1. Verify Official Registration (Most Important Step)

The strongest proof that a safari company is legit in Tanzania is official registration with the relevant government authorities. Fortunately, this is easy to verify online using public databases.

Below are the main government portals you can check.

A. Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism (MNRT)

This is the authority responsible for issuing tourism licenses on the mainland.

Website: maliasili.go.tz/stakeholders/tour-operators

Here you can confirm:

• The company’s legal name

• The license validity dates

• The operator category

• Whether the company is approved to run safaris

If the company does not appear here, it means they are not licensed to operate mainland tours.

B. Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB)

TTB provides general tourism information and maintains recognized operators.

Website: tanzaniatourism.go.tz

This is useful when cross-checking details you found on MNRT.

C. BRELA – Business Registration

The Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) keeps a public record of all registered businesses in Tanzania.

Website: ors.brela.go.tz/orsreg/searchbusinesspublic

Search for the company name and check:

• Official business registration

• Validity of records

• Owner/director information

• Registration number

If a safari company cannot be found on BRELA Tanzania, that is a serious warning sign.

2. Check Their TALA License (Required for All Mainland Safaris)

A legitimate safari company must have a TALA License (Tourism Agents Licensing Authority). This license proves that the operator is allowed to run tours, owns proper safari vehicles, and hires trained guides.

Here is what to look for:

• The license should be active

• It must be issued under the company’s legal name

• It must cover the current year

• The license number should match MNRT records

You can also ask the company to send you a scanned copy or photo. A trustworthy operator will send it immediately.

Searching tala license Tanzania online helps confirm authenticity.

3. Check Professional Associations (Bonus Proof of Credibility)

Membership is not mandatory, but it adds confidence.

A. TATO Tanzania (Tanzania Association of Tour Operators)

Website: tato.or.tz

TATO members follow strict operating standards and are known to be professional and reliable.

Searching “tato tanzania” online lets you see if the company is listed.

B. ZATO (Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators)

For Zanzibar-based companies selling mainland tours, ZATO membership is a positive sign.

Website: zato.or.tz

Again, membership is not required, but it increases trust.

4. Review the Company’s Reputation & Real Traveler Feedback

A legitimate safari company will have consistent, real reviews across trusted platforms. Don’t rely only on the testimonials written on the company’s own website.

Check:

• TripAdvisor

• Google Reviews

• Travel forums

• Safari blogs

• YouTube travel diaries

What to look for:

• Consistent positive themes

• Details about guides, vehicles, and communication

• Real photos from clients

• Repeated mentions of professionalism

Be cautious if:

• All reviews are overly perfect with no detail

• Reviews were all posted around the same dates

• The company has no independent reviews at all

If you want extra reassurance, ask the company for reference contacts—genuine operators often share them.

5. Evaluate Their Communication & Transparency

The way a company communicates tells you a lot. Legit operators behave professionally from the first message.

Signs a Company Is Legit

• Quick and friendly responses

• Clear answers to all questions

• Complete itineraries with day-by-day details

• Transparent pricing with no hidden surprises

• Safe and flexible payment options

• Willing to share registration documents (TALA, BRELA, TTB)

• No pressure or suspicious discounting

A real safari company will guide you step by step and explain everything with patience.

Red Flags

• Slow replies

• Vague or copied answers

• No company email (using only free Gmail addresses)

• Refusing to share license details

• Promising unrealistic deals

If something feels off, trust your instinct.

6. Confirm They Have a Physical Office or Real Local Presence

Many legitimate operators operate in Arusha, Moshi, Karatu, or Zanzibar. You can ask:

• “Where is your office located?”

• “Can I visit your office before the safari?”

• “Can you share a Google Maps location?”

• “Which hotel partners can confirm my booking?”

To be extra sure, you can even call a lodge they say is booked for you and verify.

A legitimate safari company is always reachable.

7. Confirm Booking Procedures & Payment Safety

Before making any payment, ensure:

• The invoice contains the full legal company name

• Payment methods are secure

• Terms and conditions are provided

• Deposits and cancellations are explained

• Airport pickup and start/end points are clear

Avoid companies that ask you to send money to:

• Personal bank accounts

• Unknown individuals

• Unregistered mobile numbers

A trustworthy company offers:

• Bank transfer to an official company account

• Credit card payments

• Mobile money registered under the company name

8. Check Their Website Quality & Online Presence

A legitimate operator usually has:

• A well-designed website

• Real safari photos

• Clear itineraries

• Real contact information

• About Us page with team details

• Active social media accounts

Also search:

• “Company name + scam”

• “Company name + reviews”

If nothing suspicious appears and all information matches, it’s a good sign.

9. Look at Their Safari Vehicles & Guides

A professional safari operator will have:

• 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof

• Well-maintained vehicles

• Professional English-speaking guide-driver

• Backup support team

• Proper insurance

You can ask for:

• Photos of their vehicles

• Details about their guide

• Emergency procedures

This step is important for safety and comfort.

10. Trust Your Instinct—It’s More Important Than You Think

Even after checking licenses, reviews, and documents, your instinct matters.

If the company:

• Makes you feel comfortable

• Communicates clearly

• Is patient with your questions

• Shares documents confidently

• Provides detailed itineraries

…then you’re likely in good hands.

If anything feels unusual, don’t ignore it.