Frequently Asked Questions
Payment for a safari:
A: All payments for the safari must be paid by check made out to Tanzania Adventure Safaris.
A 30% deposit is due at time of registration, $1,000 of which is non-refundable. The final payment must be made at least 90 days prior to the start of the safari.
Currency:
A: The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling, but the preferred method of payment while on safari is the US Dollar, which is widely accepted! Please note that although the US Dollar is the preferred currency, they must be newer bills and be in good condition for the cash to be accepted in Tanzania. Please be aware that some camps/lodges might not be able to make change for larger bills, so it is advised that you bring an array of denominations for your needs, with plenty of smaller bills.
Travelers checks are difficult to cash and are not recommended. (They can NOT be cashed while on safari in the parks, but some of the banks in the cities might be able to cash them in case of an emergency.)
Credit cards:
A: Credit cards are NOT widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted, be prepared to pay an additional fee for using them. The two major cards accepted are VISA & MasterCard! If you do choose to bring a credit card, it is best to notify the credit card company of the dates and that you will be using it in Tanzania, before you leave home, so your card will not be declined.
Please be cautious while using credit cards while in Tanzania as there is a greater risk of credit card fraud there than in the USA. So, if you do use your credit card while traveling, it is advised that you watch your credit statements once you get home for any unauthorized purchases.
Language:
A: Swahili is the native language spoken in Tanzania, but English is the second official language of Tanzania and is spoken almost everywhere. Our local Tanzanian guides are fluent in both Swahili and English.
Laundry services:
A: Laundry services are available at most camps/lodges for a fee.
Any clothes that you wish to have washed will need to be set out before leaving for morning game drive and will not be returned to you until, generally, at turn-down services that evening. You will only be able to do laundry on the days that you are staying at the same camp/lodge and not on the days that you will be moving locations, so please plan ahead.
Toilet facilities on game drive:
A: There are very few "restrooms" while out on game drive. The most common way to use the facilities, while out on game drive, is squatting either right behind the vehicle or in an area slightly away from the vehicle that has been checked by our guides as a safe location.
To ensure that we are being environmentally friendly please bring a small bag to carry any tissue paper you might use to be disposed of properly (Trash in - trash out). For those who might have difficulty, physically, being able to use the natural facilities behind the vehicle, tree, or such, we can arrange to have a portable toilet seat available for use while out on drive. Please let us know in advance so we can make proper arrangements.
We can also try to plan the drives so you pass by one of the visitor centers, ranger stations, camps/lodges, etc., that might be in the area, to use their public facilities.
Weather:
A: The weather in Serengeti National Park is generally very pleasant year round due to its location just south of the equator. Average highs are generally around low to mid 80s with the lows being in the 50's & 60's, with low humidity due to the high elevation. The elevation of Serengeti National Park ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet. Lake Manyara & Tarangine National Parks are situated roughly around 3,500 feet and tend to be a bit warmer than Serengeti.
The rim of Ngorongoro Crater is situated around 7,500 – 8,000 feet and is significantly cooler with lows dropping into the 30s & 40 in the cooler months of June, July & August. You will want a warm jack for those cooler mornings. Dressing in layers is advised-- as the mornings and evenings might be on the cooler side.
There are two ‘rainy seasons’: the heavy rains are usually from mid-March to May and the short rains are from November to mid-January. That being said, there is no bad time to go on safari. Even in the rainy seasons there are always wonderful wildlife sightings to be had as the rain brings the migrating herds to the fresh grasses, and the herds then bring the predators. And it is usually less crowded during these months. The rains also helps keep the dust down while on game drive.
Sunburns:
A: Tanzania is located just below the equator and, combine that with the fact that you will be at a higher elevation, sunburns are very common. It is very important to apply sun screen several times a day and to wear a hat with a wide brim to help protect from sunburns.
Roads:
A: The roads inside the parks are unpaved consisting of dirt and rocks and are very uneven. These bumpy roads may be a problem for some people, especially those with back problems or those who get motion sick. Please let us know in advance if this might be a problem for you. Also might want to bring something for motion sickness if that is a problem for you. In other words, be ready for bumpy rides (off-roading/cross country driving) day in and day out while on your safari. The constant bouncing around in your car seat is jokingly referred to as an “African Massage.” You will be treated to one daily. :)
Dust:
A: Along with the bumps comes the dust, especially in the dry season. But even in the green season the roads can become dusty. Following behind other vehicles or passing oncoming vehicles means driving through clouds of dust. Don’t expect to stay spotless on your safari. We recommend bringing something to cover your nose and mouth such as a Buff, neck gaiter or bandana in case it gets bad or for people with some respiratory issues. Photographers might also want to bring a large bandana, or an extra light weight jacket to put over your cameras, while not in use. This allows you to protect them yet still have them readily available when needed.
Contact lens wearers should plan accordingly and bring extra supplies of contact lenses & solution. You will also want to bring a pair of prescription glasses and/or sunglasses, just in case.
Electricity:
A: Tanzania uses 220 volt power and 3-flat-prong plugs (British style, type G). You will want to bring an adapter.
Even though most camps & lodges now have 24 hour electricity, there can be frequent power outages. Please plan accordingly and don’t wait till the last minute to charge your batteries and devices.
Tipping:
A: Safaris, like other service-oriented businesses, still welcome tipping for their services, not only for the camps, but also the guides. Tipping is a way to give back to the local people and to show your gratitude for a job well done.
Camps/lodges:
There will be a ‘Tip Box’, generally located at the main tent/lodge, where you can place your tip at the end of your stay. This will be divided up amongst all the camp staff, not only the front-of-the-house staff that we see, but also the staff behind the scenes who are not seen by the camp guests.
Suggested tipping for camps is $10-$15 per person per night.
Guides:
Suggested tipping for guides is $25-$50 per person per day, which you can hand to your guide when you say goodbye at the end of your safari.
These are only suggestions. If there is a specific person who you think has done an exceptional job and you want to show your appreciation by tipping that person directly, that is acceptable as well.
WIFI & Internet Access:
A: Most camps/lodges these days have WIFI, but it might be limited to the general areas of the lodge/camp, such as the dinning & lounge areas. Some properties might have access in the rooms as well. But please note that the connections will not be as fast as what we are used to in the USA and might not be able to send emails with large attachments, such as large picture files. (Most camps will have free basic WIFI, but be aware that some camps might charge a fee for higher speeds or a fee for usage after so much data.)
Bugs in your tent/room:
A: Just like our homes here in the US, occasionally insects get into your tent/room. The camp staff works hard to try to keep this from happening and they will generally spray the tents/rooms each night during turn-down services; but sometimes they still get in. You will also want to make sure that you keep your doors and windows closed so insects cannot get into your tent/room.
As some of these insects might be dangerous, it is advised that you either turn on a light or use a flashlight anytime you are moving around in your tent when it is dark. You don't want to accidentally step on something. But once again, it is really rare for something like this to happen.
Flights to/from Serengeti (Bush planes):
A: If your itinerary includes a bush flight you will want to be aware of the restrictions for that flight.
The weight restriction for the bush plane is 33 pounds per person. That is 33 pounds TOTAL of all your luggage, carry on, camera bag and gear, backpacks, purses, etc. For anything over 33 pounds there is a charge of about $3 per pound and there must be room in the plane for the excess luggage. The excess luggage needs to be within reason (about 5 – 7 pounds within the limit)
Also, your luggage should be a soft-sided duffle- type bag and should not be bigger that 16” x 28”.
If you are a serious photographer and have heavy gear with you, please let us know in advance and we will see about getting you extra weight allowance on the flight for a reasonable fee.
Luggage:
A: For your main luggage, it is recommended that you keep it to a soft- sided duffle bag that is 16” wide and 28” high, especially if your safari will include a bush plane, as that is their size restriction. Also a soft- sided duffle type bag fits better in the bush plane and in the back of the safari vehicles. Remember that laundry services are generally available, at most camps/lodges, for a small fee so you only need to pack three or four days’ worth of clothing.
You will also want to bring a small day pack, which can be taken with you each day while on safari, to hold passport, money, medications & personal toiletries.
Passport:
A: Your passport must be valid for at least six month AFTER you return from Tanzania for entry into Tanzania and must have two blank Visa pages. (Amendments & Endorsements pages do NOT count towards blank Visa pages.)
Travel Visa:
A: A Travel/Tourist Visa is required for entry into Tanzania. For US citizens it is required to get your visa before departing the USA. The process is fairly simple. You will apply online at: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/
The current price for a Visa for US citizens is $100 and is good for one year and for multiple entries. (Please note that your passport must be good for six months after you return from Tanzania.) Americans wanting a general/travel visa will get what they call a Multi Entry Visa.
It generally takes 1 – 2 weeks for you to get your visa online.
Travel Documents:
A: It is advised that you make a copy of all travel documents and leave them with a family member or friend. This might include copies of passport, visa, flight information, list of immunization and medications, and any credit cards you take with you. You might also want to make a copy of these documents and take them with you but keep them separate from your originals.
General Health:
A: You will want to visit with your doctor about any vaccines and medications you might need for the trip. There are currently NO REQUIRED vaccines/immunizations for travel in Tanzania, but there are several that are highly recommended. Please visit with your doctor about which ones you might need. Keep in mind that some are a series of vaccines and will need to be done over a course of time, so please plan ahead to make sure you have enough time to complete all vaccines before your departure. Below is a general list of recommended vaccines/medications that you will want to discuss with your health care provider before your trip to Tanzania.
• Routine vaccines
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Cholera
• Yellow Fever (is ONLY required when entering Tanzania from a yellow- fever infected country such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, etc.). AND only when you leave the airport/clear customs in said country. So if you travel to Tanzania and you have a connecting flight in one of these countries, but you do NOT leave the secure area of the airport, you will NOT need a yellow fever vaccine. But if you travel to one of these areas before coming to Tanzania, and you leave the airport, you will be required to have a Yellow Fever vaccine.
• Malaria
• You will also want to get a prescription medication for Traveler’s Diarrhea, just in case. (This would be an antibiotic that you will carry with you just in case the over-the-counter medication doesn’t work, if you do happen to get sick.)
Make sure you bring any allergy medicine you might need, such as EpiPen or antihistamine, for any reaction you might have. Please note that Tsetse fly bites can be painful and cause severe itching, especially if you are sensitive to bug bites. Please consult with your doctor prior to your departure about the best course of action to take if you should react to such a bite. Cortisone cream and/or Benadryl could be a great help, if you are bitten, but please consult your doctor first.
Health Insurance:
A: Check with your current health insurance provider to see if you are covered outside your country. If you are not you may want to look into getting some sort of Travel Health Insurance to cover any unexpected illness or injury while on safari. Our local Tanzanian safari company does provide emergency evacuation with AMREF Flying Doctors, which will transport you to a Nairobi hospital. Any further medical expenses will be your responsibility.
Day out on Safari:
A: Days can vary a bit depending on what the plan is for the day. Generally you will be starting your days early every morning, meeting for breakfast no later than 5:30am. This will allow you time to eat and get out on safari a little before sunrise. This will allow you to take advantage of the early morning light for photography and also be out while the animals are more active in the cooler temperatures. Many days you will be at camp in the middle of the day for lunch and time to rest before heading back out for afternoon game drive. But some days you will be out all day, taking a picnic lunch with you. This will allow you to explore areas further away from camp and to cover more territory. It will also allow you to travel from one camp to another or allow you a full day inside Ngorongoro Crater (depending on itinerary).
Food allergies and/or dietary restrictions:
A: Please advise us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions as soon as possible, preferably at the time you book your safari, so we can notify the camps and lodges. The chefs at each camp/lodge will do their best to meet your needs
Drinking Water:
A: It is not safe to drink water from the tap in Tanzania. You should use bottled water for drinking, brushing your teeth, and rinsing your toothbrush. Some lodges/camps provide purified water in camp. Please use personal discretion on whether or not to drink or use the purified water. You can always take bottles of water from the vehicle to drink or use for brushing of teeth, if it is not provided and you don't feel comfortable using the purified water.
You will have an unlimited supply of bottled water available to you in the vehicle while out on safari. You will want to drink plenty of water to keep from getting dehydrated and from getting heat stroke/exhaustion.
Drones:
A: Drones are only allowed in the parks with very special and specific permits. The process can be very lengthy and expensive to get the permits. Also, once you have the permits, the drones can only be flown in the presence of a park ranger (which is an additional fee to have the park ranger with you) and not around other people in the parks. If you do not have the appropriate permits, please leave your drones at home.
Bean bags (Camera support):
A: As you will be photographing from the vehicles the majority of the time there is no room for tripods. Also, tripods can be quite heavy and take up space in the already limited baggage space. So you will be using bean bags to steady your camera while in the vehicle. Bean bags will be provided by your guides in Tanzania; you do not need to worry about packing them.
Wildlife in camps:
A: Many of the camps are NOT fenced off so the animals are free to roam around camp at their leisure. Each camp will do a security brief, upon check- in, about moving around the camp, especially at night. You must ALWAYS get an escort to move around outside at night. And please always follow the rules of the camps about when and where you are allowed to move around by yourself, and follow all marked signs.
Communicating with people back at home:
A: You may choose to add an international package to your cell phone plan before leaving the USA but check with your wireless carrier to see if it will work in Tanzania. Also know that even though a few new cell phone towers have gone up in some of the national parks in Tanzania, you might not have service in all areas to make/receive phone calls. Please be aware that while calling might be available on safari, data might not be as available or as speedy as you are used to here in the states.
Another option is to use an app such as Whatsapp to communicate with people back home. Whatsapp is free to download. As long as the other person back home also has it downloaded on their phone and you are connected to WIFI. Most camps/lodges offer free WIFI in the common areas or it can be purchased for a small fee, so you can call, chat, or send picture/small video clips.
You will be given a list of emergency contact numbers you can give to your family before you depart in case they need to get a hold of you while you are gone. Likewise, if you need to talk with someone back home, while you are on safari, you will have access to one of your local guides and/or camps/lodges phone to be able to call home in case of an emergency.
Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban:
A: Tanzania recently joined many other countries in passing an environmental law banning single-use plastic bags. Visitors are advised to avoid bringing or packing with single use plastic bags or Ziplock bags. It is advised that you use a multi-use, reusable TSA approved toiletry bag instead. If you get a plastic shopping bag in route to Tanzania you are to dispose of the bag before entering into the country.. Any plastic bag you might bring into Tanzania will need to be taken home with you.
Shoes in the Vehicle:
A: As we will be photographing/viewing the animals from the top of the vehicles much of the time, you are welcome to stand on the seats if you like but shoes are NOT allowed on the seats. For this reason, you will want shoes that are fairly easy to get on and off while on game drive.
(I generally remove my shoes as soon as I get into the vehicle and only put them on when getting out to use the “happy bush” or at one of the picnic sites. Our guides will tell us when it is safe to get out of the vehicle.)
Hot Air Balloon Safaris:
A: Balloon safaris are generally not part of the scheduled itinerary, unless stated otherwise, but can be added for an additional fee. If you are part of a group safari and you are wanting to experience a balloon safari, please let us know and we can make arrangements for you to do so and meet back up with your group after your experience. A balloon safari is truly a different way of seeing the African wilderness and seeing more of what this beautiful country has to offer.
Photography:
A: For those of you who are a bit more serious about photograph you will want to make sure you have what you need to come home with some great shots. Listed below is a recommended packing list for more serious photographers.
• Camera and back-up/secondary camera, if possible. This will allow you to have two different focal lengths ready at one time without having to change lenses. It also gives you a back-up in case something goes wrong with your first camera.
• Lenses:
o long zoom lens, with a maximum zoom of 400-500mm will do, but you might want something longer if you will be focusing on birds.
o fixed lens will be ok, but zoom gives you more flexibility as the animals move about.
o medium-wide angle zoom lens, something around the 24-105mm range, works well for landscape and capturing the animals in their natural environment. This is also used for getting pictures of the animals when they come close to the vehicle.
• Spare batteries with extra charges (make sure you have plenty to see you through the day.) Make sure you charge all of your batteries each day!
• Memory cards – Make sure you have plenty. Please keep in mind that it is not uncommon to take around 500-1,000, or more, images in a single day. (Plan on taking more than you think you will.)
• UV or clear filter for each lens you bring to protect the front elements from damage
• Lens/filter cleaning kit - including brushes, cloths and lens pens
• Camera cleaner air blower
• Sensor cleaning gear
• Auxiliary flash and Better Beamer flash extender/MagMod - for low light situations or fill flash. (optional)
• Camera and flash manuals
• Laptop or other device for downloading images each night
• Portable external hard drive to back up your images You might want to have an extra external hard drive as a backup just in case something goes wrong with your main backup.)
• Memory card reader - fast card reader is recommended for quicker downloads
• Electrical adapters - Tanzania uses UK three-flat prong plug outlets.
As you will be shooting from inside the safari vehicle there is no need for a tripod, Bean bags will be provided for your use in the vehicle while on safari, so no need to pack bean bags.
No matter if you are a serious photographer or just wanting to get some pictures with your phone, you will want to make sure you have plenty of memory or have a way to back up/transfer images so you do not run out of memory.
Also you don’t have to go out and buy new equipment just for the safari. There are several companies which rent out photo/video equipment.
No matter what you are shooting with, it could be the newest mirrorless camera or just your phone, you will want to make sure to put your camera down once in a while and just enjoy the sightings and the fact that you are in Tanzania on safari. You don’t want to spend all of your time worrying about getting the shot: Take the time to fully enjoy the sights and sounds of being in a truly remarkable place and create many happy memories.