FAQ: Safari in Tanzania
Safari Questions
What is the safari drive like?
During the safari you will be riding in 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers that have been specially converted for safaris. These vehicles are comfortable and well-maintained, with the ability to get you through muddy patches and rough roads. All vehicles have a safari roof that can be opened to get better views and a feel of the outside. The vehicles have room for five to seven travellers, plus the driver-guide, guaranteeing you a good seat - everyone gets a window!
Can I customize my trip?
Yes! We are happy to take the time to get to know you and your interests and design a customized itinerary. We can highlight specific destinations for you, or if you already have a list of places you want to visit, we can work to create an itinerary that best combines them. Considering your budget will also help determine the best routes and destinations.
Will we have to share a car with other people?
No, if you go on a private safari with Tarakwai, you will not have to share a vehicle with anyone. You, and your friends and family will have their own vehicle and driver guide. We highly recommend this option as opposed to a group safari as you will have more flexibility to shape the safari according to your interests and wishes.
Will I see the Big Five? (Lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo, rhinoceros?)
Our guides are experts in providing you with excellent wildlife sightings, but with no boundaries to restrict movement and with some animals being more elusive than others (such as lions, cheetah and leopards), it would be unfair to guarantee sightings of all the animals. Different parks offer different variations and densities of certain wildlife, however, so if you are keen on seeing a certain species, we can arrange your itinerary to maximize this possibility.
Will I see the great migration?
The great migration is defined by the large herds of wildebeest that travel around the Serengeti plains each year in search of pasture and water. Our guides have knowledge regarding which areas are most likely to have migrations at certain times of the year, and we can work to maximize the chance of seeing the migration on your safari. For instance, the calving season is generally between December and March in the south of the Serengeti.
What’s included on our safari?
INCLUDED: All lodging, all ground transportation (including airport transfers), all park fees and local taxes, all safari activities, all meals and water while on safari, and all light-aircraft flights within Tanzania.
EXCLUDED: International flights to Tanzania, Tanzania entry visa, recommended insurances, gratuities, additional activities, alcoholic and beverage drinks (sodas, wines, champagne, spirits, local beers), meals and drinks on the last day in Arusha, laundry.
Is it dangerous to go on a safari?
There is sometimes concern from visitors about the wild animals on safari. In general, if an animal feels safe, it is extremely unlikely that it will attack. If an animal feels threatened, however, the situation can become dangerous. Our guides are trained to know how, where, and when to keep a safe distance from certain animals. It is always advised to avoid making loud or sudden noises that could make wildlife feel they are under threat.
Can special diets be accommodated?
With advanced notice, special meals such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be arranged. We will communicate your preferences to lodges on your itinerary so they can plan ahead. Please advise us of any serious allergies or dietary needs in advance.
Is Tanzania safe?
In the early 1960s, Tanzania’s first president Julius Nyerere successfully mentored peace and united the numerous separate tribes of Tanzania into one cohesive society. Today, Tanzania still enjoys this peace. On a micro level, Tanzanians are polite, engaging and cordial people. But poverty exists and incidents of pick-pocketing and robbery can happen occasionally. If you avoid too much time in crowded places and keep valuables secure, you will unlikely experience anything unsafe.
What kind of insurance do we need?
We advise visitors to obtain a comprehensive insurance policy before their trip, with the following additions to general medical coverage:
Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Because many camps and lodges require full payment well ahead of time and have somewhat restrictive cancellation policies, we suggest trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Baggage and Personal Effects: We recommend this additional insurance for protection of the important personal effects you may have, such as your passport, wallet, personal items, as well as protection for your luggage being lost or stolen during your trip.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: This type of insurance coverage ensures you can be taken to a hospital of international standards as quickly as possible by air or ambulance, if necessary.
What about malaria and other health issues?
Ask your doctor about any recommended vaccinations, as well as malaria prophylaxis that can be prescribed prior to your trip. Make sure to bring your own mosquito repellent, which is also good for tsetse flies. Ask your doctor about additional vaccinations for Tetanus, Hepatitis, and Typhoid before you come. For additional malaria prevention measures, lodges or camps provide mosquito nets in their rooms.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania?
Kiswahili, otherwise known as Swahili, is the common language of Tanzania. However, English is very widely spoken in Tanzania, particularly in the tourist centers, hotels, lodges and major cities.
Why is Tanzania considered expensive?
The average price of mid-range accommodation in the Northern Safari Circuit is roughly $200 to $300 full board, per night. This is because it is costly to set up comfortable amenities for guests in the middle of the remote wilderness. Also, Tanzania is making concerted efforts towards the protection and expansion of conservation areas, dictating some of the high park fees seen today. All these costs can mean an average of $400 per person, per day for safari.
Through our exceptional connections in the area and our low overhead costs, we are able to reduce our per-person rate to about $300 per day.