Face to face with the world’s most majestic wildlife
On a Safari, you will find some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife. We will give you a unique opportunity to see and experience this rich abundance of wildlife up close and in person, in stunning natural scenery that will surpass your wildest dreams. Here, you will feel the essence of Out of Africa. Safari literally means journey, but by modern standards, a safari involves a visit by jeep to one or several wildlife (national) parks or sanctuaries. Depending on the selected itinerary, a safari usually takes between three and ten days. Based on the available time, the composition of the tour group, and the available budget, an itinerary will be prepared, tailored to your requirements. You can travel privately or in a (small) group, depending on your package.
The safari guides
Your safari guides will make sure that your trip will be an unforgettable experience. Without exception, they are experienced, safe drivers who have the skills necessary to conquer the sometimes bumpy roads of your destination. Once you hit the road, you will be amazed at their powers of perception. At times, they seem to have 360-degree vision, and at a distance where ordinary people can make out nothing but a dot, they can identify an animal. We choose partners who invest a lot of time and energy in their annual training and refresher courses. They can tell you myriads of fun and interesting facts about the flora and fauna as well as about the local culture, customs, and traditions. Even though most of the guides will be natives, they are proficient in English and have excellent social skills. They will enrich your safari with their in-depth expertise, their jokes, and their good cheer whenever that is called for, and respect your privacy where appropriate.
Safari jeeps
Rugged four-wheel drive safari jeeps are almost invariably Toyota Land Cruisers, converted into safari vehicles by a specialized coachworks company. In East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda) this means that some of them are stretched to seat 9 instead of 5, the top of the windows is raised for a better panoramic view, and the roof is replaced by a large pop-up roof to allow you to stand up straight to film or take pictures.
In Southern Africa the open 4x4 safari vehicles are most common: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and Malawi. The safari vehicles are most often Toyota Land Cruisers and carry 6 to 8 guests. They have open side and offer face to face encounters with nature. In rainy seasons or winter, the guide might decide to put on a canvas roof with side windows. Very often there is space for a tracker who sits on the bonnet reading animal tracks whist the guide drives and ensure your safety. These are the common vehicle type an private lodges and camps throughout Southern Africa. Safari Njema! (Have a pleasant journey!)
Accommodations on your safari
In our view, the accommodations on safari should be at least as enjoyable as the safari itself. Where overnight accommodations are concerned, you can choose from several options. The so-called tented camps consist of luxurious and elegantly decorated lodges. Other than the heavy-duty canvas canopy, these stylish glamping cabins have very little in common with an ordinary tent. They offer the luxury and all the amenities you need, including excellent private bathroom facilities. The biggest attraction, though, is the incomparable, traditional safari atmosphere. And those of you who want to take comfort to the extreme can decide to stay in a luxury hotel.
A typical day on safari
- 05h30 Wakeup call at the room
- 06h00 Light breakfast in the main area
- 06h30 Depart for your morning activity: game drive, nature walk, mokoro
- 10h30 Return from morning activity
- 11h00 Brunch Afternoon at leisure – possible activities: Swimming pool, curio shop, spa
- 15h30 Afternoon Tea
- 16h00 Depart on afternoon game drive
- 19h30 Return from game drive
- 20h00 Dinner under the stars (weather permitting)
- After dinner: optional night drive at certain destinations.
The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!
Entry Requirements
Most nationalities can apply for a visa upon arrival in Tanzania. The visa cost US$50. Make sure that your passport contains enough empty pages and that it's valid for at least 6 months when you return home.
Banking and Currency
Currency
In Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100 and 200 Shillings.
Banking
Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24 hour ATM machines.
Credit cards and travellers checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted can high service fees and poor exchange rates be expected. Major foreign currencies - particularly US $ - are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US $, please make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage and are not older than 2004. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $ 100 / US $ 50 bank notes compared to US $ 20 / US $ 10 or US $ 5 bank notes.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air Tanzania, Precision Air
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport
Domestic Airports: Zanzibar International Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Most camps, lodges or hotels cater specifically to tourists and serve Western-style food, ranging in standard, but generally are excellent. Game lodges tend to offer a daily set menu with a limited selection, so it is advisable to have your tour operator specify in advance if you are a vegetarian or have other specific dietary requirements. First-time visitors to Africa might take note that most game lodges in and around the national parks have isolated locations, and driving within the parks is neither permitted nor advisable after dark, so that there is no realistic alternative to eating at your lodge.
Tap water in Tanzania is generally not safe to drink, and most travellers try to stick to mineral water. Filtered and bottled water can be difficult to find you are travelling outside of main town and so it is advisable to stock up. Most camps, lodges and hotels have bottled water readily available.
Climate and Weather
Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. However, generally the main rainy season, or the 'long rains', lasts during about March, April and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm – which are heavier and more predictable beside the coast and on the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30°s.
The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October is when rainfall is unusual, even on the islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it's usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it's a great time to visit Tanzania. During November and December there's another rainy season: the 'short rains'. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable.
If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzania's 'short dry season', before starting to rain again in earnest in March.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing, preferably cotton or linen, is recommended. While on a game viewing safari, avoid brightly coloured clothing, stick to whites, beiges, khakis and browns. There may be long days sitting in safari vehicles, so it is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing such as short sleeved shirts and cotton/linen trousers or shorts. Denim will become too hot and extremely uncomfortable. Walking shoes and socks will be required.
The evenings will be chilly, so long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn. A sweater may be needed. These will also prevent you being bitten by insects. A hat should be worn at all times outside. The sun may sometimes not feel hot, but it can still easily burn, especially if it is cloudy and overcast.
If visiting Zanzibar or any coastal town don't forget to take a swimsuit, as it is invariably warm. Ladies are recommended to take cotton skirts, blouses and dresses. Sandals are a must for this environment! On the beaches and within the confines of hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity is not.
As over a third of the population in Tanzania is Muslim, it is therefore not etiquette for ladies to walk around in public displaying their legs and shoulders. Remember to dress modestly as short shorts, miniskirts, vests and tank tops will be frowned upon.
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
The electricity supply in Tanzania is 220/240 volts at 50Hz. Plugs are 3 point square (UK Type). Adapters are available at major airports.
General Guidance
It is always African Travels aim to:
- Supply all non-‐alcoholic beverages inclusive in your tour price (soft drink, water or juices) during periods outside of your hotel stay.
- Wherever possible make all hotel/lodge bookings inclusive of meals and included in your tour price. Also referred to as Full Board. It will be noted on your itinerary where this is included or not.
- We will supply inclusive of tour price any lunches (usually packed/picnic style) on activities outside your hotel/lodge that are not supplied in the activity you are doing.
What you should allow for is:
- Purchases of any snack food -‐ $5 a day.
- Hotel/lodge alcoholic beverages – see your lodgings beverage menu list.
- Room service surcharges – see your lodgings compendium or information desk.
- Laundry costs -‐ $1-‐$3 USD per item is a guide.
CARRYING & STORING CASH
It’s a good idea to carry both USD’s and TZS’s (or other local currency) on your travels. A good guide is USD$50 per day. Most travellers find it prudent to keep cash on them (neck and waste belts are great). At the least keep your luggage/back packs locked if keeping valuables in them.
If using hotel safes ensure they are bolted in and don’t share the code or key with anyone. If the safe is not bolted most hotels will allow you to use their safes. Take a photo or sign an agreed register for valuables kept at hotel receptions.
If you are heading away from major towns for more than a day talk to your guide about how much currency you should carry or about availability of International ATM’s. International ATM’s are available in major towns and cities.
TIPPING
Tipping is a part of Tanzanian culture & surrounding countries. Bear in mind that most people are on very low wages, but the Tanzanian are not demanding or rude about tipping and have no expectation other than tipping what you feel is appropriate and within your means. Quite often if you ask or seek guidance on how much to tip you will get the answer “Whatever you feel is right”. The below guide will help.
Tipping can be done in USD or TZS, however if in USD please ensure the notes are in excellent condition and post 2009. Tanzanians can find it difficult to exchange USD’s outside of these parameters.
Also note that for more regional or rural trips tipping it’s preferred in TZS as money exchanges may not be nearby. So it’s best to carry a bit of USD and TZS’s. That leaves a lot of leeway, anything from $0 to large amounts and can at times be confusing especially for visitors from non-‐tipping nations.
Therefore to help assist our visitors below is a guide, but please bear in mind that you are entitled to tip however little or much you desire or budget for.
Activity
Safari Guide/Gorilla trekking guides/Monkey guides/Porters: (Normally given at the end of the tour)
- 1 traveller: $15 to $30 per person per day
- 2 travellers $12 to $22 per person per day
- 3 travellers $11 to $18 per person per day
- 4 travellers $10 to $16 per person per day
- 5 travellers $9 to $14 per person per day
- 6 travellers $8 to $12 per person per day
Cook on camping safari
Some people feel that it is appropriate to tip a camping cook a little less than the safari guide and some may prefer to tip roughly the same.
Service Tips at lodges
Best to put in a central tip box. That way unseen staff get a share. $2-‐$5 a day
