Where is the best place to go on safari?
Safari in Kiswahili, the language of East
Africa, simply means a journey. Today it is
synonymous in English with a wildlife viewing
adventure in the African Bush. If your primary
reason for traveling to Africa is to experience
an abundance of African wildlife in unspoiled
wilderness, then Tanzania should be your
destination of choice. Tanzania protects over
25% of its land through national parks and
reserves, more than any other country on the
continent. You simply cannot beat the wildlife
concentrations found in Tanzania. The parks and
wildlife reserves of Tanzania are inhabited by
vast herds of wildebeest spread out across the
Serengeti savanna, huge populations of elephant
and buffalo, as well as plains game and their
predators. All these animals interact and roam
freely, the same as they have for thousands of
years. Here you'll witness an incredible
diversity of ecology and will find the
vegetation and bird life as fascinating as the
big game. This is the home to 90% of the film
series produced on African animals. Tanzania
also boasts a remarkable number of World
Heritage Sites including, Serengeti National
Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Ngorongoro
Conservation Area, Selous Game Reserve, (this
reserve alone is the size of Denmark), Kilwa
Kisiwani and the Songo Mnara Ruins and Mafia
Marine park.
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When is the best time of year to go on safari in
Tanzania?
Anytime other than during the long rains (April
& May) is a wonderful time to be on safari. At
Masaigiraffe Safaris Ltd we adjust our safari
itineraries to take advantage of the best
possible game viewing in accordance with the
seasonal concentrations of wildlife.
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Where is the best place to go for wildlife
viewing in Africa?
You simply can't beat northern Tanzania for
wildlife concentrations. Most people have heard
of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and the
wide array of wildlife dwelling on the crater
floor. Most have heard of the vast Serengeti
savanna, which hosts the annual Migration of
Wildebeest and the predators that follow in its
wake. This is only the beginning of the natural
phenomena awaiting your discovery on a safari to
Tanzania. Guests of Masaigiraffe safaris Ltd
consistently tell us the wildlife they
experienced far surpassed their most optimistic
expectations.
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What kinds of animals will I see on safari in
Tanzania?
Tanzania is home to over 35 species of large
four-legged mammals and has over 1000 species of
birds listed. On a typical safari in northern
Tanzania you can expect to see elephant,
buffalo, giraffe, hippo, baboon, monkeys and a
variety of plains game such as wildebeest,
hartebeest, zebra, impala and gazelle. Most
people see lion and hyena, and possibly cheetah
or leopard. In Ngorongoro Crater you may see one
of the few remaining black rhino to be found in
Tanzania. You'll undoubtedly see several
different species of mongoose and some hyrax and
other small mammals. If you're lucky you'll see
one or more of the smaller cats, foxes, wild dog
or the more reticent antelope like lesser kudu,
bushbuck, oryx or eland.
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What is the
Migration?
Every year, over one million wildebeest move
through the Serengeti plains in search of food
and water. The phenomenon of these animals
moving en mass through the African savanna is
known as the Migration. Their movement is driven
by the seasonal rains that water their grazing
pastures. It is impossible to predict in advance
exactly how or when this progression will take
place, but there is a pattern. Generally from
mid-December through May the herds are feeding
in the southern Serengeti. During February
thousands of calves appear on the plains.
Between June and July, the wildebeest begin
their annual migration north reaching the Mara
River that marks the Kenyan border sometime
between the end of July and beginning of August.
After the first short rains, usually in the
beginning of November, the herds move back into
Tanzania's Serengeti and make their way to the
southern pastures where they rest and feed
through the rains until their search for better
grazing leads them to begin their annual
migration once again. Even when the "migration"
moves into Kenya for the summer months, there
are many resident herds in the Serengeti and
there is always an incredible array of wildlife
to experience there. Also, in the summer months,
which are the height of the dry season,
thousands of elephant congregate around the
Tarangire River. This park is at it's prime
during these months and we adjust our
itineraries to take advantage of the prime
wildlife viewing there. Each time of year offers
the visitor to Tanzania a special opportunity
for wildlife viewing.
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Will I have a chance to interact with the local
people of Tanzania?
The vast majority of Tanzanians are still living
very close to their traditional lifestyles. Most
of the people are subsistence farmers. The
Maasai people, favored by photographers for
their strikingly colorful décor, live a pastoral
existence following their herds of cattle to
better grazing areas, still adhering to the
traditions and ceremonies of their ancestors.
Their "villages" are located throughout northern
Tanzania. Other small tribes of
hunter-gatherers, living according to their
ancient customs and traditions can also be found
in this area.
At Masaigiraffe Safaris Ltd. we consider the
cultural component of any safari to be subtle
yet essential. All of our guides are Tanzanian
born. They are an excellent resource to help you
gain greater insight into the local culture. We
don't promote specially staged dances and
tourist oriented presentations. Instead, on most
of our trips, we begin with a visit to a
traditional village where you are welcomed as
friends of Masaigiraffe Safaris Ltd into their
lives and invited to get to know them as they
get to know you. As we drive between parks, we
pass many villages and Masai Bomas giving you
further glimpses into the lives of the Tanzanian
people. We also offer a special trip in which
our guests travel well off the beaten path to
spend time among the Wahadza people and observe
their ancient hunter-gatherer ways.
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What
if I want a custom safari?
We would be delighted to work with you to help
you and your family, friends or organization
plan the best possible safari to match your
interests and budget. We organize custom safaris
for professional photographers, honeymoon
couples and families. TOP
Can I take my children on safari?
YES! Masaigiraffe Safaris Ltd has a personal
understanding and deep commitment to meeting the
special needs of families. We have designed our
unique family safari programs to allow you and
your children to experience the wonders of
Africa together. You'll have a chance to deepen
your understanding of cultural diversity,
discover the many miracles of nature, and at the
same time play, laugh, and enjoy the pleasure of
one another's company. Our trips are well suited
for children.
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Will
I stay in tents or lodges?
Our safaris offer a wide array of safari styles
to suit your interests and budget. Please see
our website for a description of the different
types of accommodations we use on our trips.
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How
big are your safari groups?
Small. Our scheduled safaris vary in size
depending on the nature of the safari. We keep
our groups small (the very maximum is 15 people,
minimal 2 - 5 people) to allow a more intimate
connection with the African bush. TOP
What's the weather like in Tanzania?
Located at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,600 feet,
northern Tanzania's dry sunny climate is nothing
like the steamy African jungle of Tarzan movies.
The weather is spring-like year round, with
daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s,
evenings in the 60s. From June until August,
temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from
the 50s to the mid-70s. The coastal and lowland
areas tend to be more tropical in
temperature. TOP
What clothes should I bring on safari?
Safari dress is comfortable and casual - layers
are recommended. Keep it simple and bring things
you don't mind getting dusty. After you have
booked your safari, we send you a pre-departure
information through emails to help you prepare
for your safari. TOP
What's the food
like?
On Safari, you will be pleasantly surprised by
both the quality and the variety of the food
available on safari. In most lodges, meals are
served buffet-style so you can choose what you
like. The food is prepared according to western
tastes, with some curries and local cuisine
included. If you choose a camping safari, fresh
meat and produce is prepared by our expert chefs
to the highest sanitary standards. Most
returning guests rave about our camp food!
On Kilimanjaro, dinners are typically a main
course with vegetable and salad. Chicken and
fish are served at some of the days during the
climb, with pastas and rice dishes being served
in the middle of the climb while up high.
Lunches are often on the trail and usually
consist of cold cuts and vegetables laid out on
a table so you can make your own sandwich. Fresh
hot vegetable soups are served at every meal,
and packet soup is available on request between
meals as is coffee and tea. Breakfast is your
choice: granola, toast, fruit, eggs, and
sometimes pancakes or French toast. While hiking
some people have a favorite snack that they
like; it is a good idea to bring this from
home. TOP
Can special dietary requirements be
accommodated?
Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian
or diabetic meals can easily be arranged with
advanced notice. If you are vegetarian or vegan
you may wish to bring along some alternative
protein sources. If you have multiple food
allergies, you'll definitely want to bring along
supplemental snacks. It is important we know of
any possible dietary restrictions as soon as
possible. TOP
Are
safaris in Tanzania safe?
Today's modern safari is a far cry from the
rugged safaris of the past. After a stimulating
day of game viewing, you can relax at
comfortable, attractive lodges, with amenities
like swimming pools, full service restaurants
and en-suite bathrooms. Located right in the
scenic settings of the wildlife reserves, the
lodges are close to nature… but not too close
for comfort. Tanzania is one of Africa's most
stable countries, where you'll receive a warm
welcome from its gracious people. Every care is
taken to ensure your health and safety on
safari. TOP
Is it
OK to drink the water?
We provide bottled water on game drives and in
Campsites, and you can purchase good quality
bottled water at all the lodges and camps. TOP
Are there a lot of bugs in Tanzania?
There are more bugs in many places in the USA
than you will encounter on safari. Again,
remember that most of the areas you'll be
visiting are arid (especially from July -
November). The bugs you will see are
fascinating, but certainly not anything to be
concerned about. TOP
How far in advance should I book my safari?
It is better to book as far in advance as
possible to ensure availability at the time you
wish to travel, especially during the peak
seasons (July & August and Christmas time). This
is especially important for those wishing to
travel on private custom safaris and those
adding extensions to the scheduled trips. TOP
Can I use a credit card to pay for my safari?
No we do not accept Visa or Mastercard for your
safari deposit. The balance is due 60 days prior
to departure and is payable through our Bank in
Arusha. TOP
What shots
should I get?
For medical advice it is always best to consult
your doctor or travel clinic. The minimum
requirements for entry into Tanzania are a
yellow fever vaccination and anti-malarial
medication. Bear in mind that you will be
staying in camps and lodges oriented to meet the
needs of American and European guests. TOP
What
additional costs can I expect when I travel with
Masaigiraffe Safaris Ltd?
Our safari packages include all accommodation
and meals while on safari, airport transfers,
park fees and services of Masaigiraffe Safaris
guides and drivers. It is customary to tip your
guide and driver, as well as the Cook or Camp
staff if you are camping during your safari. You
will also need to pay for your own beverages and
personal items like laundry service and phone
calls. Before you go, you are responsible for
any passport and visa fees. We also highly
recommend you purchase travel protection
insurance. And finally, if you know yourself to
be a big souvenir shopper you'll need to budget
accordingly.
Recommended tipping guidelines
- Porters USD $5 to $10 per porter per day
- Guide, assistant guide, cook USD $15 to 20 per
person per day
Please note that tipping is customarily
recommended, but depends on your service
satisfaction. TOP
