Your own vehicle and guide, or a shared safari to keep costs down — we explain the difference honestly so you can choose.
Most of our safaris are private: you travel in your own 4×4 with your own driver-guide, and the itinerary is built entirely around you. That freedom is the best way to experience Tanzania — you decide when to start, how long to stay with a sighting and when to head back to the lodge.
For solo travellers and couples on a tighter budget, joining a small group can be a good alternative. You share the vehicle and some costs with other travellers on a set itinerary and dates, and meet like-minded people along the way. The trade-off is less flexibility: the route, timings and lodges are fixed, and the group agrees together on how long to stay at each sighting.
Below we compare the two options honestly. If you are unsure which suits you, tell us your dates, budget and interests — we will tell you whether a private safari or a shared departure is the better choice, and check for upcoming group departures that match your dates.
Experienced, English-speaking driver-guides from northern Tanzania.
Pop-up roofs for game viewing and photography, with a window seat for every traveller.
All park and conservation fees included in your quote.
Our team in Moshi is on call throughout your safari.
These safaris run privately on any date. Ask us which are available as group departures for your dates.
Wildlife safari
Tarangire · Ngorongoro
Two remarkable wildlife destinations in one short private safari: Tarangire’s elephants and baobabs, then a full morning in the Ngorongoro …
Wildlife safari
Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara in three days — elephants and baobabs, a full crater morning and Rift Valley forests.
Wildlife safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
From ancient baobab landscapes to the endless Serengeti plains and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater — a private four-day safari.
Wildlife safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Tarangire’s baobabs, the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara — four great parks in a private five-day safari.
Wildlife safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Six days from Tarangire’s baobabs to two nights on the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara — a private northern circui…
Wildlife safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara · Arusha
Seven days from Tarangire’s elephants and baobabs to two nights on the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara — at a rela…
Safari & Zanzibar
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
From the wild plains of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater to the white-sand beaches and turquoise water of Zanzibar.
Safari & Zanzibar
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
Tarangire’s elephant country, two nights on the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater, then three nights on the tropical shores of Zan…
Safari & Zanzibar
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
Three nights on the Serengeti plains, Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater, then four nights on the turquoise shores of Zanzibar.
Total flexibility. You choose your dates, route, lodges and pace. Photographers can wait for the perfect light, families can take breaks when children need them, and couples can enjoy a quiet, personal experience. For families and groups of friends, a private safari can also be good value, as the vehicle cost is shared among you.
Lower costs for solo travellers and couples, and the chance to meet other people. Group joining safaris follow a set itinerary and dates, so they suit travellers who are flexible about timing and happy to share decisions with others.
Travelling alone? A group departure is often the most affordable way to go on safari. If you prefer total freedom, a private safari is also possible — and our guides are wonderful company. Some lodges charge single supplements, which we always show clearly in your quote.
| Private safari | Group joining safari |
|---|---|
| Dates | Any date you choose |
| Itinerary | Fully tailor-made |
| Vehicle | Just your party |
| Pace | You decide |
| Accommodation | Your choice of lodges |
| Cost | Higher for small parties |
| Best for | Families, couples, photographers |
Private safaris run on any date of the year. Group departures are most frequent in the busier months, especially June to October and around Christmas and New Year. Tell us your dates and we will check what is available.
Still have a question? Our team in Moshi answers within 24 hours.
Ask on WhatsAppFor two or more people sharing a vehicle, the difference can be smaller than you expect. For solo travellers, a group departure is usually the most affordable option.
Group vehicles are kept small so that everyone has a window seat. Ask us about group size for a specific departure.
Yes — that is what group departures are ideal for. Tell us your dates and we will check upcoming departures.
Yes. Travelling with friends or family on a private safari is a great way to share costs while keeping full flexibility.
Tell us your dates, budget and who is travelling, and we will recommend the best option — including any group departures that match.
