Pre Safari Information

Below we have put together some useful information specific to your safari tour to make traveling more enjoyable.  You may also wish to purchase a guidebook to read about the history, local customs, and travel tips for East Africa. 

YOU WILL FIND THE FOLLOWING USEFUL TO BRING WITH YOU ON SAFARI

 

[  ]    Passport, valid for 6 months after departure from Africa
[  ]    Visas – required for Kenya & Tanzania for US, Canadian & UK citizens
          All other Nationalities please contact respective Consulates or Embassies
[  ]    Journal for recording wildlife seen.
[  ]    Money belt in which to carry valuables
[  ]    Small flashlight
[  ]    Small alarm clock
[  ]    Swiss army knife
[  ]    Insect repellent with a high concentration of DEET
[  ]    Electrical Converter (220 volts) and Adapter (3-hole type)
[  ]    Any medicines or prescriptions you will need while on safari
[  ]    Anti-malaria pills
[  ]    Sunglasses
[  ]    Disposable towelettes
[  ]    Chapstick, moisturizing cream and sun block
[  ]    Binoculars
[  ]    Camera equipment and ample film or memory sticks
[  ]    Extra batteries (it can prove difficult to re-charge only one set)
[  ]    Daypack or shoulder bag to carry items on game drives
[  ]    Sweater, safari jacket or other lightweight coat
[  ]    Hat, sun visor or scarf
[  ]    Several pairs of shorts, slacks, shirts, blouses, skirts
[  ]    Swimsuit
[  ]    Comfortable walking shoes, casual shoes (2 pairs)
[  ]    Ballpoint pen and paper for notes
(inexpensive ballpoint pens are much appreciated by school children)                           

 

CLIMATE, CLOTHING AND PACKING
Although Tanzania is south of the equator, only the coast Dar es Salaam has tropical weather.  Here you can expect temperatures in the mid 80's, with humidity at about 80%. 

In Arusha and at your safari camps the temperature should be from the mid 70's to 80, and into the 60's at night.  Most of your journey is at moderate altitudes except for Arusha, which is at 6,200 ft and Ngorongoro, which is at about 7,800 ft.

On all flights within East Africa, you are only allowed one piece of luggage per person, preferably a duffel bag or other soft-sided piece, and not to exceed 15 kgs in weight.   The same guideline applies to road transfers due to limited luggage capacity of the safari vehicle.

We recommend that you bring very casual, cotton summer clothes with you on safari.  Visitors on safari have traditionally worn olive, tan or neutral colors that reflect the heat and don't show the inevitable dust.  As most of the roads will be dirt ones, please expect your clothes to get soiled while on game runs.  Nights and early mornings can be chilly, so bring a light jacket or sweater.  Dress in layers that you can remove as the day progresses.  In the bush most of your time will be spent in a safari van, so think comfort first when packing.  Wear lightweight and comfortable walking shoes --heavy boots will not be needed.  You may want to pack a swimsuit, as some of the lodges are equipped with swimming facilities.
You will also need to protect yourself from the equatorial sun.  Make sure to bring a hat or any other head covering you may want.  A scarf (or bandana) is handy for cool mornings or dusty conditions.  Bring sunscreen with a high rating, and insect repellent.  Overall, insects should not be a problem, but it is wise to be prepared. 

MEALS AND ACCOMMODATION

The food is wholesome, plentiful and tasty. The lodges in the game parks are mostly built of local materials and are very comfortable.    Many of the lodges are comprised of small separate huts spread out over scenic grounds. 

SECURITY TIPS
Please exercise the same common sense you would in any other large and unfamiliar place.  Don't tempt fate by leaving cash, jewelry or travelers cheques unattended in the hotel room.   Every lodge or hotel has safe deposit facilities for your valuables.   As most lodges are located inside National parks you are cautioned not to wander alone beyond the lodge premises.   Most tented camps will provide an escort to and from your tent.  If in doubt please contact the reception or your driver / guide.

TRANSPORTATION
While you travel on safari through Tanzania, you will be in a vehicle designed in such a way that each guest has a window view.  It is not air-conditioned, since this is rare in Africa, but open windows provide adequate ventilation.  Please keep in mind that rain can make African roads very muddy and may cause delays.  All of the roads within the national parks are unpaved-- many of the uneven tracks having been created by elephants rather than man!  Much of the journey involves exciting (and sometimes long) days in search of wildlife.  The wonders you will experience on the way, however, will make the many hours in the van well worth it!

Most animals pay little attention to vehicles but readily react to persons on foot.  For obvious reasons you must not leave your vehicle.  Your driver will indicate specifically when and where it's okay to get out.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS, DISABILITY & WHEELCHAIR NOTICE
You should be in good general health for your safari.  Although there is not much walking, there will be long travel days over rough road conditions.  Please consult your physician and local health department for proper immunizations and prescriptions based on your physical condition and medical history.

Not all accommodations are accessible to wheelchairs though there are many friendly people willing to lend assistance. There are no lifts on any of the transportation vehicles. Heart patients should verify with their physicians that the altitudes on tour are within acceptable parameters.  Anyone relying on electricity to support equipment needed for health must be aware that in Africa, electricity at the lodges and hotels is often provided by generators that do not always run through the night.

Your usual immunizations should be up-to-date.  Yellow fever is a requirement.  We recommend that you take precautions against malaria. Protect yourself by wearing socks, a loose long-sleeve shirt and long pants during the dawn and dusk hours when the mosquitoes are most active, and use repellent. Mosquitoes are not usually found at higher elevations.  It is important to take a prescribed anti-malaria tablets course; a few days prior to arrival, during your stay, and for a short period after returning. According to 1973 WHO guidelines a cholera vaccination is no longer required for entry into Tanzania. However, cholera is a risk throughout the country and precautions are essential.

You should obtain a sufficient quantity of your prescription medicines.  Also bring a supply of remedies for the relief of travel sickness, headache, indigestion, etc., since your normal brands may be difficult or expensive to obtain.  Pack all medicines in unbreakable containers and store them in your carry-on bag. Travelers should not drink local tap water.  A bottle of water is provided in the room by most lodges and additional bottles may be purchased.  Bottled water, soda, beer and other beverages can be purchased at lodges throughout the safari.  Remember to drink plenty of fluids. 

PHOTOGRAPHY
Obviously you will want to capture your African safari experience digitally or on film.  The recommended camera for a safari is a DSLR camera with automatic exposure capabilities and interchangeable lenses.  If you're shooting film (rare these days!) bring a variety of film for varying light conditions.  Bring more film or memory cards than you could ever imagine using. Photographic possibilities are endless and your favorite film may be expensive or impossible to find.  (Some people will shoot 4 –5 rolls of film in a day)  Digital photographers can easily fill several 4GB memory cards in a day so you will need some sort of portable storage device to transfer your photos into each night.  Remember to carry extra batteries for every camera and flash unit, especially since most lodges do not operate their generator at night and you will be out on safari for much of the day.  You will also need an electrical converter (220 volts) and adapter (3-hole type) as these are not readily available at the lodges. 

BINOCULARS
You may wish to bring a pair of binoculars – you will find this very useful for game viewing.

ELECTRICITY
Electrical outlets are mostly 220-volt, 3-hole UK type.  Occasionally they are two-hole European type. It would be wise to carry both types of adapters. Most camera battery chargers and lap-top computer transformers automatically convert power from 220 volts to 120 volts; if yours does not, you will need a 220-volt to 120-volt converter. Since some lodges do not run their generators at night, carry extra batteries. 

MONEY MATTERS WHILE ON SAFARI
The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania Shilling.  You may want to change a bit of money into local currency but it is not essential to do so.  You will find that U.S. dollars are widely accepted everywhere, especially cash – notes issued after the year 2001.  You may want to bring small U.S. bills for tips.  Credit cards and Travelers’ Cheques are not widely accepted and using them attracts a surcharge to your bill.   As a general guideline, most guests spend anywhere between $100-$500 in the local markets on souvenirs.  In addition, you will need some extra money for personal expenses, including all beverages, laundry, and the customary gratuity to the safari driver/guide at the end of your trip.  It is advisable to have enough cash for these extra expenses.

ATM machines are available in Arusha but again charges to use them are high with conversion rates used being low - one can only withdraw cash in Tsh at a lower rate and then has to change it into USD at a higher rate if one requires USD. - It is much easier to come with enough cash to pay for the little extras like drinks / tips / small shopping. 

GRATUITIES
Gratuities are customary and are appreciated.  While these are at your own discretion, as a minimum guideline we suggest you allow for approximately $ 30 USD per day for your Driver/Guide, and 1 usd for porters / waiters per person.  For outstanding personal service you are welcome to tip more.

SHOPPING
At many of the smaller shops prices can be negotiated, providing an excellent way to meet the local people up close.  Among the most popular items to purchase are soapstone and wood carvings, batik cloth, copper jewelry, Tanzanian coffee, Maasai bead work, Tanzanite and baskets.

TRIP CANCELLATION
Kindly refer to our booking conditions which highlight our cancellation policy.  Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

VISAS

All travelers must have current passports valid for 6 months after the expected departure date from Africa.  Visas are required for American, Canadian and British citizens, and these are available on arrival. (American Passport holders pay US $100 per person, others pay US $50) Citizens of other countries should consult a visa service or a Tanzanian consulate or Embassy for information on visa requirements.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Wildersun Safaris & Tours (T) Limited.
Physical Address:  Plot 1 Block A, Njiro, Arusha, Tanzania.
Postal Address:   P.O.Box 2587, Arusha, Tanzania.
TEL:  254 8847 & 254 8849.  FAX:  254 8223
Dialling Code:  International - 255 27      From Kenya 00727
EMERGENCY MOBILE # (00) 754 650 650 (Ervin Nunes) &  754 315177 (Lillian Nunes)
Email Address:  wildersun@cybernet.co.tz    Web Site Address:  www.wildersun.com

Betty Sederquist, P. O. Box 797, Lotus CA 95651 • (530) 626-0985 • betty@sederquist.com • www.sederquist.com