Question 1

How do I book a trip with Africa Wild by Nature Safaris?

Accepted Answer

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 within 48 hours.

Question 2

Can I customise my itinerary?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

For peak season (July to October) and the festive peak (last two weeks of December), book 9 to 12 months ahead. Opulent lodges (Singita, Crater Lodge, Mwiba) need 12 to 18 months. For green-season travel (April, May, November), 4 to 6 months is plenty.

Question 4

What's the deposit and payment schedule?

Accepted Answer

A 40% deposit confirms your booking and secures all lodge and bush-plane reservations. The remaining 60% is due 60 days before arrival. We accept bank wire (SWIFT) as the primary method; card payments (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) on request.

Question 5

What if I need to make changes to my booking?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How do I know my booking is secure?

Accepted Answer

All information is kept strictly confidential and used only to personalise your safari. Bookings are secured by SSL and deposits go via bank wire (SWIFT) to our verified Tanzania account. See our full booking terms.

Question 7

Which airport should I fly into?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Do you book my international flights?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What about internal / bush flights?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Do I need a visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes - most travellers need a Tanzania entry visa ($100 single-entry, $50 transit). Apply online at eservices.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.

Question 11

What vaccinations do I need?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Is travel insurance required?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Is Tanzania safe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What if I get sick on safari?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Are your trips family-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We craft itineraries for families with kids of all ages and offer a complimentary Junior Game Ranger programme woven into the schedule. Multi-generational trips are some of our favourite kinds of bookings.

Question 16

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What does a typical day on safari look like?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Will I have phone signal and Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

Wi-Fi is available at most lodges (usually in common areas, sometimes in rooms). Mobile signal is patchy in the bush - expect coverage near park HQs and Arusha, none in remote areas of the Serengeti. We strongly recommend planning to be offline on game drives.

Question 20

What's included on safari and what's extra?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

90+ days before arrival: deposit refunded minus a $250 per person admin fee.60 to 89 days: deposit forfeited; balance refundable.30 to 59 days: 50% of total trip cost forfeited.Under 30 days: 100% forfeited.For peak windows (15 December &ndash; 5 January, 1 July &ndash; 15 September), the schedule shifts earlier by 30 days. Full detail on the booking terms page.

Question 22

What if weather or other disruptions affect my trip?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 23

Can I postpone my trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Provided lodges agree to transfer your deposit (which most do), we'll work to move your booking to a new set of dates at no additional fee. Subject to availability and any seasonal price difference.

From Ruthanne and Cliff T.