How to Book
The booking process, payment terms, and everything you need to know before you commit. No hidden clauses. No sales pressure.
Booking a safari should feel like the start of the adventure — not a bureaucratic obstacle course. We've laid out every step, every cost, and every policy plainly here. For a checklist of the most important questions to ask any operator before committing, see our Questions to Ask Before Booking a Safari. If anything is still unclear, talk to us directly before you book.
Before You Book
How the Booking Process Works
From first WhatsApp to departure day
How does the booking process work?
It starts with a conversation — not a form. Tell us your target dates, group size, and budget (or let us know if you don't have a budget yet). We'll respond within 24 hours with a preliminary outline. From there, we refine the itinerary together until it fits. Once you're happy, we send a booking confirmation with a deposit invoice. That's the entire process: conversation → outline → refinement → confirmation.
How do I get a quote?
The fastest way is WhatsApp — you can reach us at +255786110786. Tell us your approximate dates, how many people, and what kind of experience you're after. We'll send a detailed quote within 24 hours. Alternatively, use the contact form on this site. We quote in US dollars and every quote is itemized — no lump sums that hide the details.
How far in advance should I book?
For peak season (June–October and December–January), we recommend booking 4–6 months in advance. This guarantees availability at the camps and lodges you want, and gives you time to arrange flights. For green season (March–May), 2–3 months is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible — WhatsApp us and we'll do our best.
Can I speak to Kassim directly before booking?
Yes — and we encourage it. WhatsApp +255786110786 is the fastest route. Kassim handles every booking personally and is available for a call or voice note exchange at any stage of the conversation. We don't use a sales team or call centre. You're talking to the person who will help organise your safari.
Payments
Deposits, Pricing & Payment Methods
No hidden fees. No credit card surprises.
How much is the deposit and when is it due?
We require a 30% deposit to confirm a booking. The remaining 70% is due 45 days before your departure date. For bookings made within 45 days of departure, the full amount is due at confirmation. The deposit is non-refundable — see our cancellation policy below.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfer (USD preferred, to our Tanzanian or Kenyan account), credit card (Visa and Mastercard with a 2.5% processing fee), and PayPal (with a 3.5% fee). Bank transfer is preferred for larger amounts as it avoids processing fees. All payment details are provided in your booking confirmation.
Is my payment secure?
Yes. We use a reputable Tanzanian bank for all transfers and never store card details. For card payments, we use a PCI-compliant processor. You can also pay via PayPal's buyer protection for added peace of mind. We have been handling international safari bookings since 1978 without a single payment security incident.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, for bookings made more than 90 days in advance. We can split payments across three installments: 30% deposit at booking, 40% at 60 days before departure, and the remaining 30% at 45 days. Just ask when you first get in touch and we'll set it up.
Cancellations
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Life happens. Here's how we handle it.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made in writing (email or WhatsApp). The deposit (30%) is non-refundable under any circumstances. For cancellations made more than 45 days before departure, no additional amount is due. Cancellations within 45 days of departure are subject to the following charges: 45–30 days: 50% of total safari cost; 29–15 days: 75% of total safari cost; 14 days or less: 100% of total safari cost. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with cancellation cover at the time of booking.
Can I reschedule instead of cancelling?
In most cases, yes — subject to availability. If you need to move your dates, let us know as early as possible and we'll do our best to accommodate you without additional charges. Where rebooking involves third-party supplier costs (some luxury camps have strict rebooking policies), we will be transparent about any additional costs before you confirm.
What happens if Magical Tanzania cancels my booking?
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel your booking for any reason beyond your control (force majeure, operational issues), we will either offer a full refund of all payments made, or transfer your booking to alternative dates at no additional cost. We have never cancelled a confirmed booking in 48 years of operation.
What's Included
What's Included — and What Isn't
Transparent about every line item
What is included in a Magical Tanzania safari price?
Our safaris include: private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and unlimited mileage, private guide throughout, all park entry and conservation fees, Ngorongoro Crater service fees, accommodation in your chosen tier, all meals at lodges and permanent camps, airport transfers, and 24/7 Arusha office support. Not included: international flights, Tanzania visa ($50–100), travel insurance (mandatory), tips and gratuities (customary, $15–25/day per person for your guide is typical), personal purchases, alcoholic beverages at some properties, and airport departure taxes.
Are park fees included in the safari price?
Yes — all park fees are included in our quotes and are never added later. This is a key difference between our quotes and some operators who advertise a lower base price and add park fees ($70–100 per person per day for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro combined) after the fact. When you receive our quote, the number you see is the number you pay.
Do I need to tip my guide?
Tipping is customary and appreciated in Tanzania. Your guide is your companion for the entire safari — their knowledge, patience, and ability to find wildlife are what make the trip. A typical tip is $15–25 per person per day for the guide, collected at the start and distributed at the end of the safari. We will give you guidance on current tipping norms when you book.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes — we cater for all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and common allergies. Please let us know at the time of booking and we will confirm with each camp and lodge in your itinerary. Most camps can accommodate special diets with advance notice. Tanzania's safari lodges are experienced with international dietary requirements.
Is travel insurance really mandatory?
Yes — we require proof of travel insurance with medical evacuation cover before we confirm your booking. This is non-negotiable and applies to all travellers regardless of age or nationality. Medical evacuation from a Tanzania national park to Nairobi, Johannesburg, or your home country can cost $20,000–$100,000+. Standard travel insurance policies often exclude African safari activities — make sure your policy explicitly covers safari game drives and walking safaris. We can recommend providers who specialise in African safari coverage.
Ready to Start Your Safari?
Tell us your dates, your group, and what kind of experience you're after. We'll have a no-obligation quote in your inbox within 24 hours.