Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know about planning safari game drives, trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, and coastal Zanzibar journeys with Beacon Safaris & Trekking.
Mainland Safaris
The Great Migration is a year-round natural spectacle! From June to July, herds cross the Grumeti River. From August to October, the dramatic Mara River crossings occur in northern Serengeti. From January to March, calving season takes place in southern Ndutu with high predator activity.
We use custom 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers equipped with pop-up roofs for 360-degree wildlife viewing, guaranteed window seats for every traveler, charging sockets (USB and UK 3-pin), mini-fridge for cold beverages, and VHF long-range radios.
Yes! All national park entrance fees, transit fees, Ngorongoro Crater service fees, conservation permits, and 18% Tanzanian VAT are 100% included in our published package quotations with zero hidden surcharges.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The 8-Day Lemosho Route and 7-Day Machame Route offer the highest summit success rates (over 90-95%) due to excellent "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization profiles over gradual elevation changes.
We supply high-altitude 4-season waterproof tents, comfortable 2-inch sleeping mattresses, mess tents with tables/chairs, oxygen cylinders, and pulse oximeters. You should bring your personal mountain boots, thermal base layers, down jacket, sleeping bag (-10°C rated), and trekking poles (rental sleeping bags/poles available on request).
Zanzibar & Coast
Yes! We coordinate seamless flight connections from Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK) directly to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) with complimentary hotel & airport ground transfers in Stone Town and beach resorts.
Booking & Payments
A 20% to 30% deposit secures your safari vehicle, chief guide reservation, and hotel room accommodations. The remaining balance is payable via credit card or bank wire 30 days prior to arrival or in cash upon briefing in Arusha.
We accept US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP), and Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). Please note US Dollar bills must be clean, un-torn, and printed after 2013 per Tanzanian banking regulations.
Safety & Gear
All our head guides are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR). We conduct mandatory twice-daily medical checkups (pulse oximeter oxygen saturation & heart rate testing) and carry emergency medical oxygen tanks and evacuation stretcher stretchers on every trek.
Still have unanswered questions?
Our Arusha-based safari planners and mountain guides are ready to assist with custom routes, seasonal advice, and equipment recommendations.