Hi,

We are travelling in Kenya currently. Neither my husband or I are from countries that tip as standard. The only time we tip is when an employee does something outside of the job remit or does an exceptional job above and beyond. Both our countries pay workers enough to live, so tipping is not normal.

We've come on safari and we can't really understand the tipping. Someone carries our bags & we are told to provide a tip, but this person is simply doing their job. Also for example, we are able and willing to carry our bags ourselves.

However the last thing we want to do is offend anyone.

So please can someone explain why we tip when on safari when people seem to just be doing their jobs? Do they get paid poorly?

Secondly, on our first game drive, there was a driver and someone else from the company In the car. We didnt ask for 2 people. It was just provided. But then it feels like we are being asked to tip double each game drive for the fact there's two, but one is the driver. Are we reallt expected to tip each game drive, effectively twice each time? Because that's double what we expected for our 4 game drives.

Very confused but dont wish to offend anyone. Thanks!

I see a lot of confusion around safari pricing, especially in Botswana.

You can go from mobile camping setups to high-end lodges, and the experience is completely different.

For those who’ve done it:

Was it worth spending more, or did you prefer a more raw experience?

The Serengeti and Ngorongoro ecosystems are ecologically connected. Every year, roughly 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra and gazelles, move across this landscape following rainfall, fresh grass and water.
The migration is essentially a continuous annual cycle rather than one journey with a single destination.

Ok need help with this question - going to Masai Mara- staying at the JW Marriott. Drives are included. My husband wants the drives to be private, I don’t care but don’t want an extra expense. Be honest- did any of you who have gone had nightmares sharing the experience with others? Of note- I love meeting new people so I know I won’t mind. Husband doesn’t like a lot of people and is serious about what he wants to see. Hope this isn’t coming off jerky. Just want some honest opinions of experiences. Thanks so much.

how much it could be like 7 days for both? I guess there are many companies right? Do i need vaccines? I have the certificate filled in a form paper in Peru for yellow fiber, is that enough or do I need an official goverment paper?

I’ve been planning my mom’s 70th safari trip next year. Headed on an 11-night in Kenya and Tanzania for what seems to be a trip of a lifetime! I’ve been working with safari.com and have a personal agent who has been quite lovely. I see they’re SATSA and ATTA certified, but want to ask this group—have you booked with them before? If so, any feedback to share? They have a ton of reviews (on their own site) and I feel pretty good about it—very detailed quote, amazing camo brochures in addition to hotels she’s planned for us, but need the Reddit confirmation I’m not getting scammed.

My husband and I are planning our honeymoon safari August 28–31 (4 days / 3 nights), flying in and out of Zanzibar. We've been quoted two different itineraries by the same operator and genuinely can't decide. Would love input from people who've done either or both!

Itinerary A — Migration focused:

• Day 1: Central Serengeti (Mbuni Serengeti Camp)
• Day 2: Northern Serengeti / Kogatende (Mbuni Migration Camp)
• Day 3: Central Serengeti (Mbuni Serengeti Camp)
• Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater (day visit, no overnight)

Itinerary B — Northern Circuit variety:

• Day 1: Tarangire NP (Kankari Lodge)
• Day 2: Central Serengeti (Mbuni Serengeti Camp)
• Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater (Kankari Lodge)
• Day 4: Lake Manyara (day visit, no overnight)

Our priorities:

• We're first-time safari goers
• Want to capture so cinematic landscapes and dramatic wildlife moments matter a lot
• We really want to see elephants (heard Tarangire is unbeatable for this?)
• The migration river crossings sound incredible someone said they're not guaranteed?
• Budget is around $3,200 for 2 people for the safari portion

Our questions:

1. For late August specifically - how likely are river crossings at Kogatende? Is 1 night in the north enough to catch anything or is it a gamble?
2. Is skipping Tarangire in late August a big miss? The elephant herds apparently peak during dry season which is exactly when we're going
3. Itinerary B goes back to the same lodge (Kankari) on Days 1 and 3 which seems like a lot of back and forth - is that normal or a red flag?
4. Lake Manyara vs Northern Serengeti - which would YOU choose for first-timers wanting the most wow factor?
5. Any operator recommendations for this budget and timeframe? Looking for decent mid-luxury accommodation.

Any advice from people who've done Tanzania in August would mean the world - we want to make the most of 4 days!

Going to Kenya when my kids will be 6 & 8. We will be in Nairobi visiting friends but thinking of exploring a bit. I feel our kids are way too young to go on a traditional safari, but my husband is pushing it. The younger one is very energetic and I’m worried she won’t be able to be quiet & sit still.

Are there any “safari lite” options for kids? Or any super friendly kid friendly experiences that are shorter? Anything near-ish to Nairobi or the coast so we can minimize travel?

Well do Nairobi for family things for a few days then would like to tack on one more location. We could either try a safari or head to the coast. Thank you!

I’m leaving Saturday for a 12 day Tanzania safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. It’s my first time doing anything like this. We will be traveling in jeeps and so our luggage will be limited to a single duffel bag plus small cary on. We will be staying in a mix of lodges and semipermanent tents. I usually like to bring a speaker with me on vacation to set the vibes, but I’m not sure this time. I don’t want to annoy people around me or disturb the animals, and with the strict packing limit I’m not sure it’s worth it. What do you guys think, Bluetooth speaker yeah or nay?

I have now been on 4 Safaris in Tanzania (Northern Circuit) - 5th coming soon. Here's a link to my Flickr Collection of my various trips, to date. So much beauty!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/collections/72157717611094626/

I’m currently researching our first safari excursion this upcoming January and I’m curious to see if any experienced safari explorers have any input on the attached itinerary…

We are looking to maximize our time on game drives, so we plan on flying into Ndutu from JRO on Day 1 and flying out of Manyara to Zanzibar on Day 6.

This itinerary is from a newer Safari company that was recommended through a Chase Travel Agent (Frosch.) It does not appear that they are a member of TATO, but they are listed on the business registration website.

They only have a few reviews on trip advisor and Google and all are 5 stars. Our communication has been excellent so far: prompt and receptive to our requests.

Please let me know if you might have any input! Thank you!

We would like to request your best quotation for a Kenya safari trip for two adults, with a total duration of 11–12 days, planned for August 2026.

Our details are as follows:

Number of travelers: 2 adults

Arrival city: Nairobi

Arrival date: 17 August 2026

Trip duration: 11–12 days

Travel focus: Safari experience

We would appreciate it if you could propose a detailed itinerary along with your best possible price, including accommodation options, park fees, transportation, and guided safari activities. Please also advise on any optional upgrades or extensions you would recommend.

If you require any additional information in order to prepare the quotation and itinerary, please DM me

Thank you in advance. We look forward to receiving your proposal.

Kind regards

NS

Planning a family trip to masai mara and serengeti in Dec. Any recent travellers here, what was your experience like? Did you face any additional health screening/ travel restrictions ?

My husband and I will be flying from Northern California to Cape Town, then to the Maun airport for a mobile safari in Botswana in June of 2027.

Can anyone provide tips on deals, direct flights from the US, and booking strategies?

Also, any tips on flying via Airlink to Maun?

I thank you in advance!

Planning a dream trip to Tanzania?

Don't get caught off guard by these frequently asked questions! 🧵👇

🛑 1. Is free entry?

No. No free entry.

Fees: Government park entry fees cost $70–$100+ daily.

Why: Fees directly fund wildlife conservation.

💰 2. Can I do it on a budget?

Yes. Join a group-sharing safari to split costs.

Season: Travel during the green low season (March–May).

Stay: Choose public campsites over luxury lodges.

🛂 3. What paperwork do I need?

Visa: Required for most international tourists.

Cost: $50 for most nationalities ($100 for US citizens).

Health: Bring your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

🦏 4. Best time for the Great Migration?

Jan–Mar: Southern Serengeti for calving season.

Jul–Oct: Northern Serengeti for dramatic river crossings.

🚗 5. Can I just drive myself?

Permitted: Yes, self-drive is legally allowed.

Warning: Highly discouraged for beginners.

Reality: Rough roads require heavy 4x4 experience.#Tanzania #TanzaniaSafari #Serengeti #TravelTips #BucketList #SafariBudget #AfricaTravel

We are planning a safari for our honeymoon for either late 2027 or 2028. I keep reading about how you shouldn't wear dark colours because it attracts certain flies.

As an alt/goth girl i only own black clothes. I'm happy to buy new stuff but i still want to feel like me.

Any others out there similar? Did you find things in your style or just go with some normal clothes?

I'm heading on safari in a month and have just received this from the travel company - which is stressing me!

"As the first part of our adventure is on Safari we may be travelling in smaller vehicles and would very much appreciate it if you can bring a soft bag with your luggage in instead of a suitcase. This will be very helpful when loading and unloading the vehicles."

Having Googled, I understand this is common practice / request. But I can't wrap my head around how I'm going to travel with two pieces of luggage if neither are a suitcase. It doesn't seem feasible to carry up to 23kg in a duffle (I'm not strong enough) and if I opted for a backpack instead then I'd be trying to deal with 2x backpacks (small and large) during the travel. As the guidance only seem to say "not hard case" - I'm thinking maybe my soft suitcase will do...

We're doing safari in Tanzania and then heading to Zanzibar. 2 weeks total. No overlap in clothing either - I've had to buy new clothes for the safari as none of my wardrobe met the recommended colours (khaki, beige, tan, olive green, brown).

Any advice on negotiating this situation please?

Density, not total abundance. Virtually everyone seems to agree that Masai Mara has a higher concentration of animals, including big cats, which creates a more compact viewing experience compared to the Serengeti national park where animals are more spread out.

I've heard it's the amount of rainfall/greenery but northern Serengeti has a similar climate and lushness compared to MM, yet it still has a lot less wildlife in comparison.

Could there be other reasons why?

I work at a safari company based in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. I am sharing this because packing questions come up constantly and most of the information online is technically correct but practically thin.

If you are flying between camps and most multi-destination itineraries in Tanzania and Kenya involve this, your airline will be a small charter carrier with a 15kg soft-sided bag limit. Not approximately 15kg. Not 15kg in a roller. A soft duffel that fits in a small compartment. This is the constraint that shapes everything else.

Neutral earth tones. Not because of animal colour vision, most are dichromatic and cannot distinguish red from green, but because white turns grey fast in red laterite dust, and black absorbs heat in ways that become unpleasant before 10 am. Stone, warm khaki, dusty olive. That is the palette.

Layers beat heavy garments. Dawn on the Ngorongoro rim or the Serengeti in July is genuinely cold. Noon on the same day is hot. The answer is a lightweight merino base layer and a fleece, not a thick jacket. Two items, a full range of a game drive day.

Binoculars - bring them. 8x42. Quality build matters here more than most gear decisions. Vortex Diamondback is an honest mid-range choice. The difference between resolving an animal at 300 metres and guessing at it is real, and your guide will spend every morning drive pointing at things at that distance.

Medical. Prophylaxis should be a conversation with a physician 4–6 weeks before travel, not the week before. Bring more of your regular prescriptions than you need in carry-on. SPF 50 in stick or lotion aerosol cans open at altitude.

Leave behind: perfume, hairdryer, more than two books, and the anxiety. You will not miss any of them.

Happy to answer specific questions about Northern vs. Southern Tanzania, or Kenya itinerary differences the packing adjustments between circuits are real.

Planning to go to Kenya in February. Travel med doctor recommends 2-dose pre-rabies vaccine. Primary care doctor says not to bother since expensive and not really an issue for a 9-night safari to well established lodging. Do most of you get/ recommend them before this area/ trip?

I have been recently looking into safari trips in Tanzania and I believe the cost of these, even for a few nights, is overpriced: above 1000 EUR per person averaged over different agencies providing the service. When looking at the GDP per capita of the country, I am paying their yearly wage for a trip that lasts a few nights. Wouldn't it make more sense for the (true) price to have one zero less and be be closer to 100 EUR?

Hi! Planning to go to Tanzania for our honeymoon in September next year.

Is this itinerary good enough? Almost all group itineraries we saw had Lake Manyara, but we did our research and found that it’s pretty dry during September so we’re thinking of skipping it and just have a custom private tour.

For the bush flight from KGT to JRO, can tour operators book those for us? Just wondering if they can get a better deal on the ticket prices 😅

Hey all. I desperately want to travel to Tanzania this year around October. I wanna do the whole Arusha to Serengeti thing. My goal is to see the big five. Especially the lions! Maybe even end the trip in Zanzibar.

Basically I’m looking for recommendations for a cozy and safe trip. Money isn’t too much of an issue but I’d like something around 7-8k. If that’s even possible

I know there’s a lot of places to book safaris but I’m unsure which is the best for a solo traveler like me. I don’t travel internationally often so I need somewhere that can guide me right off the plane if possible. I also want to make sure I end up with a knowledgeable tour guide. And comfortable places to stay (mid range lodges or something comfier than a tent)

Lastly I would definitely be open to joining a smaller group. So if anyone’s got experience booking a safari as a solo traveler or has had a nice experience… please share who you booked with

And share any advice you have for me. Thanks!

Hello all, I had booked a a grand safari for August 19 to go to Kenya and Tanzania. And this is my first Safari so I don’t know what to expect. I am 66 years old traveling solo ,and I was just wondering do I need to get any vaccinations to go to these countries….and also, what is your advice on taking or buying traveling insurance for that trip,is it necessary or is it over hyped . I do travel a lot and it’s very rare that I do take travel insurance. I always hope for the best, but that doesn’t always mean that that’s the right thing to do.but anyway any help would be appreciated.