How far in advance should I start planning?

Start 6–12 months ahead for June–October peak season, when the best lodges hold limited rooms and sell out first. Families working around school breaks, honeymooners chasing specific lodges, and photographers timing migration season should plan on the earlier end of that range.

How fast will EXG respond?

EXG responds within 24 hours, and a full day-by-day itinerary proposal typically follows within 48–72 hours.

Can I customize the itinerary?

Yes. Every safari is planned around your route, lodge level, pace, and traveler type, with Zanzibar add-ons available — nothing is a fixed template.

How do payments work?

Bookings are secured with a 30% deposit, with the balance due 60 days before departure. Monthly installment plans are available at no extra cost, and all terms are confirmed in writing with your proposal.

Do I need a phone call?

A call is strongly recommended for serious custom trips, but EXG can also collect details by form, email, or WhatsApp depending on the traveler.

Planning Process

How Your EXG Safari Comes Together

From the first question to your arrival in Tanzania, the process should feel clear, guided, and calm. Here is exactly what happens when you start planning a private safari with EXG Safaris.

Clear planning · Written proposal · Private itinerary · Tanzania ground support

✦ No commitment to start✦ Clear written proposal✦ Revisions welcome✦ 24-hour response standard✦ Support through your journey

Quick Answer

From First Message to Booked Dates, Four Clear Steps.

Booking with EXG Safaris starts with a short Safari Recommendation — just your name and email. A Safari Expert follows up directly to review your dates, traveler type, budget, comfort level, and priorities, then builds a clear private safari proposal.

Once the itinerary, price, and terms are approved in writing, your dates are secured with a 30% deposit.

Step 1

Safari Recommendation Form

Step 2

Safari Expert Follow-Up

Step 3

Written Proposal

Dates Secured With

30% Deposit

"The entire experience was amazing. I saw more animals than I expected. Our guides knew just where to take us! We were met at the airport and everything was taken care of. It was an excellent experience and exceeded my expectations."

danettejacob · La Crosse, Wisconsin · Tripadvisor review

Six Steps

From First Question to Final Safari

Step 01

Start With a Quick Introduction

› Your name and email
› Phone number, if you'd like a call
› Anything you'd like us to know
› Takes about a minute, no commitment

Step 02

A Safari Expert Asks the Right Questions

› Travel month or dates
› Number of travelers and ages if children
› Preferred comfort level and budget range
› Safari only or safari + Zanzibar
› Must-see places or biggest concern
› Route recommendation and lodge level suggestions
› Estimated price range

Step 03

You Receive a Clear Safari Proposal

› Day-by-day route
› Lodge category and room plan
› What is included and not included
› Airport guidance
› Vehicle and guide notes
› Pricing breakdown
› Payment and cancellation terms in writing

Step 04

Review, Revise, and Confirm

› Ask questions freely
› Adjust pace or lodge level
› Add Zanzibar or remove stops
› Request different comfort style
› Dates secured with a 30% deposit

Step 05

Prepare for Tanzania

› Passport and visa reminders
› Travel insurance requirements
› Packing list
› Health preparation reminders
› Flight coordination
› Tipping guidance
› Final itinerary documents

Step 06

Arrive and Travel With Support

› Private airport welcome
› Guide meets you on arrival
› Contact available throughout
› Tanzania ground team active
› Support for any issue in-destination

Guests welcomed with drinks at an arrival table on safari

Safari guests and their guide standing together under a baobab tree

Before You Book — Anywhere

How to Evaluate Any Safari Company

A safari is not like booking a hotel. Your guide, vehicle, route, lodges, and support team shape the whole experience. Pretty photos and a low price are easy — the questions below are harder to fake. Ask them of EXG or of anyone else you are considering, and use the answers to compare.

12 Questions to Ask Before You Book

1Who owns or runs the ground operation?
2Are the guides full-time professionals?
3Is the safari private or shared with strangers?
4How many guests ride in each vehicle?
5Are park fees included in the price?
6Are internal flights included?
7What lodges are actually used?
8How close are those lodges to the wildlife areas?
9What happens if a flight changes or is delayed?
10Is medical evacuation coverage included?
11How fast does the team reply to questions?
12What is explicitly not included in the price?

If a company cannot answer clearly, walk away.

Warning Signs to Watch For

› Prices far below every other quote, with no explanation
› Vague inclusions instead of a written breakdown
› No real team page or ground operator named
› No clear office, phone number, or support line
› Slow or evasive replies before you have even booked
› No straight answer on safety or medical evacuation
› No specific lodge names, only "similar" or "3-star" style categories
› No guide details or credentials
› No clear payment or cancellation terms in writing
› Pressure to decide fast without explanation

What a Strong Safari Company Should Do

A strong company explains the plan, listens before selling, matches the trip to your people, uses trusted and experienced guides, gives clear pricing, plans safe routes, shares real lodge and guide details, answers quickly, supports you before and during travel, and stays reachable after the trip too. That is the standard the six-step process above is built to meet.

FAQ

Planning Process Questions

Continue Planning Your Safari

Explore More

Pricing & Dates

Sample prices and availability

Tanzania Safari Cost

Full cost guide

Reviews

Traveler experiences

Family Safari

Plan a family journey

The Right Safari Starts With the Right Questions.

No commitment required. Share your details and the EXG team will recommend the right planning direction.