Visa Requirements
Due to the fluid nature of visa requirements throughout Africa, we recommend that all of our guests check the current situation with their local Tanzanian embassy at least two months prior to their arrival.

Health
By far the largest health concern raised by travelers to Africa revolves around the issue of Malaria. Rather than provide you with reams of information regarding the malaria carrying female Anopheles mosquito and the prevention and cure of the disease, we would far rather refer you to your personal physician - safe in the knowledge that this professional will provide you with the best and most up to date advice available. Having said that the best advice is always the simplest and is exemplified by East Africa’s premiere Malaria specialist: “If you aren’t bitten - you can’t catch malaria”. Wearing long sleeved shirts and long trousers after dark will significantly reduce the remote possibility of contracting malaria. Likewise applying insect repellent to exposed areas will deter the mosquitoes further. Where available please make use of mosquito nets over your bed and the insect sprays left for your use. Please note however that we suggest you use the spray at least 20 minutes before retiring for the night. To reassure you still further, we should like to point out that the mosquito is a fan of neither altitude nor lightly inhabited areas - we actively seek out such locations so as to minimize the slight chance of infection.
Vaccination wise, Tanzania currently requires a Yellow Fever vaccination prior to arrival, but again we recommend that our guests consult the Tanzanian embassy for current requirements.

When it comes to water supplies, we supply bottled mineral water for you in all vehicles and would suggest that you personally check with the management at your lodge to ensure that ice cubes have been made using bottled rather than tap water. Please remember that such simple precautions as avoiding local salads and brushing your teeth with mineral water may save you from discomfort.

Insurances
When paying your deposit we would suggest you take out insurance at the same time against unforeseen cancellation, medical evacuation and luggage loss. Equally important is the need to check that your health and life insurance will cover you throughout your safari. The health insurance policy will need to cover you in the unlikely event of you requiring emergency evacuation or repatriation.

Pre Departure Shopping Kit
Before you depart home it is close to essential that three items occur on your safari shopping list (if you don’t already own them):

A quality SRL or digital camera with the facility to carry a lens of 200mm or more will greatly increase your chances of taking
that award winning snap of the fight between the lioness and male baboon (+ lots of film!).

  • A pair of decent binoculars will open up the world around you to greater scrutiny.
  • A small Maglite type flashlight with spare bulb and an extra set of batteries will make finding your tent at night a more comfortable experience.

Our Suggested Packing List Comprises of:

  • Sunglasses, contact lenses and spare glasses in case you are affected by dust
  • Hat
  • Long and short sleeved cotton shirts (rather than tee-shirts open necks are more comfortable in the heat of the day)
  • Shorts / skirts
  • Long trousers
  • Bathing suit
  • Underwear (ladies may appreciate the extra support given by a athletic bra - our roads can be rather rough!)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals / thongs / stops
  • Sweater or fleece jacket
  • Light rain jacket
  • Toiletries
  • Suntan and after sun lotion
  • Insect repellent
  • Anti-irritant cream
  • Zip lock bags for your toiletries, laundry and electronic equipment

When packing you should bear in mind the areas that you are to visit. All year round northern Tanzania plays host to an enviable temperate weather pattern. On the whole you would do well to expect very pleasant daytime temperatures in all locations and cool evenings. As variation nighttime temperatures on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater reach ‘chilly’ and coastal Zanzibar and the southern parks of the Selous and the Ruaho are decidedly warmer.

In recent years the rainy seasons have become less predictable but as an indication you may expect the long rains in late March, April and May, the short rains should fall in October, November and early December. In either case you should bear in mind that rain in Africa is always a blessing and infrequently more than a minor inconvenience. Both sunsets and savannahs are often at their most stunning after a brief downpour.

International Flights
Please bear in mind the fact that international airlines frequently overbook departures these days - often resulting in passengers being ‘bumped’ from the flight. Early arrival at your airport is recommended, as is re-confirmation 72 hours before flying.

Safari Behavior
The first thing to bear in mind on arrival in Tanzania is that your guide is the gateway to the adventure which your are about to embark. Getting to know him and recognizing his skills will be one of the unexpected pleasures of your safari. His ability to find game barely discernible even with binoculars and ability to identify all varieties of wildlife will astound. In order to make the most of these opportunities we would like you to bear in mind a number of issues whilst with us - these will make your guide’s job easier and your safari more enjoyable.

  • Please observe arranged departure times closely lest you keep your fellow guests waiting unnecessarily.
  • One of the most pleasurable elements of a successful safari is your ability to adjust to the rhythms of nature and make the
    most of a more relaxed approach to life. Try to avoid the trap of pressurizing your guide to find all of Africa’s Big Five in the
    first hour of your trip. Rather, enjoy the interaction between species and allow your guide to explain their significance.
  • Your guide will, as a matter of course, place your vehicle to enable you to take the best photograph possible - please do not
    exert pressure on him to edge closer to the game or to pressurize wildlife in any way - always treat the animals with the
    respect that their dignity demands. Loud noises likewise may intimidate game.
  • Facilities for the environmental disposal of rubbish exist at all locations, please keep your trash with you in the vehicle rather than risking choking or poisoning unsuspecting wildlife.
  • Never, ever approach wildlife on foot around a lodge or attempt to feed game.
  • When taking photographs of local tribes people please remember to request their permission and where necessary negotiate the appropriate fee through your guide.

Laundry
Laundry facilities are available at all accommodations. Please note that at certain locations a fee may be charged.

Air Transfers
All the companies that we use for transfers, whether they be scheduled or chartered are locally licensed and fully authorized.

Electricity
Mains electricity in Tanzania is 240 volts, 50 cycles. In bush locations usually arrives courtesy of a generator that will function in the evening until about 2300 hours. Sockets are of the British 3 square pin variety and whilst adapters are available at some reception desks we would recommend traveling with your own.

Currency
Local currency is the Tanzanian shilling and is freely convertible although we would urge you strongly to never exchange money with street venders. As a precaution we urge all our guests to either keep their valuables with them or to take advantage of lodge safe deposit boxes - never to leave them, however carefully hidden, in their room or tent.

Shopping
Curio shopping in Tanzania has been elevated to an art form - you cannot be too outgoing when bargaining, so do not be shy. For a more western shopping experience we recommend Cultural Heritage and Oldonyo Orok in Arusha. In terms of produce the following are ever popular:

  • Maasai beadwork
  • Hard wood carvings
  • Batiks
  • Tribal masks
  • And Tanzanite (which should be accompanied by on certificate of authenticity)

Language
Kiswahili is the official language of Tanzania and is spoken throughout the country, although English has become the lingua franca of the tourism industry.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is customary in Tanzania, but is entirely at your discretion. As a guideline you may like to consider the following;

  • Your private safari guide: US$8-10 per person per day
  • Camp Crew: US$5-10 per person per day
  • Porters / Waiters: US$1 per person
  • Transfers Drivers: US$10 per person

All tips are highly prized; you might like to consider rewarding outstanding service still further.

Airport Departure Tax
All International Departures from Tanzania airports, whether they be to Kenya or further a field, attract International Departure Tax. We would recommend that you contact your ticketing agent in order to check that this is included within the price of your ticket. To discover that you have to pay directly on the day of departure at the airport can ruin the memory of an otherwise great safari


  
         
 
 
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