Safari Tips

+What to bring on safari
It really depends on what type of safari you have chosen, the following is recommended.
Sunscreen.
Lip salve.
Sunglasses.
Sun hat
Insect repellent
Short sleeved T-shirts and at least one long sleeved shirt.
Shorts and at least one pair of Long trousers.
Warm sweater and light rain jacket.
Closed shoes (especially for walking safaris and cultural tours).
Flashlight/headlamp (especially if camping).
Sleeping bag (if camping).
Binoculars (there is one in each vehicle).
Camera with zoom lenses.
Spare film/memory card and batteries.
Toiletries.
Small day pack.

+When is the best time to visit the parks?
Arusha & Mount Meru National Park: all year round.
Lake Manyara National Park: all year round, better viewing in a dry season (June-March).
Tarangire National Park: all year, but better viewing in a dry season (June-March).
Serengeti National Park: all year round.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: all year round.
Mkomazi National Park: all year round.
Mikumi National Park: all year round.
Udzungwa National Park: dry season (June-March).
Ruaha National Park: dry season (June-March).
Selous Game Reserve: dry season (June-March).
Mahale National Park: dry season (June-March).
Katavi National Park: dry season (June-March).
Rubondo Island National Park: dry season
Gombe Stream National Park: dry season (June-March).
Kilimanjaro National Park: all year, but better climbing in a dry season (June-March).

+How close do I get to the animals?
It is important to follow the park regulations. The guide is not allowed to drive off-road to approach the animals. Normally, the guide should keep a distance of at least 25 meters from the animals.However, some animals actually come near vehicles or stay close to the vehicles for shades etc. So, will most likely get up close with them, sometimes close enough to reach out and touch the animals. As much as it sounds good, it is not a good idea remember that the parks are not ZOOS, animals are not tamed and close encounters can be dangerous! It is much better to stick to your camera.

+Do your vehicles have open roofs
All our vehicles are custom made safari vehicle (NEW Stretched 4WD Toyota Land cruiser)
with pop-up roof ideal for game viewing and sightseeing. But be careful, Tanzania is very
close to the Equator and sun can get very hot during the day. To avoid sunburn please
remember to wear sunscreen, a hat (remember covering your ears and neck) or consider
wearing long sleeves.

+Is there a lot of driving between the parks
This is in fact dependent on your itinerary. If you would like to see as many parks as possible and are limited in time, you will be spending more time on transfers between the parks compared to longer itineraries. Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha National Parks are situated not too far from Arusha town (from 30 minutes up to three hours). Serengeti and Ngorongoro are more distant, and to fully enjoy these parks you should consider at least a 4-7 days tour. And one more thing, the game viewing in the National Parks/Game reserves can be done only within the park opening hours, from 6 am. to 6 pm!

+What if it rains
In the Northern Circuit, the longer rain season starts in (mid-March and ends in May). There is also a short rain season in (November). Contrary to beliefs, it does not rain all day long. Rain showers are usually in the evenings during the night and early in the mornings. Normally, it does not influence the game viewing. If you are planning to go on a basic camping safari, be prepared for the rains and bring water-proof gear. Safari tents are made of canvas and are waterproof so should stand showers. However, it is not guaranteed that your gear will be kept dry as heavy rains could result in unplanned flooding of campsites. It is therefore recommended that during the rainy season you keep your goods inside the locked vehicle. Better stays in lodges.

+What kind of accommodation is available on safari
Inside or outside the parks, you can choose from different types of accommodation – from campsites and budget lodges, semi-luxury tented camps to top-end lodges and exclusive luxury tented camps. It actually depends on your budget, and the selected type of your tours.

+Is laundry services is available in lodges
In most of the lodges/camps laundry services are available. In Budget campsite they do hand wash. Would advise to do it in town hotels after you return from the safari.

+Do I have to pay extras for taking pictures in the parks
You can photograph as much as you want, so remember to bring spare batteries and film/memory cards. Very likely you will be asked to pay extras if you take pictures of the locals. Note that: Professional TV crews need to apply in advance for special filming permits. The use of drones is not allowed unless a special advance permit is approved by the Tanzanian Ministry of Defense/Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism. Without requested permit, drones can be confiscated at the point of entry. Drones are strictly prohibited inside the National Parks/Game reserves!

+Can I leave excess luggage behind whilst on safari
Yes, in most hotels you can leave behind what you don’t need on safari; but on condition, that you return to the same hotel afterwards. If you wish, you can also leave the excess luggage in our office storeroom which is kept safe.

+Do you arrange Balloon Safaris in the parks
Yes balloon services are available in Tarangire and Serengeti parks. You can book this in advance together with the lodges/camps.