Tanzania Planning Center
Seasons, visas, insurance, flights, packing, fitness—short answers for Kili & safari trips.
Primary dry windows are often June-October and January-March, while shoulder periods can provide fewer crowds and dramatic landscapes.
Many nationalities require a visa. Confirm latest eligibility and requirements before departure and ensure passport validity.
Adventure travel insurance should include high-altitude trekking coverage, emergency evacuation, and medical treatment support.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is the most direct arrival point for northern circuit programs.
Northern Tanzania & Zanzibar
Fees = government tariffs + VAT; packages bundle vehicle, guide, lodging. Safari page has full detail.
| Destination | From Arusha (road) | Altitude (typical) | Fee band (indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti NP | ~320–380 km (often split / flight) | ~1,400–1,850 m | ca. $60–$83+ pp / 24 h + VAT |
| Ngorongoro (incl. crater) | ~180–210 km (~3.5–4.5 h) | Rim ~2,200–2,400 m; floor ~1,700 m | NCA entry + crater vehicle fee (see guide) |
| Tarangire NP | ~115–140 km (~2–2.5 h) | ~900–1,100 m | ca. $45–$50+ pp / 24 h + VAT |
| Lake Manyara NP | ~120–130 km (~2–2.5 h) | ~960 m (shore) | ca. $45–$50+ pp / 24 h + VAT |
| Zanzibar (ZNZ) | Flight from JRO / ARK ~1–1.5 h | Sea level | Domestic flight + resort; day tours ~$45–$130 pp |
| Mount Meru (Arusha NP) | ~32 km from Arusha (~45 min to gate) | Summit 4,566 m; Miriakamba ~2,514 m | ANAPA fees + hut/camping; often 3–4 day trek |
| Ol Doinyo Lengai | ~240 km NW of Arusha (~5–8 h) | Summit 2,962 m | Lake Natron packages; Maasai mountain guide |
Indicative only. Binding costs appear on your Kilimanjaro Choice Expedition & Safaris proposal after dates and camp selection are fixed.
You will move through multiple climate zones, so layering quality matters more than bulk quantity.
Consistent weekly work wins over late intensity. Build aerobic durability and uphill tolerance over 2-3 months.
Gratuities
Recommended daily USD bands for mountain crews. Safari tipping differs—ask your guide for current guidance.
USD cash per crew member per day, paid at end of trek. Tips are excluded from climb quotes—budget separately.
Pool tips with your group if you prefer one envelope—the amounts above are per guest contribution guidelines. Your pre-climb briefing confirms crew size and suggested totals for your route length.
Arusha National Park’s 4,566 m stratovolcano is a strong acclimatization trek before Kilimanjaro—typically 3–4 days with hut nights and a smaller crew than Kili.
The same recommended tipping bands apply: lead guide, assistants, cook, and porters on a per person per day basis in USD cash at trek end.
Plan Meru acclimatizationOvernight volcano climbs use a Maasai mountain guide (and sometimes a camp crew at Lake Natron). Tips are not included in package quotes.
Tip your Lengai guide at the lead guide band ($25–$30/day) for the climb day; camp staff at cook/porter bands if applicable.
Ol Doinyo Lengai guideFrequently Asked Questions
Private departures are ideal for flexibility and custom pacing, while group departures can be social and budget-efficient.
Ask our teamBudget USD cash for crew tips (see tipping guide), small purchases, and emergencies. Your consultant confirms totals for your route length and crew size.
View tipping bandsYes. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-related meal planning can be arranged in advance for mountain and safari programs.
Ask our teamNo, but risk exists at altitude. Proper itinerary length, hydration, and guide monitoring significantly improve outcomes.
Ask our teamTripadvisor
Incredible team. Summit day was challenging, but our guides made it safe, motivating, and unforgettable.
Kilimanjaro
Best safari we have ever done. The pacing, lodges, and wildlife knowledge were absolutely world class.
Safari
Professional from start to finish. Every transfer, hotel, and activity was perfectly coordinated.
Combined
