If your question is not answered in this section, have a look at our Safari Tips or General FAQ; if still not, please do not hesitate to contact us! We will do our best to assist you.

• What to bring on safari?
• What if it rains?
• When is the best time to visit the parks?
• How close do I get to the animals?
• Do your vehicles have open roofs?
• Is there a lot of driving between the parks?
• What is included in your prices and what are additional costs?
• Do I have to pay extra for taking pictures inside the parks?
• We are a group of 7 people. Do we get a discount?
• I am alone. How can I join others for safari?
• We are a couple. Can we go on safari by ourselves?
• Suitcase or backpack for safari?
• We are interested to see Haadzabe Bushmen at Lake Eyasi. How can we get there and what type of activities are offered?
• Can I leave excess luggage behind whilst on safari or trekking?
• What kind of accommodation is available on safari?

• What to bring on safari?
  
  It really depends on what type of safari you have chosen. In any case, the following is recommended:

• Flashlight;
• Sunscreen, Lip salve;
• Sunglasses, Sun hat;
• Insect repellent;
• Binoculars;
• Camera with zoom lenses;
• Spare film and batteries;
• Towel, Toiletries;
• Long sleeved shirt;
• Long trousers;
• Warm sweater;
• Sleeping bag;
• Small daypack.

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• What if it rains?
  
  In the Northern Circuit, the longer rain season (masika) starts in mid March and ends in May. There is also a short rain season (vuli) for approximately two weeks in November. Contrary to beliefs, it does not rain all day long; rain showers are usually in the evenings, during the night and in the early 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. Tents are waterproof and can stand heavy showers.

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• When is the best time to visit the parks?
  
  Serengeti National Park: all year round (the biggest animal migrations occur from October to June);
  Ngorongoro Conservation Area: all year round;
  Lake Manyara National Park: all year round;
  Tarangire National Park: dry season;
  Arusha National Park: all year round.

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• How close do I get to the animals?
  
  It is important to follow the park regulations. The guide is not allowed to drive off the tracks to approach 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 tracks. So, you will most likely get »up close and personal« with the wildlife, 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!

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• Do your vehicles have open roofs?
  
  All vehicles are custom made for safaris with pop-up roofs for outstanding viewing. But be careful, sun can get very hot during the day and to avoid sunburn do not forget to wear sunscreen or maybe long sleeves!

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• Is there a lot of driving between the parks?
  
  This is in fact dependant 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 4-5 day tour. And one more thing, the game viewing in the national parks can be done only within the park opening hours, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.!

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• What is included in your prices and what are additional costs?
  
  All our prices are quoted in US dollars (US$) per person and in general consist of park entrance fees, rescue fees, camping/hut/lodge costs, full board/a cook, English speaking guide, 4x4 vehicle, camping equipment, unlimited game viewing within park opening hours, if not stated otherwise under a specific tour.

Items of personal nature (e.g. toiletries, phone calls, souvenirs, bottled water, beer, cigarettes etc.), accommodation and meals before/after the tour, medical and personal insurance, and tipping to the crew are not included in our prices.

When on safari, if you would like to stop at Maasai villages to take photographs, you will have to pay an entrance fee and most likely an extra for taking pictures of the local people (this is negotiable). If you want to have a stopover at the Olduvai Gorge, you will need to pay a moderate entrance fee.

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• Do I have to pay extra for taking pictures inside the parks?
  
  No. You can film and photograph as much as you want, so remember to bring spare batteries and film. But note that most likely you will be asked to pay if you take pictures of the locals. However, professional TV crews need to apply for special filming permits. Contact us for additional information.

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• We are a group of 7 people. Do we get a discount?
  
  Certainly. We have prepared special rates for larger groups. Since the discount depends on the tour you have chosen, please contact us for additional information.

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• I am alone. How can I join others for a safari?
  
  If you are flexible about departure dates and itineraries, we could sign you up to one of our groups with other people who have already booked. Take a look also for our Special Promotions and Last Minute Deals, where we advertise tours for people to join in.

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• We are a couple. Can we go on safari by ourselves?
  
  Certainly you can go on your own private safari, together with your driver guide and a cook, if you decide for a basic camping option. But please note that the price is dependant on the number of people on safari.

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• Suitcase or backpack for safari?
  
  Actually it depends on the tour that you have chosen; if you have decided for a lodge safari and flying between the mainland and the coast, a suitcase would be acceptable, otherwise bring a backpack.

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• We are interested to see Haadzabe Bushmen at Lake Eyasi. How can we get there and what type of activities are offered?
  
  Some of our pre-arranged Safari Tours already include a visit to Haadzabe; however when you book any safari with us, you can add two days to visit the Haadzabe tribe in Lake Eyasi. It can be added to your itinerary after visiting Lake Manyara or on the way from Ngorongoro and Serengeti back to Arusha.

We can also arrange to see »the Bushmen« if you decide for the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands trek (more).

In Lake Eyasi the most exiting activity is to go hunting with »the real Bushmen« and thus experience how to survive in the wilderness! You can learn something about their unique way of living and unusual customs and traditions. Sightseeing around Lake Eyasi can be arranged as well, where large flocks of flamingoes can be observed.

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• 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.

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• 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 tour.

For more details have a look at our Safari Accommodation section.

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