Frequently Asked Question

What is the best time to travel?

Tanzania is truly a year-round destination for luxury safari travel. No matter when you are planning to travel, you will find a place that is perfect for that time of year. General game viewing in the Serengeti and Tanzania's other parks is at its peak during the June to October dry season. Mount Kilimanjaro is best climbed either between July and October or January to March, while the best time to visit Tanzania's coast, its islands and Zanzibar is between August and October - avoid the coast during the long rains of March to May. If you have questions or aren’t sure which tour to choose, feel free to give us a call at (+255 754 282 079) — we’re happy to help you find (or create!) your safari here

Do I need visas?

Visas are required for entry into Tanzania and Zanzibar. Visas can be obtained upon arrival.

What sort of food can I expect?

Most of the lodges offer continental cuisine, in addition to local specialties to appeal to a wide range of palates. In the bush, the quality of the cuisine in lodges and camps is superb. Meats, vegetables and fruits are fresh. Of course, all food served on our safari is of the highest quality.

How is the Weather?

East Africa enjoys glorious climates and both can accurately be called year-round destinations. In Tanzania, a blissful 70 degrees Fahrenheit greets the day and rarely does the temperature vary throughout the year. The elevated altitudes keep temperatures comfortable, even calling for sweaters and jackets every evening and morning. Temperature variance is determined more by region than by season: upcountry areas such as Arusha and Moshi at 5,000 feet can be cool, while the drier bush country is warmer and the sea level regions of Zanzibar quite tropical.

Every season, whether slightly warmer or cooler, offers thoroughly agreeable weather for all safari activities.

Generally, you should count on early mornings and evenings on safari to be chillier than expected throughout Africa—especially if travelling during May, June, July and August when you’ll be quite happy to have packed a heavy fleece or lined jacket.

 What is the minimum age for children?

Our safaris are made for all, and other safaris can usually be tailored to accommodate any age. Depending on which country you wish to visit, situations can vary—so please call us at (+255 754 282 079) to discuss which safari is right for you.

What type of clothing should I wear?

Suffice it to say, though, that your clothing should be comfortable and casual. Khaki, olive, brown and tan clothing increases your chances of seeing wildlife and offers the added benefit of concealing dirt. Since laundry service will be available in many of the places we visit, you should avoid the temptation to over-pack.

What if I need medical attention while on the trip?

There are good quality medical facilities in Tanzania, and we can recommend the best physicians. In Kenya, Nairobi and South Africa, Cape Town boasts world-class hospitals. In more remote locations of East Africa, you are assured of the services of the Flying Doctors—a group of well-qualified physicians who travel by aircraft throughout the bush to provide treatment and transportation in Tanzania. This assures our guests of prompt medical attention and air transportation in the unlikely event that an emergency should arise.

Are the evenings formal?

Evenings are not formal, unless you desire them to be. Casual, comfortable clothing is encouraged.

Will someone meet me at the airport?

Absolutely. As our valued guests, it is our pleasure to welcome you to our homeland. After passing through customs at your arrival airport, you will be greeted by a Marve staff member who will take you as swiftly as possible to the comfort of your luxurious hotel.

When is the Great Migration?

The timing of the Great Migration can vary because it is heavily dependent upon the weather—specifically rain that brings the new grasses upon which wildebeest graze. If you want to witness this natural marvel, it’s best to talk to a Marve specialist regarding the best time to plan your trip. In general, though, the following is accurate: The herds can be found amidst the short grasses of Serengeti National Park from

November to May. From January onward, wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle alternate between the woodlands and plains depending on the weather.

In May, as the grasses become dry, the herds begin the roughly 500-mile Migration. They move north, and by June they are in the more lush plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This is where they generally stay until October.

Anticipating the short rains—and the promise of mineral-rich grasslands that this entails—the herds begin their trek down to the Serengeti along an eastern route. In November and December, they arrive to intensely green savannahs and woodlands where they stay until the cycle begins again…

Your Marve Safari Specialist can help you maximize your opportunity to see this remarkable natural phenomenon.

What is included in the safari cost?

Just about everything. Marve includes all transfers, all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, laundry and often even beer and wine. We are also pleased to include all gratuities during your safari, including those to your Safari Director, Tour Leader and Driver Guides, as well as tips for the wait staff for meals in lodges and restaurants where meals are included, and the luggage porters at all airports, hotels and lodges. More information is provided in your pre-tour documentation.

In general the expenses you will need to anticipate are passport and visa costs, immunizations, and personal expenses such as phone calls, and souvenirs.

Is there internet access at the lodges and camps?

Most of the lodge or camp in the bush can offer a computer connected with internet for guest use. Sometime you can line a mobile telephone line which can give access to the internet.

Can I use my cell phone while on safari?

Cellular service in available widely in Tanzania including the remote areas of the bush of Tanzania! If you subscribe to Sprint, Verizon or another mobile service, ask your service provider specifically for a phone that will work overseas. Cell phones are also available for rent at the major airports-rates are reasonable, and you pay for calls made. International roaming service can also be enabled on cell phones, even if subscribing to one of the services above. You will need to contact your service provider and ask them to activate the international feature. Also visit the web site of your carrier to get up-to-date information on coverage and options.

How many people travel on your established safaris?

In keeping with our commitment to personalised service and exclusive arrangements, a Marve safari is always small and intimate in size — carefully designed to avoid any “big-group” feel. Our most intimate safaris have 12-14 travellers, and for those guests who wish to make their safari a more private affair: any date can be your safari date just for your family and friends. This is just one of the dizzying—seemingly limitless, in Fact—array of options available with our Bespoke Safaris.

How many are in a vehicle?

No matter what safari you choose, you are assured of comfortable vehicle and excellent sightlines for the unforgettable things we will see in the bush. In Tanzania, your vehicle will have no more than six passengers.