Frequently Asked Questions.
Everything our guests ask us most, answered plainly. Anything missing, just write, we’d rather explain it than have you guess.
Booking & itinerary.
How do I book a trip with Africa Wild by Nature Safaris?
Head to the Craft Your Safari page and begin crafting your journey. Tell us your dates, your group, and what you’re hoping for, we’ll send a draft itinerary as soon as possible.
Can I customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. We specialise in custom itineraries tailored to your interests. Every itinerary we craft is private, with no fixed packages and no two routes identical.
What’s the deposit and payment schedule?
A 40% deposit confirms your booking and secures all lodge and bush-plane reservations. The remaining 60% is due 90 days before arrival. We accept bank wire (SWIFT) as the primary method; card payments (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) on request.
What if I need to make changes to my booking?
No problem. Our team is here to help with any adjustments. Contact us with your requested changes and we’ll do our best to accommodate them subject to availability. If lodges are at capacity, we’ll suggest equivalent alternatives at the same tier.
Flights & visa.
Which airport should I fly into?
Kilimanjaro International (JRO). It’s 45 minutes from our base in Arusha and saves a wasted day vs Dar es Salaam (DAR). See our booking flights guide for recommended routings.
Do you book my international flights?
International flights are not included in your safari package, but we offer detailed advice on routings. See our international flight guide for region-by-region recommendations.
What about internal / bush flights?
For Serengeti itineraries we strongly recommend internal bush flights instead of long ground transfers. We arrange these on your behalf via Auric Air or Coastal Aviation. Baggage limit is strict: 15 kg / 33 lbs in soft duffel bags only.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, most travellers need a Tanzania entry visa ($100 single-entry, $50 transit). Apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz (or directly at visa.immigration.go.tz), or get it on arrival at JRO (slower). Passport must have 6 months validity beyond your return date and at least 2 blank facing pages.
Health, safety & insurance.
What vaccinations do I need?
Standard travel vaccines (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, MMR, DTP, tetanus). Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a yellow-fever country (not typically required from US, EU, UK). Anti-malaria medication is recommended, Tanzania is a malaria zone. Visit cdc.gov/travel for current guidance.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is a requirement, not a suggestion. It must include trip cancellation, medical evacuation (a real risk in remote bush locations), and personal liability. We recommend World Nomads or Allianz for US travellers. We don’t sell insurance ourselves.
Is Tanzania safe?
Tanzania has been peaceful and politically stable since independence in 1961 and is among the safest tourist destinations in Africa. Follow all lodge and guide briefings, use lodge safety boxes for valuables, and keep your passport and documents on your person.
What if I get sick on safari?
Most lodges have first-aid trained staff and emergency communications. Your guide carries a full first-aid kit. For serious medical events, we have 24/7 in-country support and can arrange evacuation to Arusha or Nairobi hospitals via our medevac partners.
Are your trips family-friendly?
Yes. We craft itineraries for families with kids of all ages and offer a complimentary Kids Wild Adventures programme woven into the schedule. Multi-generational trips are some of our favourite kinds of bookings.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and most allergies are handled well at every tier of accommodation. Let us know in advance via your safari profile and we’ll brief every property before you arrive.
On safari.
What should I pack?
See our full packing checklist in the Travel Guide. Key items: convertible safari pants in neutral colours (avoid black and dark blue, they attract tse-tse flies), fleece jacket for chilly mornings, walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, camera with extra batteries.
What does a day on safari actually look like?
The classic rhythm: 5:30 AM wake-up with hot coffee at your door, 6:00 morning game drive, brunch on return around 11. Pool, nap, or guided bush walk. Afternoon tea at 3:30, second game drive at 4:00, sundowners on the plains, dinner at 8. Tented camps often do full-day drives with packed lunch.
What’s included on safari and what’s extra?
Included: accommodation, three meals daily, beverages, park fees, game drives, private vehicle and English-speaking guide, internal flights where on itinerary, transfers, 1.5 L of water per person per drive, 24/7 support. Not included: international flights, visa, gratuities (we provide guidelines), travel insurance.
Cancellation & changes.
What if weather or other disruptions affect my trip?
Force majeure events (flooding, political events, airline groundings) trigger re-routing at no additional charge wherever possible. Refunds for genuinely missed days are pro-rated. This is one reason comprehensive travel insurance is required.