Frequently asked questions

As early as you comfortably can. Lodges and camps in the most sought-after areas, and Kilimanjaro departures in the popular climbing months, tend to fill well in advance, so early planning gives you more choice of dates and accommodation. That said, we regularly help travellers with shorter timelines. Send an enquiry whatever your dates and the team will tell you honestly what is possible, and suggest alternatives if your first choice is already full.

It begins with an enquiry, which costs nothing and commits you to nothing. We reply with a personal quote describing the route, the accommodation, what is included and the price. Once you are happy, you accept the quote and pay the deposit stated on your invoice, and we begin holding vehicles, guides and rooms for you. Amounts and dates are set per trip in your quote, so you always see them before you pay.

The more you share, the sharper the first quote. Helpful details include your rough dates and how flexible they are, who is travelling and the ages of any children, what you most hope to see or do, and the kind of comfort you prefer. Mention anything we should plan around, such as dietary needs, mobility, medical conditions or a celebration. If you are unsure about some of it, send what you have and we will ask the rest.

Our ready-made itineraries show how a route can flow, with sensible pacing and well-matched lodges. Tailor-made means we adjust any of it for you, from the length of stay to the parks, the accommodation collection and the activities. In practice most travellers start from a ready-made idea and we reshape it. Every trip is private and arranged for your party alone, so nothing needs to be taken exactly as listed.

Our trips are private. You travel with your own party, your own vehicle and your own guide, rather than joining strangers on a fixed departure. That means you set the pace, the early starts and the amount of time spent at each sighting. Group size depends on the trip and the vehicles and rooms available, so tell us who is coming, including families and friends travelling together, and we will plan accordingly.

It depends on what you want to see and how much you enjoy being on the move. Many travellers find a few full days in one or two areas gives a rewarding first safari, while longer trips allow a slower rhythm and more varied landscapes. Travel between parks takes real time, so very short trips can feel rushed. Tell us your dates and interests and we will suggest a length that feels right.

Yes, and it is a popular way to travel. A common pattern is the climb first, then safari to recover with comfortable days in the vehicle, then a few relaxed days on the coast. We arrange the transfers, flights where needed and accommodation across all three, so you deal with one team. Because order and timing matter, especially around the climb, we will talk through the sequence with you.

A member of the team reads it personally and gets in touch, usually to say hello, ask a few follow-up questions and confirm what matters most to you. We then prepare a quote that sets out the route, accommodation, inclusions and price. You can ask for changes as often as you like before deciding. There is no pressure to accept, and nothing is booked until you accept in writing and pay the deposit.

Several things work together: the time of year, the accommodation collection you choose (Trail, Ridge or Summit), the size of your group, the parks and activities on the route, any flights between destinations, and park and conservation fees. Each safari and climb page shows the price per person for each group size and, where it applies, each collection and season. Because these combine differently for every journey, the exact price for your plan is confirmed in a personal quote, and we are glad to adjust it if you want to balance comfort and cost.

Each quote lists exactly what your price covers and what it does not, line by line, so there are no surprises. Typically this describes the accommodation, the vehicle and guide, listed meals and activities, and transfers, while items such as international flights, visas, insurance, drinks and personal spending are often outside the price. Because every trip differs, please read that list carefully and ask us about anything that is unclear.

Your invoice shows a deposit that secures your arrangements and a balance due before you travel. The amounts and due dates are set trip by trip and are always written in your quote and invoice before you pay anything. The deposit lets us start holding lodges, vehicles and guides on your behalf, and the balance helps us settle our partners. If your plans change, speak to us early and we will explain the options.

Pay only by the methods confirmed in your invoice, and only to the details we have sent you in writing through our usual channels. Never act on a message that asks you to change our bank details, even if it looks like it comes from us. If anything seems unusual, contact us using the details on this website and check before sending money. Our payments page explains the steps and what to expect.

Your quote states the currency, which is most often US dollars. If you pay from an account in another currency, your bank or card provider may apply exchange rates or transfer charges. These are set by them rather than by us, and we ask that the full invoiced amount reaches us after any such fees. Checking with your bank beforehand can save a surprise, and a copy of your transfer receipt helps us match your payment quickly.

Park and conservation fees are a major part of any safari cost, and your quote shows clearly whether they are included for your trip. We build them into the itinerary we arrange so you are not paying at the gate. Because fees are set by the park authorities and can be revised, the quote is the place to confirm exactly what is covered. If you are unsure, ask the team and we will point to the line in your quote.

Gratuities for guides, camp teams and porters are usually handled separately from the trip price, and your quote will say how they are treated on your journey. Tipping is a personal choice and a meaningful part of how many people working in tourism earn a living. Before you travel, we give you sensible guidance on how and when it is customary to tip, so you can plan without feeling awkward on the day.

Once your booking is confirmed, your price is held as stated in your quote, though costs set outside our control, such as government taxes or park fees, can occasionally change and we would explain any such change promptly. Cancellation and refunds depend on how close to departure you are and what we have already committed, as set out in our booking terms. We strongly encourage comprehensive travel insurance, and we recommend arranging it when you book.

Days usually begin early with tea or coffee, then a morning game drive while the animals are most active and the light is soft. You return to camp or lodge for breakfast and a rest through the heat of the day. In the late afternoon you head out again, often finishing with sundowners and an evening meal. The pace is relaxed, and your guide can shape the day around what you enjoy most.

Morning drives often find animals active in cooler air, and afternoon drives bring warm light and good photographs. Night drives, where they are permitted, can reveal nocturnal animals that are rarely seen by day. Rules differ between parks and areas, so not every itinerary includes a night drive. What you see always depends on nature, and no guide can promise particular sightings, but we plan routes that give you the best chances.

On a private trip, the vehicle is for your party only, and we plan seating so everyone has a window. Our safari vehicles are typically set up with a roof that opens for viewing and photography. We confirm the vehicle and how many seats suit your group when we prepare your quote. If you have specific needs, such as a large family or lots of camera equipment, tell us and we will arrange the space you need.

Lodges and camps typically serve freshly prepared meals, often with a mix of local and familiar dishes, and kitchens can usually cater for dietary needs when told in advance. On some trips your guide can arrange a bush breakfast, a picnic set up in a scenic spot after an early drive. Availability depends on the area and the park rules, so ask us when planning and we will confirm what is possible on your route.

In some areas, yes. Walking safaris are led by trained guides and are generally limited to places where regulations allow them, so they are not part of every itinerary. On foot, you notice smaller things, such as tracks, insects, plants and birdsong, and the experience feels quite different from a drive. Age and fitness guidelines may apply. Tell us if you are interested and we will advise on what suits your route.

A balloon flight drifts quietly over the plains at dawn, followed in many cases by a celebratory breakfast on landing. It is available only in certain areas and depends on weather and operator schedules, so we arrange it only where it is possible. Start times are early for balloons, and game drive days commonly begin around dawn too. Your guide will explain the plan the evening before so you can pace yourself.

Your guide drives, finds and interprets wildlife, explains the ecosystem and looks after your comfort and safety throughout. They know how to read animal behaviour and keep a respectful distance. Safari is generally safe when you follow the guide's instructions: stay in the vehicle unless told otherwise, keep voices low and never approach animals. At camp you are briefed on simple rules, and the team will always escort you after dark.

Bring a zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards, as light is best early and late. Most lodges and camps offer charging, often at set times, and many can arrange laundry, though not always every day. Wi-Fi and mobile signal vary and can be limited in remote areas. If you feel unwell, tell your guide or camp manager at once, and we will arrange help. Good travel insurance and any prescribed medication are sensible to carry.

Many travellers favour the dry season, roughly June to October, when vegetation thins and animals gather near water, which makes sightings easier. January and February are also popular, especially around Ndutu. Tanzania rewards visits at almost any time of year, though, because each season offers something different. The best time for you depends on what you most want to see, your budget and your dates. Tell us your priorities and we will suggest the right window in your personal quote.

The Great Migration is a year-round cycle rather than a single event. Roughly January to March, herds gather on the southern plains around Ndutu for the calving season. As the rains change, they move through the central and western Serengeti, and roughly July to October they reach the northern Serengeti, where Mara River crossings can happen. Timing shifts with the rains from year to year and nothing is guaranteed, so we plan around where the herds are likely to be and stay flexible.

Yes, the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) all live in Tanzania, though no sighting can ever be promised. Lion, elephant and buffalo are seen regularly in many parks. Leopards are elusive and reward patient guiding. Rhino are rare and are found mostly in Ngorongoro Crater, where they are protected and usually viewed at a distance. Your guide will work hard to find them, and we will tell you honestly which parks give you the best odds.

It can be a rewarding choice. The green season brings lush landscapes, dramatic skies, newborn animals in some areas, excellent birdlife and often quieter parks and better value. The trade-offs are that some roads can be slow or muddy, grass is taller so animals can be harder to spot, and a few camps close for part of the season. Showers tend to be short rather than all day. We will tell you which areas work well when you travel.

The Serengeti is vast and best for open plains, big cats and the migration cycle. Ngorongoro Crater is a compact volcanic caldera where wildlife is concentrated, making it a strong choice for seeing many species in a short time, including a chance of rhino. Tarangire is known for large elephant herds, baobab trees and rewarding dry season game viewing. Each has a different character, and many of our itineraries combine them for variety.

Tanzania is one of Africa's strongest destinations for lions, leopards and cheetahs, particularly in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Lions are seen on many game drives. Cheetahs favour open plains, and leopards are the hardest, often resting in trees or thick cover. Wildlife is wild, so we never promise a sighting. What improves your chances is time in the right areas, early starts and an experienced guide, which is how we plan every private trip.

Yes, it is excellent. Tanzania has a very long bird list, from ostriches and secretary birds on the plains to colourful bee-eaters and lilac-breasted rollers in the woodland. Lake Manyara and Tarangire are particularly rewarding, and the green season, when migrants arrive and many birds breed, is often the favourite among keen birders. Tell us if birds matter to you and we can arrange a guide who shares that passion.

As a general guide, two nights in the Serengeti is a sensible minimum, and three or more gives you time to move between areas. One night is usually enough for Ngorongoro Crater, with a full morning of game viewing on the crater floor. One or two nights suits Tarangire. Longer stays reduce rushing and improve your chances of memorable sightings. We shape the exact split around your dates and interests.

It depends on your time, comfort and priorities. Lemosho and Machame are scenic routes with a gradual profile that suit many climbers, and longer itineraries give your body more time to adjust. Marangu is the shortest route and uses huts rather than tents. We also offer other routes, so tell us about your fitness, schedule and what you hope to experience, and we will recommend the best fit.

You do not need to be an athlete, but good general fitness helps a great deal. Kilimanjaro is a long walk at altitude rather than a technical climb, so regular hiking, brisk walking, stairs or cardio training in the months before will serve you well. Stamina and a positive mindset matter as much as strength. If you have health concerns, speak to your doctor before booking, and we are happy to talk through preparation.

Altitude affects everyone differently, regardless of fitness. Our guides watch each climber closely, checking how you feel every day and encouraging a slow pace, plenty of fluids and good rest. Routes with more days allow better acclimatisation. If symptoms become serious, the guide's priority is your safety, which may mean descending. Please tell your guide honestly how you feel at all times, and speak to your doctor about preparation before you travel.

Summit night starts in the dark, usually around midnight, and is the hardest part of the climb. You walk slowly by headtorch in cold, thin air, steadily gaining height toward the crater rim and then Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m / 19,341 ft. Sunrise from the top is a moment people remember for life, for those who reach it. You then descend to camp for rest. Your guides set a patient pace and support you throughout.

The drier periods, roughly January to February and June to October, are the most popular because paths are easier and skies are often clearer. Even then, the mountain makes its own weather, so cold, wind and rain are possible at any time. The wetter months can be quieter but are more demanding. Our team will advise on timing for your chosen route and dates.

Every climb depends on a hard-working team of guides, cooks and porters, and their welfare matters to us. We expect fair treatment, sensible loads, proper kit and decent food for the whole crew. Tipping is customary and appreciated, and we will explain the usual approach and how it is shared before you climb, so there are no surprises. Ask us about our crew standards and we will happily go through them.

Age rules are set by the national park authority and can change, so please ask us for the current minimum age before you plan. Beyond the rules, the altitude and long days are demanding, and not every child is ready. We are happy to talk honestly about whether a climb suits your family, or suggest gentler alternatives such as a safari with a short hike.

Turning back is a sensible decision, not a failure, and safety always comes first. If you or the guide decide to descend, a member of the crew will accompany you down safely. We will talk through how this works for your chosen route and how any changes are handled before you travel. Many of our travellers pair the climb with a safari or beach stay, so there is still plenty to enjoy.

It is a natural pairing: safari first, then a few nights by the sea to relax. Most travellers fly from a northern safari airstrip or from the mainland to Zanzibar, so the transition is simple. Lemala arranges the flights, transfers and accommodation on both sides as one private itinerary. Tell us how much time you have and we will propose a balance between wildlife and beach.

The drier months, roughly June to October and again around January and February, are generally the most comfortable, with plenty of sunshine and calmer seas. Conditions vary from year to year, and the coast is warm and tropical at nearly any time. Because tides affect swimming on some beaches, we will help you pick a part of the island that suits your dates.

You can fly from mainland Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha and the national parks, or take a ferry from Dar es Salaam. Flights are usually the easiest option when combined with a safari. We arrange the whole journey for you, including transfers at each end, so you simply arrive and enjoy. Your personal quote will confirm the routing and timings that suit your plans.

Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, bustling markets and old buildings reflect centuries of African, Arab, Indian and European influence. It is also a place with a difficult past linked to the slave trade, and a guided walk helps bring that history to life. Allow time to wander, eat well and watch the sunset from a rooftop.

Plenty. Spice tours show you cloves, vanilla and cinnamon growing, Prison Island is home to giant tortoises, and a sunset dhow cruise on a traditional sailing boat is a relaxed highlight. Snorkelling and diving open up the warm reefs, with sea life varying by site and season. We can arrange these privately, with guides, boats and timings that fit your pace.

It can be, depending on what you want. Rain tends to arrive in heavy bursts, and the longer rains, roughly March to May, are the wettest, when some hotels close or offer quieter stays. Showers are often followed by sunshine, and the island stays warm and green. If your dates fall in the wet season, we will recommend places that are open and comfortable, and tell you honestly what to expect.

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so dress modestly in Stone Town and local villages: cover your shoulders and knees, and save swimwear for beaches and resorts. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking openly in public during daylight. Ask before photographing people, and greet locals warmly. Most hotels are relaxed within their grounds. A light scarf or sarong is handy. Your guide will gladly advise on local customs.

Most travellers enjoy three to five nights, which gives you time for the beach and a day or two exploring Stone Town and its surroundings. A shorter stay of two nights works if you are tight on time, while a week suits those who want to dive, snorkel or simply unwind after a demanding safari or climb. We will shape the length around your itinerary.

They are the three ways we group the partner stays we book for you. Trail is great value, comfortable and well placed. Ridge brings character and standout settings. Summit is exclusive and luxurious, with the most refined service and locations. Each collection spans different parks, so you can choose the feel you want in every area you visit. Your personal quote shows exactly which stays we recommend and what they include.

A lodge is a building with solid walls, often with a main lounge, restaurant and sometimes a pool. A permanent tented camp uses large canvas tents on platforms or bases, usually with a proper bathroom attached, and stays in one place all year. A mobile camp is set up for a season or a single trip and moves with the wildlife, which puts you very close to the action. We explain what suits your plans.

No. Our partner stays are independent camps and lodges that Lemala books and arranges for you, and some are affiliated with us. That independence is useful to you, because we can recommend whichever place genuinely suits your dates, budget and style rather than filling our own beds. You deal with us for everything, from the first conversation to your final transfer.

Yes, and many guests do. You might choose Trail stays for a couple of nights, then splurge on a Summit camp in the park you care about most, or keep a Ridge stay for a beach finish. Mixing lets you spend where it matters to you. We balance the sequence, the driving time and the experience so the whole journey flows, then confirm everything in your personal quote.

It varies from stay to stay. Many safari camps and lodges include all meals and often selected drinks, while others charge for some items or offer different board options. Premium wines, spirits and spa treatments are commonly extra. We tell you precisely what each stay covers, and what it does not, in your personal quote, so there are no surprises when you check out.

Far more comfortable than most people expect. Tented camps generally have real beds, en-suite bathrooms, hot showers and solar power, with canvas walls that let you hear the bush at night. Standards differ between stays, and the most remote or simplest camps keep things more basic. Tell us your comfort level and we will match you to camps that feel right, from relaxed to very polished.

Usually you will have power for charging cameras and phones, often in the main area or by solar in your room. Wi-Fi varies. Some lodges offer it in public areas or rooms, while remote camps may have a weak signal or none at all, which many guests come to enjoy. Many properties also have a pool, and some have a spa. Ask us about any stay and the team confirms.

Yes, tell us the places you have your heart set on and we will check availability for your dates. Popular camps can fill many months ahead, particularly in the busy seasons. If your first choice is full, we suggest close alternatives with a similar setting and style, or adjust your dates, and we are always honest about how the options compare.

Most visitors do, though the rules depend on your passport. Visas can generally be arranged in advance online or on arrival, but requirements and processes change, so please check the official Tanzanian immigration sources for your nationality before you travel. We are happy to point you in the right direction and flag anything to look out for, but we cannot apply for you.

Six months of validity beyond your date of entry is typical, and you will usually need several blank pages for stamps. Airlines can refuse boarding if your passport does not meet the destination rules, so check yours well before you book flights. If it needs renewing, do that first. Your official immigration source or airline will confirm the exact requirement for your passport.

It depends on where you travel from. Travellers arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever risk may be asked for a certificate, while those coming from many other places will not. Rules can change, so please confirm the current requirement with official health sources or your travel clinic well before departure. Tell us your route and we will highlight anything worth checking.

Malaria is present in much of Tanzania, so please speak to a doctor or travel clinic well ahead of your trip. They can advise on prevention, routine and recommended vaccines for your health and itinerary. We cannot give medical advice, but we can share your route and altitude so the clinic has the full picture. Insect repellent and covered clothing at dusk are sensible habits.

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every guest. For Kilimanjaro or other high altitude activities, check that your policy explicitly covers trekking to the height you plan to reach, and that it includes medical evacuation. Many standard policies exclude this. Keep your policy details handy and tell us if you are unsure what to look for.

Pack light layers in neutral colours such as khaki, olive and tan, plus a warm fleece for early drives, a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes. Use soft bags rather than hard suitcases. Light aircraft flights usually limit luggage to about 15 kg / 33 lb per person, including camera gear. We send a tailored packing list once your trip is confirmed.

Carry some cash for small purchases and tips, since cards are not accepted everywhere and remote camps may not take them at all. Larger lodges and shops often accept major cards. Tipping is customary for guides, camp staff and drivers, and we explain sensible guidelines for your trip beforehand. Your quote shows what is already covered so you know what to plan for.

Tanzania usually uses type D and G sockets at 230 V, so a universal adapter is the simplest answer. Check that your chargers handle that voltage, which most phone and camera chargers do. Local SIM cards are easy to buy on arrival if your passport is shown, and coverage is good in towns but patchy in remote parks. Roaming costs vary, so check with your provider.

Often yes, and it can be a wonderful family trip. Minimum ages vary by lodge and by activity, and some places or walks and game drives set their own limits. Long days in a vehicle suit some children better than others. Tell us how old your children are and what they enjoy, and we will recommend stays and a pace that work for the whole family.

Some Lemala camps run a family programme called Lemala Cubs, designed to give younger guests their own way to enjoy the bush. Child policies, including sharing rooms and age limits, differ from stay to stay. Please ask us for details of what is on offer at the camps in your itinerary, and we will confirm everything clearly in your personal quote.

Yes. Every Lemala trip is private, so your family has its own vehicle and guide. That means you set the pace, take breaks when little ones need them, and stay as long as you like with an animal that has caught everyone's attention. It also makes it easier to adjust drives around naps, meals and moods without worrying about other travellers.

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, halal and allergy requirements are all things camp kitchens deal with regularly. Please tell us as early as possible, ideally when you enquire, and we pass the details to every stay on your itinerary. For serious allergies, let us know the specifics so the team can confirm precautions directly with each kitchen, as remote camps can have limited ingredients.

Often, with careful planning. Please know that safari vehicles have steps, and camps usually have paths between rooms and the main areas, some of them uneven or long. Every property differs. Tell us about your needs and any medication you carry, and we will plan thoughtfully and tell you honestly what works and what does not. Please also speak to your doctor before you travel.

Absolutely. Many guests travel alone, and a private trip means you are never part of a crowd unless you want to be. Some stays charge a supplement for single occupancy, and others handle it differently. We explain how it applies to your trip in your personal quote, and we can often suggest stays and dates that keep the difference as small as possible.

Yes, and these are some of our favourite trips. We can build in romantic settings, a private dinner under the stars, or a bush breakfast. Tell us about the occasion, whether it is a honeymoon, anniversary or milestone birthday, and we will shape the stays and moments around it. Many guests pair the bush with a stay on the coast or islands.

Yes, you are welcome. We want to be honest that local laws and attitudes in Tanzania differ from those in many home countries, and public displays of affection can attract attention. Many travellers still have wonderful trips. If you would like discreet, practical advice on stays and what to expect, ask us and we will talk it through with you privately and respectfully.