Frequently Asked Questions

Below we have put together some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) for travel to Tanzania and Safari.

How safe is Tanzania?

Common sense always prevails. We would never knowingly suggest a country, region or property that has any kind of security issue.

We keep up to date with all information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with regard to travel security and safety.

Do remember Africa does contain a number of very poor countries and as such petty crime can occur. We ask that you be careful and ensure you do not walk on deserted beaches at night or display wealth, wear revealing clothes (ladies especially).

Vaccinations and Health in Tanzania

Please check with your medical practitioner or nurse for all current advice about vaccinations. Government health advice is available here

Some countries in Africa do require that you are in possession of a yellow fever vaccination. Most counties in Africa are malarial areas.

Tented Camps and Accommodation on Safari

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.

Clothing To Wear On Safari

Whilst on safari we suggest you dress for comfort, light coloured, as well as weight, shorts and shirts are ideal. Garments with lots of pockets can also be useful if you are carrying a lot of camera equipment. For the ladies a sports bra is also recommended. You might also wish to climb on the seats in the jeep for better views, so comfortable shoes that you can easily remove are a good idea. Evening attire is smart casual, with a jumper or fleece for the colder nights. If you have particularly sensitive skin be wary when wearing shorts; those pale legs may get very sunburnt. Remember a hat.

Please note on Zanzibar and the other islands, we ask that you dress modestly. For example, ladies (particularly in Stone Town) shorts/skirt should cover the knees and ‘off the shoulder’ tops should be avoided. Men, too, are advised to wear shirts/tops, which cover the shoulders.

Currency in Tanzania

The best convertible currency in most African countires is the US dollar and there are exchange bureaus in all major towns.

Banks will also exchange your currency, as will some hotels, but please be mindful that you will not get a very good rate.

People, Culture and Customs in Tanzania

Most Tanzanian people are incredibly friendly and greetings form an important part of your visit. Most people will always enquire about your health and well-being. If you can master just a few basic words you will be enthralled by the response you receive.

English is widely spoken in the main cities and towns. Out of the main towns and cities you will hear many local tribal dialects.

African people are generally very modest In the towns and cities you will notice most are dressed quite smartly. We ask that you please dress modestly, very short skirts, bikini tops and cut off denim shorts are frowned upon anywhere other than the beaches. Please also note that nude/topless bathing is an offence.

A diversity of religious beliefs is testament to the early Asian influence, particularly in coastal areas. The main religions are Islam, Christianity, and Hindu and there are, of course, other traditional beliefs.

We always ensure that our operation, and the people we work with, manage their business in an ethical and responsible manner, and the safari we offer to you is balanced and in keeping with the local environment.

You can contribute to this just by observing a few of the local customs ensuring that your impact is kept to a minimum, with the simplest of tasks, such as discarding your rubbish in an appropriate manner and obeying rules within National Parks, which are designed to protect you as well as the environment.

Food And Water On Safari

Whilst in any African country, you should use bottled water at all times even when brushing teeth. Most of the lodges and camps supply either bottled or boiled and filtered water for this purpose.

All safari vehicles carry water, but we advise that you check each morning before leaving the lodges and hotels that you have sufficient for the day.

Please note it is exceptionally easy to become dehydrated, we advise that you drink at least 2 full litre bottles per day. You can always run behind a bush!!

All lodges, camps and hotels provide western meals and often have a local option. The banana stew is delicious so do try it.

Going to the loo on Safari

What happens if you need the loo on safari? 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.

Temperature in Tanzania

The equatorial sun of Africa can produce searing heat during the day. You will find the first few days of this expedition particularly hot and care must be taken to avoid heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

We recommend that you drink plenty of fluids during every part of your trip either on safari on by the sea. You should also ensure that you have adequate screening against the sun, both by sun cream and long clothing, as well as a good sun hat. You should ensure that areas of the body particularly prone to sunburn, such as the backs of legs, forearms, necks, and heads, are well covered.

Do you Need Travel Insurance On Safari?

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.

How Much Does A Safari Cost?

This is the hardest question of all. A safari holiday does not come cheap.

You will need to budget £2,400.00 for an average safari with a short beach extension and work up from there.

Booking and Payments

A deposit payment is required at the time of booking. We will not confirm the booking unless we have received payment on behalf of the principal, credit and charge cards carry a levy of 3.5 % per booking

How You Can Give Back To Africa

We are asked lot about giving back and helping in some way. What if we told you that your holiday could also mean that fewer indigenous forests are chopped down, that slum children will

receive a meal and wildlife will be preserved for future generations. We do our bit and try very hard to ensure that our tourism benefits local communities, the environment, and the all-important wildlife.

Got more questions?

If you cannot find the answer to your question in our FAQ’s please don’t be shy, pick up the phone or email us, we are always happy to help where we can.

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