Tanzania – Safari: Choosing Between SoGuide and a Tour Operator

Whether you decide to go with a SoGuide guide—whose reputation and reliability have been thoroughly vetted—or an agency you found online, choose your safari wisely above all else. There’s a different type of safari for every type of traveler. Many agencies will promise you the moon, but be sure to double-check all the details. Unfortunately, not all agencies live up to their promises.

A guided safari in Tanzania In this article, you’ll find a list of questions to ask your tour operators.

• How many people will be in the car? (if you’re traveling in a group)
• What kind of vehicle do they have? You’ll need a 4×4 with a convertible roof. In reality, the most popular vehicle for a safari is a 7-seater Land Rover.
• Will everyone have a window seat? What are the other advantages of the vehicle? Is there a way to charge your phone as well? How old is the vehicle? Does it also have a spare tire in case of an emergency?
• Does the company provide binoculars, or do you need to bring your own?
• Is the vehicle equipped with a radio communication system? It is VERY important to communicate with other drivers to track the animals.
• Ask for a detailed itinerary of your safari. How many hours of driving from one location to another, and how many hours spent in the park? Also, are the lodges located inside the park or outside? But it’s better if they’re inside; because that means you’ll be able to start earlier than other tourists the next morning.
• To avoid any misunderstandings, make sure you have written confirmation; and that park entry is included in the price. Some agencies will try to get extra money from you in every way possible. Forget about verbal agreements—it’s important to have this information in writing.
• Are all activities already included in the price? Generally, a visit to a Maasai village is optional and costs a bit more. A hot-air balloon ride can cost significantly more. If these activities are listed in the description, double-check whether they’re optional or already included in the price. Interested in a night safari? Then check if your guide has the appropriate license for this. There is a separate license for night guides. If not, you’ll have to pay extra for a ranger to accompany you.
• A safari with a qualified local guide
• This is a non-exhaustive list of questions. In any case, the most important thing is to choose a reliable provider. There are thousands of local safari agencies in Tanzania; unfortunately, not all of them are competent or even well-intentioned. Make sure the agency actually exists and isn’t just there to take your deposit.

If you’re looking for a qualified local guide, we have certified guides with genuine people skills. At SoGuide, we’ve done all the vetting for you. So feel free to read all the reviews from their past clients and contact them for free through our website to get a quote quickly!