
Cancellation terms depend on how far out you cancel and the specific camps and lodges booked, since many of them have their own policies. We’ll walk you through the exact terms for your itinerary before you confirm.
Yes, we can arrange domestic flights between regions, such as connecting Arusha with the Serengeti or Zanzibar, or Nairobi with the Maasai Mara, as part of your itinerary.
Absolutely — many of our travellers combine a safari with time relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, or with climbing Kilimanjaro before or after. Let us know and we’ll build a combined itinerary.
On Safari
Most itineraries include a morning and an afternoon game drive, with a rest at camp during the heat of midday. Full-day drives with a picnic lunch can be arranged in parks like the Serengeti where distances are greater.
We can’t guarantee sightings — these are wild animals in their natural habitat — but EATL’s guides know the parks intimately and our itineraries are built around the areas and seasons that give you the best chance.
Yes, many of the camps we work with welcome families, and some have minimum age requirements for game drives (usually 5–8 years). Let us know your children’s ages when planning and we’ll match you with family-friendly properties.
Beyond lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, expect giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, cheetah, and hundreds of bird species, plus seasonal spectacles like the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti.
Professional cameras are welcome and encouraged. Drones are heavily restricted or banned in Tanzania’s national parks without a special permit, so check with us before packing one.
Night drives are only permitted in a limited number of areas outside the national parks, such as some private conservancies, since most national parks close to vehicles after dark. We’ll let you know if it’s an option on your route.
A private vehicle means it’s just your group and your guide, so you set the pace and stops. A shared vehicle joins you with other travellers to reduce cost. We’ll confirm which applies to your package.
Guides follow park rules on safe viewing distances, which vary by animal and situation. You’ll still get excellent close-up views and photo opportunities without disturbing the wildlife.
Our vehicles have roofs and sides that close, so light rain rarely stops a drive — and animals are often more active just after rain. In the rare case of heavy weather, your guide will adjust the plan for your comfort and safety.
Yes, many of our itineraries can include a guided walking safari or a hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti as an add-on. Let us know if you’d like to include one when planning your trip.
For our July–September and December–January peak seasons, we recommend booking 6–9 months ahead so EATL can secure the camps and lodges for your Tanzania safari. Outside peak season, 2–3 months is usually enough — reach out to our team in Arusha to check availability.
It depends on what you want to see. June to October is dry season with excellent game viewing across parks like Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro, plus the tail end of the wildebeest migration. December to March is calving season on the southern Serengeti plains, with fewer crowds and lush green scenery.
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Tanzania, available on arrival or, faster, through the official Tanzania e-visa portal before you travel. For Kenya, most visitors must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure. Let us know your nationality and travel dates and we’ll confirm the exact requirements for both countries.
We ask for a deposit to confirm your booking, with the amount depending on the package and season you choose — our team will confirm this when you enquire. The balance is due before departure, and deposits can be paid by bank transfer or card.
You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, your visa or e-visa approval, proof of yellow fever vaccination if applicable, and your travel insurance details.
Yes, all of our safaris can be tailored — parks, pace, accommodation level and add-ons like Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro can all be adjusted to fit what you’re looking for.
US dollars are widely accepted in both countries, alongside Tanzanian shillings in Tanzania and Kenyan shillings in Kenya. Cards are increasingly accepted at lodges and larger shops, though cash is still useful for tips and small purchases. We’ll share more detail once your trip is booked.
Cancellation terms depend on how far out you cancel and the specific camps and lodges booked, since many of them have their own policies. We’ll walk you through the exact terms for your itinerary before you confirm.
Yes, we can arrange domestic flights between regions, such as connecting Arusha with the Serengeti or Zanzibar, or Nairobi with the Maasai Mara, as part of your itinerary.
Absolutely — many of our travellers combine a safari with time relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, or with climbing Kilimanjaro before or after. Let us know and we’ll build a combined itinerary.
Accommodation & Transport
Lodges are permanent buildings with hotel-style rooms, often with pools and larger common areas. Tented camps offer canvas rooms with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms, set closer to the bush for a more immersive feel. Which one you get depends on the package — EATL mixes and matches lodges and camps to fit your budget and style.
Depending on distance, we use 4×4 safari vehicles for road transfers or light aircraft for longer hops between regions, such as from our base in Arusha to the Serengeti. We’ll recommend the right mix based on your route and time available.
Most packages include full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the lodge or camp, along with park fees and game drives in that area. Drinks and extras like spa treatments are usually not included — we’ll spell out exactly what’s covered in your quote.
Yes, most of our itineraries can be adjusted to mid-range, luxury or exclusive camps and lodges. Let us know your budget and preferred style and we’ll suggest upgrades where they make the biggest difference.
This varies by park and property, but most of the camps and lodges we work with are positioned inside or right on the edge of the park, so game drives can start within minutes rather than hours.
Most properties have electricity, at least for part of the day, and many offer Wi-Fi in common areas. Coverage can be limited in more remote parks like the Serengeti — we’ll flag any properties with no connectivity in advance.
A road safari uses 4×4 vehicles to travel between parks, which lets you see the changing landscape but takes longer. A fly-in safari uses light aircraft for the longer legs, saving time so you can cover more parks in fewer days.
Yes — once we understand your budget, style and dates, we’ll put together a shortlist of camps and lodges for each stop on your route, and you choose the ones you’d like.
Airport transfers to your first camp or lodge are included in our safari packages. If you’re arriving on a separate itinerary, let us know your flight details and we’ll arrange the pickup.
We use 4×4 safari Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for unobstructed game viewing and photography, each with a dedicated driver-guide.
Health & Safety
A yellow fever vaccination is required if you’re arriving from a country with risk of transmission. We also recommend routine vaccinations be up to date and suggest speaking with a travel clinic about malaria prophylaxis before you go.
Bottled or filtered water is provided at all the camps and lodges we work with, and in our safari vehicles. We recommend avoiding tap water throughout your trip.
Tanzania is generally a safe and welcoming destination for travellers, including families and solo travellers. As with any destination, we recommend standard precautions such as keeping valuables secure and following your guide’s advice in the parks.
Malaria is present in most safari areas, so we recommend speaking with a travel clinic or doctor about antimalarial medication before you travel, along with using insect repellent and covering up in the evenings.
Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as some of our destinations are remote. We’re happy to point you toward reputable providers if needed.
Our guides are trained in first aid and our vehicles carry basic medical kits. For serious emergencies, camps and lodges in remote areas typically have arrangements with flying doctor or evacuation services, which is why travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is important.
Walking safaris are led by armed, experienced rangers or guides and are generally very safe, though they do carry some inherent risk as you’re on foot near wildlife. We’ll only offer this where it’s appropriate for the group and location.
Beyond the usual clothing, we recommend insect repellent, sun protection, any personal medication, a basic first aid kit, and any vaccination or malaria prescriptions from your doctor before departure.
Most camps welcome children of all ages, though some set a minimum age (often 5–8 years) for game drives for safety reasons. Let us know your children’s ages when planning so we can find the right fit.
Requirements can change, so we recommend checking the latest guidance for Tanzania before you travel. We’ll also flag anything relevant to your trip once we know your travel dates and nationality.
