Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance. If you plan to travel during the peak season (June to October) or have specific lodges in mind, earlier booking is strongly advised as the best camps often fill quickly.

Your quote usually includes park entrance fees, private 4x4 safari vehicle, professional guide, accommodation, meals as stated in your itinerary, drinking water during game drives, and airport transfers. Every safari is tailor-made, so your personal quotation will always list exact inclusions.

International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, tips, premium drinks, and optional activities such as hot air balloon safaris are usually excluded unless clearly stated otherwise.

To secure your bookings, a deposit is required — typically 20% to 50%, depending on the itinerary and travel season. The remaining balance is usually due 30 days before arrival.

In most cases, the final balance must be paid before arrival because park fees and accommodation often need to be prepaid in advance. If you have special circumstances, talk to us early and we will always try to help.

Yes. Because many safari services are prepaid, cancellation fees may apply depending on how close to departure the cancellation occurs. Full details are outlined in our Terms & Conditions.

Yes. While we do not book international flights directly, we can advise on suitable routes and arrival times. We can also guide you through the Tanzanian e-visa process.

For northern Tanzania safaris, most travelers arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Depending on your itinerary, Arusha Airport (ARK) may also be useful for domestic connections.

Other international airports we can help you are Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.

Yes. Airport pickup and drop-off are usually included in our safari packages unless stated otherwise in your quotation.

Please inform us as soon as possible. We monitor arrivals closely and will adjust your airport transfer whenever possible. If delays affect your itinerary, we will help reorganize logistics in the smoothest way possible.

Tanzania offers excellent safari experiences throughout the year.

• June to October: Dry season, excellent wildlife visibility.
• January to March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti.
• November to May: Greener landscapes, fewer visitors, superb birdlife, and beautiful photography conditions.

The migration moves continuously through the Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on your travel dates, we design your itinerary to maximize your chances of being in the right area at the right time.

Mornings and evenings can be cool, especially in the highlands such as Ngorongoro. Daytime temperatures are usually warm and pleasant.

Tanzania is home to the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, hyenas, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

Wildlife is wild, so sightings can never be guaranteed. However, our experienced guides know the parks extremely well and maximize your chances every day.

Most safaris focus on game drives, but depending on your itinerary we can also include:

• Walking safaris
• Cultural visits
• Night drives
• Hot air balloon safaris

Yes. Your safety is our priority. Our guides are highly trained, our vehicles are maintained carefully, and we follow strict safety protocols in the parks.

We offer everything from comfortable mid-range lodges to luxury tented camps and premium safari lodges. We match accommodation to your budget and travel style.

We use 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.

As a photography-oriented company, our vehicles include charging points for cameras, phones, and batteries.

For private safaris, the vehicle is exclusively yours. For shared safaris, we generally limit numbers to maximum 6 persons per car to ensure every guest has comfort and good viewing.

Yes. Many families travel with children and have an excellent experience. The ideal age depends on the itinerary, driving distances, and the lodges involved. We always take your kids into account when we plan your itinerary. Happy kids are happy parents.

Yes. We love kids. Children 0-4 can often join for free and 5-15 years old get discounts.

Absolutely. Let us know in advance so we can choose suitable lodges and plan accordingly.

We strongly recommend visiting a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.

Yellow fever vaccination is only required in certain cases, such as if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever-risk country.

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering:

• Medical emergencies
• Evacuation
• Trip cancellation
• Lost luggage

We recommend:

• Neutral-colored clothing
• Light layers
• Warm fleece for early mornings
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars
• Camera gear
• Soft-sided luggage if flying domestically

Avoid bright colors and very dark blue or black clothing, as these can attract tsetse flies.

Most lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi in common areas, though speeds can be slower than at home — especially in remote wilderness locations.

Yes. Our safari vehicles have charging points, and most lodges also provide charging facilities.

US Dollars (printed after 2006) are widely accepted. Euros are also accepted in many places. For smaller purchases, Tanzanian Shillings can be useful.

Many larger lodges accept credit cards, but surcharges of around 5% to 7% are common.

No. We aim for full transparency. Any optional extras will be clearly stated before booking.

Tipping is always voluntary but appreciated.

As a general guideline:

• Safari guide: $20 – $30 per vehicle per day
• Lodge staff: $10 – $15 per guest per day

It is best to tip in US Dollars (post-2006 notes) or Tanzanian Shillings.

Yes. Booking directly means you communicate with the people organizing your safari from start to finish.

We provide:

• Clear written quotations
• Transparent payment terms
• Confirmed lodge reservations
• Direct support before and during your trip

Yes. Tanzania is our home, and protecting it matters deeply to us.

We prioritize:

• Local employment
• Responsible guiding practices
• Eco-conscious accommodation
• Respect for wildlife
• Strict no-littering principles

Our vehicles are maintained carefully and carry essential recovery equipment. In the rare event of a serious issue, we have backup support available.

Flexibility is part of safari travel. If necessary, we adapt the itinerary to give you the best possible experience under the circumstances.

Contact us immediately. Some prepaid costs may be non-refundable, but we will always try to minimize losses or help reschedule where possible.

Your guide is your first point of contact. You will also have direct access to our support team throughout your journey.

• Email: info@jumbotrails.tz
• Europe Office (NL): +31 6 3303 6684
• Tanzania Office: +255 787 676 004