The short answer is a resounding yes. We work in conjunction with the latest FCDO advice and would never send you somewhere considered dangerous.
We keep close tabs on all current affairs across our African destinations and this, coupled with our extensive network of in-destination contacts, mean we have up-to-date information when we need it.
Of course there are safety elements to take into account when planning a trip to Africa ,Tanzania included , especially with children.
Since the break out of COVID19 in 2020 our destinations, camps, lodges and hotels where we would send you and your family are prepared to meet stringent Covid19 safety procedures and protocols in place to ensure you remain 100% safe on your trip. We can provide you with comprehensive detail on these on a case by case basis, please do ask. At the moment most of the COVID 19 Travel restrictions have been removed.
During the COVID19 pandemic ,Tanzania and Africa has recorded relatively few Covid19 cases and remains a safe travel destination. If you would like to know some of the suggested reasons for this, please do ask. It is important to follow health guidance from your destination before traveling using a reputable source including your medical practitioner please visit FCDO.
Africa offers countless safari options.
when choosing where you want to go, you should therefore consider:
There are many different types of safari.
Depending on the destination, with TourCompass, you can go on a:
The most common form of safari is the game drive, which forms part of all our safari holidays
Because our trips book up months in advance, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. We will of course make every effort to accommodate last minute bookings.
Absolutely, we specialize in tailor-made itineraries. We thrive on custom designing interesting itineraries!
Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic meals can easily be arranged with advanced notice. If you are vegetarian or vegan you may wish to bring along some alternative protein sources. If you have multiple food allergies, you’ll definitely want to bring along supplemental snacks. It is important we know of any possible dietary restrictions as soon as possible.
We provide bottled water on wildlife viewing drives and in any of our Safaris, and you can purchase good quality bottled water at all the lodges.
Our safaris offer a wide array of safari styles to suit your interests and budget. You can choose the standard accommodation. The cheapest and simplest option is basic camping. If you expect 5-star luxury accommodation, it is best for you to choose luxury lodges. Please see our brochure or the accommodations section of this site for a description of the different types of accommodations we use on our trips
Tips are excluded in your safari costs. We recommend you tender small amounts to your lodge/hotel staff, driver and mountain guides. Your lodge manager will provide you with guidelines for tipping if required. The tipping standard for restaurants is usually 10%. For those who will be climbing Mt Kilimanjaro or MT Meru you will be advised on tipping rates to your guide and potter which at the moment tips are accustomed.
African safaris offer many excellent photographic opportunities. We recommend that you use a telephoto lens (at least 80-300mm in size) for the photography of birds and games, as well as a wide-angle lens. A high-speed film (200/400ASA) should be used for most game drives in the early morning or late afternoon.
The film, memory cards, and batteries are usually available along major tourist routes and selected lodges, but we advise that you purchase film, bulbs, and batteries before your departure. A lens hood and ultra-violet filter are advisable, and a good bag for your equipment, including a dust cover (plastic bag),
Tanzania is mostly fun and enlightening to travel with children. Many lodges host entertaining activities for children between three and 12 years old. Please note, certain lodges/ hotels do not allow children below seven years for safety reasons. Always check with your tour consultant before planning your travel itinerary. Security and safety matters will also be provided upon booking.
Please ensure you arrange your insurance cover for personal effects, accidents, medical travel expenses, baggage, cancellation, and curtailment before your arrival. Trained first-aiders are on standby at most lodges at all times, and emergency evacuation by air is available.
Most predominant currency at the moment for tourist is USD, it is advisable to change your money as required. you may also change to local currency if need be. Most international airports have banks where money can be changed, and facilities are usually available at hotels and lodges. Most major credit cards are accepted at lodges/hotels, shops, and restaurants. As exchange rates fluctuate, please check with your local bank or business media before departure.
Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions. Some countries require advance inoculations (and certificates thereof) – we will advise you of these. Carry your basic medical first-aid kit, which may include mosquito repellent, medication for altitude sickness, and any other routine prescription.
You will require comfortable, casual, and semi-casual clothes for your safari to Africa. Please note that bright colors are unsuitable for early morning and late afternoon game viewing and that game drives can be cold, especially in winter. It is advisable to speak to our consultant once you have finalized your destinations- safari, mountain climbing, island vacation, or combined.However Safari dress is comfortable and casual –layers are recommended. Keep it simple and bring things you don’t mind getting dusty.
After you have booked your safari, we will send you a pre-departure information booklet including a detailed packing list to help you prepare for your safari.
The vaccination requirements for entry into a country vary, but as a general rule, there are certain vaccinations that are often required, for example, Yellow Fever. Speak to us for the most recent information, and also we advise asking your GP, and/or a travel clinic. The NATHNAC website. (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/) is also a useful resource.
As we are not medical professionals, and we don’t know your family’s medical history, we can’t advise on what medications may be suitable for you to take for your trip, however, we can point you in the right direction so that you are 100% prepared.
Some destinations you may visit are malarial, so this also needs to be taken into consideration.
Opinions can differ on this, as it does depend on what your goals are as a family for the safari holiday, but as a guide we say that children who are 7 and over will get the most out of a safari.
This is not to say that children younger than that should not go on a safari – it’s perfectly possible if suitable camps and lodges are chosen for the itinerary, and the day to day planning factors in all necessary elements to make the experience smooth for everyone.
A 4-year old can have a great safari experience if they have adequate rest time built into the day, a private vehicle is factored in, and sleeping arrangements suit the whole family.
We are experienced in planning safaris for families of all ages and sizes. Get in touch and we can help you decide what kind of safari is right for your family.
This is a question that doesn’t have a straightforward answer.
There is always a destination in Tanzania that will suit the time of year you want to travel. There is a low season with high rainfall between February and April . how ever quit a good number of national parks remain accessible
There are two ways to approach planning a safari to Tanzania :
We are well used to approaching itinerary planning in both of these ways, and happy to take as long as it takes to get things right for you.
This varies of course depending on the time of year you travel, and the location. There is always sunshine to be found in Africa year-round, so whenever you travel, we can find you somewhere sunny to go!
Very roughly, in Tanzania, it rains in February to April (known as Green Season) and also for a short time around November.
For Southern Tanzania , the pattern is similar, and for North Tanzania in particular, their seasons are essentially the opposite of those in the Northern hemisphere – summer is winter, and vice versa.
This varies from country to country and we will advise you. Generally, in East Africa, the sockets are the same as in the UK. In Southern Africa they are two-pin.
Most luxury camps and lodges should be able to provide you with an adaptor but if you need one, we always recommend you travel with your own.
Yes, once international flights are booked and paid for in full, it is almost always possible to book your seats, especially if there is an infant or child in the booking.
If you are a loyalty program member, depending on the level you hold you can sometimes book seats in advance free of charge, otherwise, the payment policy varies from airline to airline.
It’s not possible to book seats on most domestic flights, as they tend to be in small, light aircraft. We will advise on this at the time of booking.
From the UK, direct flights to East Africa take between 8 to 10 hours on average, and for Southern Africa, it is anything up to 12 hours.
Indirect flights mostly go via the Middle East, so this takes longer and will depend on the connection time.
All groups and individual travelers will be provided with an English speaking Tanzanian guide. Some of the guides also speak Spanish or German. They are trained and experienced in leading trips and knowledgeable about the fauna, flora and many more aspects of their country. Often they become lifelong friends with the travelers. Interactions with staff are often the highlight of people’s trips. It is a great way to get knows the real life of Tanzania.
It is important to keep luggage to the barest minimum on the safari, as this will ease the burden of the drivers and vehicles. Baggage should be of the round squashy type rather than hard suitcases that are difficult to fit in to jeeps. Try to use something that is both lockable and water proof as luggage can often end up sitting on the roof of the vehicle. It is good idea to bring another smaller bag so that unwanted clothes can be kept in it at the hotel or our office when you go on safari. This also helps to keep city clothes clean and free from dust. You should also bring a small day pack which can be carried while riding or can be readily accessible when you are traveling in the vehicles on long drives. On camping trips all equipment will be provided except sleeping bags. You do not need to provide any other camping gears, only personal belongings.