Tanzania has been a politically stable country since independence. While all travel has its inherent risks, our part of the world is generally safe and peaceful. You do need to use common sense and behave responsibly within the wildlife areas. While in the national parks wild animals have the right of way, remember we are in their environment and must never harass or disturb them. Be sure to read and abide by the rules of conduct within the national parks and other areas. Be aware and safeguard your valuables at all times especially when in cities and towns. Use the safes provided in hotels and lodges to ensure a pleasant travel experience. Travellers should remember that Tanzania is still a developing nation and sometimes things do not run as smoothly or on the same time schedule as they do in other parts of the world. If you have a positive attitude, good patience and a sense of humour your trip will be much more enjoyable than if you maintain unrealistic expectations for situations.

Can I bring my children on safari?
A safari is a wonderful opportunity and generally speaking children ages five years and older enjoy the experience. If your children are flexible and adventurous then planning a family safari will certainly create lifetime memories. It’s important to take into consideration that due to the vast distances covered, our safaris entail long stretches in the cars which normally don’t “sit well” with children if you’ll excuse the pun. When children are included in a group we’ll work with you to put on extra stops, limit extremely long days in the vehicles and book lodges that have swimming pools. Tanzanians love children and you’ll be warmly welcomed wherever you go with young ones. It’s important to know that you should NEVER leave your children unattended at a lodge or camp or in any wild area. You are ultimately responsible for the well being of your children.

What is the best way to get to Tanzania?
For safaris on the northern circuit it’s best to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) located midway between the towns of Moshi and Arusha. Currently this airport is served daily from Europe by KLM and several times weekly by Ethiopian Airlines. KLM also routes via Nairobi (NBO), Kenya by partnering with Precision Air. Additional airlines such as British, Emirates and others fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR). Arriving via Dar may require an overnight stay and will require the additional expense of connecting with an internal flight on a small regional airline with luggage restrictions. Arriving overland from Nairobi on one of the daily scheduled tourist class shuttles is possible and recommended only for seasoned travellers. You will need to make your own International airline bookings, as that is not part of our service. We can assist you with booking a road transfer should you decide to take that route.

Who will meet me at the airport?
When you book a safari with Soko Adventure we will collect you at your point of arrival in Arusha, northern Tanzania. In most instances the guide who will be with you throughout your safari will meet you on arrival but sometimes you may be met by another representative from Soko.

What is the time difference?
Tanzania is GMT +3 and does not observe daylight saving time. For further information consult: www.timeanddate.com

What travel documents do I need?
A passport issued by your country of citizenship that is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date is necessary for entrance to Tanzania. You will also need a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever and most visitors from Europe and America will require a visa.

In Tanzania, most foreign nationals require visas whether visiting for a holiday or to conduct business in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Visas can be obtained on entry at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Dar es Salaam International Airport and at the Namanga border crossing from Kenya. To obtain a visa stamp in your passport before arrival contact the nearest Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission in your home country. (For more information visit www.tanzaniatouristboard.com) Obtaining a visa prior to arrival requires you to send your passport to the embassy by a secure means. You may wish to use a visa service company to assist you for a fee.

Are there special health requirements when visiting Tanzania?
A person needs to be in reasonably good health to undertake the safari experience although it is not a rigorous endeavour. Currently proof of inoculation against yellow fever is required for entry to Tanzania and Zanzibar (you should have the yellow international health card duly filled in where you obtain the inoculation). You must have received this injection more than 10 days before entry. It’s a good idea to visit your healthcare provider for more information regarding other inoculations. Care must be taken regarding protection from contracting malaria. Again, consult with your health care provider. Do understand that there is no drug that will absolutely prevent you from contracting this mosquito-born disease; the most important thing you can do is to avoid being bitten during the evening, nighttime and very early morning hours. Covering up as much as possible, sleeping under a net where provided and using insect repellent on exposed areas helps accomplish this. Remember to stay well hydrated throughout your safari, this is very important. You must bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications with you. Keep this on your person during flights.

How safe is the food and water?
We recommend you drink bottled or specially filtered water (where provided) throughout your safari and remember to drink at least one litre or more of water per day. The standard of food preparation at the hotels and lodges we use is very high resulting in a very low instance of food-associated problems. Some people do experience a period of adjustment to food they are not used to so be prepared by bringing antacids and over the counter medication for diarrhoea and remember to stay hydrated if you have problems.

What type of accommodation is there?
City hotels are about the same as you would find in most parts of the world. In the bush and on safari there are three main types of accommodation. 1) A safari lodge is basically a hotel in the bush or national parks or sometimes located near a small town or village. You will find comfortable private rooms with en-suite bath and toilet, a common lounge and dining area, a bar and often a gift shop, swimming pool and an area to view the environment and wildlife such as a deck or viewing area. This type of accommodation ranges in cost and size with fewer rooms usually equating to more expense. 2) A tented camp is similar to a lodge except that the “rooms” are canvas. Tents may be set on the ground (often referred to as semi-permanent camps) or built on concrete slabs or wooden platforms (permanent camps). In the semi-permanent camps there may be flush toilets or more primitive facilities such as chemical toilets or “long drops”. Hot showers will be available but in the more basic facilities hot water may be brought to your tent in a bucket and hoisted above a shower room. These camps will have proper beds and linens, solar or electric lighting, dining facilities and other common areas can be permanent structures or also situated under canvas. Meals are served as in a lodge and sometimes under the stars or “al fresco”. Both lodges and tented camps employ nighttime guards to assist you to your room or tent after dinner.  3)  Mobile or adventure tented camps are the most basic accommodation and are for the more intrepid travellers. These are basic dome tents and may or may not have a separate dining tent. There will be a cook to prepare your food and the guide will assist in erecting the tents. Camp is set up in designated areas within the national parks or at private facilities nearby. Please enquire further if you’re interested in an adventure camping experience. For more information refer to the hotels and lodges page of this website.

What is the food like?
The food on safari is generally pleasantly surprising to most visitors. Food is hygienically prepared to western tastes with an emphasis on fresh foods, fruits and vegetables and varies in style from lodge to camp. Breakfast usually includes bread and cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurt, eggs to order along with sausages, bacon and sometimes beans and tomatoes. Lunch is often a boxed affair and eaten along the road picnic style and can have sandwiches, boiled eggs, chicken, cheese, vegetables, cookies, cake and fruit or in a lodge you’ll either find a hot meal or a salad buffet. Dinner is normally preceded by soup and/or a starter followed by main course consisting of meat, potatoes and rice, vegetable and salad. Vegetarians are catered for but it’s wise to bring along a protein drink, power bar, nuts and extra snacks as the protein element is often lacking especially if you don’t eat eggs. Vegans will have a more difficult time and should bring protein supplements and clearly request beans and lentils in advance and along the way. Tea and coffee are one of Tanzania’s finest export crops and you’ll be able to enjoy these locally produced beverages in most places. While herbal teas are now more readily available here, decaffeinated coffee and black teas are not, so if you drink these beverages you should bring along your own supply.

Will I get to try the local food?
Often lodges and camps have a sampling of local foods or even a “traditional meal buffet”. Usually you get the opportunity at least once during a safari. You can always make the request and if you’re really keen, speak to your guide and it might be possible to stop along the way at a local eatery.

Tanzania has 220-volt outlets with a three pronged plug such as is found in Great Britain. Please be sure that your electrical gadgets take 220v or you’ll need to bring a current adapter. This is not the same as a plug adaptor but something that changes the voltage from 110v to 220v, also sometimes called a voltage regulator— lacking this you will blow out your appliance. You will also need the correct plug. These can be purchased in Arusha if necessary.

Can I charge my camera batteries on safari?
As long as you have the correct voltage and plug adaptors it’s usually possible to charge your batteries. Be sure you bring along all the necessary charging equipment. Most lodges and camps have facilities for charging batteries but timings may be limited due to power sourcing from a generator. Some charging apparatus have adaptors that plug into the vehicle cigarette lighter socket. It’s also a good idea to bring spare or extra batteries just in case.

How much luggage should I bring?
It’s absolutely necessary that you travel as light as possible. While some International airlines allow up to 50 kilos (100 lbs) of luggage, any internal flights you may take within the region will restrict you to 15 kilos (33 lbs) or  more rarely 20 kilos (44 lbs) total—including carry on—with exceptionally high charges for excess baggage and the distinct possibility that overweight cases will be left behind. Also room in the safari vehicles is very limited so we highly recommend that you keep your luggage to one medium/large sized soft duffle bag (approximately 13"H x 30"W x 15"D) plus your carry on (a backpack works well) for your binoculars, camera gear etc. Hard suitcases will not fit in the safari vehicles and it may be necessary to leave them behind in the city hotel while you are out in the bush.

If you follow our recommended packing list you’ll have plenty of space plus a little left over for purchases. Laundry service is available at all lodges and tented camps; lightweight travel clothing made from fast drying fabrics will help, especially if you are doing adventure camping. Layering is key to comfort. Leave expensive jewellery and watches at home; there is no point in tempting fate. Binoculars, a wide brimmed hat and strong sunscreen are essential. Buy the best pair of binoculars you can afford and every participant needs his own pair. Don’t forget your camera, sunglasses and an extra pair of prescription glasses. You should NOT bring anything to pass out to children on the road such as candy, sweets, pens and pencils. This behaviour by tourists creates a begging society and no one who lives here approves of it. If you want to give (and we hope you will) we can recommend projects and orphanages that will appreciate your donations. Just let us know about this while planning your safari. If you’re travelling to Zanzibar please be aware that the island is Muslim and it’s NOT appropriate to wear resort wear, shorts or mini-skirts, sleeveless tops or other skimpy attire while walking around town. Legs should be covered to the knees if shorts are worn and better still long trousers for men or skirts for women and definitely no tank tops. Loose clothing is actually more comfortable in the hot humid conditions. At a resort, on the beach or around a pool it’s fine to dress in this fashion but it’s disrespectful in Stone Town or while travelling about.

Do they speak English in Tanzania?
English is widely spoken throughout Tanzania and especially in any area where there are tourists. Your safari guide will speak excellent English. Please let us know if you need a guide who speaks another language. Tanzania’s other national language is Swahili; most people speak Swahili and really appreciate when visitors make an effort to learn a few words. While trying to communicate with people please remember that English is most often the third language people learn and try to speak slowly so as to be understood. For the most part Tanzanians love communicating with foreign visitors. For a short list of common Swahili phrases click here.

When is the best time to view the Great Migration?
The migration consists of millions of herding ungulates on a constant quest for food and water across a vast ecosystem that covers almost 30,000 sq kilometres from the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater across the entire Serengeti National Park and into the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya. Wildebeest and zebra are the primary species but Thompson’s gazelle and eland migrate also. It’s all about the weather so it’s difficult to predict precise movements but generally in the dry months of July-October the herds normally have reached the north east of the Serengeti and some have crossed the Mara River into Kenya. Once the rains start again in Tanzania after a few months the herds will start their journey southward to the short grass plains (Naabi, Ndutu, Gol Mountains etc.) where they’ll stay normally from December through May with the calving season occurring in January and February. When the plains again start to dry out after the long rains some groups march north and west, passing through the western corridor while others fan across the Gol Mountains and northward to Loliondo merging once again near the Kenyan border. If seeing the vast herds is definitely on your agenda, we will help plan your itinerary to put you in the best place for possible sightings depending on the time of year you visit.

The weather in Tanzania is generally quite pleasant throughout the year. Temperatures vary according to elevation. Most of the northern circuit is at higher elevations (5,000+ ft) resulting in cool nights and early mornings with hotter temperatures during the day. On the coast and Zanzibar you’re at sea level just a few degrees south of the equator so the weather is hot and humid throughout the year. As we’re located in the southern hemisphere our warmer months are Oct-March with the coldest being June-August. The short rains normally occur in November and can run through December and January. The long rains (green season) is April and May, also a low time for tourists but not necessarily a reason to stay away as everything is in bloom and lots of babies are being born. It’s not uncommon to encounter dust and/or mud on bumpy roads but it’s all part of the adventure.

How do I get to Zanzibar?
Zanzibar can be easily reached by air via several airlines that fly within Tanzania and the region. It’s about a two-hour flight by light aircraft from Arusha. Soko Adventure can book these flights for you. If your International flight is via KLM and you plan to end your safari in Zanzibar then consider booking your International flight into Kilimanjaro (JRO) and out of Dar es Salaam (DAR) as this will help with logistics and expense. There is no additional visa requirement for Zanzibar although you may be asked to present your yellow fever certificate.

Can I use my credit cards in Tanzania?
Yes, credit cards are accepted at some places such as lodges, hotels and larger shops. It’s probably a good idea to restrict use to these locations to be on the safe side and not to use cards indiscriminately. Sometimes vendors will add a “fee” or a percentage for using a credit card to cover the commission charged by the banks.  While this may not be acceptable in Europe or America it’s a normal practice here.

What about ATM machines?
There are ATMs located in cities and larger towns but they don’t always work so be sure to bring adequate cash along and not rely on an ATM for all your money needs. ATM machines dispense the local currency usually at a favourable exchange rate.

What about money?
The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh or /=). (To find the current exchange rate visit www.xe.com). US dollars are the most accepted form of currency in Tanzania and can be used at most places and sometimes are the preferred method of payment. There may be times when cash in Tanzania shillings is required so it’s a good idea to change some foreign currency or withdraw from an ATM. For example in tip boxes you can use smaller denomination dollars or you can use T-shillings. Exchange rates are better for bills of higher denominations ($50 $100) and an IMPORTANT point to remember is that newer currency only will be accepted. Only bring bills printed in the year 2003 or later, the newer the better. (This is a deterrent against counterfeit.)

It’s possible to use traveller’s cheques when dollars are required (Euro or British Pounds TC’s are more difficult to use). When paying with TC’s or when exchanging them the rate is much less favourable than when using cash dollars and it may be necessary to find a bank to do the exchange. Therefore we recommend that if you bring traveller’s cheques to keep them on hand for emergencies only.

Can I pay for my safari with a credit card?
At this time Soko Adventure and Safaris does not accept credit cards. Payment is by bank transfer or wire into our account in Tanzania. This is a normal international banking procedure and the standard method of payment for purchasing safaris in East Africa. We will give you our bank details and terms and conditions before you confirm your safari. Sometimes banks in smaller towns may not be familiar with the procedure and a little perseverance may be required on your part to complete the transaction.

Will there be many extra expenses?
There is very little that is not covered in the cost of your safari. Most lodges charge extra for drinks (including bottled water and soft drinks) and laundry. There may be the odd meal in a city and, of course, gratuities. If you are a “shopper” then you’ll want to budget accordingly.

Is it ok to bargain?
In the open-air markets and smaller curio shops– absolutely; in lodge gift shops and larger galleries it’s not as common. If you like to bargain do a price check in a fixed price shop to get an idea of costs before you start your purchases. Remember it’s all in the fun of it and don’t take things too seriously. ‘Willing buyer, willing seller’!

Tipping is always at your discretion although in the travel industry is pretty much standard throughout the world. Tipping lets people know that you were happy with their services. Although it’s a common procedure for a lodge to have a tip box, each lodge or hotel has different policy regarding distribution. For instance some tip boxes are strictly for the “behind the scenes staff” because waiters and bartenders often get tipped directly. Check with the lodge regarding their policy and tip accordingly. It’s common for each guest to leave $5-$10 per night in total. Your guide(s) will also appreciate a tip at the end of your safari. A loose tipping guideline is for a driver/guide to receive about $10-$20 per day from the group, depending on the size of the group. (A larger group would give more.) If you are camping and there is a cook then about $5-$10 per day from the group is acceptable.

What about climbing Kilimanjaro?
Although it’s not a technical climb, Kilimanjaro is not for the faint hearted and those who wish to climb should undertake a rigorous training scheme for at least six months, preferably including outdoor hiking at elevation. At 19,340 ft (5,895 mtrs) Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and often considered the tallest freestanding (not part of a range) mountain in the world. Our expert guides and porters will do their best to ensure you reach the top, providing comfort, good food and encouragement along the way. You’ll need to consult a special packing list for this climb and your climbing guide will help you with tips for the cooks, porters, etc. Another climb option is Mt Meru, located in Arusha National Park and rising to an elevation of 14,979 ft (4,566 mtrs). Though the climb time is not as long it’s necessary to be quite fit to attempt this summit. Contact your Soko consultant for more information on these climbs or for trekking options in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.