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About Us

Fazal Munisi

Founder / On-site Founder and Operations Director in Arusha

Esteemed Traveler,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to Iconic Tanzania Safaris (ITS).

My name is Fazal Munisi, and I am the Founder of Iconic Tanzania Safaris. I am driven by the belief that a true African safari experience is unmatched in the world, and my life’s work has been dedicated to delivering that experience at the highest level.

Our Commitment Built on Decades of Experience

I have worked in the safari business for more than 24 years. Furthermore, I previously served as the Chairman of the Guides Union in Tanzania for three years, dedicated to promoting conservation and maintaining quality control among guides across the country.

This experience forms the foundation of the ITS difference. Our objective is simple: to exceed your expectations.

In choosing us, you receive the convenience and peace of mind of a completely seamless safari experience from your first contact until you bid farewell to your guide at Kilimanjaro Airport.

As I often say: “Until you’ve experienced the splendor of the vast and pristine ‘endless plains’, the indescribable Great Migration, acknowledged to be the worlds’ most spectacular wildlife phenomenon and the sheer number and variety of animals, you’ve not experienced the essence of an African safari”.

I urge you to consider that a private safari is not always significantly more expensive than a group safari. Give us a call and allow us to surprise you!.

Sincerely,

Fazal Munisi

Founder, Iconic Tanzania Safaris

Our Team

Our Professional Team

Fazal Munisi

Fazal Munisi

Founder and Operations Director in Arusha
Has worked in the safari business for over 24 years. Served as Chairman of the Guides Union in Tanzania for three years, focusing on conservation and guide quality control. Offers professional photographic support, having assisted film crews and photography safaris for two decades. Provides specialized wildlife photographic safari services through his company, Bilinite Safaris.

Our Difference

Iconic Tanzania Safaris specializes in private, custom-designed, wildlife-focused luxury safaris in Northern Tanzania. We offer fully bespoke itinerary design, selling no ‘off-the-shelf’ packaged tours

Maximum Value

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When you book with ITS, there’s no middleman. Every safari dollar works directly for you, maximizing value and ensuring transparent pricing.

Maximum Value

Booking directly with ITS means no agents, no extra costs. Every safari dollar supports your adventure, delivering full value and honest pricing.

Gold Standard Guides

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Our full-time Naturalist Guides are Tanzania’s gold standard, each with over a decade of experience. Their deep field knowledge guarantees private and authentic wildlife.

Gold Standard Guides

Our dedicated Naturalist Guides are among Tanzania’s most experienced. With 10–15 years in the field, they craft exclusive, insight-filled wildlife experiences.

Unlimited Game Drives

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Every ITS safari means true freedom. We offer verified unlimited game drives with no mileage or fuel restrictions for sunrise-to-sunset exploration.

Unlimited Game Drives

Our safaris redefine freedom. Enjoy limitless game drives — no set hours, no restrictions — just endless exploration from dawn to dusk.

Safari Details

At Iconic Tanzania Safaris (ITS), your safari experience is guided from start to finish by one dedicated driver-guide. The guide is the heart of the journey, and we take that seriously. All our guides are local Tanzanians with a deep understanding of the land, fluent English, and a genuine passion for wildlife. We invest heavily in their training and well-being, because when our guides thrive, your safari becomes unforgettable.

Your guide will help shape each day with suggestions tailored to your interests. They know how to track wildlife by reading the landscape, the weather, and animal behavior. They communicate clearly, share fascinating knowledge, and bring an easy, welcoming personality that makes the journey feel natural and enjoyable. You will spend a lot of time together, so we make sure our guides are people you will genuinely enjoy being around.

Having a private guide means the experience is truly yours. No rotating guides at different lodges. No shared vehicles with strangers. No repeating the same stories. You control your schedule and your pace, and your guide focuses on what excites you most.

Many guests fall in love with their guides and request the same one again. We try our best, but guide assignments depend on schedules, routes, and safari timing. Still, every ITS guide meets the same high standard, so you will always be in excellent hands.

After the safari, you are welcome to stay in touch through our main office. This helps maintain professionalism and protects both guests and staff. We will happily forward messages to your guide and pass their replies back to you.

Inclusions

  • All accommodations and meals throughout the safari
  • All airport and hotel transfers with full meet and greet service from arrival to departure
  • All national park and reserve entrance fees including special access to select wildlife-rich areas
  • Private use of a custom 4×4 safari vehicle with unlimited game drives for maximum flexibility and comfort
  • Private services of a professional, experienced driver-guide who is local, fluent in English, and highly trained in wildlife and ecosystems
  • Domestic flight from Arusha to the Serengeti (or applicable internal route based on itinerary)
  • Use of high-quality binoculars during game drives
  • Unlimited bottled drinking water and a cool box stocked with soft drinks and light snacks
  • Laundry and alcoholic beverages included at selected camps and lodges where offered
  • Personal welcome package with itinerary details and travel support information
  • Full support from the ITS safari planning team and operational team in Tanzania
  • Community support contribution toward local education and conservation initiatives

Exclusions

  • International flights to and from Tanzania
  • Laundry, drinks, or services not included by selected lodges or camps
  • Travel insurance, tips, and personal purchases such as souvenirs

Itinerary Design

At Iconic Tanzania Safaris (ITS), every itinerary is carefully crafted using field experience, seasonal wildlife patterns, and feedback from guests who have explored with us before. We plan around where the animals are each month, then pair those areas with lodging that enhances both comfort and prime game viewing. This balance ensures you experience the very best of Tanzania’s landscapes, wildlife, and hospitality.

Fly In and Drive Back

Most of our journeys begin with a scenic flight into the Serengeti. This saves time, avoids backtracking, and immediately immerses you in the wilderness. You land on a small airstrip inside the park and meet your guide, who loads your bags and starts your first game drive right there. You are already in the action from the moment you arrive.

We select different airstrips throughout the year to match seasonal wildlife movements:
December to April: Central Serengeti
May to June: Western Serengeti
July to November: Northern Serengeti

This approach ensures you are always positioned where wildlife is most abundant.

Time in the Serengeti

Each itinerary includes at least four days in the Serengeti. Two days are always spent in the Central Serengeti, home to a rich variety of resident animals and the highest concentration of predators in Africa. The other days follow the Great Migration as it shifts through different regions. You get both consistent resident wildlife viewing and the dramatic movement of the herds.

Ngorongoro and Beyond

Every itinerary includes two game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most extraordinary wildlife areas in the world. Early morning in the Crater is especially magical, with sunrise lighting the valley as animals begin to move. Lake Manyara and Tarangire may also be included depending on the season and pace you prefer, offering unique environments and wildlife diversity.

Lodging Recommendations

We encourage mixing accommodation styles. Small tented camps bring you close to nature with comfort and warmth. Larger lodges offer familiar conveniences. Combining the two offers the full experience of the wild and the refined.

Fully Customized Journeys

Our sample itineraries are starting points. We tailor each journey according to your interests, pace, comfort level, and travel style. Every day of your trip can be planned in detail, while still leaving room for spontaneous wildlife moments and real-time discoveries guided by your expert driver-guide.

Your safari has structure, flexibility, and the freedom to follow the wilderness as it happens.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Your safety is our top priority at Iconic Tanzania Safaris. From the moment you land to the moment you depart, our team is with you every step of the journey. We have a full operational team in Tanzania, and every safari is fully escorted. Your private vehicle is equipped with long-range communication, and your guide is trained to handle any situation calmly and professionally.

Tanzania itself is one of the most stable and welcoming countries in Africa. With a long history of unity and cultural harmony, it is known for peace, hospitality, and the warm spirit of its people. Most travelers immediately notice how friendly and relaxed the atmosphere feels here.

Smart Travel Tips

Although Tanzania is safe, it is always good to use common sense while traveling:
• Keep valuables secure and avoid carrying unnecessary jewelry
• Make copies of important documents
• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in new environments
• Let your guide or camp staff escort you at night and when advised

Respecting Wildlife

You will be exploring real wilderness. Wildlife moves freely around many camps and lodges. Always follow your guide’s and staff’s instructions, especially when walking between tents. Animals are beautiful, powerful, and unpredictable. We admire them… from a respectful distance.

If traveling with children, keep them close and supervised at all times.

Our Vehicles

Our safari vehicles are maintained with serious care. Each one undergoes thorough inspection after every trip. Even so, bush terrain is rugged and surprises happen. Our guides have the skills to handle roadside issues smoothly, and if needed, we have backup vehicles ready. We prioritize reliability to keep your adventure flowing comfortably.

The Experience

Tanzania is incredibly welcoming. You’ll meet people who are kind, respectful, and proud to share their home. Most guests tell us the warmth they feel here stays with them long after the trip ends.

Beautiful landscapes. Remarkable wildlife. And a culture that embraces you with a genuine smile.

This is Tanzania.
This is Iconic.

Trip Enhancements

Africa: The Cradle of Mankind

The Serengeti isn’t just about lions taking their main character role. This place holds some of the earliest receipts of human existence. At Laetoli, around 3.6 million years ago, three early human ancestors walked across wet volcanic ash and left footprints that were later preserved in stone. Archaeologists eventually uncovered them and confirmed that our very, very, very great-grandparents walked upright. Basically, we’ve been standing on business for a long time.

Olduvai Gorge adds even more to the story. Skulls and fossils found here date back over 1.75 million years. Over time, many groups lived in this region. The Maasai arrived about 150 years ago and became the well-known guardians of the plains. So the Serengeti has never really had one single original tribe. It has always been a crossroads of humanity.

Cultural Excursions

These experiences let you connect with the people who call these lands home.

Maasai Village Visit
Visit a traditional Maasai homestead and learn how this community lives, herds, dances, and celebrates. A village leader will guide the experience. Photography is welcomed and the visit supports local grain supplies.

Olduvai Gorge Museum
A visit to Olduvai Gorge includes the museum, fossil displays, and a guided talk on the human journey. This is the closest you will get to the literal starting chapter of human history.

Lake Victoria Fishing Community
Visit a lakeside village on the shores of Lake Victoria. Life here centers around fishing traditions, lake culture, and local community bonds.

Poli Village (Arusha)
Explore daily Tanzanian life in a non-touristy village. Meet local leaders and visit community landmarks such as the school and clinic. This is a real-world look at how daily life is organized and sustained.

Iraqw Village Experience
Walk in the Ngorongoro Highlands and learn about the Iraqw people who built underground homes for protection during ancient conflicts. Their history traces back to Ethiopia and their culture remains distinct and resourceful.

Hadzabe Cultural Encounter
Travel to meet one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in Africa. The Hadzabe live in connection with the land in ways that reflect thousands of years of tradition. This is a deeply authentic and humbling cultural experience for travelers who want to understand different human lifestyles.

School of St Jude Visit
Visit a school that provides free, high-quality education to children from families in need. Meet students, learn the school’s mission, and see how education is shaping new generations of young Tanzanian leaders.

Walk through some of the most beautiful wilderness areas with a Maasai Warrior or Park Ranger as your guide.
Price range is usually between $0 and $50 per person.
Activities can be quick one hour nature walks or longer half day hikes.
Popular locations include Ngorongoro, the Mara and Grumeti Rivers, Loliondo, the Mbalageti River, Tarangire, Empakaai Crater and Lake Ndutu.

Move away from the vehicle for a moment and experience the wild up close. Notice animal tracks, medicinal plants, butterflies, birds, and the tiny dramas of nature that usually go unseen. On foot you feel the land instead of just looking at it. You learn stories, culture, survival, and ecology directly from your Maasai or ranger guide.

Featured Walks and Hikes

Mara River Walk
A short nature walk along the river with hippos and crocodiles nearby. If the migration is active, you might score a front row moment.

Wogakuria Walking Safari
A scenic hike in the northern Serengeti with naturalists and armed rangers. Best enjoyed during the dry season while staying in nearby lodges.

Grumeti River Walk
A simple walk from Migration Tented Lodge to the riverbanks where wildlife gathers. Perfect for an easy afternoon adventure.

Loliondo Game Reserve Walk
A custom walking safari guided by Maasai from neighboring communities. The landscape is stunning and the cultural interaction is meaningful and genuine.

Mbalageti River Walk
Walk down the hill to a shaded river forest and cross by swing bridge. Birdlife is incredible and refreshments are provided before you return.

Olduvai Gorge and Maasai Boma Walk
Walk through the plains with a Maasai guide then visit a local homestead. Optionally add the Olduvai Gorge Museum to learn about human origin history.

Tarangire Walking Safaris
Move quietly through woodlands and look for elephants, giraffes and the shy lesser kudu which is rarely seen from vehicles.

Lake Ndutu Walk
Walk along the lake edges during the green season when flamingos and the Great Migration are present.

Angata Kiti Hike
A remote walk between dramatic rock formations in the eastern Serengeti. Best for adventurous travelers during the green season.

Olkarien Gorge Hike
A cliff gorge filled with soaring Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures. Expect Maasai herds passing through for water. Recommended during the green season with an overnight nearby.

Empakaai Crater Hike
A full day descent into a forested volcanic crater with a lake inside. Flamingos and lush wildlife scenes appear along the way. Requires staying two nights near the rim.

Get ready to experience the bush after dark. Night game drives reveal a completely different personality of the wild. The atmosphere changes, the air feels cooler, and the animals behave in ways you rarely see during daylight.

Price usually ranges between $0 and $50 per person.
The experience lasts one to two hours.
Available at Buffalo Tented Lodge in the Northern Serengeti and at Swala Tented Lodge or Tarangire Tree Tops in Tarangire National Park.

At night the savannah feels enchanted. Hippos leave the water and wander across the open plains. Elephants move quietly like giant shadows. Lions announce their presence with deep, rolling roars. Your safari vehicle has a front-facing spotter seat and a powerful spotlight to help locate wildlife as your guide interprets everything you see.

Keep an eye out for glowing eyes in the dark. This is your chance to see animals that rarely appear during the day such as bush babies, porcupines, servals and sometimes even the stealth hunters who rule the night.

Night drives show the wild at its most mysterious and raw. It is peaceful, thrilling and unforgettable.

 
 

A sunrise hot air balloon safari is one of the most iconic experiences in the Serengeti. You lift off just as the sky begins to glow and watch the savannah wake up from the quiet skies above. The experience includes the flight, a champagne celebration and a full bush breakfast. The price is 595 dollars per person when booked in advance and the experience lasts around five hours from early morning pick up to late morning breakfast.

The flight is shared with other travelers. The baskets vary in size and can carry several guests at once. The actual flight time is usually around one hour, while the rest of the morning includes the drive to the launch site, balloon inflation, safety briefing, landing and breakfast. The pilot can control altitude but has limited control over direction, which means wildlife sightings depend on where the wind carries the balloon. The experience is primarily about the view: soft sunlight rising over endless plains, winding rivers, and herds of wildlife when luck aligns.

Cameras are welcome, though large lenses are best left behind due to space and landing conditions. Ballooning operates in the Central Serengeti all year and in different parts of the park during migration seasons. For example, the South Serengeti is ideal from mid December to early April, the West Serengeti from mid May to early July and the North Serengeti from mid July through October.

You will be picked up from your lodge around 5:00 in the morning. The drive itself can be exciting as many predators are still active before sunrise. After takeoff, the landscape below shifts slowly and silently as the light changes. The pilot adjusts the altitude to give different perspectives, sometimes near treetop level and other times high above the plains. Each flight is unique and wildlife sightings vary, but the scenery is always extraordinary.

After landing, a champagne toast awaits followed by a beautifully set bush breakfast with fruits, fresh bread and warm dishes. It is a calm and celebratory way to begin the day before rejoining the rest of your safari.

Booking & Flights

At Iconic Tanzania Safaris, our reputation and your complete satisfaction are our top priorities. We take every step to protect your trip and provide peace of mind. We also encourage you to speak with past clients to hear firsthand about our highly personalized private safaris. References are available upon request.

Iconic Tanzania Safaris holds the highest possible rating with the Better Business Bureau and maintains an AAA rating with the Business Consumer Alliance. We have been a BBB-accredited member since 2004 and strictly follow ethical business practices. Our exemplary ratings can be verified directly through the BBB.

We are a licensed member of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, ensuring adherence to high standards and socially responsible tourism practices. Membership verification is available through TATO.

In the United States, Iconic Tanzania Safaris is fully licensed as a seller of travel under California law, and our registration can be verified through the California Seller of Travel registry. We are also fully licensed to operate safaris in Tanzania.

All payments are held in a trust account at Bank of America on behalf of our clients. Funds are only released to suppliers when necessary to deliver the services you have purchased. Payments are never used for unrelated expenses or other clients’ trips.

By choosing Iconic Tanzania Safaris, you enjoy the freedom to set your own agenda with our guidance. No rigid itineraries, no fixed timetables. Depart on any day, for any duration, and design a safari that fits your schedule, not ours. We understand that flexibility is key, and our goal is to offer unlimited choices to meet the demands of your busy life.

Custom Itinerary

Once on safari, you control the pace. Leave and return from game drives whenever you wish. Explore, relax, or adventure at your discretion. Your itinerary can include full-day game drives, nature walks, cultural interactions, balloon safaris, bush breakfasts and lunches, or any activities that spark your interest. Throughout your journey, your professional guide will be your companion, teacher, and personal safari concierge.

Reservations

To begin your reservation, a $2,000 per person deposit via credit card authorization and a completed reservation form are required. Please provide your preferred arrival date or range of dates, and we will check lodge availability.

Since each safari is completely customized, allow at least 7 days to confirm arrangements. Your deposit will only be charged once you approve your final itinerary and all accommodations are secured. Visa or MasterCard are accepted for the deposit. The remaining balance is due no later than 90 days prior to departure and may be paid via personal check, cashier’s check, money order, or wire transfer.

Upon confirmation, a welcome package will be mailed to your residence. It includes your confirmed itinerary, national park and wildlife information, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater ecosystem maps, Iconic Tanzania Safaris shirts and hats, luggage tags, and a comprehensive 100-page handbook. The handbook covers packing lists, recommended reading, weather and safety guidance, health tips, and safari essentials to ensure you are fully prepared for your adventure.

PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS, TRAVEL INSURANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM, MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE AND RELEASE, AND TRAVEL RELEASE CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING THIS SAFARI BOOKING APPLICATION, AS YOU MUST AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THOSE FORMS AS A CONDITION OF SUBMITTING THIS SAFARI BOOKING APPLICATION. CAPITALIZED TERMS USED BUT NOT OTHERWISE DEFINED HEREIN HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THE ACCOMPANYING FORMS.

Each Person in your group eighteen (18) years of age or older must complete and return a signed copy of these forms (multiple signatures on a single form is also acceptable), along with a $900 per Person (including minors) non-refundable deposit, before we can provide a confirmed reservation for you or your group.

BY SIGNING BELOW, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE ACCOMPANYING BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS. I UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I MUST ALSO SIGN AND RETURN TO ICONIC TANZANIA SAFARIS A COMPLETED SAFARI TOUR DEPOSIT, TRAVEL INSURANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM, MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE AND RELEASE, AND TRAVEL RELEASE BEFORE ICONIC TANZANIA SAFARIS CAN CONFIRM MY RESERVATION.

SAFARI TOUR DEPOSIT

Please sign and complete this form and the Safari Booking Application (above) to authorize Iconic Tanzania Safaris® to charge your trip deposit and any supplemental charges to your account. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions, Medical Questionnaire and Release, Travel Insurance Acknowledgement Form, and Travel Release before signing.

I, the undersigned, acknowledge I have read and accept Iconic Tanzania Safaris’ Booking Terms and Conditions, including its cancellation and refund policy. I authorize Iconic Tanzania Safaris® to charge my credit card $900 for my Trip deposit and any supplemental charges I and the members of my group incur.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Definitions:

  • “Iconic Tanzania Safaris,” “ITS,” “us,” “our,” and “we” refer to Iconic Tanzania Safaris, a company registered under the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania.

  • “Guest,” “Traveler,” “Participant,” “Member,” “Person,” and “you” refer to the undersigned individual and to the other adults and minors in your party.

  • “Safari,” “Tour,” and “Trip” refer to your travel arrangements with Iconic Tanzania Safaris.

AGREEMENT TO BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

BY SIGNING ICONIC TANZANIA SAFARIS’ SAFARI BOOKING APPLICATION AND PROVIDING YOUR INITIALS BELOW, YOU ARE INDICATING YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS, BOTH PERSONALLY AND ON BEHALF OF THE MINOR CHILDREN IN YOUR GROUP. EACH ADULT MEMBER IN YOUR GROUP MUST SIGN THE BOOKING APPLICATION, MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE AND RELEASE, AND TRAVEL RELEASE, AND INITIAL EACH PAGE OF THIS DOCUMENT.

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS

In addition to submitting a signed, completed Safari Booking Application and Safari Tour Deposit, you must submit a non-refundable $900 deposit per Participant, along with a completed and signed Travel Insurance Acceptance/Acknowledgement Form, before we can confirm your reservation. Upon receipt of the required deposit and forms, and subject to availability, we will reserve your place on your selected Safari. If any accommodation is not available, we will substitute a comparable property or adjust the itinerary without compromising the integrity of the overall Safari experience, as determined at our reasonable discretion.

Balance Due: The remainder of the safari price is due not later than 90 days prior to departure. All payments must be made in U.S. Dollars via wire transfer, with the client responsible for all associated bank charges. ITS reserves the right to cancel tours if not timely paid in full.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

Cancellations are only effective upon ITS’ actual receipt of written notification signed by the Primary Guest.

  • 91 days or more: Deposit forfeited ($900 per person)

  • 90–61 days: 50% of total Trip price forfeited

  • 60 days or less: 100% of total Trip price forfeited

No refunds are provided if you fail to join the Tour, join after departure, leave prior to completion, or for unused portions of the Tour (e.g., meals or accommodation). We strongly recommend that you secure trip and cancellation insurance.

INSURANCE

Each guest is responsible for comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering cancellation, curtailment, emergency evacuation, medical expenses, repatriation, and loss of personal baggage. Guests without insurance may be charged directly by service providers for any emergency services.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH

Participation requires generally good health. Guests with medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or mobility issues must disclose them before departure. ITS is not responsible for limitations arising from physical or medical conditions. Guests must take their own anti-malaria and health precautions.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

ITS and its subcontractors will not be liable for damages arising out of the Trip. Maximum aggregate liability is limited to the amount paid by the Traveler for the Trip.

AIRFARES AND DELAYS

ITS is not responsible for airline schedule changes, cancellations, overbooking, or loss/damage of personal property. Guests must resolve claims directly with the airline.

ITINERARY CHANGES

Routes, lodges, and camps may change due to external factors (weather, migrations, airline issues). Guests requesting changes are responsible for all resulting costs.

WILD ANIMALS

Guests may encounter wildlife; attacks are rare, but safety cannot be guaranteed. Follow lodge/camp safety instructions.

GOVERNING LAW AND ARBITRATION

Disputes are governed by the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. Any controversy relating to ITS booking terms will be settled by confidential binding arbitration in Arusha, Tanzania.

AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN BINDING ARBITRATION

Any claims arising out of this agreement will be settled by confidential binding arbitration in Arusha, Tanzania, under the Tanzanian Arbitration Rules. A single arbitrator with at least five (5) years’ experience will conduct proceedings.

TRAVEL INSURANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, delay, lost baggage, emergency evacuation, and medical assistance. ITS recommends using an insurer of your choice. A completed Travel Insurance Acknowledgement Form is required before final Trip payment.

MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE & RELEASE

Guests must complete a Medical Questionnaire & Release form. Parents/guardians must provide this information for minors. ITS may transport or evacuate travelers to the nearest medical facility in case of emergency at the guest’s expense if not covered by insurance.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND RELEASE

Guests acknowledge the inherent risks of safari travel, including wildlife interactions, accidents, illness, and delays. Guests release ITS from liability for personal injury, death, or property loss arising from participation in Safari Activities.

AUTHORIZATION FOR TREATMENT OF MINORS

Parents/guardians authorize ITS to secure medical treatment and transport for minors in emergencies if they cannot be reached promptly.

ADULT TRAVELER SIGNATURE

I declare the information provided is true and correct. I consent to ITS using this information for reasonable safety and medical purposes and acknowledge understanding of the Booking Terms, Travel Release, and Insurance Acknowledgement.

Point of Entry – Kilimanjaro Airport

The most convenient and efficient point of entry into Tanzania is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located near the town of Arusha, which is the starting point for all Iconic Tanzania Safaris trips. Several airlines service Kilimanjaro Airport from the U.S. and Canada, including Delta/KLM Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines. Each airline has pros and cons (discussed below), and the best choice depends on pricing, flight routing, and layover plans. Delta/KLM is the most popular option due to extensive North American connections, while Qatar Airways provides a premium experience with a modern fleet and top-tier service.

Minimize Flight Segments

Due to frequent U.S. flight delays in recent years, we recommend minimizing flight segments from North America to Tanzania. We also suggest scheduling an extra night in the Arusha-Kilimanjaro area before your safari begins—two nights in total. Iconic Tanzania Safaris itineraries always include one night in Arusha-Kilimanjaro prior to the safari. Adding an extra night (Arusha Layover) is cost-effective and ensures you won’t miss any safari time due to travel delays. Most delays last less than 24 hours, so two nights in Arusha is a safe buffer.

Airline Options

Delta/KLM Airlines

Delta/KLM is the largest airline serving Kilimanjaro, and about 40% of ITS guests use this routing. Flights have two segments:

  1. Departure from your North American city to Amsterdam (nonstop from 19 North American cities).

  2. Amsterdam nonstop to Kilimanjaro (arrival 7:00–9:00 PM).

We highly recommend two nights in Arusha-Kilimanjaro before starting the safari, especially with evening arrivals. Return flights typically include a 45-minute technical stop in Dar es Salaam, where passengers remain onboard.

Planning Example:

  • Depart U.S. Monday → Arrive Kilimanjaro Tuesday evening.

  • East Coast to Amsterdam: ~7 hours; West Coast: ~10 hours.

  • Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro: ~8 hours.

Amsterdam Layover Options:

  • Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel (inside terminal, easy access).

  • Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal (inside customs, ideal for long layovers).

Pros:

  • Numerous North American connections.

  • Delta Premium Select cabin (Economy Plus).

  • Possibility of combining safari with a European trip.

Cons:

  • Flight delays possible.

  • Layovers in Amsterdam may increase costs.

Qatar Airways

Approximately 30% of ITS guests fly Qatar Airways, offering nonstop service from 11 North American cities to Doha, then onward to Kilimanjaro. Most guests arrive in the morning (~7:30 AM). Early arrivals allow one night in Arusha before heading to the Serengeti. Return flights require a night in Arusha if departing in the morning.

Pros:

  • World-class service, amenities, and Qsuites in Business Class.

  • Service to both Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.

  • Modern Doha Airport with lounges and in-terminal hotels.

Cons:

  • Airfares can be high.

  • Outbound flights often include long layovers in Doha.

Recommended Doha Hotel: Oryx Hotel (inside terminal, near business class lounge).

Turkish Airlines

Used by ~20% of ITS guests. Offers nonstop flights from 14 North American cities to Istanbul, then onward to Kilimanjaro. Great option for guests wishing to spend 1–2 nights in Istanbul.

Arrival/Departure Caveats:

  • Kilimanjaro arrival: ~1:30 AM, requiring hotel night before.

  • Departure: ~2:30 AM, often requiring a night in Arusha before departure.

Pros:

  • Opportunity to explore historic Istanbul.

  • Attractive fares.

  • Top business class lounges.

  • Service to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.

Cons:

  • Inconvenient Kilimanjaro arrival/departure times.

  • Narrow body aircraft on Istanbul–Kilimanjaro route.

  • Limited flights outside peak season.

Recommended Istanbul Hotel: Hagia Sofia Mansions (historic center, easy access to Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar).

Ethiopian Airlines

Used by ~10% of ITS guests. Direct flights from 5 major North American cities to Kilimanjaro via Addis Ababa. Often offers discounted fares during peak seasons (July–September, December–January).

Pros:

  • Discounted peak season fares.

  • Reliable on-time performance.

  • Convenient afternoon arrivals and departures.

Cons:

  • Limited North American departure cities.

  • Some routes have long layovers.

Credit Card Presentation at U.S. Airports

Guests may be asked to present the credit card used to purchase flights at check-in. If the cardholder is not traveling, bring the card to any airport for verification with ID. ITS recommends traveling with the same credit card used for your booking.

Arrival Procedures

A dedicated Iconic Tanzania Safaris meet-and-greet specialist will welcome you at Kilimanjaro Airport, assist with luggage, and escort you to your vehicle. Guests should complete the online Tanzania visa application in advance and have a passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival, with 2 blank pages.

  • Transfer to your Arusha hotel (30–60 minutes).

  • One or two nights in Arusha depending on your itinerary.

  • Domestic flight to Serengeti for safari start.

  • Expert guide accompanies you until departure from Kilimanjaro Airport.

Dar es Salaam Arrival Option ($875 per person)

Includes:

  • Overnight stay at Dar es Salaam Kempinski Hotel (B&B).

  • Day room at Dar es Salaam Kempinski on departure day.

  • Meet-and-greet services and airport transfers.

  • Flight from Dar es Salaam → Arusha or Kilimanjaro.

Excludes: Tanzania Visa Fees ($100 per person credit available).

Alternative Airline Notes

British Airways: Limited to Nairobi; onward connection to Kilimanjaro via Kenya Airways or Precision Air. Flying through Kenya is not recommended due to visa requirements and higher risk of delays.

Emirates: Limited to Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. No nonstop Dubai → Kilimanjaro service. ITS can assist with Dar es Salaam → Kilimanjaro connections and transfers.