Tanzania Safari

Yes, absolutely! Our itineraries are designed so you can attend both Tanzania and Rwanda, making the most of your time in Africa. If you're interested in attending both tours, we recommend joining the January 12–23, 2027 Tanzania Safari, followed by Rwanda. The second Tanzania Safari begins as the Rwanda tour is ending, so if you're combining both tours, Tanzania → Rwanda is the order we recommend. If you are hoping to do the Rwanda tour first, please reach out to us and we can help you figure out the best way to connect these two tours.

If you’re attending the January 12–23, 2027 Tanzania Safari and transferring to Rwanda, the best flight on January 23, 2027 from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Kigali International Airport (KGL) is with Kenya Airways, with one stop in Nairobi (NBO).

Our Tanzania Safari requires a moderate level of mobility.

Guests should be able to:

• Climb in and out of safari jeeps (Land Cruisers) independently
  

• Walk unassisted on uneven ground
  

• Manage stairs at lodges and camps
  

• Tolerate long drives on bumpy terrain

• Walk at a leisurely pace for around 1.5 hours during the Walking Safari
  

Some safari days involve several hours in the vehicle with limited bathroom breaks. For our 2027 Tanzania Safari, we will be taking a charter flight from the Serengeti back to Arusha to remove a long travel day.

Accessibility note: Accommodations in Tanzania may not have the same accessibility standards as North America. Grab bars and non-slip flooring are not always available.

If you have mobility limitations or balance concerns, please contact us at info@goldstarcanada.com prior to booking to discuss suitability.

We recommend this experience for guests aged 12 and older. On the other end of the spectrum, we’ve welcomed guests in their 80s on safari.

For Rwanda, there is a strict minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking, and participants must be at least 15 years old.

We travel in 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers with a pop-up roof designed for wildlife viewing.

Helpful things to know:

• Drives can be long and bumpy

• Some vehicles are more spacious than others; rear seats can feel tight for taller or larger guests.

• Seatbelts are not mandatory in Tanzania.

Accommodations vary throughout the safari and range from lodge-style hotels to tented camps. You’ll stay at the historic Ndutu Safari Lodge, the oldest lodge in Tanzania, and wake up with wildlife right outside your window at the Elephant Rock Luxury Camp.

Important considerations:

• Some camps have limited Wi-Fi, and some rooms will not come equipped with a television.

• If you’re hoping to watch shows or movies on Safari, we recommend downloading them in advance.

• Electricity may be generator-based and available only at certain hours at select accommodations.

• Hot water and power can occasionally be inconsistent.

• Laundry service is available at select accommodations throughout the safari.

We will send a full packing list with your Expedition Package 30 days prior to departure.

There will also be a pre-Safari webinar to discuss the packing list, itinerary, and other need-to-knows ahead of your safari.

USD is widely accepted in Tanzania. There are ATMs, bureaux de change, and banks in Arusha and at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Along the safari route, you’ll also find ATMs and banking services in the smaller towns.

Visa can be obtained at the Kilimanjaro Airport upon arrival. It is $50 USD for a 3-month visa.

The visa can also be obtained ahead of time on https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

Consult your travel clinic or family doctor at least 6-8 weeks before departure to obtain the recommended vaccines for you.

You will have the option to add a Hot Air Balloon Safari when booking your safari, or you may choose to add it later. Simply contact us by phone and we will be happy to assist you in adding this unforgettable experience to your Safari.

There is no limit to the number of participants, and we can accommodate all guests booked on the trip who wish to take part in the Balloon Safari.

We recommend you fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha, Tanzania. This is where our safari will begin from. Your safari team will greet you at the airport upon arrival.

If you’re interested in arriving early, we can help recommend accommodations for your stay. Many guests arrive 1-2 days early to settle in and adjust to the time change. Our safari team will still meet you at the airport if you opt to arrive early.

Please note: We are not able to provide transfers from Arusha Airport (ARK), which is a smaller regional airport nearby.

The most popular route is with KLM via Amsterdam.

You are welcome to book yourself or with your own travel agent or if you’d like assistance with booking flights, please contact our travel agent (who is also familiar with our itinerary):

Joelle Kolb
TierOne Travel
403.968.5652
joelle.kolb@tieronetravel.com

A driver will be waiting to pick you up at Kilimanjaro Airport to take you to the accommodations. Transfers are arranged for every guest.

Yes, all the lodges have private bathrooms inside the rooms.

The trip can accommodate up to 30 people, and tours typically sell-out every year.

Each safari vehicle will have 6 guests, plus a driver/guide, to ensure comfort and great viewing opportunities.

In Tanzania, most places use Type G plugs (like the UK), and some may also have Type D sockets.

Safari vehicles are equipped with Type G outlets and USB charging ports for cameras and phones.

Yes. You will have opportunities to purchase:

• Tanzanite gemstones

• Local crafts and artwork

• Souvenirs at lodges and during cultural visits

Shopping opportunities are available throughout your time in Tanzania.

Reserve your safari with a $500 deposit per seat. During the booking process, after you select Single or Double Occupancy, you’ll have the option to either Pay Amount Due or Pay in Full.‍ ‍

If you select to Pay Amount Due, you'll pay the initial $500 deposit to reserve your seat. The due dates and amounts for the remaining two payments will be outlined there, and will also be included in your booking confirmation email after you finish making your reservation.

Gold Star Canadian Tours does not provide travel insurance with the purchase of your Expedition. Before purchasing trip cancellation, interruption insurance or additional medical insurance, we suggest you check your current insurance providers, as many include coverage as part of current policy, or for a small additional fee.

Please email us at info@goldstarcanada.com and we will respond as quickly as possible. Or feel free to call us toll free at 1-855-665-4924.