4 Day Tanzania Tour
Experience nomadic life with a Hadzabe Tribe, village life with eh Maasai, and wildlife roaming beneath the baobab trees!
This four day tour is an experienced packed adventure including visits to Tarangire, Lake Manyara by way of the Great Rift Valley, Ngorongo Crater, and Lake Eyasi. Along the way, immerse yourself in tribal life, and catch countless wildlife sightings.
- Tanzania Safari tour
- Airport transfers
- Camp or lodge accommodation
- Park fees and crater fees
- 4x4 safari vehicle
- Tarangire National Park
- Great Rift Valley
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Bicycle tour of Lake Manyara
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Optional walking safari
- Lake Eyasi
- Hadzabe Tribe
- Maasai VIllage
- Trip length:
- 4 Day
- Group size:
- 10
- Start:
- Tarangire National Park
- End:
- Tarangire National Park
- Vehicle:
- 4x4 safari vehicle
- Sleep:
- Luxury Lodge, Tented Camp
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
DAY 1: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast depart for Tarangire National Park. Full day game drive in Tarangire National Park. Tarangire has a diverse landscape, with nine vegetation zones. Ancient Baobab trees (the largest trees in Africa) dot the landscape dwarfing the animals that feed beneath them. The Tarangire River, that meanders through the park attracts an abundance of wildlife, from elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, antelopes to a variety of colorful birds. The park is very famous for having the greatest elephant population in Tanzania, and during a safari there you will have the chance of quietly observing many families of elephants interacting. With a stop for a picnic lunch in an observatory inside the park where you will be able to view animals drinking water in the river (and many times lions attacking a thirsty zebra or wildebeest), continue game viewing and finally return to the campsite for dinner.
Possibility for a night game drive in Tarangire.
Overnight in campsite, tented camp or lodge. Our recommendations are Haven Nature tented camp (budget), Maramboi tented Camp (mid-range), Tarangire Safari Lodge (luxury) or Tarangire Sopa Lodge (Luxury+).
DAY 2: Lake Manyara National Park
Depart after breakfast and drive across the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park for a full day game drive. Although only 205 sq. miles in size this enchanting park is noted for its beauty and incredibly lush acacia forest of giant fig and mahogany trees, which are home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. The park is also home to a large numbers of buffalos, giraffes, elephants, impalas and a Hippo lake, where large numbers of hippos usually gather. Well known for its birds (over 400 different species), Lake Manyara is one of the few places where you'll be able to see the Ground Hornbill and the Crested Eagle. This park has become famous for the the climbing lions and the flamingos in the lake shore. The landscapes of these park are absolutely stunning, very different from the Serengeti for example. The game drives are done along the shore of the lake, providing incredible views of giraffes and buffalos in the foreground with the lake, flamingos and flat plains in the horizon. Great photo opportunities! In the afternoon, return to camp for dinner.
Extra tour recommended: Bycicle ride in Lake Manyara.
Overnight in campsite, tented camp or lodge. Our recommendations are Haven Nature tented camp (budget), Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp (mid-range), Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge (luxury) or Manyara Serena Lodge (Luxury+).
DAY 3: Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast we will drive a little to the 8th natural wonder of the world - the Ngorongoro Crater. With walls 2,000 ft high and a crater floor that spreads for 102 sq. miles, the crater is a virtual Noah's Ark, inhabited by almost every species of wildlife indigenous to East Africa including the rare black rhino. In fact, the crater has the greatest concentration of wild life in the planet. It contains a river, several swamps, a soda lake that, from the top, looks like steam, full of flamingoes, a forest and open plains. The large bull elephants that reside here have extremely large tusk, due to the rich mineral content of the volcanic soil and its grasses. They are the most incredible elephants you'll ever see in your life. Descend down to the crater floor for a day of wildlife viewing in one of the most incredible places on Earth. After a stop for a picnic lunch near the hippo lake and more wildlife viewing in the afternoon, drive up the steep road out of the crater.
Possibility for an afternoon walking safari in Ngorongoro highlands.
Evening transfer to Lake Eyasi. Overnight at public campsite or tented lodge. We recommend Lake Eyasi public campsite (budget), Tindiga tented camp (mid-range) or Kisima Ngeda (Luxury).
DAY 4: Hunt With the Hadzabe and Visit Masai village
Very early in the morning, before breakfast, join the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last true nomadic tribes of Africa, in a fascinating hunting or fruit gathering session. This is something absolutely unique and out of the beaten track which is a great cultural experience and authentic while providing incredible opportunities for world class photography. After staying a while with the tribe, visit the beautiful Lake Eyasi, a seasonal shallow salt lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley at the base of the Serengeti Plateau.
In the afternoon visit a traditional Masai village that is by no means a touristic show. In fact, many visitors to Tanzania consider this visit to be the greatest highlight of their trip. During the tour, you will be guided by a Maasai Chief, who will show you the village, how the Maasai live, their habits, how they cook, how they take care of livestock, what and how they study, dance, etc. Opportunity to watch the village women perform a local traditional dance. The whole experience provides fantastic photo opportunities.
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable Shirt & Pants
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes (worn frequently prior to departure)
- Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination - ensure boots fit such combination
- Running shoes or sandals for evening
- T Shirts
- Shirt - Long Sleeved
- Pants - lightweight long trousers (jeans are suitable)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
EQUIPMENT/OTHER
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Hand sanitizing lotion
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking, Chlorine Dioxide (water purification tablet for water sterlisation).
- wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased.
- Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies and snack foods.
- Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher,passport photo (x 3)
- Health requirements arranged
- Swiss army knife
- Whistle to attract attention in the event of an emergency.
- Spare Boot Laces
- Toiletries
- Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
- Alarm clock and torch/flashlight - headlamp style is ideal
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and lip balm
- Ear plugs & eye mask can assist light sleepers
- Refillable water bottle - Min 1 Litre Aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best
What is included
TRANSPORT
- 4x4 safari vehicle
MEALS
-
All meals (Breakfasts, lunches and dinners)
ACCOMMODATION
- Luxury Lodge, Tented Camp
OTHER
- Local Guide
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where do I get more information about the tour?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack?
Once you’ve confirmed your booking, we send out trip-specific pre-departure information with a general packing list as well as a list of any other special items you may need to bring.
What immunisations do I need?
Immunisations vary from country to country and we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations. In some places anti-malaria medication may also be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure, so allow plenty of time. It is also important that you obtain a certificate of vaccination and you must carry this with you on your trip. Please note that in some cases a certificate of vaccination is compulsory in order to obtain a visa.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
We recommend you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments such as colds, diarrhoea, blisters and sore throats etc. Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply. Asthma sufferers should ensure that they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine, as some major cities have high levels of smog.
How much luggage do I need to take?
As a general rule, the less luggage you bring with you, the better. You’ll probably be buying souvenirs and the like along the way, so leave some space! There will be times when you will be carrying your luggage on and off public transport, so you should consider travelling with a backpack or a soft duffel bag. Suitcases aren’t suitable for these types of holidays. Each airline has specific rules as to luggage allowances, so check directly with them or ask your travel consultant to confirm for you.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Sometimes. This varies depending on which trip you are booking on, and we will let you know in the info pack that we send to you on confirmation of your booking.
Do I organise my own Visa for Tanzania?
Guests visiting Tanzania must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of travel and should have two blank pages available in their passport. It is a good idea to obtain a visa for Tanzania before leaving your country of origin; however, visas can also be obtained at the airport on arrival. It is usually a very quick and simple procedure, though queues can get quite long if your flight was very busy and / or there are several arrivals at the same time. Notable exceptions include but are not limited to:American and Irish citizens - need to pay USD 100, and must purchase a multiple entry visa (since September 2007)Pakistani citizens – need to pay USD 200
Nationalities requiring a referred visa : Lebanon, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Somalia, Afghanistan, Senegal, Mali, Iran, Iraq, Ethiopia, Syria, Egypt, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Niger, Liberia. Citizens from these countries need to apply in advance through their Tanzanian embassy abroad.
Remember that if you intend to fly to Nairobi and then travel on to Tanzania, you will require a transit visa at USD 20 per person, or if re-entering Kenya afterwards, maybe a multiple entry visa to enter Kenya, even if it is only for a few hours. The visa for Kenya and Tanzania is also USD 50 per person for each country (except for American and Irish citizens, as above).
Do I need travel insurance?
It is compulsory that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your policy MUST cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation. Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel your holiday. Insurance should therefore be organised at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that would require you to cancel before travelling. Your tour guide will need two copies of your policy - the Tour Guide and our Ground Operator will keep one copy each in the unlikely event of an emergency. The copies must show the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.
Does the tour price included international flights?
The prices quoted on the site do not include international flights.
Are there special health requirements when visiting Tanzania?
Visitors must be vaccinated against yellow fever no less than 10 days prior to travel to Tanzania and need to produce a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate at the point of entry. If you do not have one, you will be given an injection at the airport. If you cannot have a yellow fever injection for medical reasons, you will need to produce a doctor's letter stating these reasons. Tanzania is also located in a malaria area and malaria prophylactics are highly recommended. Please consult your medical practitioner when planning your trip.
Can I book accommodation at the start and/or end of the tour?
Yes. In all cases, we can organise extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour. Just let us know and we’ll organise a quote for you.
What form of transport do we use?
For general transport throughout South Africa we use an air-conditioned minibus or private van. Game viewing will mostly be done in a 4x4 open safari vehicle, perfect for game viewing. Each tour varies so please refer to your tour info panel on the top right hand side of the page.
Is there a best time to visit Africa on a Safari?
If your main goal when visiting Africa is to go on a safari then our winter months from May to August into October are the best.
Female Travellers
A female traveller should always follow the dressing codes. Too short dresses will bring you unwanted attention.
In Islamic communities like Zanzibar you should cover your knees and shoulders. Tight trousers will also bring you unwanted attention. We advise our female travellers to rather take a taxi than walking alone after dark, not to show off your valuables or very expensive jewellery, not to leave your drinks on the table when going to the ladies room.
Do I need to bring a travel adapter?
South Africa and its neighbouring countries have 220V power. It is best to bring your own travel adapter. You will need WA7 for northern Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and WA10L for South Africa.
Private tours and families
Can I organise a private tour?
Of course! If there’s a minimum of two people, pick an existing itinerary and contact us and we can arrange the trip as a private tour. Or if you’re after something a bit different, if you have a minimum of four people for a trip, contact us and we can put together a tailored and personally designed itinerary for you
Im travelling with young children. Is a safari a suitable holiday?
Tanzania is child friendly and makes a great safari destination for families. A safari to the African wilderness of Tanzania can be the single most rewarding family vacation experience. The educational opportunities and enriching activities are endless. The guides and lodge staff love children and they will receive lots of extra attention and careful looking after. However, special consideration must be given to safety when traveling with young children.
Please note that many safari lodges and camps are not fenced and that wildlife does move freely in and around these areas. Under no circumstances should you let your child wander alone or out of your sight. When traveling with children it is important to follow the safety instructions of your guide and from the lodge and camp staff with regard to moving to and from your tent and while on wildlife game drives. You should not move to and from your tent / room during the night without being escorted. Some specific recommendations to make your family safari more rewarding are noted below:
Diversify your safari experience with cultural activities including visiting a Maasai village and a local Tanzanian school (come prepared with school supplies) along with traditional wildlife game drives. It's an enlightening experience for children to see how other children live including both the Maasai and rural children.
Incorporate educational nature walks guided by traditional Maasai warriors where kids can track footprints and learn about the little things like dung beetles and various medicinal plants.Plan a diverse itinerary including lodges with swimming pools and try to group lodges in two night bundles where feasible. One or two nights private camping makes a wonderful family experience with roaring campfires, bush dinners and thrilling nocturnal sounds. We do recommend private luxury camps for young children, as the bathrooms are ensuite.Zanzibar makes a great post safari extension including some time on the beach and a historical and cultural walking tour of ancient Stone Town.Have your driver guide teach you a few Swahili words each day.
Bring small games like hand held video games, walk-man for listening to music and other items to pass the time in transit.Dehydration and sunburns can be a problem so make sure your children drink lots of water and use ample amounts of sun block.Request adjoining rooms and family suites. Mbalageti Tented Lodge (ideal for a family of four) offers the best family suite with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, dinning room and a family room with TV.
Its good idea for each child to have their own camera and binoculars as this makes things more interesting and interactive.Provide each child with an animal checklist to record their sightings including the animal names in Swahili.
Booking the trip
Do I need to book online?
No. Whilst this site is designed to make booking as easy as possible, we appreciate that sometimes it’s nice to talk to a human being, so give us a call! We can do the whole booking procedure over the phone.
How do I know if the tour is available?
To see the scheduled departure dates just click the “Check Dates” button on the top right of the page. To ensure the scheduled departure is going ahead send us an email to info@worldlypeople.org and we get back to you within a couple of hours.
How far in advance do I need to book?
There is no guarantee as to when other people will book and hence when the tour will fill up. Our advice is that as soon as you know which one you want to book, don’t delay - put your name down as soon as possible, that way you won’t be disappointed.However, we can usually take bookings for most of our tours right up until the departure date if there are spaces left, so have a look at the availability, and if there’s still space we’ll gladly take your booking
When is final payment on tours due ( for deposit payments )
The final payment is due in full 56 days before the departure of your trip. If you’ve booked your trip within 56 days of the departure date, full payment is needed.
Who travels with us
How fit do I need to be?
Our holidays are fun and can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, some trips visit remote areas where medical facilities are very limited or non-existent, so you must be in good health. There are some other factors to consider: bumpy roads, dust, traffic, delays and unfamiliar customs and cultures may all create additional demands. You will also have to carry your own bags so bear that in mind when deciding if you really need that other pair of shoes.
Is this trip for me?
These trips appeal to people who want the fun, freedom and flexibility of independent travel, but want to make the most of their time and prefer that someone else takes care of the hassles and organisation – queuing for tickets and looking for a hotel at night can be a real drag! These trips are also for people who want to get a deeper understanding of the region they visit - our innovative itineraries and exceptional team leaders make this happen. Or perhaps you are a single traveller and like the safety and companionship of travelling with a few others, sharing the experiences and adventures together.
The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you’re on the ‘other side’ of 40, then that’s great too! Please bear in mind that these trips are designed for travellers and our trips are go, go, go! Essential on your list of things to pack are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easygoing attitude. On these trips you don’t pay for unnecessary extras – that’s why the prices are so good. We include many of the must see sights, but keep plenty of free time aside so you can go on your own way and make your own discoveries. Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down. You might spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but certainly a real highlight, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible - although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing.
Is this a typical group tour?
Most travellers consider themselves independent travellers, rather than typical group travellers. This is just as well because these tours are a long way from your typical group tour - freedom and flexibility are fundamental! There are usually around 8 people on a trip (the maximum is 14), and you’ll find that the excellent tour prices offer a real alternative to backpacking. Our travellers want to explore places at a grassroots level, and have a great time while they do this.
Single and Individual travellers
A safari is the ideal tour for individualists and independent travellers Please keep in mind that most of the lodges and camp require a single supplement for single-bed rooms and you will still have to pay the same price for vehicles and staff as would a group.
Who will I travel with?
Every group is different, however you'll generally travel with a mix of nationalities from all over the world.
How large are the groups?
The maximum group size is 13 passengers per vehicle or tour guide, with the average being 9.
Cost and Fees
What's included in the tour price?
Please refer to the “what’s included” section on your tour page for the most up to date information.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Can I pay the local payment in local currency?
The local payment needs to be paid in the currency indicated in the itinerary and final invoice. Most tours will have this included in the tour price. Please check the included section above.
What is the best way to take money with me?
A combination of cash, an ATM card and perhaps a credit card as back-up is good. Travellers cheques are a safe way to carry money, however travellers can find it difficult in some areas to exchange them.
As a general rule, American dollars are accepted throughout the world, but make sure you have small denomination bills, and that they are not ripped or marked, as this may affect your ability to change them. And remember to check with your bank about using your bank cards overseas.
Do I need to tip the local guide?
Your tour guide works hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your tour guide for his or her services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour.
Currency and Foreign Exchange
The currency is the Rand (ZAR), denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Change.
Whilst on tour
Will my mobile phone work?
Do you really want to take your phone with you? One of the biggest pleasures about getting away is leaving telephones and computers behind! However, if you really do want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with the countries you are travelling to, and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on.
Can I do a section of the tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to just do sections of the tour. Some of the longer tours are made up of smaller tours completed back-to-back, and hence might be possible to book separately. It may be possible to arrange a private charter for you from a section of the tour so please contact us.
Can I bring gifts for people?
If you want to give something to the local people please bring something useful like pens or school books, not lollies. The other thing we insist upon is that gifts are distributed in an organised and responsible manner - either through the headmaster of a school or ask your tour leader what the most beneficial approach is. Some children, and even adults, may ask for things on the street, in villages, etc, and although giving a ‘present’ may give both of you a brief moment of joy, handing things out like this only encourages begging and is destructive in the long term.
Do you use qualified local tour guides?
All guides are well trained, experienced and the majority of the time South African born. By law we are required to use CATHSSETA registered and qualified guides with professional driver’s licenses.
One of the main reasons many travellers choose us is the fact that we prefer to exclusively use tour guides who were born and raised in the region. They are highly qualified, speak excellent English and their intimate knowledge of their homeland enables them to show you things that other travellers miss out on. Travelling with a local tour guide means that you enjoy a uniquely local perspective. Throughout the regions we visit, our operators possess a wealth of knowledge and experience, so you can be confident you’re in safe hands. They are out in the field, continually monitoring and refining our adventures to ensure we offer the most innovative trips, as well as the best value for money.
What will the food be like?
Experiencing the local flavours is definitely a highlight on our trips. Our local tour guides take you to out of the way places and experience the best and most interesting cuisine of the cultures you visit. The guides’ local knowledge will mean you can decipher menus, get useful tips on what to try, and visit all the most interesting restaurants and markets. There will always be a very strong local influence in the food, which we believe is what travel is all about.
What about if I am a vegetarian? Or if I have a special diet?
No problem at all! The only important thing is that you let us know in advance, so we can inform our local tour guides. That way, they can look out for you and make sure you are looked after in the local restaurants. It is important to realise that in some places your diet might be slightly limited, as meat can form an integral part of the local diet. If in doubt, ask our consultants for their first-hand knowledge of each individual destination.
What will the weather be like?
Check our weather widget on the right side of the page for up to date information on the weather conditions. Otherwise, send us an email and we will let you know how things are at the moment!
How much Luggage do I take on a Safari?
For overland Safari, the best type of luggage to bring is a backpack or soft bag. Packing space in Safari vehicles is limited, only one bag is allowed, but you should also have a daypack for all of your personal items/camera/binoculars. Hard suitcases are usually scuffed or damaged in transit and are inappropriate for a game safari.
Should I be worried about Personal Safety?
When travelling independently on your African safari, stay informed in terms of the local news. Ask at your hotel about any unsafe areas, and codes of dress and behaviour. Don't openly carry valuables. If you must carry your passport and money, keep them in a buttoned-down pocket. It is important to use common sense and not visit unsafe areas to ensure a safe holiday.
Is Game Viewing safe?
Your guide will always do a safety talk with you, whether your game viewing is to be done from a vehicle, or on foot. Wildlife is potentially dangerous, but as long as you adhere to what you guide tells you, there is very little to worry about. At viewpoints, hides and camps, wildlife is more familiar with people and less intimidated by your presence. Never tease or corner wild animals - this may cause an unpredictable response and a potentially dangerous reaction. Never feed any animals, as this can cause them to lose their fear of humans.
Do they speak English in Africa?
Yes, there are 11 officially recognised languages, most of them indigenous to South Africa. English is one of these, and everywhere you go, you can expect to find people who speak and understand it. Especially in hotels and whilst on tour.
Should I be worried about malaria?
You do not need to be worried about malaria, just informed. The risk of malaria should not stop you from going on safari - malaria is preventable and treatable. The only people who should perhaps avoid malaria areas are small children, pregnant women and those with a compromised immune system.
We recommend that you take anti-malarial prophylactic medication as prescribed by your doctor or travel clinic, before travelling to Africa. Preventing mosquito bites is also important, so remember to bring insect repellent. Most (but not all) game lodges and safari camps have mosquito nets hanging over the bed.
Should I be worried about crime?
Safety is paramount for us, and we will never recommend a destination or activity we consider unsafe for tourists. We consider South Africa to be as safe - if not safer - than many other major tourist destinations around the world.
Crime is a reality in every major city in the world however, and the key is to use common sense and avoid risky situations or known problem areas. Your guide and lodge will be happy to advise you. Going on safari is also quite safe. As long as you abide by the rules and stay in your vehicle or with your safari guide, there is no need to be concerned about wild animals. In the Kruger Park, each camp is safely enclosed with an electric fence.
Snakes
Snakes are common throughout Africa but they are seldom encountered on safaris. There are a few python sightings reported in the trees that line Silale Swamp in Tarangire but that is the normal extent of snake sightings. The vast majority of tourists never see a snake while on safari.
Tsetse flies and Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are present but they are generally not active during the day. The African Mosquito is most active from dusk to dawn. To combat mosquitoes in the evenings, we recommend bringing along something with at least 10% deet; whether you use a lotion or spray is simply a personal preference, but some find that lotions are easier to pack.
Tsetse flies are worse than the average fly and they are mainly found in the woodlands, and their bite does hurt. There is no insect repellent that is effective against the tsetse fly. The best protection is to wear long sleeves, pants and socks and to roll the windows up when you are driving through a tsetse fly infested area. Additionally, dark blue and black colors attract tsetse flies and it is recommended not to wear these colors when game driving in tsetse areas. Tsetse flies require the thick bush and woodlands to breed and survive. The open plains of the Southern and Eastern Serengeti as well as the Ngorongoro Crater and the southerly parts of the Central Serengeti are tsetse free. The highest concentrations of tsetse flies are found in Tarangire National Park and the Western Serengeti. Please keep in mind that if it weren't for the tsetse fly, many of the parks and reserves in Tanzania would simply not exist in their current capacity. The tsetse fly is commonly referred to as the 'greatest conservationist in Africa'! The tsetse fly transmits a blood parasite that causes the 'sleeping sickness' in cattle but is very rarely transmitted to humans in East Africa. Wild animals are immune to this disease. The tsetse fly has inadvertently forced ranchers and their cattle out of areas like the Serengeti and Tarangire leaving these important refuges ecologically intact for use by their native and wild inhabitants.
Most people have no adverse reactions but some individuals have an allergic reaction and the area around the bite mark swells and becomes itchy and irritated. Benadryl makes a product called the 'Benadryl Itch Relief Stick'. This handy little stick can relieve the itch of bites and is highly recommended.
Wild Animals
Please be aware that our safaris may take you into close contact with wild animals. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but no safari into the African wilderness can guarantee that this will not occur. Please note that many safari lodges and camps are not fenced and that wildlife does move freely in and around these areas. Always follow the safety instructions from the lodge or camp's staff with regards to moving to and from your tent and while on game activities throughout your safari.
Please be especially cautious and informed when staying at a private camp or the smaller tented lodges. Please make sure that if you have small children with you, to not let them out of your sight or wander alone. There will be a security briefing at most tented lodges upon arrival but do not hesitate to voice your concerns to the staff or your guide. Many of the smaller tented lodges will escort you to and from your tent for dinner. Under no circumstances should you move to and from your tent / room during the night without being escorted. When staying at a private camp, you must not wander out of the campsite and you must always be escorted to and from your tent.