Embarking on a safari in Tanzania is a thrilling experience, but it’s natural to have questions as you plan your adventure. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you prepare for this unforgettable journey.
Yes, you can get a visa at major airports and at border crossings, but try to get one ahead of time to make your entry into the country as easy as possible
Budget camping safaris are among the most popular options for visitors who want to explore Tanzania’s many game parks and conservation areas. The safaris embark on the same circuit of national parks and game reserves as any other more expensive safaris; guests get to feel like they’re experiencing an ‘on the ground’ adventure by camping in beautiful locales.
One of the best ways to experience the African bush is to stay in one of the fabulous tented camps. The accommodation caters for every budget and level of comfort. You can expect running water, en suite facilities and electricity provided either by solar power or generator. In mobile camps there will be hurricane lamps.
In a tented camp the walls will be canvas, you should not be concerned or worried in anyway. Most visitors love to hear the noises of the African night. There is always 24 hour security and if there are animals in camp, the staff will be extra vigalent.
W/C’s or toilets are dotted around the game reserves but usually it’s a matter of getting native, our guides will find a suitable spot, check around for wildlife and then be discreet whilst you take a natural break.
To travel to Tanzania you must be in possession of a valid travel insurance policy covering the full period of your holiday.
Please check your cover very carefully ensuring that you are satisfied paying particular attention to the amount of cash you are carrying.
It is important to never assume that any of the animals encountered on your game drive are tame. Though attacks by wild animals are unusual, nothing in the African wilderness is predictable. While you are staying in your safari lodges and camps, it is important to be especially cautious and aware of your surroundings as many of these areas are not fenced and contain wildlife roaming freely.
If you have children with you, keep them in sight and do not let them wander alone. At smaller tented lodges, you will always be escorted to and from your tent for dinner or during the night. Should you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to raise them to the staff or your guide.
Your private safari will allow the flexibility of how you choose to spend your time. A daily decision to be made is whether to have breakfast and lunch at the tented camp or lodge or a picnic box in the bush. While early morning game drives with the sunrise can be breathtaking (and highly encouraged), there will be likely occasions where you desire to stay in the bush and continue your adventure without returning to the lodging. Picnic boxes for breakfast and lunch are prepared on a daily basis at each respective accommodation according to your itinerary.
The typical breakfast box may consists of combination of bread, pastries, juice, a banana, apple, hardboiled-egg, bacon or sausages. Your driver will also provide coffee to get your morning started.
The typical lunch boxes consists of various items such as a piece of chicken, bread, sandwiches, banana, apple, juice, muffin and chocolate. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know and we will plan accordingly.
It is recommended to stay inside your vehicles at all times when you are in the national parks, unless your driver guide find a safe area to stop for lunch, or to stretch your legs.
If you are keen on hiking, there are guided walks that are available in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro. Within the Serengeti National Parks, long walks are not permitted during to conservation reasons, however, some lodgings will offer short walks near the lodge or camp.
All park fees and conservation fees have a 24 hours limit. We plan your itinerary according to the park permits paid. Your safari driver guide will brief you the night before and provide suggestions regarding your schedule.
Please note that any penalty fee resulting from the client’s wish to extend their stay will be at the guest’s expense.
This is your safari trip, your adventure!
You decide how you want to spend your time on this vacation. If you would like to spend a full day on safari, you are definitely welcomed to do so.
Bantu Pori journeys does not restrict your mileage, fuel or how much time you want to be on safari. While some days you may decide set out by sunrise, other days you can have a slower paced breakfast before start your daily exploration.
Simply sit down with your guide to plan your day and meals the night before. Your guide will have plenty of suggestions, but of course the decision is yours.
Our Northern Circuit Safaris usually start and finish in Arusha while Southern Circuit safaris start and finish in Dar es salaam. However, we can provide pickup services from other cities like Moshi/Arusha/Tanga.
We usually recommend sleeping at least one night in Arusha (North) or Dar es Salaam (South) before the safari. This is because the safaris start early (8am or earlier) and if you arrive much later you will lose valuable time. Besides, even if you arrive early, a day in Arusha is good for orientation, to rest and even to prepare for any flight delay or luggage loss.
Yes, just let us know what’s in your mind and we will put all together for you!.
Extra luggage can be stored in a locked storage room at your Moshi hotel at no charge. Valuables should be left in a safe deposit box at your hotel in Moshi ($1/day)
Feel free to interact with your safari guide and Kilimanjaro guides and porters! There are other unique ways to meet local people.
We can add solo travelers to a group, or we can arrange a private trip for you.
Vegetarian and other special diets can be accommodated. Please let us know ahead of time. Protein options may be minimal on a vegetarian diet, so you may want to bring protein supplements.
We recommend booking your trip as soon as possible. Lodges and tented camps on safari are booked quickly, so we need to reserve those before they fill up. However, sometimes we do have space last minute as well.
Talk to your doctor about
Our tipping guideline is 15 to 20 USD per client per day to the driver guide, though it is ultimately up to the clients’ discretion to decide what amount is apporpriate. For instance, for a 7 Days safari with two guests, the average tip that is given to Our Driver guides are between 150 USD to 300 USD, or even higher, depending on the clients’ overall satisfaction with their driver guide & their safari experience.
When you have a personal cook for mobile camping, the tipping guideline is between 5 to 10 USD per person per day, which is also up to the client’s discretion.
The recommended currency for tipping is in USD cash, and it is customary for the clients to tip at the end of their safari.
Budget a minimum of $300/person for tips for Kilimanjaro.
Yes, We can schedule transfer from Nairobi either by land or air for an additional charge.
It is safe to walk around the main area of town during the day with valuables well hidden, but it not advised to be walk around at night for your own safety.
We can book your flights to Zanzibar from Kilimanjaro and your Zanzibar hotels.
The best time to see the migration in Tanzania is often January-March and June-August. In the Kenya, it is often best September-October. These are also the most popular times to go, so you will need to book well in advance. You will see an abundance of wildlife all year round.
Lodges and tented camps serve breakfast and dinner, typically buffet-style. Lunches are often a box lunch eaten while on your game drive.
We use 4 or 7 passenger, 4-wheel-drive Land Cruisers, all with viewing roofs for the safaris.
You can buy any drinks along your way to the safari. There will be mini-markets in town.
Most of the time you will be eating in your lodge or camp, which will be of a good standard. It’s always better to advise us prior to travel if you have any specific requests, as lodges do need to bring in food especially. Some places are a long way from towns so are unable to get supplies in at short notice.
When you are staying in bigger towns there are normally many eating-out options. Indian restaurants are plentiful, due to the high resident Indian population, and also pizzerias and continental restaurants are numerous. On the coast seafood is normally superb – my favourite and something I always recommend.
Local cuisine tends to be made up a stew, which includes one of the following - rice, chapti, ugali (a kind of maize porridge) or batoke (cooked plantain). The most common stews are beef, chicken, goat and beans. Fish is also used in towns near the coats and lakes. Swahili cuisine tends to be a bit spicier than other Tanzanian food.
If you do eat local food it is best to ask the advice of your guide, but it can be a great experience and one you shouldn’t miss!
Buying local foods and produce is a good direct way to contribute to the local economy. Also buying presents for people back home adds to local income.
If you are interested in any specific areas - schools, conservation programmes etc we can normally arrange for you to visit and find out more.
Again it is always best to consult your doctor on whether and if you should travel.
With its unparalleled wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Tanzania offers an unforgettable safari experience. If you have more questions or are ready to book your adventure, reach out to our expert team today!
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