Pricing & frequently asked questions

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The price of a safari depends on what park(s) you’re visiting, how many days you’re traveling, the number of travelers in your group, what type of accommodations you choose and what time of year you visit. 

On average each person in a group of 2 might spend $400 - $500 and up per day however, a group of 4 or more people might spend $300 - $400 and up per day. 

Cultural tours cost around $40 to $60 per person per day. 

Hot Air Balloon Safaris cost approximately $550 to $600 per person.

Other costs:

• Safari Driver/Tour Guide tips: In Tanzania it is customary to tip safari drivers to show your appreciation for their work. We recommend tipping $10 to $25 per person per day. It is also encouraged to tip tour guides and porters. Some accommodations have tipping boxes at reception; leaving something at the end of your safari is polite. 
• Entry Visas (entry into Tanzania): The cost varies based on your country of citizenship, but it’s $50 for most European and Canadian travelers and $100 for American Citizens. Please see the official Tanzanian Government website for details. 
• Airfare and baggage fees (unless included during your trip). 
• Additional accommodation prior to or after your safari.
• Immunizations (consult your physician)

Tanzania is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. Nearly two million people visit the country each year. It is generally a safe, hassle-free country and completely secure for tourists to visit. Please make sure to abide by any governmental policies and travel advisories for safety purposes which may be found on your country of origin’s embassy website. It’s recommended to avoid walking alone at night or on isolated stretches of beach or roads. When in doubt ask one of our guides to accompany you. 

Use common sense with your personal belongings and important documents. All the hotels, camps and lodges we use have a secure safe available either in your room or at the front desk. 

Do not forget that when you are on safari you will be coming in contact with wild animals; not zoo animals or pets. Stay in your safari vehicle at all times (unless otherwise specified) and follow all instructions from your guide.

Best Time: June to October (All parks), January-February (Serengeti for the wildebeest migration and calving)

High Season: June to late October, January – February

Low Season: March - May (although there is still plenty to see and do & safari prices drop significantly)

Best Weather: June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Worst Weather: March and April (Peak of Wet season)

We recommend booking your safari at least nine months to a year in advance (especially for multiple rooms) and flights at least three months in advance however, we are happy to try to make things work our for you if you’ve got last minute plans. 

Our safari vehicles are ready to safely accommodate a maximum of 6 people. Each Landcruiser is equipped for maximum wildlife and scenery viewing with large sliding windows and a pop-up roof.  

Kids are always welcome however, most wildlife lodges and camps have age restrictions ranging from children below 8 to 12 years old. If you want to bring a child younger than this feel free to email us for specifics and we’d be happy to find child-friendly accommodations. Please keep in mind that when you’re on safari you’ll be inside a vehicle for long periods of time and have to remain quiet when viewing wildlife.

We advise that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Coverage should include trip cancellation, delay or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, emergency accident, illness and evacuation, 24-hour medical assistance and traveler’s assistance. Afrika Roots Safari Company does not include travel insurance or any protection plan in its safari price.

Copied directly from The United Republic of Tanzania Immigration Services Department: 

All travelers whether foreign nationals, Tanzanian citizens or Residents, MUST enter Tanzania through designated (formal) Entry Points. Upon arrival, the traveller will be responsible for:

1. Appearing in person in front of an Immigration Officer with a completed and signed arrival declaration card, and
2. Producing their passport or other acceptable document to an Immigration Officer; and
3. In the case of foreign nationals; they may be required:
4. To show their Visa or apply for Visa on arrival;
5. To show Residence Permit/Pass If they are bonafide Residents in Tanzania;
6. Return ticket or evidence of onward travel arrangement; and
7. Evidence of funds for maintenance

See current requirements here.

Helpful notes:

• Keep your last boarding pass handy! They will ask to see it at the airport upon arrival.  
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has at least two blank pages.
• Have the name and phone number of the hotel or place you are staying easily available. 

Yes, a Visa is required for almost all non-citizens. The cost varies based on your country of citizenship, but it’s $50 for most European and Canadian travelers and $100 for American Citizens. Choose either a 30 day one-entry e Visa or multiple-entry e Visa (if you are a US citizen) valid for one year and allowing a 90 day stay each time. It is best to apply at least 1 month in advance although Visas can be paid for on arrival. Please see the official Tanzanian Government website for details. 

You can purchase a Tanzanian Visa at the Airport upon arrival however, we recommend getting an eVisa prior to arrival. 

No immunization is required to enter Tanzania by law however, several vaccinations are highly recommended like malaria or yellow fever. Please consult your personal physician or pharmacy specialist before taking these vaccinations.

It's always best to check with your embassy however, On 12th January 2023, the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) issued updated Travel Advisory No.12 for Mainland Tanzania, replacing Travel Advisory No. 11 of 8th September 2022:

1. All travelers entering or transiting URT through land borders, sea/lake ports or airports, are advised to be fully vaccinated as per approved schedule of primary vaccination against COVID 19 in their respective countries.
2. All travelers entering or transiting URT Mainland through land borders, sea/lake ports or airports, are not required to present COVID-19 certificate or RT-PCR certificate or perform Rapid Antigen Test on arrival unless stated otherwise by conveyance to be used or by country of their final destination. However, for surveillance purposes Port Health Officials may at any time perform COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test free of charge for randomly selected travelers during arrival at points of entry.
3. On arrival, thermal and physical screening will be done. Passengers found to be symptomatic during screening will be immediately isolated and handled as per health protocol.

Please download United Republic of Tanzania Travel Advisory No.12 here.

There are 3 International Airports in Tanzania: Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro. We will recommend the most convenient based on your itinerary.

There is no need to arrange for transfer. Our team is ready to host you as soon as you get off the plane! You’ll find your driver right outside the airport exit doors, no matter what time you arrive, holding a sign with your name. We will make sure you arrive at the airport on time for departure as well. 

USD is accepted just about anywhere in Tanzania although there are some shops that only accept TZS (Tanzanian shillings). The current exchange rate (with slight fluctuation) is about TZS 2,300/USD $1. Make sure to bring bills from 2009 and up. You will have a tough time exchanging old bills. You may use credit cards such as Visa or Mastercard but be prepared for system outages in smaller shops and restaurants in which you’ll need to pay cash. It’s always best to ask before ordering anything. ATMs are all over the cities. Make sure to arrange for international travel with your bank if using credit cards. You may also change Euros and some other major currencies, though preference is given to USD and the rate of exchange for other currencies may not be favorable. 

It is customary in Tanzania to tip as a way of showing your appreciation for the service you are receiving. We recommend the following tipping guidelines:

• Safari driver-guide: $10 - $15 USD per person per day
• Safari-cook (for camping safaris only): $15 - $20 USD per day
• Park Ranger or Maasai Guide For Walking Safaris: $20 USD per vehicle per walk.
• Market tour guide: $10 - $20 USD per vehicle.
• Maasai or Mulala Village Visit: $20 USD per vehicle
• Transfer driver in Arusha or Zanzibar: $10 USD per vehicle
• Porters/Baggage Handlers: $1 - $2 USD per bag.
• Lodge/Camp Staff: $10 USD per group per day.

At most safari lodges and camps, a tip box will be located in the reception area. We recommend that you use the gratuity boxes rather than providing individual tips to the staff that directly assist you. There are many behind the scenes staff ensuring your pleasant stay (cooks, room attendants, housekeepers, security guards, etc.) and by using the gratuity box, your tip will be shared equally among all staff.

(Of course tips of the same equivalence as above are accepted in TZS.)

Tanzania has two official languages – Swahili and English. You’ll be able to get around just fine if English is the only language you speak but it is helpful to learn a few basic Swahili words like Jambo (hello) and Asante (thank you).

No problem! Most camps, lodges and hotels have physicians on site. We do however, recommend purchasing travel insurance in case of emergency. 

It’s best not to drink the tap water in Tanzania. It’s perfect for showering or washing your hands but we advise using bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

All hotels, lodges and camps have Wi-Fi and Internet access. However, be prepared for a slower speed. All major local cell phone companies have portable Wi-Fi routers available for purchase as well. 

In Tanzania the power plug sockets are of type D (India) and G (UK). The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Converters are easy to find online and in travel shops prior to your trip. It’s always helpful to carry and extra back up battery in case your power is running low and you still have wildlife to capture on your device. 

Each Landcruiser is equipped with a type G charging strip or socket in which you are welcome to use with or without your converter.

Keep in mind that on safaris, most of the lodges are powered by generators or solar panels and these are often turned off during parts of the day and night to reduce noise and fuel consumption.

When traveling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and of course, comfortably. It is usually warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas; a rain jacket, sweatshirt and good quality walking shoes or boots are essential.

Absolutely! Please make us aware in the Additional Info portion of your booking. If you forgot, no worries. Shoot us an email with a modification request. 

You may choose accommodation outside of your package at your own risk and cost. Let our team know what you choose and we can either contact them for you and adjust the price of your package or you can book on your own and we will revise your package to exclude accomodation.  

Great! We offer many volunteer opportunities such as an orphanage, church, medical or dental clinic. We love a solo volunteer just as much as a group of people. Please drop us a line on the contact form below and one of our team will get back to you.