Safari Assistance by Olive Homes

Why guests ask us for help

Arusha is the safari capital of northern Tanzania, which is a good thing and a confusing thing at the same time. There are hundreds of operators, prices vary enormously for what looks like the same trip, and it is hard to tell from a website who will actually turn up with a good vehicle and a good guide.

Olive Homes is not a tour company. What we are is a team that lives here, hosts safari guests every week, and knows which operators consistently look after people. Safari assistance is a service we offer our guests so that the trip around your stay is as sorted as the apartment itself.

What we help with

• ·Understanding the difference between the parks and which ones suit your time and budget
• ·Matching you with a reliable operator and a suitable vehicle
• ·Booking game drives, day trips and multi day circuits
• ·Park fees, timings and the practical logistics of departure day
• ·Arranging cultural experiences, walks and family friendly activities
• ·Airport and departure transfers around the safari itself

Safari options from Arusha

• ·Arusha National Park, a half or full day with giraffe, buffalo and walking safari options, close enough for a same day return
• ·Tarangire National Park, a full day known for elephant herds and baobabs
• ·Lake Manyara, a full day with tree climbing lions and flamingos on the lake
• ·Ngorongoro Crater, usually a long day or an overnight, and one of the densest wildlife areas in Africa
• ·Serengeti, best as three days or more, often combined with Ngorongoro

Experiences that are not safaris

Not every guest wants a full game drive, and many want something gentler on the days between. We also arrange:

• ·Lake Duluti walks and canoeing in a volcanic crater lake
• ·Napuru and Materuni waterfalls with a hike through banana and coffee farms
• ·Coffee farm tours with roasting and tasting
• ·Arusha city and local market tours
• ·Village and cultural walks with local guides
• ·Mountain biking through villages and park trails

How the process works

Message us before you arrive or speak to the team at reception once you are here. Tell us how many days you have, how many people are travelling, whether children are coming, and roughly what you want to spend. We come back with one or two realistic options rather than a long list, explain what is and is not included, and handle the booking once you decide.

If you already have an operator you like, that is completely fine. We will still coordinate pickup times, early breakfasts and late check outs around your itinerary.

Planning around your stay

The apartment stays yours while you are on safari, so you can leave luggage behind and travel light for a few nights, then come back to a familiar bed, a kitchen and laundry instead of another unfamiliar hotel. Many guests book a few nights before and after a safari for exactly this reason.

Booking early

Peak safari months, roughly June to October and again in late December, sell out early for both accommodation and vehicles. If your dates fall in those windows, tell us as soon as your flights are booked.