Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most about Tanzania safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs and Zanzibar stays. Can’t find yours? Our Arusha team is happy to help.

Planning your trip

Booking & Travel Essentials

Visas, vaccinations, what is included and how far ahead to book.

For the peak seasons of June to October and the December holidays, we recommend booking 6 to 12 months ahead, as the best lodges fill early. Shorter notice is often possible, so just ask.

Most visitors need a visa, which you can apply for online through the official Tanzania e-visa portal before you travel. Requirements depend on your nationality, so please check before booking flights.

Your quote lists exactly what is included. This usually covers park fees, accommodation, meals, a private safari vehicle with guide and airport transfers. International flights, visas, travel insurance and tips are not included.

Yes. Many of our guests end their safari with a few days on the beach. A short flight connects the northern parks with Zanzibar, and we arrange everything in one itinerary.

Absolutely. Families love Tanzania, and we choose child-friendly lodges and shorter driving days. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, which we will flag when planning.

Requirements change, so please speak to a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. A yellow fever certificate may be required if you arrive from a country with a risk of transmission.

Tanzania safaris

Safari Questions

Where to go, how long to stay, what you will see and what to pack.

Tanzania is famous for its incredible wildlife, the Great Migration in the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.

 

Popular destinations include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.

Yes. Tanzania offers exceptional wildlife experiences, including opportunities to see lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, and many other species in their natural habitats.

 

A safari can take 3–4 days for a short trip or 7–10 days or longer for a more extensive itinerary. The ideal duration depends on your destinations, interests, travel pace, and budget.

Tanzania is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, and hundreds of bird species.

Yes. Tanzania offers family-friendly safari experiences and beach holidays. The most suitable itinerary depends on children’s ages, travel preferences, accommodation policies, and activity requirements.

Pack lightweight neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and any personal medication. Include warmer layers for cool mornings, evenings, and high-altitude destinations.

Fibi Safaris can help you plan a personalized Tanzania journey based on your preferred destinations, travel dates, interests, accommodation style, and budget. Contact the team to discuss your ideal itinerary

Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Routes, altitude, experience needed and tipping your mountain crew.

Kilimanjaro stands in northeast Tanzania, inside Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most climbs start from the town of Moshi, about an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport and two hours from Arusha.

Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the Kibo crater rim, is 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level. That makes Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

Between 5 and 9 days on the mountain, depending on the route. We recommend at least seven days: the extra time helps your body adjust to the altitude and greatly improves your chance of reaching the summit.

No. Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek, not a technical climb, so you won’t need ropes or ice axes. You do need good general fitness and determination. Regular hikes in the two or three months before your trip are the best preparation.

Lemosho (8 days) and Machame (7 days) offer the best mix of scenery and acclimatisation. If you would rather sleep in huts, choose the 6-day Marangu route; for drier, quieter trails, Rongai is a great option. We’ll recommend a route based on your fitness and travel dates.

Altitude sickness happens when your body struggles with lower oxygen levels. Early signs include headache, nausea and tiredness. We climb slowly, check your oxygen saturation and pulse twice a day, carry emergency oxygen and descend immediately if symptoms become serious.

Yes. Your policy must cover trekking up to 6,000 m and emergency evacuation, including helicopter rescue. Please send us your insurance details before the climb.

Tipping is customary on Kilimanjaro and an important part of your crew’s income. Before you travel we share a clear tipping guide, so you know what to set aside for your guides, cook and porters.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar & the Coast

Beaches, diving, Stone Town, spice tours and combining with a safari.

Yes. Zanzibar combines exciting ocean activities and cultural exploration with peaceful beaches, making it ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Yes. Zanzibar has several excellent spots for snorkeling and scuba diving, where visitors can explore coral reefs and discover colorful marine life. Conditions depend on the location, weather, and tides.

A Stone Town tour introduces visitors to Zanzibar’s rich history, distinctive architecture, local markets, and cultural heritage.

Yes. Spice farm tours allow visitors to discover Zanzibar’s famous spices, learn how they are grown, and experience an important part of the island’s heritage.

Yes. A sunset dhow cruise offers an opportunity to enjoy the Indian Ocean, coastal scenery, and beautiful sunset views aboard a traditional sailing boat.

Yes. Visitors can discover local traditions, Swahili cuisine, historical sites, and everyday island life through guided tours and cultural activities.

Zanzibar can be visited throughout the year. Generally, June to October offers drier weather, while January and February are also popular for beach activities. Sea conditions and rainfall vary by season.

Yes. Zanzibar can be combined with a wildlife safari in destinations such as Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a memorable safari-and-beach holiday.

Yes. Fibi Safaris can help travelers plan a personalized Tanzania holiday that combines suitable Zanzibar experiences with their preferred travel style, interests, and itinerary.

Your journey starts here

Ready to Experience the Magic of Tanzania?

Tell us how you like to travel and we will shape a safari around you  from the endless Serengeti plains to the white sands of Zanzibar.