General FAQs & Key Information

Please find our general FAQs below. We also have Kilimanjaro FAQs and Safari FAQs on their individual pages.

BOOKING AND PLANNING YOUR TRIP

How far in advance should I book my trip?

It is recommended to book your trip with Pristine Trails six to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred dates and accommodations. However, we can sometimes accommodate bookings made as little as one month prior to the trip, depending on availability.

How do I plan my trip?

To start planning your trip, you can contact Pristine Trails via our email or online contact form. Provide us with your details, such as your preferred travel dates, number of people traveling, desired activities, budget, and any other relevant information. A trip specialist will respond within 24-48 hours with a proposed itinerary and further details.

How do I confirm my trip booking?

You will receive access to a personalized trip page through our online trip platform. Here you will find your detailed itinerary, invoice, and payment instructions, in addition to preparation information. This is your resource to use and access while you prepare to travel.

A 30% deposit is collected to confirm your booking, by bank transfer or credit card. The full balance is due 90 days prior to your arrival date.

What should I expect after booking?

After booking, you will use your online trip page to access preparation materials, including packing lists, visa information, and more details about what to expect during your travels. You will also be asked to provide personal details to finalize logistics and ensure all your needs are met.

COSTS AND PAYMENT

How much does a trip cost?

The cost of a trip varies based on the itinerary, accommodation choices, and activities. Detailed pricing will be provided during the booking process once you have shared your preferences and requirements.

Why do you charge a single supplement for solo travelers?

A single supplement is charged to cover the additional costs incurred by solo travelers, such as single occupancy of rooms and personal services that would otherwise be shared.

Can I use a credit during my trip?

Most hotels and lodges accept credit card payments, adding a 3-5% fee. It is highly recommended you carry enough cash with you to cover your planned gratuities/tips in addition to other incidentals, such as laundry and beverages.

Do I need local currency?

Yes. Tanzanian Shilling is Tanzania’s official currency and is required for some tourism-related fees and charges. That being said, US dollars are generally pretty widely accepted.

CANCELLATION AND INSURANCE

What is Pristine Trails’ cancellation policy?

Cancellations must be made in writing. The cancellation fees are as follows:

  • More than 90 days before the tour: 15% of the total trip price
  • 89-61 days before the tour: 50% of the total trip price
  • 60 days or less before the tour: 100% of the total trip price. No refunds are provided for early departure from the tour.

Is insurance provided?

Pristine Trails does not provide insurance. It is required that travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, medical coverage, and other potential eventualities. Learn more on our Travel Insurance page.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS AND VISAS

What are Tanzania’s travel requirements?

If you are visiting Tanzania, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

Most foreign passport holders need a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania, which can be either applied for in advance or obtained upon arrival at the airport.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from, or transiting > 12 hours through a country where yellow fever is endemic. It may be required if your trip includes multiple countries in East Africa. Please check the most updated requirements with your Trip Expert.

Other travel requirements come and go, so please check with your Trip Expert about the latest requirements.

Do I need a visa for entry?

Most foreign passport holders need a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania, which can be either applied for in advance or obtained upon arrival at the airport.

Tanzania has an ‘e-visas’ system through which applications can be submitted and approved online in advance of travel.

The cost of a Tanzanian tourist visa is $50 USD for most travelers, $100 USD for US citizens. Citizens of some countries (such as some neighboring African countries) are allowed to enter Tanzania without a visa.

It can take up to 10 days to process your e-visa application, so please ensure that you give yourself sufficient time to complete the application and receive your visa confirmation documents. If you have booked a last-minute Tanzania tour, you should instead obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport. The tourist visa should not be completed more than 3 months prior to your scheduled travel dates.

You do not need a separate visa for visiting Zanzibar Island; though, the same above Tanzania visa requirements apply for Zanzibar.

For further information and to apply for your visa, please visit the official website.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Is Pristine Trails a licensed operator?

Pristine Trails is registered both in the US and in Tanzania. Our US registration includes California Seller of Travel certification. In Tanzania, we are a registered company with TALA licenses for both safaris and Kilimanjaro treks as we

What is the best packing list for me to prepare?

Explore our Packing Lists for more detailed information.

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