Frequently asked questions

A huge number of different types of safaris have developed at this point. In general the best way to simplify is that all safaris can be categorized according so some few criteria.

1. Type of accommodation: Tented camps, Lodges, Camping etc.
2. Mode of transportation: i.e. Private guided safari vehicle, Fly-in, self-drive, walking.
3. Focus of safari: Wildlife game drives, Mountain climbing, Walking/Cultural

Tours, Birding, Professional photographers, etc
Of course, many safaris itineraries are a blend of these criteria using more than one type of accommodation and having different focuses through the itinerary and so on. Also depending on your interests and desires, and time of year you wish to visit. We will expound on each criteria to provide a clear understanding of the major options to assist in selecting what best fits your needs. In addition Tanzania voyages may also customize your itinerary to combine an authentic African bush safari and Zanzibar beach holiday.

Go now! Don’t postpone going to Africa! Come over now! All the year round is good for you. For animal lovers, season certainly define the animal activities. It is important to know what to expect in the parks your safari will visit.

This is your safari holiday, your adventure! Because this is private guided African safari so you will discuss with your professional guide how you want to spend your time on this vacation. If you would like to spend a full day game drive, you are definitely free and welcomed to do so. Tanzania Voyages does not restrict your game drive mileage because our priority is our client’s satisfaction. While some days you may decide set out by sunrise, other days you can have a slower paced breakfast before starting your daily expedition. 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.

Certain vaccinations may be required for travel to Africa. However you will need to have a yellow fever vaccination card. To be sure please consult your local travel clinic to obtain the latest health travel advisories.

When you are on safari, you may encounter the tsetse flies especially in Tarangire, south of the Lake Manyara national park and some regions of Serengeti. Tsetse flies are much larger than regular flies with a stinger, and while most people have no adverse reaction to the bites, some may experience swelling and itchiness. We recommend you bring a flies and insect repellent DEET [above 50% DEET]. Tsetse flies are attracted to dark blue colors and black colors, light natural colors such as khaki, brown, olive, beige and green are recommended and should be worn during the day. Tsetse flies are most active during the day and inactive during the night.

We also recommend to wear grey, brown, khaki, or green colored clothing so the wildlife is not alerted to your presence. Camouflage clothing is not permitted in some African countries. See more details on our recommended packing list.

A passport and Visa are required when traveling to Tanzania and Kenya, make sure you have the correct visa required for travel. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months past your arrival date. Additionally, please make sure that you have a minimum 2 blank pages in your passport. Visa is available at your local Tanzanian high commission, Embassy or at your arrival at all international airports and overland boarder entries. Costs vary from country to country for example [USA & IRISH $100 per person] other nationalities $50 per person. We strongly recommend checking regulations and for the most up to dates information with your home country relevant embassy, as the above are subject to change without a prior notice.

You will experience bumpy and rough roads when traveling throughout the safari region and during game drives. We advise to bring with you an additional back pillows if you have a back problem for an extra comfort. While our vehicles are customized and equipped for rough roads, we still recommend our guests to always fasten their seat belts at all times except during game drive while standing to enjoy the game viewing through the popped-up roof. Please also make sure that your cameras, binoculars and other electronic equipment are safely stored at all times in case of any damage due to bumpy roads.

Dining on safari is a wonderful experience. You should that know the foods on safari, even fresh salads are completely safe to eat. The lodges and camps you will be staying cater western-style cuisine. There are always an array of choices even for a vegetarians and for others with dietary restrictions. The majority of our lodges and camps provide breakfast, lunch and dinner on a daily basis. We also advise to bring with you snacks such as protein bars, nuts and other non-perishable foods/snacks with you on the trip. You will be provided with bottled water all the time during game drives and at the lodges/camps.

Definitely. We provide unlimited beverages in our safari vehicle including bottled drinking water, other soft drinks and local beers upon client's request, Coffee and tea with some cookies. All of our safari vehicles are equipped with a small-sized refrigerator to keep your drinks chilled for you to enjoy during your safari.

All major cities and towns have ATM’s both at banks and malls. We highly recommend that you bring smaller bills to cover expenses at local markets and tips for service providers. Arrangements can be made to stop at the bank ATM’s during your tour. Once the tour leaves for the Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti, there are no ATM’s or banks.

All the lodges on our trips and gift shops do accept credit cards. They usually accept Master card, Visa card, discover card but most do not accept American express. We advise all our guests to take extra precautions when using their credit cards as they may be higher risk of the credit card numbers and fraudulent charges will be made.

Both US currency and Euros are accepted at lodges, camps and souvenir shops. The only time you may encounter local currency is at open-air markets and/or smaller vendors.

The currency in Tanzania is Tanzanian shillings {TSH} although the U.S dollar is also a generally convenient and acceptable currency. When using U.S dollar, please ensure that to bring newer than 2004 as older bills may not as readily accepted at some properties and bureau de changes due to counterfeiting problems. Also you should bring U.S Dollar in both large and small denominations for your extra expenses like tipping, laundry, drinks and souvenirs. Credit cards [visa and master cards] are usually accepted in hotels and lodges, but sometimes expect possible network instability inside the parks. Lastly we do not recommend dependence on traveler’s checks, as they are not easy to use.

This will depend on your itinerary. While on safari your lodges/camps are in Full Board basis, which includes meals, game activities and park fees per itinerary. Hotels in the cities and big towns are generally bed and breakfast only. Things not included during your safari would be tipping, visas, departure taxes, souvenirs shopping, extra meals at hotels/restaurants, drinks and laundry. Visa card and mastercard are accepted countrywide.

East Africans love children!! safari to the African wilderness can easily be deemed as one of the most rewarding and unforgettable family vacation experiences. Children actively encounter sights that prompt many opportunities for new knowledge. It is undoubtedly a stimulating environment for curious young minds. That being said, their safety should be given extra care when out in the wilderness. As noted above, most of safari lodges and camps are not fenced and have wildlife wandering their grounds. We advise that you should always keep your children in sight and never “under any circumstances” let them wander alone. Night guards escorts are always present when you are out at night.

Tipping is always a difficult question to answer and our suggestions are a guideline only. If you are pleased with service, you are more than welcome to tip your guide and the staff in the various camps and lodges. Obviously, tipping is an extra reward for an excellent service and is not compulsory. You can of course tip whatever you feel comfortable with, but as a start you can budget around $10-15 per person per day. For lodge and camp staff leave whatever you feel appropriate for the service you experience though before starting your safari we will give you a short safari briefing, Do’s and Don’ts and tipping recommendation for your trip.

Your cell phone provider will be able to assist you with the possibility of using your own cell phone while in Africa. However obtaining international roaming service can be expensive. You will need to have your phone unlocked by your cell phone company in order to use it abroad. In most major cities you will be able to purchase a SIM card and air time which may be exchanged for your normal SIM card if your phone has one. Remember though the reception/network coverage may not be possible to some areas in parks. Please advise your family/friends back home that you may not be reachable, feel free to pass on our details to your family and friends should they need to contact you, we will find out the best way to get in touch with you.

Electricity is available at 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Primary socket type [British standard].Adaptor plugs will be available in some lodges and camps but we advise that you bring at least one with you.

Please be aware that the power supplies is subject to cuts and voltage fluctuations even in major cities without a prior notice!

On safari, most of the camps are powered by generators or solar panels and these are often turned off during parts of the day and night to reduce noise and consumption. 

Your possessions should be safe in the vehicle, however in very rare cases, theft can happen at hotels and lodges in towns. Many properties will have a safe deposit box available and we highly recommend that you request to put cash, passports and other valuable items in here or to keep with you at all times. We advise you don’t bring expensive jewelry or other unnecessary valuables on safari with you.                                    

However, your personal safety is paramount and we will never allow you to travel to an area which is not considered safe.           

Most of the lodges and tented camps have a wi-fi service but it is important to note that while wi-fi is available, it more than likely not at the same fast speeds that you may be used to, but sufficient for checking emails and keeping in touch with home. Our safari vehicles also have a wi-fi on board but it depends on the reception/network.

Don’t indiscriminately hand out pens, money and sweets to the kids like a wealthy western Santa Claus! it just encourages begging and making them vulnerable to abuse. If you are interested in donating or supporting the local society for example in  schools, orphanage centers, villages or conservation programs please let us know we can arrange this for you and find it more in a good way.

You will also find that many people are photo shy or have learned that they should be rewarded for photographs. Always ask permission before taking a photograph of someone and keep in mind that a small payment may be required, please talk to your guide about this. If you go for cultural village walk, feel completely free to take pictures. The situation may be different in a maasai settlement-your guide will assist in this. In stone town [Zanzibar] and other parts of African coastline, it is important for women to dress modestly and appropriately out of respect for Islamic beliefs. It is especially important to cover shoulders and knees. Of course, in the various lodges/hotels in these coastal areas it is perfectly fine to wear shorter skirts, shorts or beach wear.

We require a 30% deposit to confirm an itinerary (this is what most properties require, so we simply use the same policy) and then the balance is at least 2 months prior to travel. If you are looking” last minute” [i.e., within 2 months of your date of arrival], then full payment is required by us and the properties.

Depending on what the changes you would like to make are, and when you are looking to make them, our team will do our best to accommodate these changes. Note, some of the properties may charge cancellation fees or change fees, but we will do our best to negotiate these down for you.