Tanzania Camping Safari - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the age requirements for this safari?

  Travelers must be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Are meals included in the tour, and can dietary requirements be accommodated?

  Yes, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included. Camp meals are prepared from fresh local produce. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified prior to arrival. Bottled drinking water, ice, and firewood are not provided but can be bought locally.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this safari?

  The tour includes 2 nights in simple hotels and 4 nights of full-service camping. All camping equipment, except a sleeping bag, is supplied, including canvas dome tents with insect nets and comfortable 4cm thick mattresses. Campsites inside and near national parks can be basic, with limited facilities like long-drop latrines and cold showers, and no electricity in some locations.

• Does this tour combine with other trips?

  Yes, this tour combines with other tours, so the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together or may continue on another tour after your trip concludes.

• What is the electricity supply like at the accommodations?

  The power supply in Kenya and Tanzania is nominally 240VAC, 50Hz, but variable voltage, spikes, and sporadic power cuts can be expected. There are no charging facilities at the Serengeti and Ngorongoro campsites; portable chargers can be charged in the vehicle while it is in motion.

• Are there any luggage restrictions for the tour?

  Baggage should be one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack, no larger than 30cm(height) x 30cm(width) x 60cm(length), with a maximum weight of 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced, and due to limited vehicle capacity, excess luggage may incur additional costs. Storage facilities are available at the start hotel in Nairobi for excess luggage if you are returning there later.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  The tour has a physical rating of 2, indicating that an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers must be able to walk unaided, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum.

• What if I have a medical condition?

  It is strongly recommended to advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while traveling with the group. Medical facilities in these countries are basic.

• What should I know about Malaria for this trip?

  Malaria is present in some regions. It is recommended to speak to your doctor about preventative medication (prophylaxis) and use insect repellent spray/cream.

• Are there any vaccination requirements for this tour?

  A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country. It is recommended to consult your family physician or local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations.

• What are the tipping guidelines for the tour staff and local services?

  Tipping is expected and appreciated. Recommended guidelines per person are: CEO: $5 USD/day, Driver: $5 USD/day, Supply crew: $2-5 USD/day, Local guides: $1 USD/couple of hours, Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the bill.

• What currencies are accepted and what should I bring for spending money?

  The local currencies are Kenyan Shilling (KES) and Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US Dollars (notes newer than 2006), British Pounds, and Euros can be exchanged. A combination of foreign currency (USD is recommended for visas) and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best, as ATMs can be unreliable and credit cards are not widely accepted. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 is recommended.

• Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

  Yes, single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, and no single supplement is charged for group trips.

• What is the typical group size?

  The tour accommodates a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 14 participants.

• What are the age restrictions for this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 12 years and the maximum age is 100 years.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, an optional Serengeti Balloon Safari is available. Other optional activities in Nairobi include the Bomas of Kenya Tour, The Carnivore Restaurant, National Museum, and Karen Blixen Museum.

• Are there any cultural experiences included?

  Yes, the tour includes a guided cultural walk and traditional lunch with a local family in Mto wa Mbu, and a visit to an authentic Maasai village and the Clean Cookstove Project.

• What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

  You will search for phenomenal birdlife, tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and have opportunities to spot Africa's elusive 'big five' (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) during safari drives in various national parks and the Ngorongoro Crater.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  You will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip. In Arusha, an expert driver/guide and a camp cook will join the team.

• What kind of vehicles are used for safaris and transport?

  For wildlife viewing within Tanzania, private 7-seat 4x4 Land Cruiser vehicles with sliding windows and pop-up roofs are used. If there is a large group, two vehicles may be utilized. The journey between Kenya and Tanzania is done via a public shuttle (mini-buses).

• Is drinking water provided during the tour?

  No, bottled drinking water is at your own expense, but can be bought locally.

• What if I have dietary restrictions?

  Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified prior to arrival.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included. Camp meals are prepared from fresh local produce.

• What are the camping facilities like?

  Camping is a full-service experience where tents are pitched, meals prepared, and washing up handled by staff. Dome tents and camp mattresses are provided. Campsites are generally basic; in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater rim, facilities may include long-drop latrines, simple cold showers, and no electricity. Camps are open to the natural environment.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  The tour includes 2 nights in simple hotels and 4 nights of full-service camping.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

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

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If you book the "My Own Room/Tent" option, you will receive a single room/tent for all night stops.

• What level of physical fitness is required?

  A minimum of an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers must be able to walk unaided, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, a medical questionnaire signed by your physician is required. The tour has a Physical Rating of 2 (Generally Light).

• What kind of transportation will be used during the safari?

  Transportation includes public minibus/shuttle for travel between Kenya and Tanzania, and private 7-seat 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicles for wildlife viewing within the parks. These safari vehicles feature sliding windows and large pop-up roofs. Speed governors are set to 80kph, and seat belts are mandatory. Drivers are trained mechanics in case of vehicle breakdowns.

• Who will be leading the tour, and what support staff are included?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will lead the entire journey. In Arusha, an expert certified driver/guide and a camp cook will join the team. The driver/guide has extensive regional and wildlife knowledge, and the cook prepares all camp meals.

• What are the main highlights of the safari?

  Key highlights include photographing incredible wildlife on safari drives, interacting with the Maasai people, and savoring a traditional lunch within a local community. The tour visits Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater for extensive wildlife viewing.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, optional activities include the Serengeti Balloon Safari, as well as various tours in Nairobi such as the Bomas of Kenya Tour, The Carnivore Restaurant, National Museum, and Karen Blixen Museum. These extras must be booked prior to departure.

• Is tipping expected during the tour?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, part of the tour program and is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Recommended guidelines (per person, per day) are: CEO $5 USD, Driver $5 USD, Supply crew $2-5 USD. For local guides, $1 USD per couple of hours, and for restaurant/café servers, 10% of the bill.

• What is the local currency, and what are the best methods for handling money?

  The local currency is Kenyan Shilling (KES) in Kenya and Tanzanian Shilling (TSH) in Tanzania. US Dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange (notes older than 2006 are not accepted). Bring USD cash for visas if purchasing at borders. Visa/Plus debit cards are most widely accepted. A combination of foreign cash and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best, and an emergency fund of at least $200 USD is recommended.

• Are there any specific health considerations or vaccinations required?

  It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if traveling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, and it is recommended to speak to your doctor about preventative medication and use insect repellent. Always consult your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Kenya and Tanzania?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. For Kenya, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is required for all nationalities as of January 1st, 2024. For Tanzania, a visa is required. It is strongly advised to pre-purchase visas before arrival to avoid delays.

• What should I know about electricity and charging devices during the trip?

  The power supply in Kenya and Tanzania is nominally 240VAC, 50hz, but variable voltage, spikes, and sporadic power cuts can be expected. 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.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Hand washing of clothes can be done at most campsites, which offer simple facilities. It is recommended to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap and a drying line. Hotels at the start/end points also offer laundry services for a fee.

• What is the G Adventures Clean Cookstove Project?

  The tour includes a visit to the G Adventures-supported Clean Cookstove Project, which is part of the Planeterra International Foundation's initiatives to help local communities earn income from tourism and protect the environment. This project aims to make a difference in the quality of life for local people.

• What should I know about safety and security while on the trip?

  It is recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and to leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. While cities are generally safe during the day, it is advisable to stay in small groups and take taxis at night. Avoid lingering at protests/demonstrations. For specific safety advice for Nairobi and Arusha, and general travel safety, further details are provided in the trip notes. Water-based activities should only be undertaken with a guide.