Traveler's Guide ::
Why Tanzania and Kenya?
Are Tanzania and Kenya safe?
When is the best time of the year to go on a Safari?
What will I see on a Safari?
Do the guides speak English?
What is the weather like?
Can I customize my Safari?
What if I am a single traveler?
What customs do I need to be aware of?
What do I wear? Do I need to dress up?
Do I get to meet the local people?
Will I stay in Tents or Lodges?
How is the food on a Safari?
Is it safe to drink water?
Do I need a visa?
What shots do I need to take?
Do you offer Medical Insurance?
Can you make flight arrangements?
How long are the flights?
Are the roads really bumpy?
What is included in my Safari?
What are the additional costs?
How to book a Safari?
Do you provide Journey To Africa references?
Safari payments and due dates?
Why Tanzania and Kenya?
We may be biased but where else can you find as many parks in one country, each with its own distinct characteristics with abundant wildlife and flora, some even unique to the particular park. To name one, Serengeti National Park, the most talked about park where most of the nature shows are filmed. This park alone, with Masai Mara bordering to the North, is famous for 'the great migration' where millions of wildebeest and zebra are constantly moving in search of pasture. Trekking up the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, an experience even if you don't make it to the top, you will never forget. Some remember is with a certificate congratulating them of their achievement in reaching the top and some with frost bits. Zanzibar Island or fondly known as the Spice Island because of its history of trading Spice like cloves, cinnamon with the Far East. Ruled by the Omani Arabs in the 1800s until the early 1900s, this little Island had a thriving economy with commodities from spices to slaves. These are to name a few of the attractions that make Tanzania a great destination.
Are Tanzania and Kenya safe?
Tanzania especially and Kenya are some of the safest East African countries. We have not experienced any civil unrest that has resulted in violence in the last few decades. The people are generally friendly and will not be rude towards you. However, just as any country, you have to be cautious of your surroundings. Few safety precautions should be taken, such as going in groups, not walking in isolated or dark areas, and not accepting food or drinks from strangers. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or loosely carrying purses or cameras. Use your best judgment as you would traveling in any country.
When is the best time of the year to go on Safari?
Tanzania and Kenya are wonderful to visit any time of the year. The best times can depend on the parks that you would are most interested in. Contact Us and we can advise you on where you should spend more time depending on the time of the year. One thing is for sure, no matter what time you visit Tanzania and Kenya, you will still come out of there in awe of the beauty of the country, the people, nature, scenery, smells, sounds and more.
What will I see on Safari?
How about an array of animals, birds, nature, towns, different cultures, etc. Our guides have an instinctive sense of smell for animals and will go out of their way to spot a particular animal for you.
A visit to a local village [if part of your itinerary] gives you more insight on the ways of life of a local. Tanzania and Kenya are beautiful countries and with an open mind and a sense of adventure, you are bound to have the time of your life.
Do the guides speak English?
Yes, all of our guides speak English, with a Tanzanian or Kenyan accent of course. They enjoy interaction with the clients and enjoy questions from you. They have a vast knowledge of the flora and fauna of the areas as well as interesting stories about each park that are either urban legends or told by the Maasai tribesman.
What is the weather like?
The weather in Tanzania and Kenya depend on the time of the year and the altitude above sea level. Tanzania lies within the tropics [about 3° South of the Equator] and Kenya has the Equator running through the country, hence has hot and cool seasons. Generally the temperature in Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya is cooler than the temperature around the coastal regions. During the hot season [November to March], the temperatures are around the Mid 80s + and in Zanzibar from 90s+. During the cool season [May to October], the temperature can be around the 60s and in Zanzibar around the 70s.
Can I customize my Safari?
Yes. All of our Safaris are customized to fit your specification. We have a few sample Safaris [Our Safaris] to give you an idea of the type of Safaris we offer and can arrange for you. Again, they are samples. The more information we have, the better we can put together an itinerary for you that best fits your lodging style and interest. Contact Us today!
What if I am a single traveler?
We have no problems in arranging Safaris for single travelers.
What customs do I need to be aware of?
The customs vary depending on the region. Generally, we advise clients to dress presentably so not to offend the local people. We ask our clients to be a little more conservative in Zanzibar Island, as the Island has a majority of Muslims and is more conservative. Short shorts or tanks tops are not appropriate when walking in Stone Town.
What do I wear? Do I need to dress up?
Wear clothes that are comfortable, as you will be seated for long periods. Wear light airy materials such as cotton or linen especially during hot times. Even during cold season, the day time can become hot so we recommend layers - bring a jacket or sweater [the rim of the crater does tend to get cold at night]. It is advisable to wear clothes that are more natural colored so that if they get dirty, they do not show. Bring clothes that can be hand washed in case you would like laundry to be done. Dressing up is generally not required, even while staying in exclusive lodges. If you like dressing up, feel free to do so.
Do I get to meet the local people?
Yes, you will meet with local people in the town and in the parks. When stopping at villages on the way, you may encounter children running up to you and trying to chat with you, as they are just as intrigued with you as you are with them. Just have a good time with them. If you choose to visit local villages and spend more time learning, we arrange special trips for that purpose. An example of that itinerary would be Wildlife to Villages.
Will I stay in Tents or Lodges?
Tanzania and Kenya offer some unique overnight accommodations. Depending on your itinerary, you will either be staying in our exclusive and luxury lodges and tented camp, Private Mobile Luxury Camping, fly camping, or semi-luxury lodges and tented camps.
If tents are not your style, we can do only lodges. Visit our Lodges page and you will see the many different lodges we offer.
How is the food on a Safari?
The food that you will be served in the lodges or luxury tents can range from local foods to western food. The trained chefs know the importance of preparing a delicious cuisine after a long game drive.
Is it safe to drink water?
We do not advise drinking tap water. We will provide bottled water during your game drives and recommend drinking bottled water anywhere else.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, you will need visas to enter Tanzania and Kenya if you are a US Citizen. We will help you with forms and instructions which will be in your travel package once your Safari is booked.
What shots do I need to take?
No shots are necessary when entering Tanzania and Kenya. Malaria medication is highly recommended for Tanzania and Kenya. Please contact your local health clinic who specializes in foreign travel for preparation.
Do you offer Medical Insurance?
We do offer medical insurance. We highly recommend getting Travel Insurance before you leave for your Safari. We use Travel Guard, a travel insurance company who will provide medical and emergency insurance for your travel to Tanzania. Please ask your travel consultant for more information.
Can you make flight arrangements?
Yes, we make arrangements for International Airfare from the USA. Please let your consultant know when you would like to travel and from what city.
How long are the flights?
From the USA, the time can depend on your city of departure. The approximate flight time for the first leg can be 6 to 10 hours to Schipol Airport in Amsterdam. Flight time from Schipol Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, Tanzania or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya is about 8 to 9 hours.
Are the roads really bumpy?
Yes, certain roads in the parks are bumpy. Our cars are four wheel drives and are high clearance cars which can make the ride slightly more bumpier. This bumpy ride adds to the excitement of traveling in 'safari style'.
What is included in my Safari?
Please see What is Included in your Safari.
What are the additional costs?
Visas, international flights [we recommend making arrangements through Journey to Africa], tips for driver-guides, bartenders, porters etc, drinks [unless staying in certain exclusive lodges like Sayari Mara River, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge] insurance and purchase of personal items. Climbers are responsible for climbing gear, personal requirements and travel insurance.
How to book a Safari?
Please see How to Book to understand the steps usually taken from planning to finalizing on the Safari of your choice and heading on your Safari. We live for Safari - call us today - we can start planning your Safari.
Do you provide Journey To Africa references?
We do! Please ask your agent.
We love it when our clients come back and share their stories with us. Everyone has a different story about their Safari experience in Tanzania and Kenya and we love hearing them all.
Safari payments and due dates?
Payments:
Deposits: A 30% deposit on land cost is due once the lodges are confirmed.
Payments: 50% of the balance - 3 months [90 days] before departure
100% of the balance - 2 months [60 days] before departure
Payment options:
U.S Dollar Check, Wire Transfer and Credit Card.
[2% discount with check or wire transfer instead of credit card]
Non- refundable deposit can be paid by Visa, Master Cardor American Express.
We will send you our Terms and Conditions when we send you your first itinerary.
