The Great Migration is the annual cycle of movement made by over 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras and 400,000 Thomson gazelles in their continuous search for water and green pasture throughout the Serengeti ecosystem. Every year, the ungulates follow a fairly predictable migration route however the timing of the movement varies from year to year depending on rain patterns.

Typically, December to May is considered the green season and the migration can usually be found on the plains in the southern and eastern Serengeti. By late May when the plains start to dry up, the migration will head westwards to the Western Corridor and remain there until around July before heading to the Northern Serengeti. During the height of the dry season from August to October a portion of the migration herd will spill across the Kenyan border into the Masai Mara. Usually by November, the rains will have commenced on the southern plains starting the migration cycle all over again.

Tanzania has two major seasons. Although weather patterns can vary widely from year to year typically the dry season starts around June and last through until October and the green or rainy season commences from November until around May with a short dry season typically between January and February.

The parks located in the popular northern safari circuit are located at a high elevation making the climate pleasant for game viewing even during midday. The average temperature in the Serengeti during the warmer months of October to March can range from a high of 29C to a low of 17C, and during the cooler months of April to September a high of 26C to a low of 13C. The rim of the Ngorongoro Crater has an elevation of over 2,200 metres and the night time temperatures can drop below freezing.

If you plan on travelling during the high season (June – September, December – March), we suggest you book your safari as far in advance as possible, 8 to 12 months, in order to secure your preferred accommodations. We can book on short notice, however, your safari will be subject to availability of accommodations.

To start planning your safari, fill out our online inquiry form or email us at info@briadventuresafaris.co.tz or call us at +255 677 000 011 (Tanzania time is GMT+3). We will respond to all inquiries promptly however due to time differences, there may be a 24 – 48 hour delay in email replies.

We request that your deposit to secure a reservation and the balance of safari payment be made in US dollars by wire transfer into Brilliant Adventures and Safaris Tanzanian U.S. dollar bank account.

All deposits and payments received into the company’s bank account will be held on your behalf and we only disburse funds to the appropriate suppliers as necessary until such time we have completed delivering our services to you.

Cancellations are effective upon the date of receipt of written notification in our office.

91 days or more prior to departure are subject to a cancellation penalty of 10% of the total trip price;

90 to 61 days prior to departure are subject to a cancellation penalty of 50% of the total trip price; and

60 days or less prior to departure are subject to a cancellation penalty of 100% of the total trip price.

Included:

All accommodations

All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

All airport and hotel transfers

All national park and conservation area entrance fees

4WD Landcruiser with unlimited kilometres for game drives

Services of a Tanzanian safari guide

Internal airfare from Arusha to the Serengeti National Park (if applicable)

Use of binoculars while on safari (two sets are provided for each vehicle)

Unlimited bottled drinking water in your vehicle

Not included:

International airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport

Tanzania tourist visa fee payable upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Gratuities to your safari guide & lodge/camp staff

Comprehensive travel Insurance

Laundry and drinks at the lodges and camps

Optional activities such as balloon safaris, walking safaris, Maasai village tours

If you are coming from North America or Europe, we recommend flying KLM to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you are coming from China, we recommend flying Ethiopian Air to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

If you are planning a visit to Zanzibar after your safari, we recommend that you either (i) arrange your flight so that you arrive at JRO and depart through Dar Es Salaam International Airport (DAR) or consider arriving into Tanzania through DAR and then take a connecting flight to JRO to start your safari.

The flight between JRO and DAR is approximately about one hour.

Please confirm all international flights and seating prior to departure.

YES, we can book all your international flights and arrange for your travel insurance. However, all domestic flights included in your safari itinerary are already arranged by us and the cost is included in the safari price.

We also provide airport transfer service which is a separate package from the safari price. From Kilimanjaro International airport one way is charged USD 50 per person.

For international flights, please check with your individual airline as check in and carry on luggage restrictions vary from airline to airline. With respect to domestic internal flights from Arusha to the Serengeti or Arusha to Zanzibar, the luggage restriction is 15 kg or 33 lbs and we recommend use of duffel bags rather than rigid suitcases. Excess luggage can be accommodated at the discretion of the airline and additional charges will apply.

Tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Dar Es Salaam International Airport by simply filling out an entry form (provided during your flight) and payment of the visa fee. Please ensure you have two blank pages in your passport and your passport does not expire within six months of your arrival date.

The tourist visa fee is US$50 with the exception of the following citizens: Pakistan (US $ 200), USA (US$100), Ireland (US$100).

Since its independence in 1961, Tanzania has been a politically stable country and one of the safest countries to travel to in Africa.

We do however recommend that you use common sense and take safety precautions as you would when travelling in any foreign country:

Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.

Keep all your important documents and cash in a money belt hidden under your clothes at all times (even on game drives or while dining at the lodge)

Keep a copy of all important documentation (passport, itinerary, insurance policy, credit cards, etc.) locked in your suitcase

When shopping, carry a few dollars for spending money in an easily accessible zippered pocket or shoulder bag rather than displaying your money belt

Do not walk around town after dark in Arusha, Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar – always take a taxi even if you are only going a block or two.

Safaris are a considerable investment and we strongly urge you to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Coverage should include trip cancellation, delay or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, emergency accident, illness and evacuation, 24-hour medical assistance and traveler’s assistance. Brilliant Adventures and Safaris does not include travel insurance or any protection plan in its safari price. However, we can arrange for your Travel Insurance if you need it as a separate package.

We highly recommend that you consult with your physician or a travel medical doctor for advice several months in advance of your trip as you may need a series of vaccinations. Please ensure that you indicate that you will be travelling to Tanzania on safari. Your doctor will be able to suggest which vaccinations and medications are advisable. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended and should be discussed during your doctor’s visit.

All vaccinations are voluntary for entry into Tanzania with the exception of Yellow Fever vaccination. If you are entering Tanzania from Yellow Fever infected country such as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, you will be required to show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon arrival in Tanzania. Please ensure you carry this Certificate with your passport. If you are entering Tanzania from Europe, you will not be required to show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.

Family safaris are a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about wildlife and participate in cultural activities and interact with local children. We can tailor your safari to visit a local primary school or orphanage to see how other children live, learn and play. Please note that most safari lodges and camps are not fenced and wildlife move about freely. Never let a child out of your sight or wander around unattended under any circumstances. Please listen carefully to all safety briefings from your safari guide and lodge staff and follow instructions especially concerning moving to and from your tent/room after dark.

If you have any special needs or requirements, please let us know when you book your safari. Whether its wheelchair accessibility or allergy to specific foods, we can plan your itinerary accordingly.

All game drives are conducted using a either 4-wheel drive extended Landcruiser which can accommodate up to seven passengers or a 4-wheel drive short Landcruiser which can accommodate up to five passengers depending on the side of the safari group. Each traveler is guaranteed a window seat. We have no mileage restrictions on game drives. For safety and communication, our vehicles are equipped with a long distance radio.

Our safaris are tailored to suit your preferences and budget and offer a wide choice of accommodation categories from standard, deluxe to luxury hotels, lodges and tented camps. Each property will have its own unique character and all of them are clean, comfortable and includes bathroom facilities. Please see our Lodges & Camps page for a sampling of the different types of accommodations available.

Most meals on safari cater to western tastes and some lodges also offer a sampling of local Tanzanian food. A vegetarian choice is typically available on every menu. We ask that you notify us of any special dietary requirements in advance of your safari.

Be prepared for bumpy and rough road conditions during game drives and transfers within the national parks and conservation areas. The main roads to and from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Gate are completely paved but the roads within the national parks and conservation areas are not. Remember, traversing rough roads and tracks are a part of the excitement of the African game driving experience. If you suffer from back problems or other conditions which may be aggravated by driving long distances on rough roads, please let us know.

Tanzania offers a variety of locally handmade crafts such as exquisite wood carvings, masks, antiques, woven baskets, colourful Maasai beadwork, paintings, etc. and you will have plenty of opportunity to shop during your visit.

Many curio shops are located along the major roads heading to and from the national parks, most hotels, lodges and camps have gift shops and in Arusha there are multitudes of souvenir shops and markets to choose from, the largest and most popular being the Cultural Heritage and the Maasai Market located near the Clock Tower. Prices are negotiable at most curio shops and markets with the exception of Cultural Heritage and some hotel gift shops. The larger curio shops, hotel & lodge gift shops and Cultural Heritage accept major credit cards. Additionally, both the Kilimanjaro International Airport and Zanzibar International Airport also have gift shops that carry a good selection of items for your perusal while waiting for your flight.

If you are fond of gemstones and jewellery, then the rare and precious Tanzanite may be of interest to you. Tanzanite is a beautiful dark blue gemstone unique to Tanzania and only mined near Kilimanjaro Airport. If you are interested in purchasing Tanzanite, please let us know and we will take you to visit a Tanzanite specialist for certified gemstones to ensure good quality and value.

Most lodges and camps use generators for electricity and many do not operate their generators 24 hours a day; the power may be turned off during the day when most clients are out game driving and again late at night. Please inquire at check-in as policies vary with each lodge or camp.

Electrical sockets in Tanzania are three-square pin, same as in the United Kingdom and the electrical voltage is 220V. Please see www.voltagevalet.com/elec_guide.html for further details on outlets, voltage and adapters.

Although the currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania Shilling (Tsh), the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. However please note that for larger U.S. dollar denominations ($20, $50 and $100), only bills issued after 2003 will be accepted in Tanzania due to counterfeiting and fraud.

Major credit cards are accepted at larger safari lodges and major souvenir shops and larger tourist towns offer ATM bank machines where you can withdraw cash using your bank card or credit card. Please note that ATM bank machines only dispense Tanzanian shillings.

Traveller’s cheques are hard to cash and not recommended.

Although the currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania Shilling (Tsh), the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. However please note that for larger U.S. dollar denominations ($20, $50 and $100), only bills issued after 2003 will be accepted in Tanzania due to counterfeiting and fraud.

Major credit cards are accepted at larger safari lodges and major souvenir shops and larger tourist towns offer ATM bank machines where you can withdraw cash using your bank card or credit card. Please note that ATM bank machines only dispense Tanzanian shillings.

Traveller’s cheques are hard to cash and not recommended.

There is mobile or cellular coverage in many areas of the national parks and conservation areas but reception may be inconsistent and network signals weak and in the remote areas of the Northern and Western Serengeti there are no signals, however, many of the lodges and camps will have a telephone or email access on the premises (for a fee) to communicate with friends and family back at home.

Casual, comfortable and easy to wash clothes are recommended. The goal is to pack lightly as most lodges and camps will launder clothes for a small fee. Safaris are informal and there is no need to dress up. Do plan to dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes as early morning game drives can be quite cold depending on the time of year while day time temperatures can get quite warm. Stick to neutral or khaki colours and avoid wearing dark blue or black clothes as these colours tend to attract tsetse flies. Wide brimmed hats, sun glasses, sunscreen, insect repellent are a necessity. After sunset, we recommend that you wear long pants, long sleeved shirts and socks and spray insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Recommended safari clothing:

T-shirts and tank tops

Long-sleeved shirts (for protection from sunburns)

Shorts

Light long pants or convertible long-short pants

Warm fleece pullover or jacket

One swimsuit

Cotton socks and underwear

Pajamas

One pair of comfortable walking shoes

One pair of sandals or flip-flops

Wide brimmed hat

Bandana (for dust)

Heavy sweater, gloves and toque if travelling in the cold season (June – August)

Clothing for Zanzibar – Please dress modestly when sightseeing in Stone Town or visiting anywhere outside of the beach resorts in Zanzibar. Women should not wear sleeveless or revealing tops and short skirts or thigh high shorts (Capri pants or at least knee-length shorts are fine). Men should wear shirts, pants or knee-length shorts.

Passport

Plane tickets

Travel Insurance Policy & Emergency Contact Numbers

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable)

Safari itinerary

U.S. dollars in large and small denominations ($20, $50 & $100 bills should be issued after 2003)

Credit cards and ATM bank cards

Sunglasses

Sunscreen and lip balm

Small flashlight or headlamp

Insect/Mosquito repellent

Eye drops and extra contact lenses or spare glasses (if applicable)

Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer

Tissue paper and small travel towel (washrooms in Tanzania often don’t have toilet paper or paper towels)

Camera, extra memory cards, batteries and charger, if applicable

UK plug adapter and transformer/voltage converter, if applicable

Zip lock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, etc.

Personal toiletries

Small first aid medical kit including Tylenol or ibuprofen, antimalarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, itch medication, band-aids, stomach ache remedy, antibiotic cream, diarrhea medicine, prescription antibiotic for travelers diarrhea ( Ciprofloxacin) and any prescription medications.

We strongly recommend that you carry-on all important items such as prescription medication, camera equipment, essential toiletries (please keep in mind many airlines have liquid restrictions) and one or two changes of clothes in case of checked luggage delays or loss.

For best sightings, we recommend that you leave the lodge or camp at 6:00am sharp for early morning game drives. Many animals are most active in the early morning hours between 6:00am to 9:00am. Your safari guide will arrange breakfast boxes with the lodges so that you can make the most of the early morning hours when game will be most active and lighting is best for photography.

We can include a variety of activities which will allows you to meet with local people to appreciate their culture and tradition. From a Maasai village tour to a visit to a local primary school and orphanage or shopping at a local market, these activities can easily be incorporated into your itinerary.

Always follow the instruction of your safari guide. Many of the wildlife may seem harmless and almost tame, especially those that have been habituated to safari vehicles in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater but they are wild animals and potentially extremely dangerous.

Most of the safari lodges and camps are not fenced and wildlife move freely about. Please follow all safety instructions provided by the lodge or camp regarding moving to and from your room/tent after dark. If you have young children, do not let them out of your sight or wander alone under any circumstances.

You are responsible for your own safety, if you are unsure of anything, please do not hesitate to ask your safari guide or lodge/camp staff.

We feel that the gratuity system on safari is not only customary, but to a certain degree obligatory. In Tanzania, a tip is not so much a bonus for particularly attentive service but rather a payment to supplement their base salary.

Obligatory payment of gratuities seems like an oxymoron and seems to go against the spirit of tipping, however, majority of Tanzanians who work in the tourism industry support many extended family members through the tips they earn, common in African culture, so please consider it a way for you to kindly and generously give back to the local people.

Please see below for recommended tipping guidelines for your safari:

Safari Guide:     $40 – $50 per vehicle per day

Park Ranger or Maasai Guide

For Walking Safaris:        $20 per vehicle per walk

Maasai Village Visit:        $20 per vehicle

Transfer driver in Arusha:            $10 per vehicle

Porters/Baggage Handlers:         $1 to $2 per bag

Lodge/Camp Staff:          $10 per group per day using gratuity box (read below)

At most safari lodges and camps a gratuity box will be located in the reception area and we recommend that you use the gratuity boxes rather than providing individual tips to the staff that directly assist you. There are many behind the scenes staff ensuring your pleasant stay (cooks, room attendants, house keepers, security guards, etc.) and by using the gratuity box, your tip will be shared equally amongst all staff.

Tsetse flies are present in Tarangire National Park and also in the Western Serengeti and some parts of the Northern Serengeti. The plains of the Southern and Eastern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and southern Central Serengeti are tsetse free.

Tsetse fly bites are painful and there are no effective insect repellents. When driving through tsetse infested areas, close your windows and cover up wearing long sleeves and pants and avoid wearing dark blue or black as those colours seem to attract tsetse flies. Some people have allergic reactions to tsetse fly bites and the bite area may become itchy and swell. Benadryl will help with the swelling and irritation.

The common fly will also be present on safari. They are harmless and do not bite and are more of an annoyance than anything else. If you notice a lot of flies around, it probably means the migration is nearby.

The mosquitoes which carry malaria are active in the evening and we highly recommend you take precautionary measure even if you are taking anti-malaria medication by covering up well after sunset with long sleeves, pants and sock and using mosquito repellent which contains Deet.

Be prepared for dusty conditions. Even in the rainy/green season, the plains can dry up quickly and the fine soil and the wind can cause dust problems. In the dry season, the conditions will be worse. We recommend that you bring a bandana. Cameras, video and other electronic equipment need to be protected from the dust and we recommend bringing a camera bag that can be easily opened and completely sealed to protect against dust when the camera or video equipment are not being used.