Welcome to Tanzania: A Message to Travellers
I would like to start by welcoming you all to Tanzania.
As with travel anywhere in the world, it's important that travellers take necessary precautions. While there are many excellent and trustworthy tour operators out there, unfortunately, the internet also hosts fraudulent ones. Anything involving money is bound to attract scammers — and as the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed.
Please take extra care when selecting the operators you entrust with your money. Avoid sending payments to the accounts of strangers and always make sure you have valid travel insurance.
Today, the internet is flooded with travel offers, but it’s difficult to verify the authenticity of many of them. Scammers often bait travellers with extremely low prices. For example, imagine seeing an online offer to climb Mount Everest for $10,000 or even $30,000 — not only is that unrealistic, it’s a scam. And often, such offers come from companies based far from the destination itself, sometimes in countries like Nigeria or Senegal.
A common concern is climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, a 5–6 day trek. The price typically ranges between $2,000 to $4,000 per person, depending on the route. One of the most reliable outfitters to date is Zara Tanzania Adventures, based in Tanzania.
I strongly recommend using the services of tourHQ. It connects travellers with some of the best and most reputable operators across the globe. tourHQ is a genuine platform — a bridge that links you to the right people and the right places. That’s the message I hope to share with this article: how to find a genuine tour operator and travel planner for your African or Tanzanian safari.
We personally know the strengths and weaknesses of many operators. In Tanzania alone, there are over 800 safari companies, each with its own merits. I’ve been in the tourism industry as a tour guide for over 30 years, working with operators across both Tanzania and Kenya.
Among Tanzanian operators, I’d like to salute some long-standing and reputable companies. These include:
Sunny Safaris, Sunny Adventure Safaris, Leopard Tours, Ranger Safaris, A&K, Kibo Guides, Wanyama African Safari, Lomo Safaris, and Wildlife Experience Tanzania. There are many more, but these are some of the key players in our tour industry.
Having a proper travel plan is essential, especially as most international travellers are time-bound. Planning ensures a smooth itinerary, covering hotspots and the right routes. It’s also important to consider the best seasons — for instance, timing your trip around the animal migration or avoiding monsoon rains.
Basic Tips for Finding a Reliable Tour Operator
Know Your Operator
It’s essential to research the operator you plan to use. Platforms like tourHQ can help you connect with operators that are listed and reviewed. However, note that sometimes even listed operators may not be officially licensed in Tanzania.Verify Licensing
For Tanzanian operators, you can verify company details via the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), or through Tanzanian embassies abroad. You can also use the online BRELA platform (Business Registration and Licensing Agency) in Tanzania to confirm registration status.Be Cautious with Transactions
Trust only reliable platforms like tourHQ, which is built to protect the interests of both travellers and tour operators globally. Avoid making payments via social media platforms like Facebook or WeChat, where scams are more common.
Being a smart traveller means sourcing your operator and travel plan through the right platform. I truly believe that offering travellers foresight and guidance is the best way to protect them.
Thank you for reading this article — I hope it provides clarity in choosing the right people for your adventure.
A special thanks to tourHQ for their outstanding work and commitment. I’d also like to personally thank Lomo Tanzania Safaris, a company that helped shape my career through their exceptional training and service. Very few companies in the world can match the calibre of service provided by Lomo Tanzania Safaris.
Thank you, Erasto Gurti and team.