Direct operator since 1978Original photographyNamed local guides4.8★ on Google
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Booking Guide

Tanzania Safari Deposit Guide

Plan My Safari

One of the most common questions we get from travellers planning a Tanzania safari is some version of: what happens when I pay? How much? And what if I need to cancel? This guide answers all of those questions plainly, without the fine print designed to confuse you.

We have been booking Tanzania safaris since 1978. We know how the deposit process works, what can go wrong, and how to protect yourself. Read this before you pay anything to any safari operator — ours or anyone else's.

How Tanzania Safari Deposits Work

30–50%

Deposit Amount

Most reputable Tanzania operators require 30% of the total trip cost to confirm your booking. Luxury tented camps with limited availability may require 50%. Budget operators who work through brokers may ask for the full amount upfront — which is a warning sign.

60 Days

Balance Due

The remaining balance is typically due 60 to 90 days before your departure date. Some operators require it 45 days out. This gives the operator time to confirm camp bookings and finalise logistics. Late payment can result in your booking being cancelled and your deposit forfeited.

USD

Currency

Most Tanzania safari operators quote and accept payment in US dollars. This is standard practice because park fees, camp costs, and guide salaries are all priced in dollars. Euro and British pound transfers are sometimes accepted — ask your operator. Credit card payments typically incur a 2–3% processing fee.

Cancellation Policy — What You Lose and When

These are typical industry standards. Always read your specific operator's booking terms.

90+ days before departure
Full deposit refunded
Usually no penalty
60–89 days before departure
Deposit forfeited
30–50% of total cost lost
30–59 days before departure
50–75% of total cost
Significant financial loss
Within 30 days of departure
75–100% of total cost
Near-total loss possible

This is why we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation cover the same day you pay your deposit. A comprehensive safari policy costs $150–$400 per person and can save thousands if you need to cancel for a covered reason. Covered reasons typically include illness, injury, bereavement, natural disaster, and airline or operator default.

Questions to Ask Before Paying Any Deposit

1.

What exactly is included in the quoted price — and what is not?

2.

What is the exact payment schedule and cancellation policy?

3.

What happens if I need to reschedule instead of cancel?

4.

Are park fees, camping fees, and conservation fees included?

5.

Do I pay separately for airport transfers?

6.

What is the policy if the operator needs to cancel due to weather or other reasons?

7.

Is there a named guide assigned to my safari, or is it assigned last-minute?

8.

What happens if my international flights are delayed or cancelled?

4.8/5 from 149 TripAdvisor reviews

How We Handle Bookings

We ask for a 30% deposit to confirm your safari. The balance is due 60 days before your departure date. Our full booking terms are provided in writing before you pay anything.

We include everything in our quote: park fees, accommodation, all meals, a private guide, transport within Tanzania, and airport transfers. There are no hidden extras. If there is anything not covered — for example, visa fees or alcoholic drinks — we state it clearly.

If you need to cancel, we will do our best to reschedule rather than forfeit your deposit. We will also advise you on your travel insurance options at the time of booking. We have been doing this since 1978, and our cancellation rate is low — most people who book with us go on to have the trip of a lifetime.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much deposit is needed to book a Tanzania safari?
Most Tanzania safari operators require a 30% deposit to confirm a booking, with the balance due 60 to 90 days before departure. Some operators require 50% for luxury camps due to their stricter cancellation policies. Budget operators may require a smaller initial deposit but charge higher overall prices to cover their risk. Always ask for the exact payment schedule before committing.
What is the cancellation policy for Tanzania safaris?
Cancellation policies vary by operator and accommodation tier. Generally: 60+ days before departure, you lose your deposit. 30–59 days, you lose 50–75% of the total trip cost. Within 30 days, you lose 75–100%. Luxury camps with limited availability have the strictest policies — sometimes no refund at all within 60 days. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation cover at the time of booking.
Is my safari deposit refundable?
It depends on your reason for cancelling and the operator's policy. Most deposits are partially refundable if you cancel well in advance of your travel dates — typically 60 or more days before departure. If you cancel for a covered reason (illness, bereavement, airline bankruptcy), your travel insurance may reimburse your deposit. If you simply change your mind within the penalty window, deposits are rarely refunded. Always read the booking terms before paying.
What payment methods are accepted for Tanzania safari bookings?
Most Tanzania safari operators accept bank transfer (SWIFT), credit card (usually with a 2–3% processing fee), and PayPal. Bank transfer is the most cost-effective method. Some operators accept payment in cash on arrival in Arusha, though this is less common for pre-booked safaris. We accept bank transfer and credit card. Currency is typically US dollars, though euros and pounds are sometimes accepted.
When should I book my Tanzania safari?
For peak season (June to October) and the wildebeest calving season (January to February), book at least 4 to 6 months in advance — earlier for luxury camps, which can fill up 12 months ahead. For the green season (March to May), you can often book with just 4 to 8 weeks notice. However, the further ahead you book, the more time you have to plan your itinerary, arrange flights, and purchase travel insurance.
Do park fees need to be paid upfront as part of the deposit?
Park fees are typically included in your safari quote and are not charged separately. However, some operators collect park fees as part of the overall trip cost and pay them to the Tanzania National Parks Authority on your behalf. Others charge park fees separately at cost. Ask your operator to clarify exactly what is included in their quote. We include all park fees, camping fees, and conservation fees in our quoted price.
Are there any hidden costs after paying a safari deposit?
A reputable operator's quote should include virtually everything: park fees, accommodation, meals, a guide, and transport within Tanzania. The only common extras are: visa fees, travel insurance, flights to/from Tanzania, alcoholic beverages at lodges, tips for guides and camp staff, and personal purchases. Some operators also charge separately for airport transfers. Ask for a full breakdown before paying your deposit.
What protection do I have if the safari operator goes out of business?
Unfortunately, limited protection exists if a Tanzanian operator fails. Unlike large international tour companies, small Tanzanian operators rarely have bonded financial guarantees. This is one reason we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation and provider default coverage at the time of booking. Also: pay by credit card where possible, as card issuers can sometimes assist with disputes. Book with an established operator with a long track record — we have been operating since 1978.
4.8/5 from 149 TripAdvisor reviews

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