Group joining safaris in Tanzania cater primarily to solo travelers and couples on a budget. These safaris typically include 4 to 7 people from various backgrounds.
For those traveling with children, family, the elderly, or professional wildlife photographers, we highly recommend a private safari. Private safaris offer greater flexibility, privacy, and a personalized experience.
Before making your safari choice, the following information will provide insights to help you decide which option suits you best.
Safari Vehicle:
Both types of safaris use 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs. The maximum seating capacity is 7 clients plus the driver. Smaller groups may be provided with a truncated Land Cruiser that seats up to 4 clients plus the driver.
Pick-Up:
Group Joining Safari Package in Tanzania:
Pick-up is provided from any hotel in Arusha/Moshi (or Dar es Salaam for southern Tanzania safaris) between 6:30 – 8:30 AM, depending on the itinerary. For clients staying outside these areas, transport to the starting point can be arranged for an extra fee. We advise arriving a day earlier in Arusha/Moshi to rest and receive a safari briefing.
Private Safari:
Pick-up is also between 6:30 – 8:30 AM from any hotel in Arusha/Moshi (or Dar es Salaam). The start time can be more flexible. As with group safaris, transport from outside these areas can be arranged for an extra fee. Arriving a day earlier is recommended for rest and briefing.
Delays:
Group Joining Safari Packages in Tanzania:
If delayed by flight or other circumstances, private transport can be arranged to join the group for an extra charge. Extreme delays might result in missing the Day 1 game drive.
Private Safari Package in Tanzania:
The safari vehicle will wait for clients in case of delays. However, extreme delays could also result in missing the Day 1 game drive, as game drives are only allowed between 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM.
Briefing and Balance Payment:
Briefings and balance payments are typically done the day before the safari. If customers are staying outside the city or arriving on the start day, this will be done on the day of the safari.
Safari Decorum:
Group Joining Safari:
Clients are requested to maintain group decorum and avoid inconveniencing others. Seat rotation is expected, and disputes will be resolved by the driver/guide.
Private Safari:
While decorum issues are less likely, mutual respect between clients and guides is expected.
Safari/Drive Duration:
Group Joining Safari:
Total travel time is about 9-11 hours per day, including pick-up, game drive, and drop-off. It is not customizable. Clients staying at different accommodations may spend an additional 20-40 minutes driving before/after game drives compared to private safaris.
Private Safari:
Game drive timings are flexible according to customer requests, within the allowable hours of 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Luggage:
Group safari clients are requested to bring only one duffel bag or backpack each to avoid inconveniencing others and congesting the vehicle.
Add-on Activities:
Private safari clients can opt for add-on activities like Masai village visits or trips to Olduvai Gorge at an extra cost. In group safaris, add-on activities are possible only if unanimously agreed upon by the group.
Conclusion:
Both private and group joining safaris have their pros and cons. If you seek extra comfort, convenience, and flexibility, private safaris are the best option. However, for those on a tight budget or traveling solo, group joining safaris offer great value for money.
