FAQ – (Frequently Asked Questions).
We have tried to answer some of the basic questions to make your decision to visit Tanzania more easier. For more of the Safari, Trekking and Zanzibar questions check below.
Safari FAQ.
Q. How do I proceed with reservation and payment?
Once you have agreed on a specific tour and price the deposit of 40% of the payment through the bank is required for confirmation and reservations.The balance will be paid two months before departure date through bank deposit
Q. Can I use Euros and Pounds in Tanzania?
Absolutely. Many banks and bureau de changes accept Euros and Pounds.
Q. How much is a good tip?
The tip for the guides, cooks and porters normally depends on your appreciation. We recommend
$15 to $20 a day for the guide per group and $10 to $15 a day for the cook and porters on an average climb or safari per group
Q. What is included in your prices and what are additional costs?
The amount of money you pay includes park entry fees, rescue fees, camping / hut / lodge costs, English speaking guide, cook, porters, three meals a day, mineral water, coffee and tea, 4 x 4 vehicle and camping equipment, unless mentioned otherwise.
This excludes things of personal nature, accommodation the day before the beginning and last day after your safari unless mentioned otherwise, tips.
Q. Can I leave excess luggage whilst on safari?
Yes. You can leave some of your luggage at the hotel or at our office while on safari.
Q. When is the best time to visit the parks?
Most of the parks can be visited throughout the year. Tanzania’s rainy season is from march to june, some parts of some parks will be less easy accessable. Some parks become more interesting in the dry season then in the wet season, you'll be informed about details before your booking.
Q. We are a group of 7 people. Do we get a discount?
Definitely, as you know the number of people in a group also affects the price. So the more people, the more the price is reduced per person.
Q. Can you pick me from the Airport?
Yes, we can pick you from Kilimanjaro Airport depending on what type of transport you prefer, shuttle, private vehicle or flight. From other airports we arrange your transport to Arusha either by shuttle bus of flight.
Q. What to bring on safari?
We recommend you to bring some stuff listed below but it usually depend on the type of safari you take.
- Small towel, toiletries, toilet paper
- Sunscreen and lipbalm
- First aid kit and insect repellent
- Flash light
- Binoculars
- Camera with zoom lenses
- Spare film and batteries
- Sun glass and sun hat
- Long sleeved shirt and long trousers
- Warm sweater
- Day pack
Q. What if it rains?
Just bring your rain cloth for emergency if you go for a camping safari but our tents can stand the heavy showers and are highly recommended in rain seasons, our vehicles are all 4WD so the chances of getting stuck are as limited as possible.
Q. How close do I get to the animals?
As the park is not a zoo sometimes you can be very close to the animals as they come close to the cars but it is prohibited to drive off road in the park so just stick to your camera and let the nature respond to you.
Q. Do I have to pay for taking pictures in the park?
You do not have to pay if you are just taking pictures in the park, but you will need a certain permit if you want to make some films in the park.
Q. I am interested to visit some local tribes like Bushmen, Maasai, Datoga etc. What do you offer in that kind of tour?
We offer cultural tours to different African tribes; in the matter of Bushmen you can see how they still practice primitive communial mode of production by hunting and gathering, you can go hunting as well as gathering with them. For maasai you will get the chance of learning their political, social and economic ways of this colourful tribe which is mostly based on an Age set system. For also the Datoga and many other of the 200 African tribes, cultural tours can be arranged for you.
TREKKING FAQ.
Q. What to bring on trekking?
- Waterproof rucksack with day pack
- Sleeping bag (covering at least 3 seasons)
- Roll mats and insulation pads
- Comfortable hiking boots, light walking trainers thongs (flip - flops)
- Gaiters (useful when encountering snow)
- Wooden walking stick / ski pole
- Sunglasses or snow – goggles, sun hat, balaclava or woolen hat
- Warm scarf, gloves, mittens and thermal underwear
- Sweaters / jumpers, anorak / raincoat, water and windproof pants, jackets, t-shirt, several pairs of socks
- Long sleeved shirt with collar, small towel, toiletries and toilet paper
- Sunscreen and lip salve
- First – aid kit and insect repellent
- Flash light (head mounted preferable) and spare batteries
- Pocket knife
- Sewing / repair kit
- Water bottle
- Whistle, some plastic bags
- Camera with spare film and batteries
- Notepad with pen/pencil
Q. When is the best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru or trekking on Ngorongoro Crater Highland?
Mount Kilimanjaro and mount Meru can be climbed all year around as well as Ngorongoro Crater Highland hiking you just put on the rain cloth during the rain season.
Q. Does climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro involve technicalities?
Not at all, climbing Kilimanjaro does not involve technicalities as it is only walking up the mountain.You just need to be in a good breathing system to cope with the altitude change as you go up because oxigen becomes thin.
Q. Can children climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?
The minimum age for trekking up the Uhuru peak (the top of Kilimanjaro) is 12 years.
Q. What if one of us get sick and has to return?
If one from your group gets seriously ill, turn to the guide and he will contact the headquarter to bring the rescue team which will work with your assistant guide to bring the sick person down and if necessary to the hospital while the others proceed with the head guide to the peak. Instructions about thesse matters are also given at the start of your climb.
ZANZIBAR FAQ.
Q. When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar can be visited throughout the year and the rain seasons does not affect much since it mostly rains during the night or early morning so you can still enjoy your beach holiday during the day as well as the sun burn.
Q. Can I wear shorts in Stone Town?
More than 95% of the population in Zanzibar are muslims, so it is not really recommended for the women to wear shorts in Stone Town. You better wear something which covers your shoulders and the knee as well. But in the beach areas especially close to the resort or lodge you can put on a short or swimsuit.
Q. Can the month of Ramadhan affect my holiday and if yes, in what way?
No, the month of Ramadhan can not affect your holiday in Zanzibar just make sure during the day you eat and drink at your hotel because smoking, eating and drinking in the street will be offending but at evening most of the restaurants and street foodstalls will be active, there you can eat with them, alcohol is usually not served in muslim facilities.
Q. How can I travel from Arusha to Zanzibar?
The fastest way to travel from Arusha to Zanzibar is by flight, there are more than three flights a day from Arusha to Zanzibar and it takes one hour.The other means of travel is by bus from Arusha to Dar es Salaam which takes 9 hours and from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by Ferry for 1,5 to 2 hours.
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