Tanzania Camping Adventure - 6 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this safari?

  You'll witness wildlife on open savannah, journey to the Serengeti in search of phenomenal wildlife, including the elusive 'big five.' You'll also search for birdlife, tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos in Lake Manyara National Park, and a resident population of more than 20,000 to 25,000 large mammals in the Ngorongoro Crater.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  The tour includes one night in a simple hotel and four nights of full-service camping.

• What does 'full-service camping' entail?

  Full-service camping means all tents are pitched for you, meals are prepared and served, and washing up is done by the staff. This leaves you with more time to enjoy your surroundings and is ideal for first-time campers. Camps are open to the natural environment (no fences), so care must be taken, especially at night with a flashlight.

• What kind of camping equipment is supplied?

  All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag) is supplied. This includes canvas dome tents with built-in mesh insect nets on doors and windows, and approximately 4cm thick mattresses.

• Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

  Yes, you will need to provide your own sleeping bag and liner (if you would like). You also have the option to rent a sleeping bag once in destination for USD$40.

• What are the facilities like at the campsites?

  Our campsite in Mto wa Mbu is basic but clean. Once we move into the Serengeti National Park and to the Ngorongoro Crater rim, the facilities become more basic with long-drop latrines, simple cold showers or bathing, and no electricity.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, the tour includes 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. Camp meals are prepared from fresh local produce by the crew. Bottled drinking water is not provided but can be bought locally.

• What about dietary requirements for meals?

  Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 14 travelers, with an average of 10.

• Who will be leading the group?

  Throughout the journey, you will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a certified safari driver/guide, and a camp cook/crew. The CEO manages the trip and assists travelers, while the driver/guide is skilled and knowledgeable about the region and wildlife, and the cook prepares meals.

• What type of vehicles are used for transportation on safari?

  Transportation is primarily in private 7-seat 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicles with sliding windows and large pop-up roofs designed for wildlife viewing. If there is a large group, two vehicles will be used. Speed governors are set to 80kph for safety, and seat belts are mandatory.

• Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?

  Yes, the tour includes an experience in the Mto wa Mbu community with a guided cultural walk and traditional lunch with a local family. You will also visit an authentic Maasai village and the tour operator-supported Clean Cookstove Project.

• Is tipping expected during the trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. Guidelines suggest $5 USD per day for the CEO and driver, and $2-5 USD per day for the supply crew. For local guides, $1 USD per couple of hours, and restaurant/café servers, 10% of the bill.

• What is the local currency and how should I handle money?

  The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). You can exchange foreign currency (USD, British Pound, Euro) or use ATMs in major centers. Please note that USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. It's recommended to bring foreign currency cash, especially for visa payments at borders (which require USD cash). Travelers' cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system cards are most widely accepted debit cards. Credit cards are generally not widely accepted outside major cities and may incur a 5-10% fee. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best, as ATMs can occasionally run out of cash or be out of order.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control require a change to the planned route.

• Are there any required vaccinations or health considerations?

  A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling to Tanzania from a Yellow Fever endemic country or if you have traveled more than 12 hours through the airport of an endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, so speaking to your doctor about preventative medication (prophylaxis) and using insect repellent is recommended. It's advisable to consult your physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations.

• What are the general safety guidelines for the trip?

  It is recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave expensive jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. In cities like Arusha, avoid wandering alone at night and take taxis. Do not photograph police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration/border crossings, army barracks, personnel, or any government building, as it is against the law. Your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Optional activities are undertaken at your own judgment.

• What are the physical requirements for this tour?

  The tour has a physical rating of 2 (easy). Travelers need an average level of fitness and mobility, including being able to walk unaided, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage. Travelers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a medical questionnaire signed by their physician.

• Can solo travelers avoid a single supplement?

  Yes, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. A 'My Own Room/Tent' option is available for an extra cost if you prefer a single room/tent for all night stops.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, an optional Serengeti Balloon Safari is available. This activity takes place in the morning, meaning you would miss the regular morning wildlife safari drive with the group. It must be booked prior to departure.

• Is there electricity available at the campsites for charging devices or medical equipment?

  There are no charging facilities at the campsites in Serengeti and Ngorongoro; travelers can charge portable power banks in the vehicle when it is in motion. Please note that as we use public campsites, we cannot guarantee electricity for the use of Sleep Apnea and CPAP machines.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Hand washing of clothes can be done at campsites, as most have simple facilities for this. We recommend bringing a non-polluting/biodegradable soap and a roll of simple string for a drying line. Your start/end hotel also has laundry service for a fee.

• What is the power supply in Tanzania?

  The nominal power supply in Tanzania is 240VAC, 50hz. However, variable voltage, spikes, and sporadic, unexpected, unscheduled power cuts of varying duration can be expected.

• What is the Planeterra Foundation?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. They develop and support small community-owned businesses, which are integrated into the tour operator's itineraries globally, supporting Indigenous people, empowering women, granting youth access to employment, and protecting the environment.