Please understand that payment and arrival in Tanzania constitutes
acceptance of our booking conditions. We would recommend obtaining
a copy of them from your agent and that you bring them to Tanzania
with you.
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.
Safari Dining
We offer a choice of continental or full English breakfast and
a buffet style lunch or picnic, depending on the activities of
the day. Supper is a more formal four-course affair. The East African
diet is traditional and hearty - a prefect accompaniment to the
environment, although if you have any specific dietary requirements
we will take pleasure in accommodating you - but please advise
us in advance.
On our camping excursions your guides will dine with and entertain
you during your meal. In a permanent location such as a lodge or
hotel you will have more privacy and we will leave you to dine
alone. Should you request the pleasure of the guide's company please
bear in mind the fact that the lodge management will expect you
to settle directly with them for this service.
Throughout your safari you will find that bottled (and thus recyclable)
sodas and local beers are plentiful - please note however that
diet and caffeine free drinks are not yet available (unless noted
otherwise in your detailed itinerary, your drinks are not included
in your safari price). We should also like to encourage you to
sample local wines that are rapidly improving in quality and reputation.
Laundry
Laundry facilities (dependent upon water availability) 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. |
