[ About ]â–
The Best of Both Worlds
Your Nordic Gateway: Kipellier AS handles your local consultation, payment security, and customized itinerary planning from our headquarters in Oslo. You enjoy flawless communication and complete transactional peace of mind in compliance with Nordic standards.
Our Ground Execution: The moment you touch down in Tanzania, you are in the hands of our integrated local subsidiary and operational partner, Mtila Safaris Limited. Because we manage our own fleet of custom 4x4 safari vehicles and employ our own certified local expert guides, you completely bypass the standard European travel agency markup. You get an elite, raw, and authentic wilderness experience directly from the people who call the savannah home.
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[ HISTORY ]Our Journey: From the Fjords to the Savanna
Every great journey begins with a vision. Ours started with a simple question: Why should travelers have to choose between the safety and security of booking at home and the raw, unscripted authenticity of a true African safari?
For years, the safari industry was split into two extremes. On one end were traditional European travel agencies—offering comfort and financial guarantees, but adding steep middleman markups while remaining distant from daily bush operations. On the other end were local ground operators—offering incredible wilderness knowledge, but often difficult to reach, navigate, or verify from thousands of miles away.
We knew there had to be a better way. So, we built one.
A Bridge Across Two Continents
We united two distinct worlds under one shared mission: to bring you directly to the heart of East Africa’s wild spaces without compromising on security, comfort, or value.
1. Born in Oslo: Your Nordic Gateway
It begins at our headquarters in Oslo, managed by Kipellier AS. Here, we act as your personal travel partner before you ever set foot on a plane.
Your Dedicated Scandinavian Advisor: You are paired with a dedicated personal contact from Norway or Sweden who stays with you from your very first inquiry, through pre-departure preparation, and remains available for direct support all the way until you land back home.
Nordic Security: Your booking, payments, and consumer protections are handled under strict Nordic business standards, giving you total financial peace of mind.
No Stress, No Guesswork: We take care of every detail—from internal flight connections and park permits to lodge selections and pre-trip preparation.
2. Rooted in Tanzania: Direct Ground Execution
The moment you touch down in East Africa, the story turns over to our integrated local subsidiary and operational partner, Mtila Safaris Limited.
Our Own Fleet, Our Own Team: We don't outsource your dream trip to third-party sub-contractors. We operate our own fleet of custom-built 4x4 safari Land Cruisers and employ certified local expert guides who have spent their lives tracking wildlife across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Uncompromised Value: By managing our ground operations directly, we eliminate the traditional European agency middleman markup. Every krona or dollar you spend goes straight into the quality of your vehicle, the expertise of your guide, and the standard of your lodges.
Raw & Authentic: You get an unvarnished, immersive wilderness experience delivered directly by the people who call the savanna home.
The Result? The Best of Both Worlds.
You enjoy the ease, clarity, and protection of a Nordic company—complete with a dedicated contact in Norway or Sweden watching over your journey from start to finish—combined with the soul, passion, and direct access of a true Tanzanian safari operation. No middleman, no compromises—just an unspotted horizon waiting for you.
Where Form Meets Grit. Where Road Shapes Rider.
[ FAQ ]Common Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
Reviews, our Tanzania subsidiary Mtila Safaris
