FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT is SIMBA ZOE?
Who is Simba Zoe?
WE LOVE TANZANIA AND WE LOVE PEOPLE AND WE LOVE NATURE!
Founders Leone Simba and Karen Zoe bring the Tanzanian and western perspectives together and welcome you to experience the beauty and warm hospitality of Tanzania. Along with the Simba Zoe team, we take you on the most incredible and often life changing adventures. Our concierge style starts with trip planning, taking care of you from the moment you arrive and continuing on until you catch that flight back home! (and we follow up after your trip too!)What does Simba Zoe do?
Simba Zoe provides professional adventure planning services in Tanzania, with personalized attention. Our Tanzania adventures include private wildlife safaris to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Mt Kilimanjaro trekking expeditions and Zanzibar Island ocean activities and relaxation. Our focus is on what we know best, these 3 locations, the savannah, the mountain, the ocean… you will LOVE IT!
Why Simba Zoe?
All your adventures are private, just your peeps… we hang out with you… we introduce you to our friends and family… we take you to local spots… we make sure you have what you need… you become part of our Simba Zoe family!!! It is a travel experience like no other…
KARIBU TANZANIA!!! WELCOME to TANZANIA!!!
SAFARI…
How does Simba Zoe do safaris?
Your safari will be private, just you and your traveling companions (or solo!), we do not mix groups of people that don’t know each other. We find this allows you as the safari goer, to have more control of your day to day movement and ability to focus on your specific interests. Privacy is key and we want you to relax and enjoy your unique adventure and not need to compromise on your experience!
How many days and which national parks?
Most Simba Zoe safaris are 6, 7, 8 or 9 days. We strongly recommend a 5 day minimum safari. We want you to have a pleasingly paced safari adventure, not rushing from place to place and missing key aspects!
Your safari will take you to the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park. These are the 3 key safari parks which offer the best variety of flora and fauna and their locations create a well thought out itinerary pace and flow.
What time of year is best? When is the Great Migration?
The safari parks are open all year, however, we suggest January/Feb/March and July/Aug/Sept as the best months for safari. April and May are avoided because it is the heavy rain season. October/November/December are possible, but sometimes the light rain season.
The Great Migration wildlife phenomenon occurs year-round, as the animal herds (over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle) travel in a perpetual, circular, clockwise movement around the Serengeti and into southern Kenya. The best times for viewing the Great Migration is in late January to late February in the Ndutu area for the animal birthing season OR in August to late September for the dramatic Mara River crossings in the Kogatende area, northern Serengeti.
What will our safari vehicle look like?
(See ‘Serengeti safaris’ for photos of the vehicle and more details)
Your vehicle is a 4×4 with ability to manage all sorts of terrain and road conditions. Everyone has a sliding window for a clear view and the entire top pops up for a 360* view when you stand up! Your vehicle has a small frig to keep your drinks cold, charging capability for your devices, blankets and pillows, and will be your sanctuary and home on wheels for the week!
Where will we stay overnight?
(See ‘Serengeti safaris’ for photos and more details of each option)
There are 3 lodging options for Tanzania safaris.
Luxury Tented Lodges… Our guest favorite choice, AKA ‘glamping’ is a close to nature experience, hearing wildlife at night, but with high end comforts.
Hotels… Brick and mortar facilities often with extra amenities, incl. 5* hotels.
Public Tent Camping… A roughing it camping adventure in public campsites. We provide the sleeping tent, sleeping mattress, soft bedding and pillow, and a chef will travel with you to prepare fresh meals.
What can we expect for the cost of safari?
(See ‘Serengeti safaris’ for more pricing details/examples and what is included/not included)Luxury Tented Lodges $900 to $1000 per person/per day
Hotels $1200 to $1400+ per person/per day
Public Tent Camping $550 to $650 per person/per day
What can I keep in mind when on my safari?
The roads are sometimes quite rough in places and charmingly called an ‘African massage’
Maybe dust. It might rain. It could be hot. Sometimes will be chilly. Nature is all around you!
Some days longer driving in the safari vehicle. Being able to get out to the remote areas is WORTH it!
There is the option to fly out to Serengeti and fly back at the end, reducing long days of driving.
Vehicles occasionally breakdown. It is not uncommon to… have a flat tire, stop to help another safari vehicle, get stuck in mud, etc
May not see all the animals on your ‘list’ of favorites. Please get excited about allowing nature to unfold in front of you…
MT. KILIMANJARO…
How does Simba Zoe do Kilimanjaro?
Private (just you and your peeps!), personal attention, daily medical check ins, tasty and filling fresh cooked mountain meals, private toilet set up near your sleeping tents, and more!
How many days and what route?
Machame 7 days and Lemosho 8 days. These 2 options are consistently the best for our groups.
(We can chat about other routes and number of days if you wish)What time of year?
Kilimanjaro is open all year round and is accessible to hike. However, we suggest January/Feb/March and July/August/September as the prime months. The only months we strongly suggest NOT to hike is April and May, as it is the heavy rain season.
Will I be able to succeed trekking Kili?
An everage healthy and reasonably fit person will have a fantastic chance of reaching the summit.
Also your mental strength is considered as important as physical strength.
How does Simba Zoe assure a good experience for our mountain crew and care of the national park?
Simba Zoe pays a higher than average salary for your Kili team members, our crew has proper mountain gear, 3 meals a day and good sleeping arrangements. We follow the LNT Leave No Trace philosophy and our team has training in how to treat our beautiful mountain.
What is included in the expedition and what do I need to bring myself?
We provide your sleeping tent, 2” sleeping mat, dining tent with table and chairs, all fresh cooked meals, safe drinking water, oxygen testing device and emergency oxygen tank.
You will bring your 4 season sleeping bag, hiking poles, rain gear, hiking clothing. A great item to add to your mountain kit is an extra sleeping mattress to add on top of the one we provide, for an extra layer of comfort.
What is the cost of a Kilimanjaro expedition?
Machame 7 days… approx $2900 depending on specifics to your expedition (not including tips)
Lemosho 8 days… approx $3200 depending on specifics to your expedition (not including tips)
What can I keep in mind when trekking Kilimanjaro?
Most people have never been to 19,000+ feet, and some hikers experience altitude symptoms. Your body will acclimate as you ascend during the day to day ‘hike high and sleep low’ and many minor altitude symptoms will go away as your body adjusts. Early and mild sypmtoms often dissipate after a few days. That being said, some hikers may need to descend early if the altitude sickness is severe enough. This means getting down to a lower altitude to feel better again.
It’s cold up there! Kilimanjaro is cold all year round and has its own ecosystem and weather patterns. Mountain weather does not always reflect what’s going on down on the ground.
Expect rain. Sometimes a lot! Quality rain gear and gaiters are key for your gear kit.
ZANZIBAR…
Tell me about Zanzibar!
Zanzibar Island (Unguja) is a gorgeous place to visit after your safari and/or Kili trek! It’s part of Tanzania, however is quite different culturally from mainland Tanzania. You can relax and rejuvenate on the beach or fill up your days sightseeing and exploring. Please consider adding some days in Zanzibar while you’re in this part of the world 🌍 it’s worth the time and effort!
What time of year should I visit? How many days?
Zanzibar welcomes visitors all year round, however we suggest January/Feb/March and July/Aug/Sept as the best months. April and May are avoided because it is the season of heavy rains. Keep in mind the 4 seasons are opposite of the northern hemisphere, so January/February/March is summer and is very hot in Zanzibar. Milder, but still warm temps are considered better in July/Aug/Sept and even all the way to the holidays. It’s still ok to visit in January/February/March, just be prepared to adjust your days for the heat.
Simba Zoe recommends a minimum of 4 days in Zanzibar (2 full days and 1 arrival day and 1 departure day) and up to as many days as you can!What can I experience in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is historically the ‘spice island’ and the ancient Stone Town was settled by various nations over the years. The two main tours are to a spice farm and a historical walking tour of Stone Town. These can be experienced in 1 day. There are many options of water sport activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, sea fishing and wind surfing.
Which part of the island should I stay? What about hotels?
The 3 main beach locations we recommend to stay are Nungwi/Kendwa, Paje/Jambiani, Matemwe. Also there are many other beach areas that are equally as fabulous. A night or two in historical Stone Town is also great. We will help advise you with our Zanzibar knowledge! (founder Karen Zoe Kelley lives there!)
Hotels are abundant in Zanzibar, from budget hostels to gorgeous 5* resorts and everything in between. Simba Zoe has favorites and will guide you to choose what is best for your desires!What does Simba Zoe arrange for me and what do I book myself?…
Simba Zoe will arrange your driver, this is very helpful and important. He will be with you for the duration of your stay.
Simba Zoe has a Stone Town and spice farm guide.
You will book your hotel(s) and ocean activities directly, with our guidance and ideas!
What is the cost of staying in Zanzibar?
Driver is around $250 for your entire stay. Hotels are between $100 to $300+. Tours are around $50 per person, water activities vary greatly.
What can I keep in mind when visiting Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is hot. Prepare to bring sun hat, sunscreen, loose fitting lightweight clothes. If you visit during the hottest time of year, January/Feb/March, make sure to do you activities in the morning or late afternoon, not planning any all day excursions. Drink lots of water and get out of the heat for a good amount of time each day!
Please do not rent a car to self drive. Zanzibar roads are not like back home, our professional drivers know where to go and what to do and make the transportation experience safe and enjoyable.
Cultural holidays such as Ramadan and Eid are wonderful times of ritual and celebration. Please take care to consider travel dates and what to expect during these special times.
GENERAL…
How many days can I expect to be in Tanzania?
A safari is about a week. A Kilimanjaro expedition is about a week. Zanzibar is minimum 4 days, more if you can!
International flights, any suggestions?
There are several airlines that can get you to Tanzania. Traveling from USA, some of the more frequently chosen flight companies include KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (routing through Amsterdam), Ethiopian Airlines (routing through Addis Ababa), Qatar Airways (routing through Doha), Emirates Airlines (routing through Dubai). Coming from Europe and other locations in the world, there are various options. We do not suggest Kenya Airways, as there are often delays and challenges at the Nairobi airport.
Will I need any immunizations? Medications?
There are no required immunizations to enter and travel in Tanzania. However, if you are coming from a country with yellow fever concerns (such as Kenya), you will need the yellow fever immunization to enter Tanzania. Many travelers choose to take malaria prevention meds. Some people hiking Kilimanjaro will choose to take diamox to reduce/prevent altitude sickness symptoms. PLEASE check with your medical provider to choose what is right for you.
Cultural experiences…
The people of Tanzania are humble and kind and they warmly welcome visitors to their country.
Tanzania is a conservative culture, so we keep in mind more conservative clothing and behaviors.
Life moves slowly in Tanzania and it’s WONDERFUL, no rushing for anything, take your time, relax and enjoy!