• Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara): Tanzania's most iconic and accessible route. It features the Great Migration, the highest concentration of big cats and wildlife, and a broad range of accommodation options.

• Southern Circuit (Nyerere/Selous, Ruaha, Mikumi, Udzungwa): A vast, remote, and uncrowded wilderness experience. It is ideal for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path solitude, boat safaris, walking safaris, and raw bush scenery.

• We can offer a tailored safari option.

• The Northern Circuit is recommended for first-time visitors who want high odds of spotting the Big Five and the Great Migration, combined with short driving distances between parks.

• The Southern Circuit is ideal for repeat safari-goers, couples seeking privacy, or travelers wanting to avoid crowds while enjoying varied activities like river cruises.

• Northern Circuit: Excellent year-round. June to October offers prime dry-season game viewing; January to March brings the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti.

• Southern Circuit: Strongly seasonal. The peak dry season (June to October) is best, as animals concentrate around scarce water sources like the Rufiji and Great Ruaha Rivers. Many southern camps close during the heavy rains in April and May.

Cancellation & Trip Amendment Policy

We understand that unexpected changes happen. Whether you need to adjust your travel dates or cancel your booking altogether, we aim to make the process as straightforward and flexible as possible.

1. Changing Your Trip Dates or Itinerary

If you need to reschedule your safari or modify your travel route:

• Advance Notice: Date changes requested at least [30 to 60 days] prior to your departure are subject to availability and can usually be made without penalty fees.

• Seasonal Price Adjustments: Rescheduling your trip from a low/green season to a peak season may result in a price difference based on updated lodge rates and park fees.

• Non-Refundable Permits: Specific third-party bookings (such as internal bush flights or gorilla/chimp permits) may incur rebooking fees set directly by the operators.

2. Canceling Your Safari

If you must cancel your booking, notification must be submitted in writing via email. Because safari lodges, internal flights, and park permits require non-refundable deposits, cancellation fees depend on how far in advance you cancel:

• [60+ Days] Before Departure: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit (or an administrative fee of [5–10%]).

• [30 to 59 Days] Before Departure: [50%] of the total trip cost is non-refundable.

• [Under 30 Days] Before Departure: [100%] of the total trip cost is non-refundable.

Note: You may choose to convert your non-refundable amount into a travel credit for a future trip within [12 to 24 months].

3. Strongly Recommended: Travel Insurance

To protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances, we strongly require all guests to purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. Ensure your policy includes coverage for:

• Trip cancellation and interruption (for illness, family emergencies, or work conflicts).

• Emergency medical evacuation and treatment.

• Flight delays or lost luggage.

Need to make a change today?

Contact your personal safari specialist or email our support team directly at [support@northsouthsafaris.com] with your booking reference code, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Travel & Logistics Services We Handle

Yes! We provide full end-to-end travel coordination to ensure your journey to, from, and across Tanzania is completely seamless.

1. Transfers & Ground Transport

• Airport Pickups & Drop-offs: Private airport transfers at Kilimanjaro International (JRO), Arusha Airport (ARK), Dar es Salaam (DAR), and Zanzibar (ZNZ).

• 4x4 Safari Vehicles: Outfitted customized 4x4 Land Cruisers featuring pop-up roofs.

• City & Inter-Lodge Transfers: Smooth transit between hotels, safari lodges, and regional hubs.

2. Internal Flights & Connections

• Bush Airstrips: Flight reservations on regional carriers connecting key airstrips in the Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire, Ruaha, or Nyerere.

• Bush-to-Beach Connections: Direct fly-in transfers straight from national park bush airstrips to Zanzibar for beach extensions.

3. Accommodations & Permits

• Lodge & Camp Bookings: Handpicked accommodations tailored to your preferred style (budget tented camps, mid-range lodges, or luxury boutique resorts).

• Park & Conservation Permits: Full advance handling of all national park entry fees, concession fees, and Ngorongoro Crater descent permits.

4. Extension Trips & Special Activities

• Zanzibar Beach Holidays: Island resort stays, Stone Town tours, spice farm visits, and dhow cruises.

• Kilimanjaro Treks: Pre- or post-safari guided climbs up Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Scenic Upgrades: Serengeti hot-air balloon safaris and cultural village visits.

Essential Safari Packing List

Packing for a safari requires balancing comfort, changing temperatures, and strict luggage restrictions (especially if taking regional bush flights).

1. Clothing & Layers

Safaris feature cold early mornings and hot afternoons. Layering neutral, breathable fabrics is key.

• Colors to Wear: Khaki, beige, tan, olive green, and brown (blend into the environment).

• Colors to Avoid:

  • Dark blue & black (attract tsetse flies).

  • Bright neon colors (spook wildlife).

  • Pure white (gets dusty very quickly).

• 3–4 Short-Sleeve Shirts / T-Shirts: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics.

• 2 Long-Sleeve Shirts: Protects against sun exposure and evening mosquitoes.

• 2–3 Pairs of Pants / Trousers: Convertible trail pants or comfortable chinos.

• 1–2 Pairs of Shorts: For relaxing around the lodge or warm afternoon drives.

• Fleece Jacket or Windbreaker: Essential for chilly early-morning game drives and crater rims.

• Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat or Cap: Must have a chin strap if you are in an open-top vehicle.

• Comfortable Footwear: Closed-toe walking shoes or light trail sneakers; flip-flops for around the lodge/pool.

2. Health, Hygiene & Sun Protection

• High-SPF Sunscreen & Lip Balm: Tropical sun is intense even on cloudy days.

• Insect Repellent: Formulations with DEET or Picaridin.

• Personal Medication: Prescription meds, motion-sickness tablets (for bumpy roads), and basic pain relievers.

• Antiseptic Wipes & Hand Sanitizer: Useful during long game drives and roadside stops.

• Malaria Prophylaxis: As recommended by your doctor.

3. Gear, Electronics & Optics

• Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42): Crucial for spotting distant wildlife, birds, and predators in dense brush.

• Camera with Zoom Lens: A lens with at least 200mm–400mm focal length is ideal for wildlife photography.

• Power Bank / Portable Charger: Keep devices charged during full-day game drives.

• Plug Adapters: Type G plug adapters (standard 3-prong UK style used in East Africa).

• Headlamp or Small Flashlight: Useful for navigating un-fenced tented camps after dark.

4. Important Documents & Cash

• Passport & Visas: Valid for at least 6 months past your travel dates.

• Vaccination Records: Yellow Fever certificate (if arriving from or transiting an endemic zone).

• US Dollars (Cash): Bring clean, crisp bills printed after 2013 (older bills are often rejected by banks and lodges in East Africa). Used for tipping drivers, lodge staff, and buying local crafts.

• Travel Insurance Details: Printed physical copy of policy details and emergency contacts.

Luggage Rules & Restrictions

• Bag Type: Use a soft-sided duffel bag or canvas holdall. Hard-shell suitcases do not fit well in 4x4 safari vehicles.

• Weight Limits: If taking internal bush flights, strict weight limits apply (typically 15 kg / 33 lbs total per person, including hand luggage).