Please find our Safari FAQs below. We also have Kilimanjaro FAQs and general FAQs on their individual pages.
Our Pristine Trails safari guides are among the best in the business, with comprehensive knowledge and a passion for sharing Tanzania with you. They are wildlife experts, trained to provide you with detailed information about the animals, environments, ecosystems, Tanzanian culture, and more. Combining academic coursework with years of practical experience, our guides ensure you find wildlife off the beaten path, creating a lively and fun experience.
Pristine Trails uses 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers, equipped for rough roads. These vehicles have pop-up roof hatches for 360-degree game viewing, a cooler box for keeping drinks cold, VHF radios for communication, and electrical outlets for charging electronic accessories.
To maintain the pristine safari experience, Wi-Fi is not available in the vehicles, encouraging full immersion in your surroundings. All camps and lodges have Wi-Fi. Our vehicles are inspected by mechanics after each safari to ensure they are in top condition.
All of our safaris are private, tailor-made experiences crafted with you and our experts. In your safari vehicle, you will travel with your companions and your guide, who also serves as your driver. We accommodate parties of any size, from solo travelers to large groups. A private tour provides an intimate and flexible experience, allowing you to craft your itinerary and make choices throughout your safari, such as the duration of daily game drives.
Most days begin early with a game drive when animals are most active. When staying in the same national park for multiple days, you can choose to take a packed, hot lunch and stay out all day or return to your lodge or camp for lunch and a rest before a second-afternoon game drive. Each day’s schedule is flexible and will be discussed with your guide the evening beforehand, allowing for a personalized safari experience tailored to your preferences. Take a look at our Tanzania Safari Itineraries to learn more.
Tanzania is a world-class safari destination year-round. Our planning staff will work with you to craft an itinerary that fits your travel schedule. Northern Tanzania experiences two seasons: dry and rainy. The dry seasons, from late December to March and June to October, are the most popular, with high tourist numbers and wildlife congregating around watering holes. The cooler temperatures of June to October are especially pleasant.
The rainy seasons, from April to May and November, are known as “green seasons,” when the parks bloom and many young animals are seen. These months offer lower prices and fewer crowds. Bird watching is excellent year-round. Learn more by reading our Tanzania Destination Guide.
The famous wildebeest migration in the Serengeti involves over a million wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle moving in search of better grazing. The migration follows a clockwise cycle throughout the year, depending on rainfall.
From late December to March, herds spread across the southern Serengeti plains, with calving season in February. By April, the herds move north into central Serengeti, and by May, they start moving west, crossing the Grumeti River. In July, some herds head further north, crossing into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and by November, they begin heading southeast as the cycle restarts. Learn more by reading our detailed blog about the great migration.
Pristine Trails welcomes children on safari, ensuring family-friendly experiences that are both safe and educational. Our team crafts itineraries that incorporate the right balance of game driving, out-of-the-vehicle activities, and downtime for children of various ages. While safari is a wonderful experience for people of all ages, you know your child best and what kinds of travel may or may not work well for them.
We specialize in Guided Safaris in Tanzania that ensure safety and provide expert knowledge. Self-guided safaris are not offered.
Travelers can fly into major airports such as Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) on the island of Zanzibar. The airport closest to your safari destinations is Kilimanjaro International, and this is where Pristine Trails provides meet-and-greet and pick-up services. If you find more favorable flights to other regional airports, we can assist in booking connecting domestic or regional airfare.
Pristine Trails does not impose mileage limits on our safaris, allowing for flexible and extensive exploration of the parks away from the crowds. Game driving is only permitted during daylight hours – unless you have booked a special night game excursion.
Interacting with wildlife is generally not allowed for safety and conservation reasons. In some parks, walking safaris are available that may bring you closer to the wildlife, but touching, feeding, or interacting with any animals is not permitted.
At lodges and tented camps, you will be served both continental dishes and traditional Tanzanian and African fare, along with fresh fruit and salads, all safe to eat. Some properties offer buffet-style meals, while others provide individual plated meals. Various dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten intolerance, can be accommodated. You will be asked about your preferences upon booking your trip. Filtered drinking water will be available throughout your safari, and you can purchase soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages at the lodges and camps. Your drinks will be included at select properties.
Amenities vary by location. For a detailed list, please refer to Pristine Trails Accommodations.
Pristine Trails’ safari vehicles do not have air conditioning to allow for optimal game viewing and photographic opportunities through the open windows and roof hatches.
Filtered drinking water is always included. Some packages will include soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages. If your package does not include additional drinks, they will be available for purchase.
Your camps and lodges will have Wi-Fi available. Wi-Fi is not provided in our safari vehicles to encourage full immersion in the experience.
Yes, Pristine Trails can accommodate requests for different lodges or camps, tailoring the experience to your preferences.
Laundry services are available at most lodges and camps for an additional cost. Generally, you will be charged per item, with heavy and bulky items priced higher (i.e. fleeces and jackets). In most places, laundry is hand-washed and line-dried. It is therefore best to have laundry done in locations where you are staying for a minimum of two nights.
Bush flights are typically on small Cessna planes seating 12-15 people, with strict luggage restrictions due to the limited space.
There are toilet facilities available at the national park gates and dotted throughout the national parks. If you are far from a toilet while out on a game drive, your guide will find a safe place to stop where you can use nature. Your accommodations all have en suite bathroom facilities.
On safari, it is best to wear lightweight clothing in neutral colors, such as tan, green, gray, and white. It is important to avoid bright colors while out on game drives, as these can disturb the animals. In certain areas of Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park, it is recommended to avoid dark blue and black to deter Tsetse flies. Always be mindful of weather conditions and ensure your clothes are suited to the time spent under the hot sun. While at your accommodations, feel free to wear whatever is comfortable and any colors you’d like. Check out our Packing Lists for more helpful information.
Casual attire is generally acceptable throughout your trip. Some high-end lodges may have a smart-casual dress code for dinner. Check with your Trip Expert.
Each safari vehicle will have one pair of binoculars at a minimum. You are welcome to bring any additional pairs you would like.
Drones are prohibited from being brought into Tanzania without proper permits. Without these permits, your drone can be confiscated by customs officials at the airport. Permits must be acquired from five different government entities and can cost upwards of $5,000, taking a minimum of 3 months.
Pristine Trails provides high-quality safari experiences that include knowledgeable and trained guides, well-maintained vehicles, and top-notch accommodations. These factors, along with the logistical costs of traveling in remote areas, and park and conservation fees all contribute to the overall expense. However, we craft every experience to ensure you’re getting value for your money.
Quoting safaris in US dollars standardizes pricing for international clients and simplifies transactions.
Pristine Trails has eliminated single-use plastic bottles on safaris and day trips, reflecting our commitment to preserving the environment. We ask that travelers bring a reusable bottle, which will be refilled with filtered drinking water throughout their trip. All trash and waste are disposed of properly in designated containers, with no waste left behind.