6 Day Tanzania & Village Safari
Fantastic, fascinating wildlife abounds on this six-day trip that begins in Arusha and visits the magical landscape of Tarangire before entering the Great Rift Valley and enjoying the birdlife at Lake Manyara.
Next, Serengeti and its endless plains provide the highlights, before we continue to the incredible crater of Ngorongoro. Your safari is enjoyed from the comfort of your own private vehicle, while accommodation on this ‘Basic’ category trip is at the lodge in Arusha and public campsites in Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- Tanzania Safari tour
- Airport transfers
- 5 nights accommodation
- All park fees and crater fees
- Mto wa Mbu Village Tour
- 4x4 safari vehicle
- Relaxing evening in Arusha
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Trip length:
- 6 Day
- Group size:
- 10
- Start:
- Kilimanjaro Airport
- End:
- Kilimanjaro Airport
- Vehicle:
- 4x4 safari vehicle
- Sleep:
- Boutique Hotel, Tented Camp, Lodge
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
DAY 1 – KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO ARUSHA
Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by one of our experienced driver guides, ready to greet and escort you to Arusha and your chosen hotel. He will introduce you to this wonderful city and country.!
After your long flight, you will be pleased to discover that Arusha – the undisputed ‘safari capital’ of East Africa- is perched at 1400 meters above sea level, keeping the temperatures and humidity relatively low. All around this important city are some of Tanzania’s greatest delights. Mount Meru towers above Arusha, while even distant Kilimanjaro can be seen on a clear day. Arusha provides the ideal starting-point for safari-lovers, within reach of Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
The city even has its own natural attraction, Arusha National Park, close by. Named after the Wa-arusha residents of the town, this busy agricultural, administrative and tourist centre is the perfect place to relax after a long journey… and before you set off on safari, the holiday of a lifetime. Welcome to Arusha and welcome to Tanzania!
Accommodation: Planet Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
Journey time and Distance: 1 hour, 55 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha
DAY 2 – ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Today we set out early, collecting you from your Arusha hotel and heading south to stunning Tarangire National Park. We arrive at your campsite by noon, in time for a pleasant lunch. Your afternoon game-drive will reveal all the wonders of Tarangire, a National Park often referred to as the ‘Elephant Playground’. Herds of up to 300 of these mighty mammals are sometimes seen in the park.
Serengeti may be better known, but Tarangire in the dry season easily rivals it for animal densities. As well as the herds of elephant Tarangire is home to buffalo, lion, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle while gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx are ‘local specialties’. Lake Burungi’s marshy shores are the lure for these mammals and the waters attract many beautiful bird species, too. Look out for giant kingfishers, hoopoes and the delightfully-named white-bellied go-away bird. Tarangire is noted for its splendid baobab trees, rolling savannah and acacia woodland. At the end of an inspiring afternoon amongst the wildlife, we retire to the campsite for an evening meal and some rest.
Accommodation: Tarangire Campsite
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
Journey time and Distance: 2 hours, 120 km from Arusha to Tarangire National Park
DAY 3 – TARANGIRE TO LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
After our breakfast at the campsite, we collect picnic lunch box and leave Tarangire early and enjoy a short, pleasant morning drive to Lake Manyara. First of all, we enjoy this morning exploring the stunning landscape of the park, looking for wildlife on the plains, in the acacia woodlands and by the shores of the shallow alkaline lake.
Lake Manyara is rightly famous for its tree-climbing lions, but they’re far from the only highlight: by the end of an exhilarating afternoon, you could easily have spotted elephant, hippo, wildebeest, buffalo and giraffe, plus many other species. Pink-hued flamingos, one of 400 bird species recorded here, provide a splash of colour. At the end of the afternoon, it’s back to your campsite for some relaxation and a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Twiga Campsite
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
Journey time and Distance: 2 hours, 115 km from Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
DAY 4 – LAKE MANYARA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, we collect our lunch boxes and leave Lake Manyara National Park. Our journey takes us west and north, our exciting destination being a name familiar to everyone – the Serengeti! Along the way, the sheer scale of the territory and the raw beauty of the landscapes reveal themselves and your driver-guide will help you to spot animals and birds. This is just a preview of things to come, for the Serengeti is home to what is possibly the world’s greatest gathering of wildlife.
After enjoying a picnic lunch, you’ll be eager to pursue some more great wildlife-spotting opportunities in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set in the grasslands, savannahs, woods and mountain scenery, which creature will show itself next? These ‘endless plains’ are home to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, hippo and crocodile… the adventure has truly begun. At the end of the afternoon, exhausted and exhilarated, it’s back to your campsite for dinner and to talk about the many fantastic experiences you’ve had today.
Accommodation: Seronera Campsite
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
Journey time and Distance: 4.5 hours, 205 km from Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
DAY 5 – SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR
The exciting sounds of Africa will rouse you from your sleep. We make the most of the day with a 08:00 start, heading off on our morning game-drive. Later, the adventure will continue when we travel up to Ngorongoro, another African icon.
It’s almost impossible to spend too much time in Serengeti and with more than 1.6 million herbivores – plus thousands of predators – there’s always something new and interesting to see. The changing seasons and natural light simply add to the diversity. This morning your driver-guide will help you spot some more of the many species at Serengeti, teaching you about their fascinating habits and habitats.
After a pleasant picnic lunch, it’s time to drive eastwards to visit another spectacular setting for Tanzania’s wildlife, the famous Ngorongoro Crater. On arrival, settle in at the campsite while a tasty, hot dinner is prepared for you. Tomorrow, the wonders of the crater await us.
Accommodation: Simba Campsite
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
Journey time and Distance: 3.5 hours, 145 km from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Tour
DAY 6 – NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR TO AIRPORT
Today may be ‘departure day’, but there will be plenty of time to enjoy another true spectacle, before your thoughts turn to home. Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as a wonder of the world and your early morning game drive shows you why.
First, there’s the volcanic caldera (the world’s largest), full of grassland, forest and swamp, a setting of jaw-dropping beauty. Secondly, the permanent water of the crater floor supports a resident population of more than 25,000 large mammals. Here you’ll find many of the reasons you chose to come on safari: elephant, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal, wallowing hippo, waterbuck, baboons… even the rare black rhino finds shelter here.
Sharing this awesome space with the animals are the Maasai, grazing their cattle in an area which has been a separate conservation area since 1956 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. This harmonious co-habitation of man and beast makes Ngorongoro unique in Tanzania and your driver guide will be pleased to explain this incredible co-existence to you.
After your early morning game drive, we have our picnic lunch in the crater before we return to the airport for your flight home. You will drive for 5 hours from Ngorongoro Crater floor to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Read Departure Instructions below
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Picnic lunch box
Journey time and Distance: 5 hours, 245 km from Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Airport
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
- Boutique Hotel, Tented Camp, Lodge
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.