Ask just about anyone you know if doing a safari in Africa is on their bucket list, and they say YES.
The thing is, most of these people wait until they’re retired before they even think about going on a safari. Why? It’s primarily a cost thing. When people think of a safari, they think EXPENSIVE — upwards of $10,000+ per person.
Yes, there are safari packages available for that much money (and considerably more), but it doesn’t have to be that way.
That’s why I decided to start my own safari company in Tanzania in 2010, Pamoja Safaris. I wanted to introduce a different demographic to the awesomeness of seeing some of the most majestic animals on earth in their natural habitats.
If you want to do a safari in Tanzania anytime in the near future—with an awesome group of people to boot—this is your chance.
This trip is scheduled into two parts:
- SAFARI: November 29 – December 6, 2025 ($3,990)
- you may participate without doing the Kilimanjaro portion if you’d like
- must arrive in Tanzania by November 29th, but can arrive earlier
- extra pre-/post-trip nights with meals can be arranged at cost ($200/night/person for shared rooms, $350/night/person for solo travelers)
- 11 spots available
- KILIMANJARO: December 6-16, 2025 ($3,790)
- you may participate without doing the safari portion if you’d like
- must arrive in Tanzania by December 6th, but can arrive earlier if you’d like
- extra pre-/post-trip nights with meals can be arranged at cost ($200/night/person for shared rooms, $350/night/person for solo travelers)
- 11 spots available
It’s gonna be some FUN times. But hey — don’t just take my word for it!
Maneesh S.
My trip with Pamoja Safaris was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I never imagined I would get to be up close and personal with animals I’d only dreamed of—lions, leopards, cheetahs, and more! Scott and his team were incredible guides, and made the trip better than I ever imagined. If you have the opportunity to travel with Pamoja, do it!
Joe P.
Pamoja Safaris enabled me to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing the African wildlife up close in its natural habitat. Our guide did everything possible to ensure our experience would stand out as one of the greatest of our lifetimes. Mission Accomplished!
Mallory B.
I absolutely loved my Pamoja safari. The Serengeti is beautiful. The Pamoja team was incredible! Josh went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our time–even driving extra hours to show us the great wildebeest migration. Scott made the entire process smooth and easy-peasy. I’d recommend this trip a million times over!
Ryan S.
Having gone on safaris in southern Africa, I’ve always dreamt of going on one in Tanzania. Pamoja Safaris was not only able to fulfill that dream but exceeded my expectations for what a safari should be like. Their professionalism, knowledge of the parks, and what they taught us about the Maasai people and culture made the trip one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Kim H.
WOW! What an incredible experience with Pamoja Safaris! I had always wanted to go on an African safari “some day”, but had no idea where to even begin planning such a trip. Pamoja Safaris took care of everything, from seamless airport transportation, to perfect accommodation, to the delicious meals, and everything in between—including some unexpected surprises that really made the trip extra special!
Heather O.
Imagine thousands and thousands of zebras and wildebeests as far as you can see in just about every direction! Words cannot describe just how truly incredible this whole experience was! The 800+ photos do a better job, but there’s nothing like being there and living the dream for yourself. Thank you Pamoja Safaris, you’ve made this a trip I will never forget!!!
Danielle T.
Our safari was the trip of a lifetime! My dad and I both fell in love with Tanzania and our experience would never have been the same without our guide, Josh. He was so knowledgeable, kind and easy going, and we feel lucky to have gotten such a unique perspective of Tanzania, it’s people, the animals and life, in general!
Louise C.
I was completely blown away by my incredible trip with Pamoja Safaris. As a world traveler, I knew I wanted to do a safari someday, so when I had the chance to go with a small group led by Scott, Josh, and Jonas, I jumped at the chance. But I didn’t realize just how amazing it would be. I’m already thinking about my next visit!
Derek P.
My favorite moment was when a cheetah literally jumped on our car. I never thought I’d see such a majestic creature, just three feet away from me. Pamoja Safaris took us to all kinds of different places — it was definitely one of the best vacations of my life.
Domino I.
Going Pamoja is first-rate–you’ll feel like family. A well-planned, well-executed, well-experienced adventure trip. THANK YOU for making it happen.
Rochelle N.
Seeing animals is a given, but what I wasn’t expecting were the incredible guides that Pamoja Safaris has working for them. They were so knowledgeable and friendly, and went out of their way to make sure everyone had a great time. We were also able to experience the local culture; I have wonderful memories of meeting the Maasai tribe members. I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience what I did.
Kate H.
I woke up to giraffes outside my tent at sunrise, was eyeballed by an elephant from two metres away, had a zero-metre experience with a cheetah on our truck, learned the sheer fun of truck surfing, watched six-week-old lion cubs play, and saw a lioness scare off a male lion right in front of us (she roared at him and we all nearly wet our pants). Massive thanks to Scott for making all this awesomeness happen!
Kevin C.
Scott put on a really incredible safari. The entire trip blew my mind—it was more than I expected. Take what you’re expecting, forget all of that—it’s going to be WAY better than you ever expected. The attention to details, the way they cater to your every need, the most knowledgeable guides you could imagine—we’re definitely going to come back again with Scott and his team.
Julie K.
The entire experience was way more than I expected. The lodging, the food, the guides—even the vehicles were great! I really appreciated the friendly and knowledgeable guides, they made the trip that much more special. Several times we found ourselves in remote areas with no other people around, seeing animals within a meter of our vehicle (or on our vehicle in one instance). It really was the trip of a lifetime!!
Table of Contents
The Mission
Your mission is to spend an all-inclusive week in Tanzania with a curated group of awesome people, exploring the wildlife, nature, and inhabitants of the amazing country. We'll hit up all of the must-see spots that you've heard about before — the never-ending plains of the Serengeti, the volcanic caldera of Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, the Great Wildebeest Migration, Kilimanjaro — and a few that are totally off the radar.
And, the best part? We'll do it all in style.
That means premium accommodations from start to finish. We're talking super-buffet breakfasts, comfy beds, and elephants grazing just outside of your bedroom (please do not pet them).
EVERYTHING will be taken care of — from airport pick-up to drop-off. Three meals per day, guides, transportation via Land Cruisers, park fees, accommodation, tips, etc.
You don't even need to bring any cash with you at all if you don't mind skipping souvenirs and alcohol, because those are the only things not included in the package.
Make no mistake — this is some real Lion King-type adventure you're getting into. In fact, I challenge you to not have the theme song to the movie playing in your head as you see the sunrise over the Serengeti.
In a word? EPIC.
The Group
There will be up to 11 spots open for the December trips on a first-come, first-served basis (initial deposit payment secures your spot — see Money Stuff below).
You'll be accompanied by yours truly, along with my friend and business partner Josh. Josh has 25 years of experience guiding visitors through his country and is an absolute master of animal behavior and identification. We will also be joined by two to three other guides, who all have years of experience in the field and have worked with us over many trips in the past fifteen years.
We'll be traveling in two to three Land Cruisers and will be with each other every day on a pretty fixed schedule. There won't be a ton of opportunity to go off and do your own thing, as we will be together most of the time — whether it be on safari in the parks, or at the lodges, relaxing or enjoying meals.
Accommodation will be in twin or double rooms, and you'll be paired with another participant of the same sex if traveling solo (single-room supplements available — see Money Stuff for more information).
I'm primarily reaching out to friends (and friends of friends) and family for this particular promotional trip, and you know you're all cool humans, so half the fun will be making new friends during the time we spend together.
My Story
In the summer of 2010, I traveled to Africa for the very first time, alongside my father. It had always been his dream to go on a safari, and luckily for me, I was invited to come along for the adventure. We were in a group of sixteen Americans and spent the next twelve days exploring everything there was to see and do in northern Tanzania.
Our group was assigned three guides, and I quickly became friends with one of them — Josh. Josh was by far the most outgoing, friendly, and humorous of the three. In fact, everyone wanted to ride in his Land Cruiser every day, as his knowledge of the animals was unmatched. He would see a predator looking in a specific direction and know what was going to happen, circling around slowly to get us a better view of the action before the chase was even on. It was an amazing time.
I had chosen to stay in Tanzania solo for a few weeks, visiting Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro, after the safari tour had ended and my father had gone back to the U.S. Throughout the rest of my time in the country Josh stayed in touch and assisted me multiple times when it came to anything I was looking to do (bookings, logistics, planning, etc.).
After my friend and I summited Kilimanjaro, during my last day in the country, Josh invited us over to his house to meet his wife and kids. He picked us up at our hotel and we drove a while to his house, situated just a bit away from Arusha city (the starting point for most safari trips in the country). It was during that car ride that the idea hit me: I was an entrepreneur who was used to starting up businesses and running them remotely, I loved animals and nature in general, and I was looking for a new venture after pursuing web development and IT for much of the past decade. He was a proficient, personable guide with many years of experience...
"Josh, have you ever thought about starting your own safari company?" I asked.
"I was thinking of maybe opening up a shop near my home or something like that..." he replied.
"Hmm...what if we opened our own safari company together? If we combine your strengths and mine, I think we could make something great...", I asked.
And with that short car ride conversation, Pamoja Safaris was born.
Since late 2010, Josh and I have been sending our guests on trips of a lifetime, and we have had an amazing experience doing so.
Accommodation
Just because you're on safari doesn't mean that you have to rough it! We'll be staying in some of the best lodges and luxury tented camps Tanzania has to offer, complete with comfy beds, buffet breakfasts, warm-water showers, and gorgeous views. You might even be able to see some of the animals from your lodge, as they feed outside of your balcony.
We will be securing a number of rooms for everybody to share at each of the locations we'll be visiting (Arusha City, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area/Karatu Town, and Serengeti National Park). If you're traveling solo, you'll be matched up with somebody of the same sex, or you can pay a bit of additional money to grab a room all to yourself for the duration of the trip (see Money Stuff, below).
Days can be long at times when you're in the Serengeti chasing animals all day — it's nice to have somewhere cozy to lay your head at night.
Our Rides
We use only the most comfortable, feature-equipped, custom Toyota Land Cruisers available. Some days we'll be spending upwards of ten hours inside of these things, so it's of utmost importance that you're as comfortable as possible the entire way.
Another way we ensure you're enjoying the safari to the max is by not overpacking each vehicle. Many safari providers will put a person in every seat, but that doesn't allow much room for backpacks, camera equipment, etc. For our 7+1 seat configuration vehicles (seven passenger seats plus one driver seat), we never put more than five or six passengers inside, leaving enough room for all your belongings, and allowing easy movement around the interior when you want to grab that perfect shot.
While on game drives, some of the time you'll be standing on the seats with your head poking out the top of the vehicle (which allows a 360-degree view of what's around you). To allow this, the roof pops up if you push on it, and the covering stays above your head, shielding you from the sun.
Finally, there are multiple charging points in each vehicle to keep your batteries topped up, and there's even a fridge to store your drinks and food in if you'd like.
Itinerary
We'll be together for eight days total, including an arrival day, a departure day, and six full days on the road. The safari itself will encompass three separate parks (Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area).
Most days, we will wake around 6:30-7:30 am, have breakfast, and then do a morning safari while the animals are still active. In the early afternoon, we will have a picnic lunch, then drive around for a few more hours afterward on a late afternoon-till-dusk game drive, returning back to the lodge at sunset (it is not permitted to drive at night in the parks). You'll have a bit of time to wash up and change clothes, then it's time for dinner. After dinner, you may hang around the common area for some drinks and conversation, or head to bed to relax, as you see fit.
For more information, a detailed day-by-day itinerary can be found below.
Safari Itinerary
Dates are set for November 29 - December 6, 2025, for the safari portion of the trip.
Day 01: Arrival in Arusha (A) (Saturday, November 29)
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) via air, where we will pick you up. After that, you'll be dropped off at your hotel in Arusha city, 1.5 hours or so away. Enjoy some downtime after the long flight, and then we'll reconvene for dinner in the hotel restaurant. After dinner, meet with your guides. We will go over the schedule for the next few days in general, focusing primarily on the itinerary for the next day. After dinner, retire to your room and get a good rest, as we'll start early the next day. (Note: if you can't find a flight that arrives before dinner this day, or if you'd just like to have an extra day to rest after your flight, you can arrange an extra night through us at cost.)
Day 02: Arusha to Tarangire National Park to Maasai Boma to Karatu (B) (Sunday, November 30)
Wake up around 7:00 am and head to the restaurant for breakfast. We will be trying to leave the city around 8:00 am on our way to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2.5 hours driving). We will spend the rest of the morning doing a game drive in the park, stopping for a hot lunch in the early afternoon. After lunch, we will do another game drive, then head to our lodge in Karatu town in the late afternoon (2.5 hours drive). Along the way, we'll stop at a Maasai boma (village) where we'll interact with a family we know to learn a bit about their culture and way of life. After dinner at your lodge, we will do a recap of the day and a short presentation on what to expect the next day. After that, you're free to go back to your room or hang out a bit longer with other guests at the lodge.
Day 03: Karatu to Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Karatu (C) (Monday, December 1)
After breakfast at the lodge, we will make our way towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After receiving our entry permits and passing through the gates, we will stop to grab some photos from the top of the extinct volcanic caldera and then head down inside to spend the entire morning and afternoon driving through the crater. Today, we'll be searching for the elusive northern black rhino and getting closer to the other animals than ever before. We will have a picnic lunch at a designated area within the park around 1:00 pm, after which we will continue our game drive a bit before heading back to our lodge in Karatu for the evening.
Day 04: Karatu to Serengeti National Park (D) (Tuesday, December 2)
After breakfast at the lodge, we will make our way towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After receiving our entry permits and passing through the gates, we will stop at the top of the extinct volcano to grab some photos. We'll make our way out of the conservation area onward toward Serengeti National Park, where we will stop for a picnic lunch and registration. After receiving our permits, we will make our way to your lodge (stopping for animals along the way), arriving just before nightfall. Dinner at the lodge, followed by the day's briefing. (Total driving time this day is about five to six hours, so we'll be sure to make as many stops as needed for restrooms and to stretch our legs on the way.)
Day 05: Serengeti National Park (D) (Wednesday, December 3)
Have breakfast, and then head out for a game drive until our picnic lunch, which will be had somewhere in the park. We'll then spend a few more hours out on the plains, looking out for leopards, cheetahs, and lions that are all over the area. Dinner is back at the lodge.
Day 06: Serengeti National Park (D) (Thursday, December 4)
An optional sunrise hot air balloon safari and bush breakfast are available today for $600/person (rejoining the main group at around 10:30 am). This is the day when we will try to catch up with the Great Wildebeest Migration. This time of year, it usually happens in the central portion of the park, so we make things easier by lodging in the same area, allowing for shorter drive times. Long day with plenty of driving, so we'll make sure to advance at a comfortable pace with as many breaks as needed. Dinner back at the lodge after returning around dusk.
Day 07: Fly from Serengeti National Park to Arusha (A) (Friday, December 5)
After breakfast, we will pack up our things and depart the tented camp, doing a game drive on our way to the Seronera airport, where we will catch a late morning flight back to Arusha (1 hour). Upon arriving at Arusha Airport (ARK), we will be picked up and taken to our lodge, stopping by for a bit of optional souvenir shopping and lunch on the way. Tonight we'll have our farewell dinner together off-site, where you'll say goodbye to your guides and other guests before heading back to the lodge for bed.
Day 08: Arusha to Home / Rest Day (Departure) (Saturday, December 6)
Although the exact timing depends on your departure schedule, generally we will wake up, have a leisurely breakfast, and then relax at the lodge until it's time to drive you to the airport for your flight. (Those joining us for Kilimanjaro will have the entire day as a rest day at the lodge.)
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro — at 19,341 ft high (5,895 m), it is Africa's highest peak — and one of the world's Seven Summits.
Summiting Kilimanjaro has been a trophy of many a visitor to East Africa, and rightly so — the extinct volcano towers above everything else as far as the eye can see, its top encrusted in a glaze of glacier ice that has slowly been melting since the last ice age.
After a couple of days of rest in Arusha post-safari, we will be leaving in the morning to begin our six-day ascent and two-day descent along the Lemosho route — the longest, least crowded, most scenic way up of the seven available routes.
This will be taking place after the safari has finished, from December 6-16, 2025.
Gear & Porters
It is recommended that you bring all of the gear you can, as you know what feels best, is warmest, and fits properly. You may, if necessary, rent some gear (jacket, insulated pants, trekking poles, hat, gloves) in Arusha if needed. The only absolutely necessary component is to bring a pair of worn-in waterproof boots for hiking, as tennis shoes won't be sufficient (or warm enough) — and if they're fresh out of the box, you'll get blisters on day one.
We'll provide tents, sleeping pads, and pillows. Sleeping bags may be rented from us at the cost of $50 per trek, or you may bring your own (just make sure it is rated to 15℉/-10℃ or lower).
Kilimanjaro National Park requires the use of porters, and for every one of you, there are at least three of them (they carry food and water, camping supplies, and any larger packs you have).
Our Guides
Our guide and assistant guides have many years of climbing experience — this is what they do for a living. Our main guide will be in the front leading the way, while the assistant guides will be interspersed throughout the group to make sure everyone is doing well.
These guides are the "captains" of our proverbial ship, so what the guides say goes. If they decide someone has had enough and shouldn't proceed any further, we listen to their judgment (see Notice, below).
We will also be accompanied by a chef who cooks meals for us and the rest of our staff every morning, afternoon, and evening. You need as many calories as you can get when hiking up and down the side of Kilimanjaro all day!
Route & Schedule
Day 00: Last Day of the Safari (December 6)
This is the last day of the safari (see the Safari Itinerary above). If not doing the safari and only doing Kilimanjaro, be sure to arrive in Tanzania on this day in order to have enough time to prepare for the hike.
Day 01: Post-safari/pre-Kilimanjaro Rest Day (December 7)
We will be relaxing at our lodge in Arusha and making preparations for the climb, including talking over the plans for the days ahead and grabbing any rental gear, after which we will grab dinner together.
Day 02: Drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Lemosho Gate, and start the climb to Forest Camp (3.7 mi/6.0 km) (December 8)
After breakfast, we will drive from Arusha to the Park Gate, check in, have lunch, and then begin a gentle climb up through the mountain forest, carpeted with unique flowers, begonias, and ferns. The first camp is situated among the giant heather plants at 9,500 ft (2,896 m). (Total ascent: 1,700 ft/518 m during 3-4 hours of hiking.)
Day 03: Forest Camp to Shira Camp I (5.0 mi/8 km) (December 9)
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp at Shira Camp I at 11,500 ft (3,505 m). Herds of eland antelope sometimes graze up here, and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera that can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon. (Total ascent: 2,000 ft/610 m during 5-6 hours of hiking.)
Day 04: Shira Camp I to Moir Hut Camp (8.7 mi/14.0 km) (December 10)
We will hike along the Shira plateau for the duration of this day. We begin with a gentle walk east toward Kilimanjaro's glaciated peak, winding across the plateau that leads to Shira II Camp in the moorland meadows. We'll then continue to Moir Hut Camp, a little-used site on the base of the Lent Hills. (Total ascent: 2,300 ft/701 m during 6-7 hours of hiking.)
Day 05: Moir Hut Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Hut Camp (4.4 mi/7.0 km) (December 11)
From the Lent Hills, we'll continue up a ridge, passing the trail junction towards the peak. We'll arrive at the Lava Tower geological formation, called the "Shark's Tooth," in the afternoon and stop there for lunch. After that, we'll come to a second trail junction, which brings us up to Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 ft/4,877 m. We'll then continue down to Barranco Hut Camp at an elevation of 13,000 ft/3,964 m. Although you'll finish the day below the level you started at, it is an important step for acclimatization and will help prepare your body for the summit. (Total descent: 800 ft/244 m during 5-6 hours of hiking.)
Day 06: Barranco Hut Camp to Karanga Camp (3.1 mi/5.0 km) (December 12)
After breakfast, we'll leave Barranco Hut Camp and continue slowly over a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall and ending at the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization. (Total ascent: 100 ft/30 m during 4-5 hours of hiking.)
Day 07: Karanga Camp to Barafu Hut Camp (2.5 mi/4.0 km) (December 13)
We'll leave Karanga Camp and hit the next junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail. We then continue up to the Barafu Hut Camp, arriving in the early afternoon. Here we'll make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and get a few hours of sleep in preparation for the summit this evening. (Total ascent: 2,200 ft/671 m during 4-5 hours of hiking.)
Day 08: Barafu Hut Camp to Kibo Summit to Mweka Camp (10.6 mi/17.0 km) (December 14)
We'll wake up around 11:00 pm and have a light snack before we head out at 12:00 am to start to climb the steep, frozen scree up to the summit. We are aiming to reach Stella Point (on the crater rim) for sunrise, and then another hour later you’ll find yourself at the highest point on the continent, bathing in the sun's warmth (which is much appreciated at that elevation). After reaching the summit and snapping a few photos, we will return to Barafu Hut Camp via the Mweka descent route. Total walking time will be around 7-8 hours (4,265ft/1,300m ascent) to the summit, then a 6-8 hour (9,186ft/2,800m) descent to Mweka camp, set in a clearing amongst the giant heather. This is a long and hard day — you’ll feel extremely tired, but also absolutely ecstatic that you’ve accomplished so much. Enjoy your sleep — you've earned it! (Total ascent: 4,045 ft/1,233 m during 7-8 hours of hiking, followed by 9,345 ft/2,848 m of descent over a period of 6-8 hours.)
Day 09: Mweka Camp to Mweka Park Gate to Hotel (6.2 mi/10.0 km) (December 15)
We finish up our trek with a 3-4 hour descent through the forest to Mweka Gate to collect our completion certificates and reunite with our vehicles. Head towards Arusha, arriving early afternoon, and check into our hotel for some R&R and a celebratory dinner. (Total descent: 4,600 ft/1,402 m during 3-4 hours of hiking.)
Day 10: Hotel to Airport (December 16)
Have breakfast at the hotel and relax until your flight back. You'll be transferred by the hotel to the airport approximately two hours before your flight departs (15-minute drive).
Time & Money
The total cost for the Kilimanjaro portion of the trip will be $3,790 for the entire 10-night/11-day trip.
There will be 11 spots open for the Kilimanjaro trek. In order to secure your spot, there will be a non-refundable $1,000 deposit required. First-come, first-served. (The deposit will be applied to the trip balance.)
The rest of the money ($2,790) will be due along with your final safari payment, no later than September 1, 2025.
Payment Methods include cash, check, money order, PayPal (fees are on you), ACH transfer, Venmo, or Zelle. If you need our address to send a check/money order, please contact me.
Single supplement is not available during the mountain portion of the trip, as you need to pair up two to a tent in order to provide enough warmth to sleep well during the later days of the trek.
The Cancellation Policy and Terms of Service may be found here.
Notice
Kilimanjaro does not require any previous mountaineering experience, nor does it require any technical skills, but don't let that fool you into thinking it is an easy climb — it is a long, strenuous trek at a high elevation. You should be in reasonably good physical shape, and training is advised prior to coming over to Tanzania (at higher elevations, if possible).
Even with all the training and physical fitness in the world, the altitude can still get the best of you. If one of our guides decides you should not continue, you'll need to stop ascending and start descending as soon as possible. Hypoxia (altitude sickness) can cause vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, loss of sleep, and even death in the most serious cases, and it is nothing to be messed with. (No one has gotten seriously injured in any of our trips up or down the mountain in the past.)
Money Stuff
This is not a budget trip — if you're looking to do the cheapest safari possible, you can find that in other countries with less expensive park fees (e.g., South Africa, Kenya, etc.), or by joining a scheduled group tour or doing a rough camping tour. There are also many managed game reserves in places such as Kenya, where they fence in a large area and manage wildlife numbers — like an open-air zoo.
This trip, however, is not located in a game reserve — this is 100% natural. Animals come and go as they please; there are no fences, and the land area is HUGE — nearly 5,800 sq. mi (15,000 sq. km) for Serengeti National Park by itself.
However, the trip is not prohibitively expensive (especially with the $1,500 discount we are providing), and is actually a great deal if compared to other all-inclusive, private Tanzanian safari packages.
Please be aware that we are putting this together at discounted pricing, in part because I'm looking to take photos and videos during the trip to use for promotional purposes. If you don't want to be photographed and/or on video, this may not be the trip for you to join. Also, all guests will be asked to provide a testimonial to our online review portal(s) after the trip has ended.
There will be 11 spots open for the safari trip. In order to secure your spot, there will be a non-refundable $1,000 deposit required. First-come, first-served. (The deposit will be applied to the trip balance.)
The balance for the entire trip — one more payment of $2,990 (plus $3,790 for the Kilimanjaro trek if you're joining) — will be due approximately 90 days before the start date of the trip, on September 1, 2025. If your payment is not received by that day, you may lose your initial deposit/place on the trip (I will inform you when the date is approaching if I haven't heard from you yet).
Total safari pricing will be raised to $4,390 at 12:00 am ET on September 2, 2025 (for those who have not paid their full balance yet).
Included:
- 8 days/7 nights of accommodation in luxury lodges and tented camps from November 29th-December 6th (see Accommodation above)
- Double Occupancy in twin bedrooms. If you are not traveling with a companion, you will be matched up according to gender. If you want your own room, this can be arranged for an extra $900.
- Guide services the entire time
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- 3 meals per full day
- Unlimited bottled water, during the game drives and at your lodging
- Guide & staff base gratuity
- All taxes and surcharges
- All park and vehicle fees
- One-way flight back from the Serengeti to Arusha
- Transport via Land Cruiser to/within parks, incl. gasoline, driver meals, and accommodation
Not Included:
- Flights to/from Tanzania (closest international airport: JRO)
- Alcohol & beverages other than water
- $50-$100 Tanzanian visa fee (see Visas, below)
- Extra nights pre- or post-trip
- Souvenirs
Payment Methods include cash, check, money order, PayPal (applicable fees to be payable by you), ACH, Venmo, or Zelle. If you need our address to send a check/money order, please contact me.
The Cancellation Policy and Terms of Service may be found here.
Weather & Packing
Tanzania in late November/early December is quite temperate, partially owing to the fact that the spots we are going to visit are well above sea level. Daytime is generally in the high 70s-80s ℉ (25C-30℃), and the evenings are cool enough that you'd want a hoodie or light jacket just in case you get cold. Rain is usually infrequent and brief, and the grasses that cover the plains are at the lowest growth point of the season, allowing for easy spotting of game.
We have the added bonus that it's one of the least busy parts of the year when it comes to tourism, so we won't have as much competition when it comes to jockeying for position with other vehicles in order to spot the best animal sightings.
In short, this is the perfect time of year to go on a safari.
What to wear? Well, you'll want to bring muted colors, as animals can sometimes react aggressively toward bright colors (think of bulls and the color red). You'll also want to stay away from dark colors, such as dark blue or black, as flies can be attracted to you that way. So, what's the best thing to wear? Khaki, or other earth tones.
As mentioned, a windbreaker jacket and hoodie or fleece are recommended for nighttime, but during the day, jeans, khaki shorts/pants, T-shirts, etc., are all fair game. Dress comfortably, because there won't be any formal occasions during this trip.
Safety
Tanzania is one of the most stable, crime-free countries on the African continent. In the rare event crime happens, it is almost always crimes of opportunity by the poor to make some extra money — e.g., grabbing a bag, money, or camera when someone isn't looking. Violent crime is exceedingly rare, especially against tourists. Serious crime statistics are much lower than in the U.S.
Because we will be on safari for most of the trip (and on Kilimanjaro afterward), we won't really have to worry about theft at all. The employees at the lodges wouldn't risk their jobs stealing anything, and the other tourists usually aren't culprits. Sometimes have to watch out for baboons though... (Only half-joking.)
Regardless, I do recommend you purchase travel health and trip protection insurance, just to be on the safe side (see Disclaimer, below). (Note: for anyone doing Kilimanjaro, travel medical insurance with the "extreme sports" option is mandatory.)
As far as the animals go, they don't bother anybody unless you bother them first, so just use common sense and everything will be fine.
Getting There
The airport you will be flying into is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
No matter where you are coming from, getting to Arusha, Tanzania, is a bit of a journey. If coming from Europe (besides Amsterdam, which is direct), you can manage it with just one stopover (usually in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, U.A.E., or Qatar), but if you're coming from the U.S., be prepared for a long flight with one to three stopovers. Be sure to check Google Flights or Skyscanner for the best available routes and prices.
If you are leaving from the U.S., it will take you the better part of an entire day to arrive in Arusha, so I would look for flights leaving on November 29th (just make sure to get in at the very latest the evening of November 30th).
Once you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, you'll be picked up by one of our drivers, after which we'll drive you 1.5 hours or so from there to your lodging in Arusha.
Note: Extra nights are available both pre- and post-trip, with meals, at a cost of $200/person/night if in a shared room, or $350/person/night if in a single room.
Visa
Visas for U.S. citizens cost USD$100 (most other nationalities: $50), and can be purchased via the Tanzanian government's e-Visa service (a sample form to use when applying for your visa is available here). Be sure to have a pen handy to fill out the arrival card you'll receive on the flight prior to landing.
Immunizations
Tanzania doesn't have many more communicable diseases than other developing countries you may have traveled to.
There is a slight risk of malaria; however, it is more along the coast of the country than inland, where we will be (4,500 ft/1,400 m above sea level for most of the journey). Please talk to your travel medical specialist if you would like to bring anti-malarial medication with you (there are a few different types, but they all have their side effects — most choose to go without and just use longer clothing at night, along with bug spray on exposed skin to prevent bites).
If you're coming straight to Tanzania from a yellow fever-endemic country such as Kenya, Ethiopia, or Brazil (click here for a full list), you may be required to show proof of vaccination upon arrival at the airport. (If you're just stopping over in one of the countries and not leaving the airport, you're not required to have proof of vaccination.)
For those doing Kilimanjaro, it may be worth talking to your licensed medical professional about taking Diamox to combat potential altitude sickness during the trek (highly recommended).
As far as immunizations go, just make sure you are up-to-date on your usual foreign travel shots — tetanus/diphtheria, typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, etc.
Make sure to connect with a qualified medical professional to go over what you might need or want while in Tanzania.
Disclaimer
This is travel, and unexpected things may happen. Although we will do everything to assist you if an accident happens, you get sick, etc., neither I nor Pamoja Safaris is in any way legally responsible for your well-being during the duration of your time in Tanzania. By signing up for this trip you are acknowledging this fact. Medical facilities for routine visits, prescriptions, etc., can be few and far between in Tanzania, so you may want to buy travel medical insurance (and think about the emergency evacuation option) just in case something more serious befalls you.
Sign Up
This is a first-come, first-served opportunity. We only have 11 spots for the safari and 11 for the Kilimanjaro trek, and once those are gone, we can not add any additional spots.
Secure your place by clicking the button below and then filling out the form. After which, you need to send the initial payment of USD$1,000/per person/per trip segment to me (payment details to be provided upon submitting the form).
Once we reach 11 sign-ups, the trip will be closed to new applications (you can be added to the waitlist if you wish).
Questions?
If you have any questions, please send me an email through my Contact Page.