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Tanzania is one of Africa’s great safari destinations. The wildlife viewing is exceptional — big cats in particular are seen with remarkable regularity — and all of the Big Five can be found across the country’s parks and reserves, with the full five present in the Serengeti. Almost 40% of Tanzania is set aside for conservation, which means you can travel for weeks, driving from park to park, barely leaving the bush.​This expedition follows the Northern Circuit — Tanzania’s classic safari route — taking in the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha National Parks.​And to finish, the option to unwind with four days on the beach in Zanzibar — the perfect way to wind down after the safari.

Arusha, Tanzania

International Flights

Travel Insurance

Optional Activities

Alcoholic Beverages

Medical Expense

Gratuities

Mandatory 45$ per person with Zanzibar Extension

Zanzibar Insurance

5$ per person, per night with Zanzibar Extension

Zanzibar Tourism Tax

Airport Transfers

Accommodation 

All Meals

With private driver and photographic/safari guide

Safari Vehicle 

National Parks 

Bottled Water

Emergency Medical 

Administrative & Office

Domestic Flight

You’ll be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and transferred to your hotel in Arusha to settle in. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Dinner)(The itinerary may be changed accordingly with your wishes, weather conditions, etc.)

Arrival in Arusha

Day 1

Your guide collects you at 8:00 AM in a 4×4 pop-up-roof Land Cruiser, picnic lunch packed, for the short drive to Arusha National Park (about 30 minutes). You’ll game drive through the park’s green landscapes beneath Mount Meru, then head out on a walking safari with an armed ranger — the bush is best experienced on foot, close to freely roaming wildlife. Along the way: the park’s hidden waterfall, the Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes with their thousands of flamingos. Expect giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and blue monkey, plus birds like trogons, starlings and turacos. Lunch at 12:30, exit by 2:00 PM, then on to Mayoka, near Tarangire. Dinner at 7:30 and overnight at Africa Safari Rift Valley. (B/L/D)(The itinerary may be changed accordingly with your wishes, weather conditions, etc.)

Arusha National Park – Mayoka

Day 2

Breakfast at 7:00, away by 8:00 with a picnic lunch for a full day in Tarangire — a park of elephants, termite mounds and ancient baobabs. Its elephant population is among the highest of any park in Tanzania. Look too for hartebeest, wildebeest, gazelle, zebra, and predators including lion, leopard and hyena. In the evening, drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight at Farm of Dreams. (B/L/D) (The itinerary may be changed accordingly with your wishes, weather conditions, etc.)

Tarangire – Karatu

Day 3

Breakfast at 7:00, then drive to the Serengeti, transiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with game viewing en route. Roof open, the game viewing begins the moment you pass the gate, continuing on toward Seronera. Dinner and overnight at Kisura Serengeti Camp. (B/L/D)(The itinerary may be changed accordingly with your wishes, weather conditions, etc.)

Karatu – Serengeti

Day 4

A full day in the central Serengeti, teeming with wildlife. This is one of the best places anywhere to find leopard draped in a tree — along with the other big cats, buffalo, hyena, jackal, elephant herds and cheetah. Back to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)(The itinerary may be changed accordingly with your wishes, weather conditions, etc.)

Serengeti, full day

Day 5

After breakfast, leave the Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Crater. After the gate permits, you descend some 600 metres to the crater floor — around 260 km² of caldera holding black rhino, lion, herds of zebra, old elephant bulls and much more, all within the volcano’s walls. Ascend in the late afternoon and return to Karatu for dinner and overnight at Farm of Dreams. (B/L/D) (The itinerary may be changed accordingly with your wishes, weather conditions, etc.)

Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

Day 6

Breakfast at 7:30, then to Lake Manyara, known for its tree-climbing lions and flamingos. The soda lake draws an extraordinary range of birdlife, and the park’s groundwater forest, plains and baobab-strewn escarpment make for beautiful, varied country. Manyara also holds one of the largest baboon concentrations anywhere. Lunch at 12:30, game viewing until 3:00 PM, then back to Arusha for dinner and overnight at Africa Safari Arusha. (B/L/D)(The itinerary may be changed accordingly with your wishes, weather conditions, etc.)

Lake Manyara – Arusha

Day 7

Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar (departing 1:15PM, arriving 2:20PM), where your driver meets you and transfers you to your beach hotel at Marumbi Beach, in Uroa. The rest of the day is yours to unwind. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Dinner) (The itinerary may be changed accordingly with your wishes, weather conditions, etc.)

Arusha – Zanzibar

Zanzibar Ext. -  Day 8

Days of leisure - relax on the beach, or choose from optional excursions (a Stone Town tour, a spice farm, snorkelling or a dhow trip). (All-inclusive)

Zanzibar

Day 9 - 10

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight. End of your trip. (Breakfast)

Departure

Zanzibar Ext. -  Day 11

Arusha — gateway to safariTanzania’s safari capital, Arusha is the starting point for almost everyone heading to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara — logistics usually mean a night in or around the city. Set beneath Mount Meru, it’s served by Kilimanjaro International Airport and the smaller Arusha Airport for charter flights onward. Time here is easily filled with markets, crafts and local sights.​Arusha National ParkSmall but strikingly varied, the park spans three distinct landscapes in the shadow of Mount Meru — Tanzania’s second-highest peak after Kilimanjaro, which forms the backdrop to the east. The Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River below the summit; the grassy Ngurdoto Crater lies to the south-east; and the shallow, alkaline Momella Lakes to the north-east shift colour with the algae and draw wading birds. A rewarding stop close to the city.​Tarangire — an elephant empireClose to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, Tarangire deserves more than the usual day visit. In the dry season (June to October), its elephant concentrations along the Tarangire River are among the highest in the country. With over 500 bird species and a full cast of large predators, it rewards patience — a diverse wilderness of riverine forest, swamps, and open woodland dotted with iconic baobabs.​Serengeti — the heart of itSynonymous with safari, the Serengeti is where game viewing reaches its most dramatic. It holds the lion’s share of the Wildebeest Migration (roughly January to September), but its sheer scale and year-round abundance mean extraordinary wildlife at any time of year — vast plains where the predators follow the herds, and where you can drive for hours and never leave the wild. This is the reason most people come to Tanzania.​Ngorongoro Crater — a world within a wallTake some 30,000 animals and set them inside the caldera of an extinct volcano, ringed by 600-metre walls. Add wetlands, forest and grassland, and you have one of the most remarkable wildlife settings on earth. Game viewing is superb and reliable: lion, elephant, buffalo and the rare black rhino are regularly seen on the crater floor (leopard, more elusive, keep to the forested rim). For many, a morning descending into the crater is the highlight of the trip.​Lake Manyara — tree-climbing lionsPart of the Northern Circuit, Manyara offers easy game viewing in a lovely setting beneath the Rift Valley escarpment. It holds a strong range of species — buffalo, hippo, giraffe, elephant, leopard, and its famous tree-climbing lions — and is a superb spot for birds, with pelicans and flamingos out on the lake and rich forest and floodplain alive around it.

Where Are We Going ?

A little preparation goes a long way. Below is the essential information on visas, vaccinations, malaria and travelling with children. We recommend checking all requirements well in advance of departure.​VisasMost travellers need a tourist visa. The simplest route is the official online e-Visa, applied for before travel. Tourist visas are generally issued for stays of up to 90 days; in some cases a visa on arrival is available at major airports, but applying online in advance avoids delays. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, with at least one blank page. Requirements vary by nationality — always confirm the latest rules with the relevant authorities.​VaccinationsThere are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers arriving directly from Europe or North America. A Yellow Fever certificate is required only if you’re arriving from — or have transited for 12+ hours through — a country where yellow fever is present (this list currently doesn’t include Europe or the US). Regardless, most travel doctors recommend keeping routine vaccinations current — typically tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Consult a travel clinic four to eight weeks before departure.​One note on Zanzibar:&nbsp;if your trip includes our Zanzibar stay, carry your yellow fever certificate with you even on the domestic flight from the mainland — it’s occasionally requested on arrival in Zanzibar, so it’s worth having to hand.​MalariaMalaria is present across much of Tanzania, including the parks and Zanzibar, in areas below about1,800m. Anti-malarial medication is generally advised — your doctor or travel clinic will recommend the right one for your itinerary. (Higher-altitude areas, such as the Ngorongoro rim, carry much lower risk.) Alongside medication: use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening, sleep under nets where provided, and take extra care at dusk and dawn. Our lodges and camps take mosquito control seriously, but personal precautions still matter.​Travelling with childrenTanzania has strict rules for minors entering or leaving the country. Children under 18 may be asked to present a birth certificate showing both parents’ names, a parental consent letter if travelling with one parent or a guardian, and copies of parents’ passports and contact details. These rules exist to prevent child trafficking and may be checked on arrival or departure — carry all documentation to avoid delays.​Please note:&nbsp;travel, health and visa regulations can change at any time. Guests are responsible for confirming the latest information with official government sources and medical professionals before travelling. If you have questions while preparing, we’re glad to help.

Travel Requirements

A little local currency makes the trip smoother. On safari most things are already covered, but it’s worth carrying some cash in small denominations for personal purchases and tips.​CurrencyThe official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted at lodges, camps and tourism services. If you bring dollars, make sure the notes are printed in 2009 or later and in good condition — older or damaged notes are often refused. For small purchases in villages, markets or local shops, you’ll want shillings, so it’s useful to change a small amount on arrival.​Cards &amp; cashMost lodges, camps and hotels take major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard especially), though card payments can carry a small fee and connectivity in remote areas is sometimes unreliable. Always keep some cash for incidentals. ATMs are available in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam, and at Kilimanjaro Airport, but not out in the safari areas.​TippingTipping is customary and genuinely appreciated in Tanzania — it’s an important part of the income for the guides, trackers and camp teams who make a safari possible. It’s always voluntary and should reflect how you feel about the service. As a general guide:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Safari guide / driver-guide: around USD 10–20 per guest, per day&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;**Camp or lodge staff (shared tip box): around USD 5–10 per guest, per day​Many lodges keep a shared staff box, so contributions reach the whole team — housekeeping, kitchen and the people working behind the scenes.​Our tip:&nbsp;bring a mix of small US dollar notes, and change a little into shillings for minor purchases. If you’re ever unsure about payments or tipping during the trip, just ask your guide or any of us — it’s a fair way to recognise the people whose hard work makes the safari what it is.

Money & Practical Inform

Tanzania runs on 230V (50Hz) and uses Type G sockets — the three rectangular-pin British plug — as the standard, with older Type D found in some places. If you’re coming from the UK or Ireland, your plugs already fit. Everyone else will need an adapter.​Worth knowing if your trip also takes in southern Africa: Tanzania’s Type G plug is different from the round-pin Type M used in South Africa and Botswana, so the same adapter won’t cover both — a universal adapter is the simplest solution. Many safari camps now also have universal charging points, but don’t rely on it.​If you’re travelling from a 110–120V country (US, Canada, Japan), check the label on each charger: most camera, phone and laptop chargers read “100–240V” and just need the adapter, but any single-voltage device needs a converter. As always, bring more camera batteries and cards than you think you’ll need — charging in remote camps can be limited and may run on generator or solar.

Electricity & Power Plugs

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for all our Tanzania expeditions, and we ask that every guest travels with it. Safari takes you into remote country where access to medical facilities is limited and the unexpected can happen — good cover is what protects you throughout.​What your policy should cover&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Medical expenses&nbsp;— treatment, hospitalisation and emergency care during your trip.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Emergency medical evacuation&nbsp;— the single most important element. Many safari areas are remote, and a serious situation may require evacuation by air ambulance to a major hospital, which is extremely costly without cover. Look for at least USD 250,000 per person.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Trip cancellation and interruption&nbsp;— in case you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, family emergencies or travel disruption.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Baggage&nbsp;— for luggage delayed, damaged or lost in transit.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Personal equipment&nbsp;— if you’re travelling with cameras, lenses or binoculars, make sure they’re covered.​Safari activitiesOur expeditions are carefully run and professionally guided, but they take place in wild environments — so check that your policy doesn’t exclude safari or wildlife activities, as some standard policies do.​Practical pointsCarry both a digital and printed copy of your policy, with emergency contact numbers, throughout the trip. Guests arrange their own insurance before departure, and we’d suggest buying it when you book — many providers include cancellation cover from the moment the policy is issued. If you’ve any questions while preparing, just ask.

The right clothing keeps you comfortable, protects you from sun and insects, and helps you blend into the landscape. We always encourage guests towards practical, neutral safari clothing — it’s a tradition in East Africa for good reason.​Natural coloursStick to neutral, earthy tones — khaki, olive, beige, brown, light grey — which blend with the landscape and disturb wildlife least. Avoid bright colours and white (which shows the dust fast), and dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies.​Lightweight, breathable clothingDays can be warm, especially on drives. Choose breathable fabrics — cotton or technical outdoor materials. Bring short and long-sleeve shirts, lightweight trousers (and shorts for the heat), and a fleece or light jacket for early mornings, which can be surprisingly cool in an open vehicle. Layering is the answer.​Sun protectionThe sun is strong even when it feels mild. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and a buff for sun and dust.​FootwearComfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots for the bush, and sandals for around camp. Most game viewing is from the vehicle, but sturdy shoes are useful around camps and lodges.​A word on dustThe northern circuit, the Serengeti especially, gets very dusty in the dry season. Bring a dust-proof bag or cover for your camera gear, change lenses as little as possible in the open, and pack a cleaning cloth — fine dust is the main hazard to equipment out here.​EveningsRelaxed and informal — casual clothing is fine. As it cools after sunset, have a fleece, long trousers and a long-sleeve shirt to hand (the last also helps against mosquitoes).​For ZanzibarIf your trip ends on the coast, pack beachwear, light summer clothes and sandals for the resort. One note of respect: Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so away from the beach and resorts — in Stone Town or local villages — it’s courteous to cover shoulders and knees. A light scarf or sarong is handy for this.

What To Pack

Outpost LodgeThe main house here once belonged to Bernhard Grzimek — one of the founding figures behind Serengeti National Park, director of the Frankfurt Zoological Society from 1945 to 1974, and author of Serengeti Shall Not Die, a cornerstone of African conservation.​Steve and Cathy Attwell bought the house from the Grzimek family and have kept strong ties with the Frankfurt Zoological Society ever since. Over the years, the Outpost has been a home away from home for many of the Society’s researchers and conservationists, and others working in the field.​We opened our doors in 1994 as Arusha’s first bed and breakfast, and built the lodge up slowly into the peaceful, green oasis it is today, with room for both groups and individual travellers. It’s family-run, and the next generation is now helping with the day-to-day.Africa Safari Rift Valley LodgeAfrica Safari Rift Valley sits in the village of Mayoka, south of Lake Manyara, ringed by the Great Rift Valley. Set between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, it’s an ideal place to unwind before or after the northern parks.​The Luxury Glamping units have a raised tiled deck and the comforts you’d want inside — air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom — along with an outdoor shower, where you can wash under open sky with the sounds of the bush around you. Five Safari Tents are also available, with shared shower and toilet facilities.​The pool and restaurant are built into the landscape, both looking out over the Rift Valley and Lake Manyara.Farm of Dreams LodgeSet in the town of Karatu, on the south-western slopes of the Ngorongoro highlands at around 1,400 metres, the lodge sits among gardens of flowers and vegetables. It looks out over sweeping hill views, within easy reach of the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara and Tarangire.​The warm, cosy rooms overlook the gardens and the country beyond, with large en-suite bathrooms and quality toiletries. Each room opens onto a private terrace with table and chairs.Kisura Serengeti CampKisura is a luxury tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti — canvas walls, but none of the compromises. The tents are fully furnished, with hot showers, separate toilets, four-poster beds, sitting areas, and the plains opening up right outside.​The difference a camp like this makes is simple: you’re inside the ecosystem, not at the edge of it. You fall asleep to the sounds of the bush and wake where the wildlife is, a good night’s rest behind you and the day’s first light ahead — which, after a full day on safari, is worth more than you’d think.​Comfortable, yes — but the real luxury is waking up in the middle of the Serengeti.Africa Safari Arusha LodgeAn intimate lodge in the village of Sakina, just outside Arusha. It has nine Standard and eight Luxury rooms set among green gardens, with a swimming pool and loungers, and an open-air restaurant with a fireplace for cooler evenings. The tree bar is a fine spot for a drink before or after dinner.​Mount Meru stands as the backdrop, and the balcony views reach past the lights of Arusha to the hills beyond. The approach itself sets the tone — an unpaved road winding up through the Ngateu Hills, the city falling away behind you.(Zanzibar Extension) Zanzibar Bay Resort &amp; SpaSet on the beach at Uroa, on Zanzibar’s east coast, the resort has its own private beach and beachfront access, with an infinity pool, sun terrace and gardens to relax in.​Rooms come with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies looking onto the sea or gardens; family rooms and ground-floor units are available. The restaurant is family-friendly, with a menu spanning African, Indian, Italian and Mediterranean dishes, and breakfasts of local specialities, warm dishes and fresh pastries.​Beyond the beach there’s a spa, sauna, fitness centre and a kids’ pool, plus a programme of walking tours, film nights and themed dinners. The resort is about 36 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, and within reach of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (15 km), home to the rare red colobus monkey.

Lodges and Camps

MaiaWildlife Tanzania Wildlife Expedition - 8 days / 7 nights

Prices for the Tanzania Expedition are based on sharing accommodation.Booking &amp; paymentA 30% non-refundable deposit confirms your booking. The balance is due no later than 60 days before departure. For bookings within 60 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. MaiaWildlife reserves the right to cancel any booking that doesn’t meet these terms.​Group sizePlaces are limited to&nbsp;6 guests. Early booking is strongly recommended.​

Adults

Children (5 to 12 yo)

Adults with Zanzibar Extension 

Children (5 to 12 yo) with Zanzibar Ext.

South Africa is where MaiaWildlife is rooted — and one of the finest places on earth to photograph wildlife. In a single reserve you can work the full range: the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) up close, predators on the hunt, and the light that makes southern African photography what it is.​Our photographic safaris are built around the camera. We travel in vehicles set up for shooting, and because I read animal behaviour for a living, we position for the shot before it happens — anticipating the moment rather than chasing it. Small groups mean you get the angle and the time, not a scramble across six vehicles at a sighting.​But South Africa is also where our conservation work is real, not theoretical. At Dinokeng Game Reserve, our guests have worked beside the rangers on genuine operations — fitting tracking collars on lions and elephants, freeing a buffalo from a poacher’s snare, helping relocate a cheetah. You don’t just photograph the wildlife here. You take part in protecting it. That’s what a South African expedition with us looks like: serious photography, real wild, and the rare chance to come home with images and a hand in keeping the animals in them alive.

Dinokeng Game Reserve, Hammanskraal, South Africa

Flights

Travel Insurance 

Medical Expenses

Personal Items

Accommodation

All Meals and Drinks

Sunrise & Sunset Safaris

Private Guide

Park Fees

During your stay, you will experience seven days filled with adventure, excitement, wildlife encounters, and authentic cultural experiences in the heart of South Africa. Each day has been carefully designed to combine exceptional safari opportunities with moments of relaxation and exploration beyond the reserve.&nbsp;Our days usually begin early in the morning, when wildlife activity in the bush is at its peak. Shortly after sunrise, we depart for our first safari drive in Dinokeng Game Reserve. This game drive typically lasts between two and a half to three hours, giving us the opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife in their natural environment. During these morning drives, we will search for many of the reserve’s iconic species, including the famous Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.&nbsp;After the morning safari, we return to Tendeni Private Lodge, where a relaxed and well-deserved breakfast awaits.&nbsp;Later in the morning, depending on the planned schedule, guests may take part in one of several optional activities outside the reserve. These excursions are carefully selected to enrich the overall experience and offer a deeper understanding of the region’s culture, history, and natural heritage. All activities are located within less then two hours’ drive from Dinokeng, making them easily accessible as part of the day’s program.&nbsp;Alternatively, guests may simply choose to enjoy some leisure time at the lodge, relaxing by the swimming pool, resting in the comfortable communal areas, or taking time to review photographs and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the African bush.&nbsp;A light lunch will be served either at the lodge or at the location of the activity, usually around 14:00, depending on the day’s program.&nbsp;In the afternoon, we return to the lodge and prepare for the second safari drive of the day, typically departing around 16:00. This afternoon and sunset safari also lasts approximately two and a half to three hours, offering another exciting opportunity to observe wildlife during one of the most beautiful moments of the day, when the African landscape is bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. It is also an excellent time to encounter predators becoming active again as the day cools.&nbsp;Following our return to the lodge, dinner is usually served around 20:00. Guests will enjoy a selection of delicious African-inspired dishes, prepared in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.&nbsp;After dinner, the evening continues in a social and informal way, with time to relax at the lodge bar, share stories from the day’s sightings, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the African night.&nbsp;Please note that daily schedules may vary slightly depending on weather conditions, wildlife movements, or the specific activities planned for the day. Flexibility is part of the safari experience and often allows for even more memorable moments in the bush.&nbsp;Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure filled with discovery, laughter, and extraordinary wildlife encounters, in what promises to be a truly authentic South African safari experience. 🦁🌿

Your Expedition

A Typical Day

Our meeting point is O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. On arrival, an official driver from Dinokeng Events will be waiting in the arrivals area to assist with your transfer.​From the airport, it’s roughly an hour by road to Dinokeng Game Reserve, where your guide will be expecting you — and where your safari begins.​Dinokeng is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Gauteng, set in a malaria-free region, which makes it a comfortable and safe place to be on safari. Covering around 26,000 hectares, the reserve is home to the Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino — all roaming freely across the protected landscape.​It’s also a conservation-focused reserve, built on a model where eco-tourism supports local development and protection of wildlife. Through sustainable tourism, Dinokeng helps create long-term employment and opportunity for the surrounding rural communities. And this is conservation we’re part of, not just guests of: here, our travellers have worked alongside the reserve team on real operations — collaring lions and elephants, removing a snare from a buffalo, relocating a cheetah.​The name Dinokeng comes from the languages of the baTswana and baPedi people and means “place of rivers” — given for the many rivers and watercourses that run through the area before joining the Limpopo and the Orange.​You’ll stay at Tendeni Private Lodge, one of the newest 4-star lodges in the reserve. Its open-plan units are each furnished with a king-size bed or twin singles and a ceiling fan, with a private indoor bathroom — toilet, shower and bathtub.​At the heart of the lodge is a welcoming lapa, where guests gather to relax: a lounge, fully equipped kitchen, dining area and bar. Outside there’s a traditional braai and a swimming pool for the hours between safari activities.

Getting There & Where You’ll Stay

Travel Information for South AfricaA little preparation makes for a smoother trip. Below are the main travel requirements, health recommendations, and documents to be aware of before you leave. Please treat this as general guidance only — regulations change, and you should always confirm the current rules with the South African Department of Home Affairs and the embassy or consulate for your nationality before you travel.​Passports &amp; visasAll visitors need a valid passport.&nbsp;​Many nationalities — including most European countries and the UK — do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. If your nationality does require a visa, apply through your nearest South African embassy or consulate before departure.​Immigration may also ask to see: a return or onward ticket; proof of sufficient funds; and your accommodation or itinerary details.​Health &amp; vaccinationsSouth Africa requires no mandatory vaccinations for most travellers. However, a Yellow Fever certificate is required if you are arriving from — or transiting through — a country where yellow fever is present; the vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival.​It’s wise to make sure your routine vaccinations are current. Commonly recommended: tetanus and diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid. For remote or rural travel, hepatitis B or rabies may be worth discussing with your doctor.​Malaria:&nbsp;some areas in the far northeast and around Kruger are malaria-risk zones — if you’re visiting those, speak to a travel clinic about prevention. Our safaris in Gauteng, including Dinokeng, are in a malaria-free area, one less thing to worry about, and a real advantage for families.​Travel insurance covering medical care and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for everyone.​Travelling with childrenSouth Africa has specific rules for travellers under 18, and these are stricter than in many countries — so please confirm the current requirements well before you travel, as they have changed several times in recent years.​As a general guide [confirm current rules]: a child travelling with both parents usually needs only a valid passport; travelling with one parent may require a consent letter or affidavit from the other; and an unaccompanied minor may need parental consent plus details of who is receiving them in South Africa. These rules exist to protect minors and help prevent child trafficking.​Before you go — a quick checklist&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Check your passport validity&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Verify visa requirements for your nationality&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Review recommended vaccinations&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Arrange travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover​Regulations can change at any time, so always confirm the latest information with the relevant authorities or your nearest South African embassy before departure. With a little preparation, you’ll arrive ready for the wildlife and the safari ahead.

Before You Travel

South Africa runs on 230V at 50Hz, using plug types C, M and N — with the large three-round-pin Type M being the most common. These don’t match European, UK, US or Australian plugs, so everyone will need a travel adapter. Bring at least one; a multi-socket adapter or a small power strip behind a single adapter is ideal if you’re charging cameras, phones and laptops at once.​If you’re travelling from Europe, the UK, Australia or most of Asia, your devices already run on 230V — you only need the plug adapter, not a voltage converter. If you’re coming from the US, Canada or Japan (110–120V), check the label on each charger: most modern camera, phone and laptop chargers read “100–240V” and are fine with just an adapter, but any single-voltage device will need a converter.​One local note: power cuts can happen in South Africa. Our lodges are equipped for it, but a portable power bank is worth packing — especially for long days in the field when you’ll want every battery charged.

Electricity and Power Plugs

Comprehensive travel insurance isn’t optional on a trip like this — it’s essential, and we ask that every guest travels with it.​A standard policy often isn’t enough. Most are written for trips spent within easy reach of hospitals and airports, which is rarely the case on safari. Look for a policy that specifically covers emergency medical evacuation — the single most important element for remote travel — with cover of at least USD 250,000 per person (many specialist safari policies offer 500,000 or more). Check, too, that it covers guided activities like game drives and bush walks; some policies exclude these as “adventure activities,” so confirm before you buy.​Your plan should also include medical expenses, trip cancellation and interruption, and cover for baggage and equipment — worth noting if you’re travelling with camera gear.​A practical point on payment:&nbsp;South African private hospitals — which offer excellent care — generally expect payment up front, and most foreign health plans (including US insurance and Medicare) aren’t accepted directly. Good travel insurance is what bridges that gap, so keep your policy details and emergency assistance number with you throughout the trip.​The reassuring side: South Africa has well-equipped private hospitals and clinics, particularly around Johannesburg — close to Dinokeng — so quality care is never far from where we operate.

Travel Insurance and Medical Services

Dressing well for safari is partly about comfort and partly about not announcing yourself to the wildlife. The aim is practical, neutral, and ready for big swings in temperature across a single day.​Natural, neutral coloursColours matter in the bush. Animals are far less disturbed by neutral tones that blend with the landscape. Stick to khaki, olive, beige, brown and soft earth tones. Avoid bright colours — red, yellow, white, fluorescents — which stand out and can unsettle animals during close encounters.​Layers, not bulkDrives start at first light and run into the cool of the evening, and temperatures swing widely in between. Layering is the answer. Bring lightweight long-sleeve shirts, long trousers (and shorts for the heat of the day), and a fleece or warm jacket for early mornings — on winter mornings in the highveld, dawn drives can be close to freezing, so don’t underpack the warm layer. Long sleeves and trousers also shield you from sun, dust and insects.​FootwearClosed shoes for all safari activities — light hiking shoes, walking shoes or safari boots all work. Keep sandals for around the lodge, not for drives or bush walks.​Sun protectionThe sun here is strong, even in winter. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and a light buff or scarf for sun and dust.​For photographers — the real essentialsClothing aside, the bush is hard on gear. Game drives kick up fine dust, so bring a dust-proof bag and a cleaning cloth, and change lenses as little as possible in the open. Pack more batteries and memory cards than you think you’ll need — cold mornings drain batteries fast, and you’ll shoot more than you expect. Charge everything overnight, and a power bank is worth having in case of an outage. A bean bag is handy for steadying a long lens against the vehicle.​Evenings at the lodgeEvenings are relaxed and informal — casual, comfortable clothing is fine for dinner and time around the fire. Bring a sweater or jacket, as it cools quickly after sunset, especially in winter.

What to Pack

Each day balances time in the reserve with moments to rest, explore, and take it all in. Here’s how a typical day unfolds.​We start early, when the bush is at its most active. Shortly after sunrise we head out for the first game drive in Dinokeng, usually two and a half to three hours, time enough to find a good range of wildlife going about their morning — including the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino.​Back at Tendeni Private Lodge, a relaxed breakfast is waiting.​Later in the morning, depending on the day’s plan, you might join one of several optional excursions beyond the reserve — chosen to add something to the trip: the region’s culture, history and natural heritage. All sit within less than two hours’ drive of Dinokeng, so they fold easily into the day. Or you can simply stay put: a swim, the shade of the communal areas, time to go through the morning’s photographs with the bush around you.​A light lunch is served around 14:00, either at the lodge or out at the activity, depending on where the day takes us.​In the afternoon we head out again, usually around 16:00, for the second drive. Another two and a half to three hours, this time into the best light of the day, as the landscape warms to gold and the predators stir again with the cooling air.​Dinner is around 20:00 — African-inspired dishes in an easy, welcoming setting. Afterwards the evening stays informal: a drink at the bar, the day’s sightings retold, the sounds of the African night.​Schedules shift with the weather, the wildlife, and the day’s plans — flexibility is part of how safari works, and often it’s what leads to the best moments of all.

From Dawn to Firelight

Rory Hensman Conservation &amp; Research Unit:&nbsp;As numbers of elephants have decreased by some 350% in the last 70 years and by 110 000 elephants in the last ten years (Great Elephant Census) due to poaching and habitat loss, we are honoured to have saved a few. We are even more thrilled to be able to connect you with Elephants through our unique interactions, so that you might see them for what they are, and therefore think a little bit more about their future, and indeed many other species, in an ever changing and modernising Africa.​&nbsp;Head out with the herd after the interaction to spend a little more time getting to know them a lot better! Here you’ll see the wild side of the elephants as they free-range feed, frolic, drink, dustbathe and enjoy the 300-hectare wildlife reserve they call home! &nbsp;​Rhino Connect - United for Rhino Survival:​Founded in 2016, by Tersia Jooste, Rhino Connect is an organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of rhinos. Our mission extends beyond preservation efforts; we actively engage in wildlife protection initiatives and strive to increase public awareness about the challenges facing these majestic creatures.&nbsp; By collaborating with local communities, dedicated conservationists, and wildlife professionals, Rhino Connect plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival and well-being of rhinos in their natural habitats. AirVentures - Hot Air Ballooning:Exclusive Hot Air Ballooning Safaris over the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa.AirVentures Hot Air Ballooning offers more than just a hot air balloon ride, we offer a total experience encompassing all the good things that make Africa great, from sun rise to great food, from wildlife to breathtaking scenery. AirVentures can meet all your requirements with a choice of high quality, exciting flight packages. Our attention to detail, and focus on exceptional service will ensure that your balloon flight with us meets all expectations.​Lesedi Cultural Village:Named after King Moshoeshoe’s inspired words, “Our culture is the light of our nation”, Lesedi Cultural Village transports guests on an illuminating and enthralling cultural adventure.​Visitors to Lesedi Cultural Village are immersed in a cultural tradition tour de force that connects the past with the present and shines a light on our collective humanity. The guest experience is enhanced by the beautifully African-designed guest rooms and suites that provide every modern comfort and local Ubuntu.​Welcome to Lesedi. Welcome to the Light.

Optional Activities:

A quick list to run through before you zip the bag. The sections above explain the why; this is simply what to tick off.​Travel documents&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Valid passport (correct validity and blank pages)&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Flight tickets and itinerary&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Travel insurance documents&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Visa, if required for your nationality&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Copies of key documents (digital and printed)​Clothing&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige, brown)&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Lightweight long-sleeve shirts&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Comfortable long trousers&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Light jacket or fleece for early drives&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Sun hat&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Casual clothing for evenings at the lodge&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Swimwear for the pool​Sun &amp; weather&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;UV sunglasses&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;High-factor sunscreen&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Lip balm with SPF&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Light scarf or buff for sun and dust​Health &amp; personal care&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Personal medications&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Basic first-aid kit&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Insect repellent&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Hand sanitiser / wipes&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Toiletries​Photography &amp; electronics&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Camera and lenses&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Extra memory cards&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Spare batteries&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Charger&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Binoculars&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Power bank&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Plug adapter for South African sockets (Type M is most common)​Optional but recommended&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Small daypack for excursions&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Notebook or journal&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Reusable water bottle&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Lightweight rain jacket (seasonal)&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;• &nbsp; &nbsp;Torch or headlamp

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