Most frequent question
How do I contact Serengeti Pride Safaris?
See our Contact Us page.
What are your payment arrangements?
For climbs, we require a non-refundable, non-transferable $700 US Dollar deposit per person on booking so we can confirm your lodging and other arrangements. Payments are by bank/wire transfer (we provide you the information necessary for your bank to transfer funds from your account to our account). The final payment (also non-refundable) is usually due 45 days prior to arrival, also by bank transfer unless you prefer to bring it on arrival in cash, USD. For safaris, a 50% deposit is preferred. We will need the final payment at least 60 days before your arrival date. The payments made to us are non-refundable.
Do I need to buy trip insurance?
Trip insurance is strongly advised. All payments made to us are non-refundable and non-transferable. We advise buying travel insurance and find www.insuremytrip.com is a great place to compare plans from various companies. Be sure to read the fine print and understand exactly what is or isn't covered. For example, for Kilimanjaro treks, make sure the plan does not exclude high altitude travel. Mountaineering is often excluded from coverage, but check with the insurer - often they don't consider trekking (hiking at high altitude, without ropes) to be "mountaineering" but you want to be sure
Do I need a travel visa to visit Tanzania?
Yes, most travelers need a travel visa to enter Tanzania. For those who need a travel visa, citizens of most (but not all) countries can obtain it on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or any other port of entry. However, travelers from certain countries require a "referred visa" meaning it MUST be obtained in advance. Depending on where you live, you may choose to obtained it in person or by mail through the Tanzania Embassy or representative in your home country. Although the Tanzanian government "highly recommends" you get your travel visa in advance, many tourists get it on arrival at the airport and it generally goes smoothly (certain countries of residence you MUST obtain a visa in advance, but this does not affect travelers from the USA, Canada, and western Europe). Be sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date, and has multiple empty pages (not almost full). If you prefer to obtain your travel visa in advance, it can be obtained from the Tanzania Embassy or Consular Office in some countries.
The fee for the travel visa ranges from $50-$100 USD per person depending on your country of origin.
What kind of immunizations are required?
The required vaccines depends on your country of origin. Yellow fever vaccine may be required if traveling from other countries where yellow fever is present. There are several vaccines your travel clinic will suggest (sometimes including Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Typhoid, Polio, Yellow Fever, COVID, etc). Malaria preventive medication is strongly suggested - you should be prepared because malaria is endemic in parts of Tanzania.
We recommend that you discuss your plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with your physician to see whether medications to help prevent altitude illness, or treat altitude related symptoms, are advisable for you.
You may wish to review the CDC guidelines at http://www.cdc.gov/ as you continue planning for your trip.
It is always advisable to carefully assess your health requirements before you travel abroad. Contacting your local travel clinic or physician is strongly recommended.
What airport should I fly into?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code JRO). This airport is located between Arusha and Moshi, Tanzania. Please note that Arusha airport is actually a small airport in Arusha town, used mostly for domestic and safari flights; about an hour driving time from Kilimanjaro airport. We can also pick up at Arusha airport as well as at hotels and bus stops in Arusha. Other airports such as Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya are distant enough to require an extra travel day in one or both directions (and sometimes an overnight stay), as well as extra expense to get to Arusha area.
How safe is Tanzania?
Tanzania is thankfully a fairly stable and peaceful country. Visitors generally feel very safe here, and find most Tanzanians warmly welcoming of travelers. Of course be aware of your surroundings just as you would back at home. It is always wise to check your home country's traveler information for Tanzania and subscribe to any updates that are available.
Can you provide references?
Absolutely! Just let us know whether you prefer to be put in touch by email or by phone. We'll match you with past clients who can vouch for us and for our fantastic crews.
What about tips?
Tips are an important part of their income for the hardworking Tanzanians who make up our crews. We provide tipping suggestions to our clients, although of course tipping is always at your discretion.
Do you have groups I can join?
Yes. Besides private trips, we offer group departure dates for climbs and safaris. The group departures have no more than 12 persons. Because pricing is based on twin/double occupancy, we'll match you up with someone of the same gender. If you prefer a single hotel room and/or single tent, we can advise you of the cost for a single supplement. If one of the dates listed on our website doesn't work for you, please contact us anyway - we are constantly adding new departures.
How can I leave a lasting impact to the wonderful people of Tanzania?
Children outgrow shoes within a few months of purchasing them; as we drive around outside the city, you will notice that there are several children walking barefoot. You could consider donating expandable shoes that grow with the child.
Young girls in school face a monthly challenge forcing them to miss school for a few days each month. For a sustainable solution, you could donate reusable sanitary towels.
For greater sustainable impact, you could also consider connecting with a Rotary Club in you area, to support ongoing projects in Tanzania.
There are so many ways to give back; even the smallest items are much appreciated.
Where are you located?
Our headquarters are in Usa River, Tanzania (just outside Arusha). You can call our office main line at +255 767 482748 if you have urgent questions.