Travel Tips

Official language is Kiswahili which is widely spoken and understood by the majority people but English is also widely used and understood.

220/240V, power sockets are UK square pin type. If you want to use US appliances voltage and pug convertors are necessary.

Clothes should be light and comfortable preferably cotton. A light jacket or sweater is needed especially in the evenings which are cool. Comfortable walking shoes are advisory. Hat to keep the sun off, sunglasses plus suncream. Insect repellant spray and flash light are important items to have on safari. Soft sided bags are strongly suggested if taking scheduled flights which have small storage areas which cannot accommodate hard sided suitcases.

Most popular seasons are mid December to  mid March and July to October which coincide with Christmas and winter holidays and summer school breaks. During these times most accommodation has very high rates. The great migration is generally in southern Serengeti during January & February through to March which is the season to give birth to their young.  The long rains are in April – May and short rains in November. Whilst the rainy season is suitable for safaris, it is not best for mountain trekking. Travelling during this time gives good value for money as most lodges have discounted rates.

local unit is the Tanzanian shilling which can easily be converted within Tanzania for other currencies like dollars and other currencies. It is illegal to export more than a small amount not exceeding $50 when leaving. Credit cards are acceptable by many businesses and various ATM machines.

Money Matters –  Coins are 500, 200, 100 and 50 there are no longer 10 and 5 shillings coins.

Visas to Tanzania can be obtained from Tanzania Embassies and Consulates in many countries but can also be obtained at all airports and border crossings. All must be paid in US $

Notes:

All prices quoted in the travel agreement for lodging? are per person per day in U.S. dollars, double or triple occupancy. Single Room Supplement (SRS ) will be applicable except for ordinary ( basic ) camping safari if one decides to occupy his / her own single room.
You can combine different lodgings on your safari. Contact us for a custom quote.

Discounts:

For a group of 8 or more, please do not hesitate to contact us for a special (discounted ) group price.

Prices include:

• Transport with qualified English speaking driver / guide in a 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof hatch for picture perfect and good game viewing.
• Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro Airport (US $15.00 / person one-way (NOT less than 5 people.)
• Camping fees or lodge accommodation.
• All meals as specified ( including skilled cook on camping safari )
• Camping equipment ( for camping safari ), if necessary
• Free supply of mineral water and soft drinks in the vehicle only.
• All National Park , Oldupai , camping ( for camping safari ), crater entry fees
• Office commission
• Government taxes and levies.

Not included in the price:

• Personal Mountain equipment
• Some equipment available for rent
• Accommodation and Meals not specified.
• Entry Visas
• Airport departure taxes
• Flight fares
• Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
• Canoeing Safari
• Night game drives
• Masai Boma visit
• Drinks in Hotels, Lodges or Camps.
• And all items of personal expenses / nature.

Tanzania has a tropical climate, – hot and humid. From December through to March it is hot and humid. April – May heavy rains occur, June – September being coolest and driest period. The short rains are in November. Temperatures sway between 25 – 35 degrees Celsius.

Consult your doctor for advice. Anti-malaria tablets are strongly recommended. Regarding Yellow Fever certificate it is only needed if one has traveled to endemic areas, if direct from US/Uk/Canada/Europe they do not need yellow fever vaccination certificate. This must be administered 14 days prior to arrival.

There is a departure tax of $30 on all international flights which is generally included on the international tickets when purchasing.

mostly 4 x 4 vehicles with either 5 window seats or 7 window seats with pop-up roof for game watching, VHF radio, chargers for mobile phones and cameras

Personal travel insurance to cover medical, property and personal risks for the duration of safari is necessary. Locally we cover clients with Amref Flying Doctors insurance in case of emergency evacuation.

A safari is deemed confirmed upon remitting a deposit of 30% of the total safari cost by bank telegraphic transfer at least two months prior arrival. Full payment should be received at least 25 days prior arrival unless agreed otherwise with the agent. Payment can also be made by visa / master card online but this method has a 5% bank commission on all amounts paid by credit card. Once a program is agreed upon and deposits paid this will be a legal contract between client/agent.

African Trails (T) Ltd acts as agents for hotels, transportation services, flights and other facilities provided by other vendors, firms or corporations and cannot be held responsible for delays, loss, damage, injury or accident, change of itinerary which may occur through negligence of any individual or company entrusted with such service

Rates quoted are subject to  change  without notice should there be any increases in park fees, fuel, or VAT, third party services or any other under circumstances beyond our control in the country featured in the quote/booking. We should not be held responsible should airlines discontinue flights on certain routings or change scheduled timetables resulting in missed connections. Should an amendment in a routing or itinerary be necessary we will inform you accordingly.

The company will not accept any liability or pay any compensation in respect of delays or lack or performance affected by “Force Majeure”. Force majeure means any event which the company has no control over and even in circumstances where due care was taken the event could not have been avoided or foreseen. This includes events such as war, threat of war, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and similar events beyond the company’s control.

Once a safari is bought and deposit paid, that will be a legal binding contract between company and client .The contract will be governed by the law of Tanzania. Accordingly each party will irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of Tanzania courts to settle any dispute or disagreement between them should they fail to settle the dispute amicably.