Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & Preparation

1. How do I book a tour with Machu Tour & Safari?

Simply fill out our contact form, send us an email, or reach out via WhatsApp. We will work with you to customize your itinerary and send you a secure payment link for the 30% deposit to confirm your booking.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Yes, most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. You can easily apply for an e-Visa online before your trip or obtain one upon arrival at major airports (like Kilimanjaro or Abeid Amani Karume in Zanzibar).

3. Which airport should I fly into?

For Northern Circuit safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro), fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). For beach holidays, fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar.

4. What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, and direct international bank wire transfers. All payments are securely processed.

5. Are airport transfers included?

Yes! All our standard safari packages include complimentary pick-up and drop-off from the relevant local airport.

Health & Safety

6. Do I need vaccinations, like Yellow Fever?

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country. We also highly recommend taking Malaria prophylaxis. Please consult your doctor before traveling.

7. Is the water safe to drink?

Tap water in Tanzania is not safe for drinking. We provide unlimited complimentary bottled or filtered drinking water in our safari vehicles, and lodges provide safe drinking water as well.

8. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and medical evacuation is strictly mandatory for all our guests.

The Safari Experience

9. What is the best time of year to go on safari?

Tanzania is a year-round destination! However, the dry season (June to October) is considered the best time for general wildlife viewing. If you want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration calving season, visit between January and March.

10. What kind of vehicles do you use?

We use custom-built, extended 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers. They feature pop-up roofs for unobstructed 360-degree viewing and photography, charging ports, and a mini-fridge for cold drinks.

11. How close do we get to the animals?

Very close! Animals in the national parks are used to vehicles and often walk right past them. However, our guides strictly follow park rules and will never crowd an animal or go off-road where it is not permitted.

12. Is it safe to go on a safari?

Absolutely. As long as you listen to your expert guide and stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise, safaris are incredibly safe.

13. Are children allowed on safari?

Yes! Safaris are wonderful for families. We recommend bringing children who are 5 years or older, as the long drives can be tiring for toddlers.

14. What should I pack?

Pack light! Bring comfortable, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, brown), layers for chilly mornings, a good sunhat, sunscreen, binoculars, and your camera. Avoid dark blue or black, which attract Tsetse flies.

15. How much luggage can I bring?

If you are taking internal domestic flights (e.g., from the Serengeti to Zanzibar), strict luggage limits of 15kg (33 lbs) in soft-sided duffel bags apply.

Food, Lodging & Logistics

16. What type of accommodation do you offer?

We offer options for every budget: Budget (public camping with a private chef), Mid-range (comfortable tented camps and lodges), and Luxury (high-end lodges with premium amenities).

17. Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have food allergies, just let us know in advance and we will ensure the lodges and our chefs prepare appropriate meals for you.

18. Can I add a Zanzibar trip to my safari?

Absolutely! Bush-to-Beach is our specialty. We can arrange a seamless transition from the dusty plains of the Serengeti straight to the white sand beaches of Zanzibar via a short domestic flight.

19. Is there Wi-Fi on safari?

Most mid-range and luxury lodges offer free Wi-Fi in the main lounge areas. However, out in the middle of the parks, there is very little to no signal. It is a great opportunity to disconnect!

20. How much should I tip my guide?

Tipping is customary in Tanzania but completely at your discretion. As a general guideline, we recommend $15 - $20 USD per day, per group, for your safari guide.