Your complete, step-by-step guide to planning a dream Tanzanian safari with zero guesswork — by Taheri Tours and Safaris

So, you’ve decided: the Serengeti is calling. Maybe you’ve seen it on Nat Geo. Maybe a friend came back glowing from Tanzania. Or maybe you’re just craving something more meaningful than a beach resort.

Now comes the hard part, right?

How do you actually book a Serengeti safari from the US? With so many operators, park choices, flights, and timing issues… the process can feel overwhelming.

Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and you don’t need to stress. At Taheri Tours and Safaris, we’ve helped hundreds of American travelers plan smooth, soul-stirring, fully custom Serengeti adventures from start to finish.

This guide walks you through exactly how to book a Serengeti safari from the US — confidently and without confusion.

🧭 Step 1: Know What Kind of Safari You Want

Before you hit “book now,” take a moment to think about your dream safari style.

🐘 Classic Game Drive Safari (most common)
🏕️ Luxury Safari with Tented Camps
🦓 Great Migration Focus (best July–Oct or Jan–March)
👪 Family-Friendly Safari
💑 Honeymoon or Romantic Getaway
📸 Photography-Focused Safari

💡 Taheri Tip: Not sure? We’ll ask you a few questions and recommend the perfect itinerary. You don’t have to figure this all out alone.

📅 Step 2: Pick the Right Time to Go

Timing can make or break your safari — depending on what you want to see.

✅ Best Times to Visit Serengeti:

Season	Highlights	Travel Conditions
Jan–March	Calving season (Ndutu), predator action	Green, fewer tourists
June–Oct	Peak dry season, Great Migration crossings (north)	Best wildlife visibility
Nov–Dec	Short rains, green landscapes	Budget-friendly, fewer crowds

📝 Booking Tip: US travelers usually plan 6–12 months in advance, especially for July–October peak migration season.

🏨 Step 3: Choose Your Safari Operator Wisely

Here’s where many people get stuck: who do you book with? A travel agency in the US? An online platform? A random tour site?

Instead, book with a local Tanzanian operator like Taheri Tours and Safaris — and here’s why:

✅ We’re based right here in Arusha, the safari capital of East Africa
✅ We handle everything: lodges, park permits, guides, transfers, flights
✅ We know the real-time conditions — from wildlife movements to road access
✅ Our US-friendly service includes 24/7 WhatsApp, Zoom consults, and transparent invoices in USD

You can read our reviews, hop on a free call with a planner, or even customize your itinerary in real-time with our safari designer.

✈️ Step 4: Book Your International Flights

Once your safari dates are locked in, it’s time to grab your flights.

We recommend flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — the main gateway to the Serengeti and northern parks.

✈️ Sample Flight Route from the US:

JFK → Amsterdam → Kilimanjaro (JRO)
Airline: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
✅ Smooth layover, bags checked through, short transfer
🕒 Total travel time: ~16–18 hours

Other Airlines: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish, Ethiopian — all offer great routes from major US cities to JRO.

🧳 Need help booking? We don’t sell international flights, but we’ll send you flight options that match your safari dates and help you compare.

📲 Step 5: Confirm Your Safari Itinerary & Pay Securely

Once you’re happy with the safari plan (lodges, routes, dates, extras), you’ll receive a detailed itinerary with pricing in USD.

You can pay via credit card, bank transfer, or PayPal
We accept split payments (deposit + balance)
We provide booking confirmations for every lodge & flight

Your itinerary includes: ✅ Full daily breakdown
✅ Internal flight tickets (if needed)
✅ Packing list
✅ Arrival instructions
✅ Emergency contact support

🛬 Step 6: Arrival in Tanzania — We’ve Got You

When you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Taheri Tours rep will meet you at the arrivals gate holding a sign with your name.

We’ll handle:

Immigration guidance
Luggage assistance
Private transfer to your lodge or hotel
Safari briefing (and a welcome gift!)

From there, your guide takes over and the adventure begins!

🎒 Bonus: What to Pack and Prepare (For US Travelers)

🛂 Passport & Visa

US citizens can get a visa on arrival ($50) or apply online
Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond your return date

💉 Vaccinations

Yellow Fever not required unless transiting through certain countries
Bring anti-malarials and basic medication (consult your doctor)

📦 Packing Essentials

Neutral-colored clothing
Binoculars
Power bank & travel adapter
Refillable water bottle
Cash in small USD bills (for tips/souvenirs)

💼 Booking with Taheri Tours Means Peace of Mind

When you book with us, you get more than a safari — you get a trusted partner from start to finish.

✅ US-style planning support
✅ Custom safari design — no cookie-cutter packages
✅ Handpicked guides, luxury camps, and local insights
✅ No stress, no scams, no hidden fees

🧡 Real Review from a US Traveler:

“I booked my Serengeti safari from New York with Taheri Tours and it was flawless. From airport pickup to lions at sunset, everything was beyond what I imagined. They even helped me find the best flight!”
— Lena M., New York City