Questions
Grouped rather than ranked, and written to be read rather than to rank.
Grouped rather than ranked, and written to be read rather than to rank in a search engine. Where an answer depends on something that changes — a fee, a rule, a season — it says so and points at the source.
If the question you have is not here, ask it. We answer by email from a named person.
Planning and booking
How far ahead should I book?
For July to October, or Christmas and New Year, six to nine months is sensible — the better small camps have very few rooms and they go first. For the green season, two to three months is usually enough. We have built good trips in three weeks and we would rather not make a habit of it.
Do I pay anything to enquire?
No. There is no payment, no card detail and no obligation at any point before you accept a written proposal.
How quickly will somebody reply?
Within 24 business hours, East Africa Time, from a named planner rather than an inbox. If your enquiry arrives on a Friday evening in Moshi it will be answered on Monday.
Can I change the itinerary after booking?
Usually yes, and the cost depends on what the camps allow at that point. We will tell you the position before you decide rather than after.
Do you sell seats on a shared safari?
No. Every journey we run is private: your own vehicle, your own guide, your own party. It is the main reason we are not the cheapest option.
Money
Why are prices “indicative” everywhere on this site?
Because no price here has been approved by the founder, and publishing a figure as settled when it is not is the kind of thing this site exists not to do. Your proposal carries real figures. See what it costs.
What does “per person sharing” mean?
Per person, with two people in one room or tent. A single traveller pays a supplement set by the camp, which we will state before you ask twice.
Are park fees included?
Yes, on every journey on this site, and they are itemised rather than bundled. They are a large share of the total and they are set by TANAPA and the NCAA, not by us.
What is not included?
International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, premium drinks, personal expenses, and optional activities such as a balloon flight. Emergency evacuation cover is not included and is strongly recommended.
How much should I tip?
There is a customary range rather than a fixed rate, and we will tell you what it is for your guide, the camp staff and any specialist crew. Cash, directly, at the end.
On safari
Will I definitely see the big five?
No, and nobody can promise it. Four of the five are reasonably likely on a week in the north; rhino is a matter of luck in the Ngorongoro Crater.
When is the migration?
The herds move continuously. January to March is the calving season on the southern plains; July to September is the river-crossing season in the north. Both are weather-led and neither runs to a calendar.
How long are the drives?
On a road itinerary, two to five hours between regions. On a fly-in itinerary, mostly under an hour in the air. Each journey page states its longest single transfer.
Is it safe?
Tanzania is a stable country and tourism infrastructure in the parks is well established. The real risks are road traffic, malaria and being somewhere remote when you fall ill — which is why we recommend evacuation cover and short transfers.
What is the food like?
Good, and more varied than people expect. Dietary requirements are straightforward in camp if we know in advance; tell us at the enquiry stage rather than on arrival.
Access and comfort
Do you need a medical diagnosis from me?
No, and we will not ask for one. We ask what you need: distances, gradients, surfaces, how long you can be out, what you need to sit on and how often.
What does “step-free” mean on this site?
A measured route with no step, gradients no steeper than 1:12, and clear door widths of 800 mm or more. Where any of that is not met, the page says which part. See the access standard.
Why do so many access lines say “on request”?
Because we have not measured them yet. “On request” means we will plan and cost it and nobody has checked it on the ground. We would rather write that than guess.
Can you provide a hoist?
On request, quoted separately, and most easily around Moshi where we are based. Nothing is confirmed until it is.
Is travel insurance harder with a disability or a condition?
Frequently, and the exclusions are where people get caught. Our planning page sets out the clauses to read before you buy.
The company
How long have you been operating?
Not long, and this site deliberately does not say otherwise. Montero is new, founder-led and based in Moshi. There are no reviews on this site because we have none yet.
Why are there no reviews or awards anywhere?
Because we have not earned any. The reviews page says so rather than borrowing a rating.
Are you licensed?
Company registration and tourism licensing details will appear in the footer and on the about page once they can be evidenced, and not before. subject to confirmation.
Who actually plans my trip?
One named person, from the first email to your last day. In practice, at this size, often the founder.
Do you work with travel advisors?
Yes — see for travel advisors. Commission terms are not yet set.
Tell us what you have in mind.
One conversation with the person who would plan it, and an honest answer about whether we are the right company for the trip.
Free, and with no obligation. A real planner replies within 24 business hours, East Africa Time. No payment is taken to enquire.