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[vc_tta_accordion active_section=”1″ title=”Frequently Asked Questions about SAFARI”][vc_tta_section title=”What do you mean by ‘Unlimited Game Drives’?” tab_id=”1443564150516-f1c8b8fe-33a8″]

All our safari packages include unlimited game drives with no restriction on mileage or fuel. This gives our guests more freedom and flexibility allowing the exploration of more secluded regions for exclusive wildlife viewing. Unlimited Mileage means that you are able to drive for as long as you want within the parks’ operational hours (6am to 6pm), and the designated area for game drives on the given day. For example, if the itinerary designates Central Serengeti, then you are able to stay within the Central Serengeti region as long as you want, stretching to the borders of Western Serengeti. However, we cannot, for instance, drive from Central Serengeti to the Mara River then back. Some companies quote you for limited game drives with restrictions on mileage and fuel. You wouldn’t make it very far from the main road or have the ability explore the more exclusive areas of the park. With unlimited game drives, you can fully enjoy your safari completely worry-free.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Are drinks provided in the safari vehicle?” tab_id=”1443564150608-b8cab220-7c96″]

Absolutely. We provide unlimited beverages in our safari vehicle including bottled drinking water, your preferred soft drinks, juice, domestic beer, French-press coffee and tea. All our safari vehicles are equipped with a small refrigerator to keep your drinks chilled for you to enjoy during your safari.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Will there be wildlife roaming at the camps and lodges?” tab_id=”1443564244376-19c9385f-39ea”]

It is important to never assume that any of the animals encountered on your game drive are tame. Though attacks by wild animals are unusual, nothing in the African wilderness is predictable. While you are staying in your safari lodges and camps, it is important to be especially cautious and aware of your surroundings as many of these areas are not fenced and contain wildlife roaming freely. If you have children with you, keep them in sight and do not let them wander alone. At smaller tented lodges, you will always be escorted to and from your tent for dinner or during the night. Should you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to raise them to the staff or your guide.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What can I expect on a typical safari day? ” tab_id=”1443564268224-539e4cfd-59b7″]

This is your safari trip, your adventure! You decide how you want to spend your time on this vacation. If you would like to spend a full day on safari, you are definitely welcomed to do so. Safari Infinity does not restrict your mileage, fuel or how much time you want to be on safari. While some days you may decide set out by sunrise, other days you can have a slower paced breakfast before start your daily exploration. Simply sit down with your guide to plan your day and meals the night before. Your guide will have plenty of suggestions, but of course the decision is yours.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Will the safari be dusty?” tab_id=”1443564292471-535d52da-4c9b”]

Dust is no stranger in Tanzania. Dusty conditions get significantly worse during dry season from June to the end of October. Even in green season (December to May), dust can be aggravating during game drives. Please be prepared for dusty roads when traveling in Tanzania, especially between Ngorongoro and Serengeti. If you are particularly sensitive to dust, please advise your driver to close all windows in order to use the air conditioning in the vehicle. Please be aware that electronics such as photography and video equipment may be particularly prone to dust conditions. Keep a few soft photo soft cloths on hand to wipe down dust from the lenses. Be sure to bring a small bag to store your equipment that can be opened and easily accessed. It is important to note that dust may affect contact lens wearers, as a result, be sure to plan accordingly and bring sufficient supply of lens lubricant.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What about the roads on safari?” tab_id=”1443564328628-f0c57070-325d”]

You will experience bumpy roads when traveling throughout the region and during game drives. This may pose a problem for some individuals with back problems. Please inform us in advance and we can provide additional back pillows for extra comfort. While our vehicles are customized and equipped for rough roads, we still recommend our guests to always fasten their seat belts at all times, and hold on when standing on their seat to enjoy the view through the popped up roof. Please also make sure that your cameras and other electronic equipment are safely stored at all times in case of any damages due to bumpy roads.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What about snakes and insects?” tab_id=”1443564356919-39dbcad5-7570″]

Snakes are common throughout Africa, but they are seldom encountered on safaris. In bushy or wooded areas, wear boots closed-toe shoes or boots and long trousers to avoid insect bites and minimize risk. If you are staying in a mobile or canvas camp, please make sure that the canvas flap is zipped all the way down in order to prevent insects from entering your tent. The staff at each accommodation will spray your room while you are out for dinner and it should be as “bug-free” as possible upon your return.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What can I expect from the safari picnic boxes?” tab_id=”1443564409000-cdd76dc6-87b5″]

Your private safari will allow the flexibility of how you choose to spend your time. A daily decision to be made is whether to have breakfast and lunch at the tented camp or lodge or a picnic box in the bush. While early morning game drives with the sunrise can be breathtaking (and highly encouraged), there will be likely occasions where you desire to stay in the bush and continue your adventure without returning to the lodging. Picnic boxes for breakfast and lunch are prepared on a daily basis at each respective accommodation according to your itinerary. The typical breakfast box may consists of combination of bread, pastries, juice, a banana, apple, hardboiled-egg, bacon or sausages. Your driver will also provide ‘French-press’ coffee to get your morning started. The typical lunch boxes consists of various items such as a piece of chicken, bread, sandwiches, banana, apple, juice, muffin and chocolate. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know and we will plan accordingly.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What if I have special dietary requirements?” tab_id=”1443564410013-333713ec-257f”]

If you have any allergies or special dietary requirements, please let us know beforehand at the time of booking, so we can advise the lodgings accordingly. Most places will be able to accommodate to your preferred meal options, though sometimes vegetarian/vegan options may be a bit limited and repetitive. If you require any special health supplement, please kindly bring it with you.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Is there any luggage restrictions on charter flights?” tab_id=”1443564463681-3f4a9d62-7d85″]

Most flights within East Africa have a luggage restriction of 15kg per person in soft or duffel bags. The 15kg per person which includes all hand luggage and bags. Excess luggage may be subjected to $3 per kg if it can be accommodated. It is important to note that during high peak season the pilot may refuse to carry extra weight. Please carry-on all valuables and do NOT check-in any luggage containing expensive items such as camera equipment, laptops, iPods etc. to avoid theft.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What happens if I get sick or injured on safari?” tab_id=”1443564487123-42668c82-fe20″]

Our safari packages include ‘Emergency Evacuation Services with AMREF’s Flying Doctors’ (http://www.flydoc.org). This will cover the guests in case they require immediate evacuation from where they are to the nearest hospital (usually in Nairobi). If you are feeling ill, but not having any serious symptoms or injuries, there are nearby hospitals and clinics (in Karatu and Serengeti) available. We strongly recommend all our guests to purchase extensive travel insurance.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What about solar protection?” tab_id=”1443564493638-66d2c3bd-e57f”]

Tanzania resides just south of the equator, where the sun will hang near its zenith for most of the day. The intensity of the equatorial sun can quickly lead to sunburn and sun poisoning. The solution is simple, use high-factor sun block, lip balm, wear a hat and stay hydrated. Don’t forget your eyes also need protection, and be sure to wear sunglasses.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Am I allowed to walk around the national parks?” tab_id=”1443564496601-c8f032d7-d9aa”]

It is recommended to stay inside your vehicles at all times when you are in the national parks, unless your driver guide find a safe area to stop for lunch, or to stretch your legs. If you are keen on hiking, there are guided walks that are available in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro. Within the Serengeti National Parks, long walks are not permitted during to conservation reasons, however, some lodgings will offer short walks near the lodge or camp.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What are the park fee regulations?” tab_id=”1443564497761-d5ffbd44-2617″]

All park fees and conservation fees have a 24 hours limit. We plan your itinerary according to the park permits paid. Your safari driver guide will brief you the night before and provide suggestions regarding your schedule. Please note that any penalty fee resulting from the client’s wish to extend their stay will be at the guest’s expense.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What about bathrooms in the bush?” tab_id=”1443564591467-7c7ae84e-47c2″]

Throughout your safari, there are various areas with public bathroom facilities such as ranger stations, museums, visitor centers, camps, lodges and picnic sites. Since you will be on a private safari, there will be plenty of opportunities where no other vehicles are in sight. At any time, your driver-guide can find a safe and private area where you may simply exit to the rear of the vehicle. Two large spare tires at the back of the vehicle, blocking the view from anyone else within the vehicle. Most guests are a bit reluctant at first, but gradually adapt and become with comfortable to the convenient bush bathrooms. Others prefer proper bathroom facilities. Don’t worry, our driver-guides are extremely professional and sympathetic to bathroom dilemmas and will ensure you are comfortable and accommodated to your needs.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What about those annoying tsetse fly? ” tab_id=”1443564592436-a22d4085-43c4″]

When you are on safari, you may encounter the tsetse fly in woodlands of Tarangire and some regions of the Serengeti, some more concentrated than others. Tsetse fly resemble larger flies with a stinger, and while most have no adverse reaction to the bites, some may experience swelling and itchiness. A recommended medication for this would be “Benadryl Itch Relief stick”. Tsetse fly is attracted to dark blue and black colors. Light natural colors such as khaki, brown, olive, beige and green are recommended and should be worn during the day. Tsetse fly are most active during the day, and become inactive during the night.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What to Bring on Safari” tab_id=”1443564593272-86707faa-7c08″]

Safaris are casual vacations! Dress comfortably and pack lightly. As you will be spending most of your safari viewing in the vehicle, loose-fitting and light colored clothing are recommended. Avoid dark colors (i.e. black, dark blue) as they tend to attract unwanted attention from insects such as the tsetse fly.

SAFARI CLOTHING

  • One pair of comfortable walking shoes (i.e. sneakers, hiking shoes)
  • One pair of sandals or flip-flops
  • Casual, loose-fitting clothing
  • Swimsuit
  • One warm fleece or sweater
  • Extra Cotton socks and underwear
  • Hat
  • Lightweight jacket or windbreaker

 

Other items

  • Passport, plane tickets
  • S. Dollars (both large and small denominations) and credit cards
  • Sunglasses
  • Contact Lens Solution, extra contact lenses and spare glasses.
  • If you wear contact lenses, be sure to bring a pair of glasses in case of eye irritation from the dust
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher)
  • Lip balm (SPF 45)
  • Insect repellant (DEET 30%)
  • Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
  • Camera and extra batteries
  • UK plug adapter
  • Journal for recording daily observations and encounters
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable
  • Small Personal Medical Kit including aspirin, anti-malarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, cream of itches (i.e. Benadyl itch relif), stomachache mecidine (i.e. Pepto-Bismal), antibiotic ointment (i.e. Neosporin), prescription antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacteria including travelers diarrhea (i.e. Ciprofloxacin or also known as Cipro)

 

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What happens if I get sick or injured on Safari?” tab_id=”1443564716921-5dd1a131-c2dd”]

For all of our guests, we have included an Emergency Evacuation Services with AMREF’s Flying Doctors (http://www.flydoc.org/). This will cover the guests in case they require immediate evacuation from where they are to the hospital (usually in Nairobi).

If you are feeling ill, but not having any serious symptoms or injuries, there are nearby hospitals and clinics (in Karatu and Serengeti) for the driver to take you to.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What about tipping at the lodge and camps?” tab_id=”1443564734980-38de280d-d33b”]

When it comes to tipping at the safari lodges, camps and hotels in town, our recommended tipping guideline is as follows:

-1 to 2 USD (or equivalent of 1,500 to 3,000TSH) for the porters, who will be helping you with your luggage upon arrival at the tented camps & lodges

-10 to 20 USD (or equivalent or 15,000 to 30,000TSH) for each night stay.

Typically the safari accommodation will have a General Tipping Box ath the reception desk, where you can leave your tip at the end of your stay.

[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What about tipping for our safari driver guides?” tab_id=”1443570379011-36d49bf6-56c9″]

Our tipping guideline is 15 to 20 USD per client per day to the driver guide, though it is ultimately up to the clients’ discretion to decide what amount is apporpriate. For instance, for a 7 Days safari with two guests, the average tip that is given to Safari Infinity Driver guides are between 150 USD to 300 USD, or even higher, depending on the clients’ overall satisfaction with their driver guide & their safari experience.

When you have a personal cook for mobile camping, the tipping guideline is between 5 to 10 USD per person per day, which is also up to the client’s discretion.

The recommended currency for tipping is in USD cash, and it is customary for the clients to tip at the end of their safari.

[/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion]
TANZANIA PO Box 14345 Arusha Tanzania             +255 688 285 354            +255 684 864 483            [email protected]

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