Safari

Tanzania Travel Tips & Useful info Planning a safari adventure to Tanzania and want to know a little more about the country? Not sure if you need to take malaria pills or whether you’ll have much WiFi access over there? You’ll find the answers to all these questions and more with our Top Travel Tips covering everything from pre-travel health advice to money, shopping and more. What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania? You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Tanzania and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide COVID-19, Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and Tetanus is strongly recommended. Meningitis and Rabies are also recommended. A Yellow Fever International Certificate of Vaccination is required if arriving from countries infected with yellow fever or if you were in transit through infected areas (unless you remained on board or at the airport). This is particularly relevant if travelling from neighbouring African countries. If visiting Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania, a yellow fever certificate must be produced to gain entry. COVID-19 situation in Tanzania The Tanzania government has had a fast response to the Covid-19 situation and is on a national wide campaign to ensure all citizens are vaccinated. Hence, making it safe for all foreigners to visit Tanzania. Here is a link to BBC News coverage on the Tanzania Covid-19 vaccination campaign. Do I need anti-malaria tablets for Tanzania? There is a risk of malaria in Tanzania so it is very important to check with your doctor before you go, to see whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting. Generally, it is good practice to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured clothes and wearing a mosquito repellent that contains at least 50% DEET. For more information on the malaria risk in Tanzania visit the NHS Fit to Travel page or the CDC Traveler’s Health page. What is the plastic bag ban? Tanzania has introduced a ban on plastic bags effective from June 1st 2019. All travellers arriving at a Tanzania airport could face heavy fines for using plastic bags in any way, shape or form. These include shopping bags, garbage bags and “zip-lock” plastic bags used for transporting liquids and cosmetics. We recommend that you avoid packing any plastic bags in your suitcase or carry-on luggage before travelling to Tanzania. If you do purchase any items at your departure airport, be sure to take them out of their plastic bags. Double-check your hand luggage before disembarking and leave any plastic bags on the plane. Is it safe to drink tap water in Tanzania? The tap water in Tanzania is not considered safe to drink. You should drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available from shops, hotels and restaurants. Make sure you purchase this from reputable outlets and that the seal on the bottle is not broken. What’s the food like in Tanzania? The most common staples found in Tanzanian cuisine are rice and ugali, a thick, white paste made from cornmeal that is served alongside a sauce-based stew or meat dish. Chapatis, as can be found in India, also make the base of many meals along with beans and mchicha, a green vegetable that resembles spinach. Accompanying these staples are several different meat-centric dishes, such as grilled chicken or nyama choma, roasted beef or goat. Once you hit the coast, seafood makes more of an appearance and one delicious dish is octopus in a creamy coconut curry. Snacks are also widely available, a popular choice of which are samosas, brought over to Tanzania from India. Roasted corn with lemon and chilli salt is also a favourite with locals and can be bought from street-side grills. Meals can be washed down with a hot cup of chai tea or a local beer, such as Safari, Kilimanjaro or Castle. Safe eating while travelling in Tanzania Be wary when eating outside of high-end lodges as sometimes the quality of the meat and the way in which it has been prepared might not be suitable for a sensitive western stomach. Also be aware that food hygiene in Tanzania is much more basic than you will be used to so if something looks unclean, old or badly cooked, it is best to avoid it altogether. It is also a good idea to avoid ice in your drink and eating salad as these might have come into contact with unhygienic water. Is it standard to tip in Tanzania? There is no set procedure when it comes to tipping in Tanzania but be aware that most people in the service industry earn very little and depend on gratuities to make up their income. Safari guides should be tipped the equivalent of about USD $10-15 per day and a few dollars should go to the driver, cook and porters when travelling on an overland safari. If you eat in a restaurant then 10% on top of the bill is a suitable amount to leave. When it comes to taxis, rounding up the fare is a nice way to show your appreciation, especially if they have successfully navigated the chaotic streets of Dar es Salaam for you. What is good to shop for in Tanzania? The most popular purchase for travellers in Tanzania is a traditional wooden carving, usually in the shape of a mask or tribes person. A close second to this are the soapstone sculptures that can be found in boutiques as well as marketplaces. Another excellent item to take home with you is a Maasai blanket, which are brightly coloured and similar in pattern to tartan and can be used as tablecloths, picnic blankets or even clothes. If you’re looking for something to wear, colourful kangas, which look like sarongs, are widely available. You might also want to look out for some tinga-tinga art, a unique style to Tanzania that encompasses bright colours and a cartoon-ish style and usually depicts safari animals or African scenes. Another uniquely Tanzanian product is Tanzanite, a

What to Wear on your Tanzania Safari Planning what to wear and essentials to bring on your upcoming safari in Tanzania is not all that complicated. Everything you need is most likely in your closet already! Our clothing suggestions apply for all seasons on a Tanzania safari while different guidelines apply if your route is to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro or heading down to the famous Zanzibar beach. TANZANIA WEATHER The best wildlife viewing months in Tanzania are during the Dry season from late June to October. The best chance of seeing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is during June and July and the time to see the wildebeest calving is late January to February. Tanzania’s main rainy season, or the ‘long rains’, last during about March, April, and May. WHAT KINDS OF CLOTHES ARE RECOMMENDED FOR SAFARI? Casual, comfortable and easy to wash clothes are recommended. The goal is to pack lightly as most lodges and camps will launder clothes for a small fee. Safaris are informal, and there is no need to dress up. Do plan to dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes as early morning game drives can be quite cold depending on the time of year while daytime temperatures can get quite warm. Stick to neutral or khaki colors and avoid wearing dark blue or black clothes as these colors tend to attract tsetse flies. Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent are a necessity. After sunset, we recommend that you wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks and spray insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. RECOMMENDED SAFARI CLOTHING TO BRING T-shirts and tank tops Long-sleeved shirts (for protection from sunburns) Shorts Light long pants or convertible long-short pants Warm fleece pullover or jacket One swimsuit Cotton socks and underwear Pajamas One pair of comfortable walking shoes One pair of sandals or flip-flops Wide-brimmed hat Bandana (for dust) Heavy sweater, gloves, and toque if traveling in the cold season (June – August) CLOTHING FOR ZANZIBAR Please dress modestly when sightseeing in Stone Town or visiting anywhere outside of the beach resorts in Zanzibar. Women should not wear sleeveless or revealing tops and short skirts or thigh-high shorts (Capri trousers or at least knee-length shorts are fine). Men should wear shirts, pants or knee-length shorts. WHAT ARE SOME OTHER ITEMS TO PACK? We strongly recommend that you carry-on all important items such as prescription medication, camera equipment, essential toiletries (please keep in mind many airlines have liquid restrictions) and one or two changes of clothes in case of checked luggage delays or loss. PACK LIGHT! HERE ARE THE TOP THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU ON A SAFARI: Passport Plane tickets Travel Insurance Policy & Emergency Contact Numbers Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable) Safari itinerary U.S. dollars in large and small denominations ($20, $50 & $100 bills should be issued after 2005) Credit cards and ATM bank cards Sunglasses Sunscreen and lip balm Small flashlight or headlamp Insect/Mosquito repellent Eye drops and extra contact lenses or spare glasses (if applicable) Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer Tissue paper and small travel towel (washrooms in Tanzania often don’t have toilet paper or paper towels) Camera, extra memory cards, batteries, and charger, if applicable UK plug adapter and transformer/voltage converter, if applicable Ziplock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, etc. Personal toiletries Small first aid medical kit including Tylenol or ibuprofen, antimalarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, itch medication, band-aids, stomach ache remedy, antibiotic cream, diarrhea medicine, prescription antibiotic for travelers diarrhea (Ciprofloxacin) and any prescription medications

Most of your time on safari will be spent in the back of a safari vehicle which you will likely share with a number of other keen ‘safari-goers’. So, it is worth keeping a few basic rules of vehicle etiquette on safari in mind: 1. Be ready on time Following proper vehicle etiquette on safari is important. So, always try to be ready to board your vehicle at the agreed time, having been to the toilet and with everything you will need for the day (cameras, binoculars, sunblock etc). 2. Be considerate (and courteous) Be prepared to indulge the interests of others in your group.  They will hopefully do likewise for you. And don’t always rush for the ‘best’ seat. Be considerate of others. Remember to practice good vehicle etiquette on safari. 3. Talk in moderation Try to avoid talking incessantly during game drives, as this can be very disruptive to the other guests and even off-putting for the guide! 4. No sudden movements Avoid standing up or making any sudden movements when close to animals. This will likely startle them and they will either run off or take offence! You should also be careful not to ‘rock’ the vehicle (shuffling in your seat or unnecessary movements) when the other occupants are attempting to get that perfect photograph. 5. Be patient There is no script on safari and it may be that you need to wait by a waterhole or stop to scan the horizon to find something of interest. Be patient (and vigilant) – the next great sighting is likely just around the corner. 6. Do not hog the guide By all means take the opportunity to learn from your guide by asking questions…but be careful not to hog his/her attention at the expense of the other guests. 7. Be prepared Do try to be self-sufficient in terms of binoculars, storage cards, warm clothing, sunblock, bottled water etc. 8. Talk quietly (rather than whisper) This is important not only so that the other participants can enjoy the outdoor experience, but also so as not to disturb the wildlife. Do not whistle or bang on the vehicle to attract an animal’s attention. This is very poor form! 9. Advice for smokers Don’t automatically assume that because you are in the great outdoors that your smoking habit will not bother the other passengers. Try to be considerate and request a ‘smoke’ break/stop – perhaps while the others are taking their ‘comfort’ break. And please DO NOT leave your cigarette ends stomped into the dirt. Put them in your pocket and dispose of them when you get back to camp. 10. Advice for families If you are a family with small children, be aware that others in the vehicle may not think that little Johnny’s antics are very conducive to an enjoyable safari! Where possible, it is always advisable to arrange, or at least request, the sole use of a safari vehicle if you have a family with young children

There truly is something to suit every kind of holidaymaker in Tanzania. From incredible game reserves teeming with wildlife to glorious beaches, luxurious accommodation and incredible culture and food. Here are just 10 reasons why you should think about spending your next holiday there. 1. The Great Migration Africa is full of amazing wildlife experiences but one of the most spectacular to witness is the Great Migration. A once in a lifetime experience and on the bucket list of many a traveller to Africa, none can surpass this incredible spectacle: a million wildebeest crossing the plains of the Serengeti in search of fresh grass while braving predators and perilous river crossings. 2. Mount Kilimanjaro Located in North Eastern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and can be seen from far into Kenya. The mountain represents a powerful life force for the local Chagga people and all those who have made their lives around the mountain, providing rich volcanic soils for agriculture and an endless source of pure spring waters. 75,000 people climb Kilimanjaro every year so it is not the most untouched mountain, nor is it the most arduous, however it is still an awe inspiring sight to behold and highly recommended for anyone with even a vague interest in mountaineering. 3. Zanzibar What better way to round off a safari adventure through Tanzania than to spend some time relaxing in Zanzibar on one of its beautiful white sand beaches. Known as the “Spice Island”, Zanzibar has brought visitors from other lands since time immemorial – Persians, Chinese, Arabs, Indians and many more have all sailed their vessels into Zanzibar’s harbour over the centuries, bent on trade and sometimes plunder. Make sure to visit Stone Town to explore its spice markets and superb Arabic architecture. If diving is more your thing then learn to dive at one of the many dive centres the local resorts boast – the waters around the island are very clear and host a huge diversity of marine life. 4. The Food Tanzanian cuisine is a mix of traditional African food, with a strong Arabic/Indian influence, especially along the coast and in Zanzibar. Surrounded by the ocean, Zanzibar is renowned for its seafood with most hotels in the area offering a fantastic variety of fresh seafood menus. For the ultimate foodie experience, visit the Stone Town night food market. Offering a variety of delicious eats, this lively market is a must-see to experience the local people and culture. 5. Outstanding Accommodation Options Tanzania provides visitors with a variety of choices when it comes to accommodation. For the ultimate luxury safari experience there is the Four Seasons Serengeti, for those looking for an authentic tented safari experience there are are camps like &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas and Selous Serena Camp and for honeymooners or couples, Zanzibar offers a plethora of luxury resorts such as Hideaway of Nungwi and Ras Kutani. 6. The Maasai People The Maasai people of East Africa live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley on semi-arid and arid lands. They’re well known for the special red cloth they wear which is called a Shuka and their highly energetic customs. They openly welcome visitors to the area to experience their culture and lifestyle first hand. 7. Wildlife and Birdlife Tanzania has the largest concentration and diversity of animals in Africa and there are over 1000 bird species to spot in the country. Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most treasured national parks and game reserves including the Selous Game Reserve, which is the world’s largest game reserve and home  to more than 120,000 elephants, 160,000 buffalos and 2000 rhinos. Selous is also home to large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and wild dogs. 8. The Ngorongoro Crater A jewel in Tanzania’s crown is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and haven to a wondrous array of animal life which makes the crater a “must do” on any visit to Tanzania. The backdrop of the crater walls makes for some stunning photographic opportunities as you see the animals wander through the grasslands on the crater floor towards the lake. 9. The Western and Southern Safari Parks Southern and western Tanzania are very often overlooked by travellers intent on visiting the more well known parks of the north, yet these regions are highly regarded among serious safari-goers. The southern parks of Selous and Ruaha offer seriously good wildlife, plus a wider choice of activities and much better value for money than can be found in Northern Tanzania. The remote western parks of Mahale and Katavi are expensive and more difficult to get to, however they do both offer a unique safari and African wilderness experience.  10. Chimpanzees in Mahale National Park The small and remote Mahale Mountains National Park is found in the very West of Tanzania and on the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. Chimpanzee treks are the main draw card here and seeing them in their natural habitat is a truly magical experience. When you are with the chimps you will be able to observe their very human-like behaviour as the younger ones play in the trees and the adults observe and squabble amongst themselves.

Planning a safari conjures up images of stunning landscapes, spectacular animals, and luxurious lodgings set amidst pristine landscapes. Alas, it also conjures up some very expensive price tags. This was the exact dilemma I faced while planning my trip to Tanzania. Faced with a seemingly impossible dilemma, I dived into research and discovered camping safaris. 1. You Don’t Need Camping Gear. At Least, Not Much Most camping safari outfitters include tents, camping chairs, all food and cooking supplies, and even mattress pads. You have the option of renting a sleeping bag, but I took my own — and I’m glad I did. I was just more comfortable having something that was never used by anyone else. I bought a very small, very lightweight sleeping bag for about $30 back home. It only took up a small corner of my bag. At the end of my trip, I asked my guides if I could give it to them and have them donate it to someone in need, and they were thrilled to do so. 2. Relax. You Will See Animals Luxury lodges have their own airstrips but camping safaris have a whole lot of dusty driving and not much in the way of wildlife before you reach your initial destination. Whatever you do, don’t think of this as wasted time. Take the time to get to know your guides and pepper them with questions about the plants, flowers, trees, and birds. Their knowledge is extraordinary, and they’ll likely have field guides you can borrow to read up on all that you’re seeing. Before you know it, you’ll be seeing animals. Lots of animals. 3. Don’t Get Too Hung Up On The Big Five The lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros make up the “Big Five” — the ultimate safari bucket list. And while it’s fun to have a list, some folks take it a bit too far. I’ve seen guests who considered their adventure a failure because they didn’t see all Big Five on the trip. Your chances of seeing the Big Five (or not) on a camping safari are the same as any other kind of trip. Speaking of the Big Five … in all my years of travel, I’ve never seen a leopard. But at least one leopard has seen me, and it’s all thanks to camping. Urgent bathroom needs convinced me to sneak out of my tent one night — just for a minute! — to quickly pee. The next morning, our guide pointed out the fresh, feathery remains of guinea fowl and reported that a leopard had spent the night just steps from our tent, enjoying his snack. After that report, I learned to hold it! 4. Camping Means Close-Ups While not every safari participant has the opportunity to see a leopard, there’s no denying that this way of travel allows you to get up close and personal with the wildlife. On one memorable occasion, we awoke to see a firm path of deep, intimidating lion footprints — the pathmaker had meandered directly through our site just hours earlier. On another occasion, a hyena lay on its belly and watched us, from a safe distance, as we finished our evening meal. Birds loved visiting us as we set up camp. And because we stayed in the heart of Serengeti National Park, the minute we got in the jeep, we saw big animals. 5. Early To Bed, Early To Rising The best safari experiences start early in the morning as the animals are enjoying the cool dawn temperatures. A camping safari is no exception. You’ll be awake before there’s light in the sky. However, unlike safaris that are based at a lodge, you won’t be coming back home for a quick nap after your first game drive of the day. Every day means packing up camp just as light is beginning to break. Typically, you go to bed in the early evening after the dishes are done. If you’re not used to a 5 a.m. wake-up call or an 8 p.m. bedtime, a camping safari is a big adjustment. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gradually adjusted my sleep schedule a few days before my departure so my body would be used to the schedule. 6. Camping Food Is Impressive If you think camping cuisine means beans and wieners, you’re going to be mightily impressed on a camping safari. We enjoyed fresh bread every morning, baked in the embers of last night’s fire. Dinners included chicken curry, stir fry with noodles, and a South African-style braai feast of sausages, steak, and more. We enjoyed desserts and sophisticated salads like beet and feta and, overall, I was thrilled with the food and the portions. 7. The Coffee Is Not My only food-related complaints applied to coffee and tea. The instant coffee available at breakfast and break time left much to be desired. I suddenly realized just what a coffee snob I am! I had some coffeeshop brand instant coffee and latte mix with me, and it offered a welcomed change. Tea drinkers will want to note that just one kind of black tea is usually available. If you love tea, a box of assorted flavors would be a welcome treat for the entire group. 8. Your Camping Chores Are Actually Pretty Easy Some camping safaris offer deluxe tents (which are set up for you as you’re enjoying an evening game ride), spacious outdoor showers, and some extra comforts. But the most hands-on and affordable experience is a participatory camping safari. “Participatory” is just a fancy way of saying you’ll be helping out with the chores. Turns out, they’re pretty easy. You’ll assist as the guides set up your tents, you’ll help unload folding chairs and tables from the truck, and you’ll lend a helping hand when the canvas frames of the shower and toilet are being installed. You truly need no camping skills, just a willingness to help out. 9. Think Twice About