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ABOUT SAFARIS
WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON FOR A SAFARI?
Just about any time of year. However, the most popular
seasons are mid December to mid March and July to mid September. This
is because of the demand for Christmas and Winter holidays and the Summer
school break timings. An increasing number of visitors are realizing that
June and October are ideal, benefiting from lower visitor numbers and
off peak rates on the airlines.
Masumin Tours and Safaris may offer special supplementary
rates some good discounts for larger groups from time to time- please contact us for details.
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I SEE THE GREAT MIGRATION?
The millions of wildebeest and zebras are always somewhere, but they are
not always in large herds and on the move. Their location is largely dependent
on the weather, which can vary considerably from year to year. In general
the herds assemble south of the Serengeti during January and February,
the season in which they give birth to their young. Starting around March
they begin moving North and West in search of fresh grazing through the
Serengeti Park. They can move in enormously long single file lines or
in huge herds. The bulk of the animals reach the Maasai Mara in Tanzania,
where they tend to remain during August/September/October, before starting
their return trek south back through the Serengeti in November.
CAN I HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE VEHICLE?
Yes. All safaris can be booked with the exclusive use of a vehicle for
your party.
CAN I HAVE MY OWN CUSTOM ITINERARY?
If you are arranging an exclusive vehicle safari then you are free to
arrange whatever itinerary you choose. Masumin
Tour and Safaris presents a small selection of proven itinerary favorites
in this website.
We can arrange any required itinerary subject to practical and logistical
considerations and will be pleased to discuss and quote for any special
requirements.
SHOULD I STAY IN LODGES OR TENTED CAMPS?
This is really a matter of personal preference and choice. Most of the
vehicle- based set itinerary safaris use lodges, but some include nights
at tented camps and some use all tented camps. The majority of flying
safaris use tented camp accommodation.
All the accommodation used by Masumin Tour and
Safaris for
their clients is of high standard, but you should be aware that, contrary
to many clients' expectations, tented camps are in general more expensive
than lodges. The main reason for this is that the tented camps are low
capacity, exclusive and luxurious places with a high standard of service.
CAN I TAKE A SAFARI AS A SINGLE TRAVELER?
Because of the size of its organization and volume of customers, Masumin
Tours and Safaris can easily include single travelers on most set date safari departures.
ARE SAFARIS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?
A safari is a wonderful trip for any child old enough to enjoy and appreciate
the experience. On most safaris there are quite long trips on rough roads,
and these cannot really be recommended for babies and very young children.
Children under 12 will benefit from reduced fares on scheduled airlines,
and all lodges will provide an additional bed for a child sharing a room
with parents at a reduced cost. A few of the more expensive permanent
tented camps do not allow children under 12 years of age..
CURRENCY
AND EXCHANGE
The local unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling which these days is freely
convertible within Tanzania for the U.S.$ and other currencies. There are
numerous banks and bureau de change in towns, and most lodges and hotels will
exchange currency or travelers cheques at reasonable rates.
It is not possible to obtain Tanzanian Shillings outside the country. Many items
or services are priced and paid for in US dollars so do not convert more funds
into the local currency than you need for incidental expenses.
Credit cards are accepted at an increasing number of establishments in Tanzania
but not everywhere. It is not generally possible to obtain cash on a credit card
in Tanzania, so it is recommended that visitors carry sufficient funds in the
form of travelers cheques.
ELECTRICITY
The power supply is at the UK/ European standard voltage of 220/240 , and power
sockets are the U.K. square pin type. Remember if you want to use U.S.
appliances you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug converter. Mains
power supply is subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation. On safari, most lodges'
power supplies are from generators, and these are often turned off during parts
of the day and night to reduce noise and fuel consumption.
COMMUNICATIONS
Masumin Tours and Safaris equips all its safari vehicles with two way radios, so
that drivers can communicate with their base, each other and the lodges. Most
lodges and hotels also have a telephone, but the service, particularly for
overseas calls, is both erratic and expensive. More remote lodges and camps are
likely to rely on radio for communications. Game parks are not within cell phone
range, but satellite telephones work just about anywhere.
FOOD AND DRINK
It is generally recommended to drink only bottled mineral water which is readily
available everywhere.
There are no restrictions on the sale or consumption of alcoholic drinks in Tanzania.
A good selection of local beers and soft drinks are available everywhere, and
you will find a range of imported wines, beers and spirits in many places,
although these can be expensive.
The quality and value of food in Tanzania is generally very good. However, do
eat sensibly particularly in the first few days of your visit.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Tanzania is Kiswahili. This is spoken and understood by
the great majority of the population, many of whom also speak a tribal language.
There is a wide usage and understanding of English, and virtually everyone the
average tourist is likely to meet in the course of the safari will be fluent.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
There are some long distance coaches which are suitable for use by visitors,
such as the daily Nairobi to Arusha shuttle bus. Local bus and minibus services
are likely to be uncomfortable, overcrowded and potentially dangerous.
Taxis are available everywhere in urban areas, but the condition of these can be
very poor. The better hotels generally have a superior selection of taxis
available, and it is suggested that you obtain one of these, particularly for
longer journeys.
Self drive car and safari vehicle hire is available at Masumin Tours and
Safaris. However, it is not highly recommended. The poor state of many of the
roads in both town and on safari plus erratic driving by other road users makes
driving on most routes tiring and unsafe.
SHOPPING
Most hotels and lodges have gift shops with a selection of local crafts and
souvenirs. You will find some interesting woodcarvings, paintings and batiks.
Precious stones and jewelry are also a specialty.
PREPARING
FOR YOUR TRIP:
VISAS
All tourists to Tanzania require a tourist visa which costs about US$50
per person and can be obtained on entry (visa fees must be paid in US cash
only) or in advance from Tanzania embassies abroad.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is a departure tax on International flights of about $40- this will
generally have been included and already paid in the price of your ticket.
There is a small local departure tax payable in cash at the airport/
airstrip for local flights.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Check with your doctor to get the current recommendations and advice. Anti
malarial drugs are strongly recommended. You can also visit our health
page for more information.
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Clothes for safari should be light, comfortable and not too brightly colored. There is little or no requirement for anything formal. A light
jacket or sweater may be needed in the evenings at higher altitudes,
comfortable walking shoes are an essential, as is a hat to keep off the
sun, and sunglasses. Don't forget a swimming costume for use at the lodge
pools.
Most people bring binoculars and/ or cameras and video equipment with
plenty of tape or film. Zoom or telephoto lenses are likely to be useful.
Film is available at the lodges.
Most of the better hotels and lodges will spray rooms and provide mosquito
nets, but do bring your own insect repellent sprays.
A flashlight is always useful.
There will be no television or radio in most places, so you might want to
bring a little short-wave radio or Walkman if you want to keep up with
world events or listen to some music.
Remember that safari vehicles and light aircraft have tight limits on the
size and weight of luggage carried. Depending on your itinerary it may be
possible to leave some luggage in your hotel for the duration of your
safari.
INSURANCE
Masumin Tour and Safaris require that all
clients arrange personal travel insurance to cover their medical, property
and other personal risks for the duration of their safari. Advice on
policies or actual cover can be arranged if required. Temporary membership
of the Flying Doctor Service, based in Nairobi and providing cover in Tanzania
and Northern Tanzania can also be arranged at a modest cost.
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