I need Help ..!!!Just few weeks left before i'll take off to my safari

Hi , folks

I have a safari tip in Tanzania from 29th March for 7 days which includes Ngoro/Serengeti/Tarangire /Lake Natron/Lake Manyara . The friend of mine had done the same itinerary like mine in 6 years ago there , and she recommended me to book my trip with swahili paradise tours in Arusha because she used them on that time . But my worry is , this is my first trip to Africa , and it comes now i have to secure my booking by deposit 50% to swahili paradise's account , and i wont mess up with anything in this trip as this is my lifetime trip ...so i need all things to be smoothly . So please i need to know from you if any of you has experience on deposit payment to this agency ?.

Any advice & concern is welcome ! .Thank you in advance .

Jade

Jambo Jade - it is usual practice to ask for a deposit - usually between 25-35%. This usually secures your place on a particular safari itinerary (especially during peak season). My reservations are methods of payment - credit card; bank transfer etc. If its a credit card payment you are usually secure - ie you can usually get your money back; bank transfers are less secure so do some research (or ask your bank/financial institution) into the bank you are being asked to transfer the funds. Unless your money is going into a Barclays Bank Account in Arusha or Zanzibar I would not be sending more than 35%.
Just one other comment - March (at the end) is the start of the Long Rains - in other words your safari is taking place during the wet season - or at least the start of it. If the rains start early there is every likelihood of some of the tracks in the Serengeti and Tarangire being impassable. Good luck!!

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.