Typical inclusions are accommodation on a full-board basis, national park and concession fees, a private 4x4 with fuel and driver-guide, airport transfers, bottled water on drives and a flying doctor evacuation scheme where available. Some packages add balloon flights, sundowners or internal flights. International flights, visas, insurance, tips and personal items are normally excluded. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris provides a written list of inclusions and exclusions with each itinerary, so every cost is clear before you confirm. Ask about optional extras that suit your interests. Inclusions differ by operator, so always compare line by line.

The Serengeti offers premium choices across its regions, from central Seronera lodges perched on rocky kopjes to tented camps in the southern plains, Western Corridor and remote north. Look for properties with generous tents or rooms, quality dining, a pool or viewing deck and reliable guiding. Location matters most, so we match the camp to your month, such as Ndutu for calving in February or Kogatende for river crossings from July to October. We recommend two or three nights per base. Fewer, longer stays are more rewarding. Pool decks and shaded verandas are welcome during hot midday hours.

Premium travel here means an unhurried morning descent into the crater, often with an early start to beat traffic, and a picnic lunch at a quiet spot. The crater floor holds lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and flamingos in a compact landscape, with rhinos sometimes spotted at a distance. Many premium lodges perch on the crater rim, offering sunrise views and cool evenings by the fire. Because your vehicle is private, you choose how long to linger at sightings and when to ascend. Crater permits are timed, so planning ahead matters.

Yes. Tarangire is known for its baobabs and large elephant herds, especially from June to October when animals gather at the river. Lake Manyara offers lush groundwater forest, flamingos in season, hippos and a quiet, scenic drive beneath the escarpment. Both parks lie close to Arusha, making them easy first or last stops, and both suit premium lodges with pool terraces and valley views. They add variety and balance to a Serengeti and Ngorongoro circuit without long transfers. Each park needs only one or two nights. Tarangire dust and Manyara greenery make a lovely contrast in photographs.

A typical week begins in Arusha with a transfer to Tarangire for one night, then continues to Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro rim, followed by two nights in the Serengeti. Spend a day at the crater floor, return to the Serengeti for an extra night in another sector, then fly or drive back to Arusha. This route covers four ecosystems, with comfortable distances between stops. It suits first-time visitors who want a taste of Tanzania's classic parks without rushing. Ten days adds a fuller Serengeti experience. Add a night at either end if flights arrive late.

Yes. We position your premium camps close to the herds according to the month. From December to March, southern Serengeti and Ndutu host the calving and grazing herds. Late May to July often brings the Western Corridor and Grumeti, with river crossings in the north from July to October, peaking in August and September. In April and May, the long rains scatter the herds as they head north-west. Timing varies with rainfall, so we choose flexible locations and update you before departure. Two bases improve your chances. Our team watches rainfall reports and rebalances your camps if herds shift.

You travel in a private 4x4 with a pop-up roof, window seat for every guest, charging points and a cool box for drinks. Your professional driver-guide is trained in wildlife, tracking, birdlife and first aid, and stays with you throughout the trip. Because nobody else is in the vehicle, you decide the pace, break times and photography stops. Premium guides also help you read animal behaviour, which turns simple sightings into memorable stories. Binoculars are often provided in the vehicle. A cool box keeps drinks chilled through the hottest hours of the day.

Premium safaris generally sit in the mid-range to luxury bands, roughly $550–$990 per person per day for mid-range and $990–$2,500 for luxury. Your final price depends on the season, the number of travellers, lodge choice and whether internal flights are included. Peak months from July to October and Christmas cost more, while the long rains offer value. We build private itineraries around your budget and are transparent about where an extra amount buys a noticeably better experience. Expect a clear written quotation. Rates change by season, so we confirm figures against your travel dates.

The main differences are comfort, location and time. Budget camping uses small tents and simple meals, while premium travel provides proper beds, hot water, attentive staff and well-chosen sites. You are less tired, so game drives feel sharper, and better lodges often sit in prime wildlife areas. Premium itineraries may also have fewer long road days. Budget safaris can still be fantastic, so we help you weigh whether the upgrade matches your priorities and your budget. Comfort is personal, so talk to us about yours. Many guests feel the extra comfort pays back in energy and enjoyment.

Absolutely. A premium safari followed by a few days on Zanzibar is a popular pairing. After the Serengeti, take a light aircraft to Arusha or Dar es Salaam and a short flight to the island, where you can choose a beach resort, spa or boutique hotel in Stone Town. The best months overlap from June to October, with sunny weather on the coast. We arrange every flight, transfer and room so the move from bush to beach feels effortless. Three to five beach nights usually feel right. Most beach resorts offer spa treatments, snorkelling and sunset dhow trips.

Meals are typically freshly prepared, with a menu that mixes Tanzanian and international dishes, using local vegetables, fruit, fish and grilled meats. You may enjoy a bush breakfast, a picnic lunch on the plains and a candlelit dinner. Dietary requirements are managed with advance notice. Tea, coffee and water are provided on drives, and many lodges serve local beer, wine and spirits at the bar, which may be extra depending on the property. Taste Tanzanian coffee at breakfast. Tell us about allergies and preferences early. Local fruit, chapati and fresh juices appear regularly on breakfast tables.

Yes. Couples enjoy privacy, romantic settings and flexible schedules, and families appreciate a private vehicle where children can take breaks, ask questions and set a gentle pace. Many premium lodges have family rooms, pools and relaxed dining times, while some camps have minimum ages for particular activities. We recommend properties that suit your party's ages and interests. A shorter drive each day, with rest at the lodge, keeps everyone happy, and your guide can tailor wildlife stories for younger travellers. Teenagers often enjoy photography and tracking. Ask for connecting rooms or tents when travelling with young children.

Very much so. A private 4x4 with window seats, a beanbag or mount and a guide who understands light lets you stay with a sighting until you get the shot. Early morning and late afternoon provide soft light, and the dry season gives clear skies and gathering wildlife. Bring a long lens, spare batteries and memory cards, and a dust cover. Tell us you plan to photograph, and we will schedule longer drives and select camps with good positioning. Charging is available in most lodges and camps. A quiet engine approach and patient guiding often produce the best portraits.

Popular extras include a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti, a guided walking safari where permitted, a visit to a Maasai community, a bush dinner and a night in a different style of camp. A cultural walk at Lake Eyasi or a coffee farm visit near Arusha adds local flavour. Not all activities are available in every park or season, and extras are priced separately. We recommend adding one or two special experiences instead of filling every day. Book balloon flights early because places are limited. Each add-on depends on season, weather and location.

Tipping is customary but optional. As a general approach, tip your driver-guide for each day of the trip, and give a smaller amount for camp or lodge staff, often through a communal box at reception. Cash in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings is usually preferred. Guidance on suitable amounts depends on party size, service level and trip length, and we include a practical tipping guide in your pre-departure pack so you can plan comfortably in advance. Reward service that exceeded expectations. Small bills in clean condition are easiest to hand over discreetly.

Tell us your preferred dates, number of travellers, interests and budget through our enquiry form. We reply with a draft itinerary, suggested lodges and a transparent price, then adapt it until it feels right. A deposit secures the accommodation, and the balance is paid before travel under the terms provided. For July to October and Christmas, book at least six to nine months ahead. During your trip, our team remains available if you need any help. Early booking widens your choice of properties. Our enquiry form takes only a few minutes to complete.