Tanzania Camping Safari - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• 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 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.

• 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 if I have dietary restrictions?

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

• Is drinking water provided during the tour?

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

• 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).

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• What are the age restrictions for this tour?

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

• What is the typical group size?

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

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.