Questions about your safari
Everything you need to know about your slow safari
Do you have questions about wildlife, accommodations, or travel planning? In our
In East Africa, the dry season generally runs from mid-May through mid-March.
You can also obtain a visa upon arrival in Tanzania.
For Kenya and Uganda, there is no visa requirement, but there is a similar registration requirement. This costs $42 and must be completed online.
In a word: exquisite. Almost all packages include meals, and every meal is a true delight. The lodges serve both local specialties and continental dishes, so there is something to suit every taste. On the mainland in particular, you can enjoy French cuisine as well as a variety of delicious regional specialties, including vegetarian options. Even out in the bush, the quality of the meals at the lodges and camps is excellent, featuring fresh meat, vegetables, and fruit from the surrounding agricultural areas.
On Zanzibar, the spice island, specialties are influenced by Arab Swahili cuisine, with slightly spicy rice dishes and coconut preparations. Fresh fish from the Indian Ocean is brought in daily.
At or near the equator, the day begins with a pleasant temperature, with little extreme variation throughout the year. Even during the day, it is usually comfortable.
However, in the evenings and early mornings, it can be a bit chillier, so a sweater or light jacket may come in handy. Temperature differences are determined by region rather than season. Higher-altitude areas—such as those around Mount Kenya or Mount Meru (Arusha)—can be cooler, while the region around Moshi and the drier bushlands are warmer, and coastal areas like Mombasa or Zanzibar are distinctly tropical.
This means that there are no distinct winters or summers, as in South Africa, for example. Tussen half maart en begin mei is er wel het regenseizoen. However, our experience here tells us that heavy rains are rare … because of global warming? Usually every 3 days there can be a shower, usually at night. Besides the lower prices, which are about 10% cheaper, all the landscapes then turn beautifully green.
In short, generally speaking, you should expect early mornings and evenings on safari to be cooler than you might anticipate for Africa. Especially if you are traveling between March and July, it is advisable to bring a fleece or jacket, as it can feel quite chilly early in the morning or at night.
At LAZY LION SAFARIS, we understand that comfort and hygiene are essential for a relaxing safari experience. That is why we set our own standard… one that makes you feel at home, even in the heart of nature.
Our carefully selected hotels, lodges, and tented camps always feature private, modern toilet facilities and hot showers, allowing you to freshen up comfortably after a day full of new experiences. No shared facilities or primitive conditions—just the comfort you are used to, even in the most remote locations.
In addition to clean, private sanitary facilities, you can count on comfortable beds, delicious food, and excellent service from friendly, professional staff. Whether you stay in a luxury lodge or an intimate eco-camp, we ensure you have nothing to worry about.
Please note: new rules for Tanzania as of May 2025!
Please note that cash payments are now accepted exclusively in Tanzanian shillings (TZS). This means that, as a tourist, you can no longer pay for services or purchases in the country using cash in euros or US dollars.
According to new official regulations, foreigners (including tourists) must exchange their foreign currency exclusively through commercial banks or authorized exchange offices (bureaux de change)—such as those found at the airport upon arrival. Exchanging money illegally on the street is not only a punishable offense but also carries the risk of fraud or unfavorable exchange rates.
The safest and most practical option for tourists is to pay by credit card. Most international cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards are also ideal for paying for drinks at hotels (though this is often not possible in the Serengeti).
In addition, you can withdraw local currency—Tanzanian shillings—using your credit or debit card at banks or ATMs. However, be aware of any transaction fees charged by your own bank.
Please note: Since October 1, 2026, foreign tourists are required to take out a local travel insurance policy.
For travel to Tanzania, it is mandatory to take out a travel insurance policy through the NIC or ZIC. This mandatory insurance applies to travellers visiting both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.
The insurance costs $44 per person and provides coverage for stays of up to 92 days.
The measure is intended to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors during their stay in Tanzania.
We recommend arranging the insurance online before departure through the official Visit Zanzibar website. After payment, you will receive your insurance policy and a QR code, which you will need to present upon arrival.
It is also possible to purchase the insurance upon arrival at the airport. Please be aware that this may result in additional waiting time. By arranging your insurance in advance, you can get on your way more quickly and start your journey in Tanzania relaxed and hassle-free.
No — often you actually get more value for your budget because everything is custom-made. Moreover, you can make choices that better suit your wishes, ensuring you don’t spend money on elements you consider less important.
Within 48 hours. In most cases, you will even receive a first draft sooner, depending on the complexity of your request. This allows you to quickly proceed with planning your trip.
No, everything is completely without obligation. You are not committed to anything and can review the proposal at your leisure before making a decision. Only when you agree will further steps be taken.
There is no minimum age, but we recommend slowing down the pace of your safari somewhat when traveling with children and choosing less intensive activities during long days. All LAZY LION safaris can be adapted to any age group. Some lodges have a minimum age of 6 due to the proximity of wildlife, but this certainly does not apply everywhere.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss which safari is most suitable for your family.
A few months before the safari departure, you will receive a digital document containing a complete practical guide and checklist. However, suffice it to say that your clothing should be comfortable and casual. Khaki, olive green, brown, and light brown clothing increase your chances of seeing wildlife and offer the added benefit that if you get dirty, it will be less noticeable. Since laundry services will occasionally be available at places we visit, you should avoid the temptation to pack and unpack too much. Also, do not forget that a baggage limit applies more or less during a safari.
In summary: casual, comfortable clothing is encouraged.
High-quality medical facilities are available in every major city, such as Arusha, Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. The founders of LAZY LION SAFARIS live, work, and reside in East Africa themselves and have an extensive network of local contacts, enabling them to provide you with the best recommendations.
In more remote locations in East Africa, you can rely on the services of the Flying Doctors, a group of highly qualified doctors who travel through the bush by plane to provide initial medical treatment and transport. This insurance is included in the price of every safari, allowing this organization to provide immediate medical assistance and air transport in the highly unlikely event of an emergency.
Absolutely. As our valued guests, we are happy to welcome you personally to our home country of Tanzania. Or in our neighboring countries, one of our regular local staff members will do so. As soon as you have cleared customs at the arrival airport, a LAZY LION SAFARIS staff member will be ready to greet you and take you quickly to the hotel.
For personal service and exclusive packages, we always offer private safaris. Every safari is carefully designed to avoid the feeling of impersonal large groups.
Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or with friends, we tailor the program to your dates and aim to give you the time of your life. In principle, this is therefore also possible as an individual solo traveler.
In summary: whichever safari you choose, you are assured of a comfortable vehicle and excellent views to experience unforgettable moments in the bush.
Although Wi-Fi is not available in all camps, it is available almost everywhere in Tanzania and Kenya—nearly 99%—and is free of charge.
Most smartphones can be used internationally, but guests should be aware of high data roaming charges while traveling.
While modern phones generally work well in urban areas such as Nairobi, Arusha or Karatu, they may not always be able to connect in remote regions such as the Serengeti.
It is remarkable that even in many remote areas of the bush of East Africa good reception can be had.
Although modern phones generally work well in urban areas such as Nairobi, Arusha, or Karatu, they may not always be able to connect in remote regions such as the Serengeti.
Sometimes a domestic flight can be a huge time saver, and LAZY LION SAFARIS naturally arranges these flights as well. The size of the aircraft can vary depending on the number of passengers traveling from a specific location.
Even within national parks can be flown. The pilots of these small planes have often spent their lives in the bush. Some even learned to fly before they could drive a car! They are highly qualified and often serve as sources of information about what can be seen from the air.
For domestic flights from, say, Arusha or Nairobi toward the Indian Ocean, “larger” aircraft are used.