Bonimathi African Safaris LTD

28/06/2020

Let climb together to reach the highest peak of Mt.Kilimanjaro

28/06/2020

contact us and you will never regrett.You will enjoy the culture of tanzania,various sports,and natural life experiences of tanzanian.

28/06/2020

we use 4x4 cars so that you can have a safe journey and also we do camping so that you can have a genuine experience by using our company

28/06/2020

contact us to enjoy seeing the big 3 and other animals in Tanzania's National Park

28/06/2020

contact us to enjoy the nature and amazing national parks in tanzania

28/06/2020

contact us for more features like this

27/06/2020

27/06/2020

27/06/2020

ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar has some of the most idyllic, unspoiled and just plain beautiful beaches in the world. Contrarily to most famous beach destinations, Zanzibar still has its traditional allure and a feel of unexplored terrain. It Started in Africa organizes excellent Zanzibar holidays, handling everything for you so that your vacations in this exotic destination are unforgettable.

‘’CONTRARILY TO MOST FAMOUS BEACH DESTINATIONS, ZANZIBAR STILL HAS ITS TRADITIONAL ALLURE AND A FEEL OF UNEXPLORED TERRAIN’’

27/06/2020

KILIMANJARO FAQ

When planning your Kilimanjaro trek, sometimes it can be a challenge to decide the route to take, the details of arrival/departure, where to stay before/after the trek and how much time you should dedicate for the tour.
We do our best to simplify the work of our customers by having the best customer support in the industry (replying to all your questions in just a few hours or even minutes) and providing clear price structures and our recommendations for itineraries based on your preferences.
However, over the years and after thousands of tours organised, we have gathered a list of the questions that our customers ask us the most, and answer them in this page. With all these questions here, it will be easier for you to make a decision and even clarify your questions with us with fewer steps. Of course, it is normal to still have doubts as there are always new questions or specific situations we cannot address here. As such, please feel free to contact us through our contact page and we'll help you design the itinerary of a lifetime and assist you in any question you might have.

WHICH ROUTE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
This is a difficult question and a personal one. We usually recommend the Rongai or Lemosho routes which are the ones that offer less crowds and more beautiful scenery. It is very manageable even for those with little experience, provided an honest effort is put forth in training. Another extremely rewarding option, with some of the best scenery (though sometimes a bit crowded) is the Machame route. As for the Marangu route, it is the quickest route and the one where you sleep in huts instead of campsites. It is very commonly called 'coca-cola route' because it is the easiest one but acclimatization needs to be done carefully and, if possible you should climb it in 6 days (instead of 5) and sleep one night or two in Arusha/Moshi before the trek. Finally, Umbwe route is a spectacular and fantastic route as well, but only recommended for more experienced climbers.

WHERE DO THE TREKS START AND FINISH?
They start and finish in Arusha or Moshi, depending on your preferences.

IS ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED BEFORE/AFTER TREK? WHAT ABOUT TRANSFERS TO/FROM AIRPORT?
Yes, transfers to/from airport are included and we do offer accommodation in Arusha before/after the trek in a guesthouse called Raha Leo. Shall you prefer a higher level of accommodation, when you contact us we will recommend some options.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR THE KILIMANJARO TREK?
We have a specific web page for these recommendations which you can access by clicking here

WHAT TIME DO THE TREK FINISH? CAN I TAKE A FLIGHT ON THE SAME DAY?
Our treks usually finish around 3pm in Arusha / Moshi. If the flight is in the evening, it is perfectly ok.

WHAT IS YOUR SUCCESS RATE?
We do not keep close statistics of these records and it is extremely rare to have a group not reaching the summit. The rate would vary between 97% and 99% depending on the routes, with the highest success level being Lemosho and Rongai routes, and the lowest being Marangu and Umbwe.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL MEAL DURING THE TREK?
Food can be customized to your requests. A typical breakfast would have eggs (boiled or fried), porridge, fruit, bread, jam, honey, peanut butter, tea, coffee and chocolate powder. As for lunch, it is usually prepared at breakfast and carried with the trekker. The lunch would normally have a boiled egg, sandwiches, fruits and tea.
We also provide an afternoon tea with biscuits, peanuts and popcorn after the trek. And, finally, dinner: Typically a dinner would include a soup starter, light pasta dish and fruit or fruit pudding. Other example of meals would be fish or beef stew, or chicken with vegetable sauce, cabbage and rice or pasta.

WHAT SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND MECHANISMS DO YOU HAVE?
Safety is the most important consideration in a trek like this and we do everything to make sure that safety is the priority and the trekkers are always looked after by the guides to find any sign of danger. We always take Oxygen Cylinders throughout your hike, as well as an Hyperbaric Chamber (gamow bag) that we always use as our last decision in terms of emergency cases.
The emergency training that guides take is WFR (Wildness First Responder) and all our main Guides are highly trained to deal with altitude related complications or symptoms. The price of the Kilimanjaro does include the insurance for emergency evacuation in case of any serious complication.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TREK?
* Kilimanjaro park fees
* Climbing permits and fees, gate, camp/hut fees.
* Guide, assistant guides, cook and porters salaries.
* Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
* Porters to carry luggage from one camp to the next camp.
* 3 meals per day and Bottled water/drinks (1.5 liter per person per day)
* Emergency Insurance in case of altitude sickness
* Rescue fees (required by the national park)
* Transport to/from hotel to Gate
* All camping equipment, foam sleeping pads, pillows and sleeping bags with cotton liners for kilimanjaro temperatures, as well as cooking equipment, tables, chairs and eating utensils.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
* Tips for guides and porters
* Meals outside the regular tour itinerary
* International visa for Tanzania
* International Airfares and Airport taxes

WHAT VACCINES AND MEDICATION SHOULD I TAKE?
We cannot legally provide medical advise as we are not a health institution, but most travellers take vaccine for Yellow Fever and take prophylaxis pills for Malaria. Some travellers do not take the prophylaxis pills and instead protect themselves by covering their body at night, using mosquito repellant and/or mosquito nets. If you plan to go to Zanzibar, or if you come from an Endemic yellow fever country (or do a stop-over there) we recommend taking the yellow fever vaccine as it may be requested upon arrival at the airport.

WHAT ARE THE METHOD PAYMENTS AVAILABLE?
Once we have designed your itinerary (only Kilimanjaro trek or also including transfers, flights, hotels in town, etc.) we will send you a contract with everything. We require a down payment which can be paid via bank transfer or by Paypal (which also accepts credit cards). The remaining payment can be paid using the same method or, if you prefer, can be made once you arrive in Tanzania, in cash or credit card.

DO I NEED TO TAKE THE VISA FOR TANZANIA IN ADVANCE OR CAN I GET IT UPON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT OR LAND BORDER?
We recommend getting the visa upon arrival as it is a very straightforward process and just takes a few minutes. We recommend bringing a pen and the money for the visas in cash to make the process faster. The price is $50 USD for all nationalities except citizens from the USA who have to pay $100 USD per person.
All nationalities can get a visa upon arrival except citizens of the following countries: Abkhazia (Republic inside Georgia), Eriterea Republic, Mauritania Republic, Sri Lanka Republic, Turkmanistan, Afghanistan Republic, Ethiopia, Morocco, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh Republic, Kazakhstan Republic, Niger Republic, Somali Land, Wakimbizi (REFUGEES), Chad Repubic, Kyrgyzsten Republic, Palestine State, Stateless People, Djibout Republic, Lebanon Republic, Senegal Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Mali Republic, Sierra Leone Republic and Tajikstan.

ARE YOU ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE FOOD RESTRICTIONS, PREFERENCES OR SPECIFIC DIETS?
Yes, it does not matter if you do a budget camping safari or upgrade to a higher level of accommodation, we are able to accommodate any specific request (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, paleo, gluten-fee, specific allergies, etc.). These are very common requests and not an issue at all.

27/06/2020

KILIMANJARO


I.KILIMANJARO ROUTES

Snow-capped Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the world's tallest free-standing mountain at 5895 meters above sea level. It has three major volcanic centres: Shira (4160 m), Snow capped Kibo (5895 m) and Mawenzi. Widely considered the roof of Africa, climbing mount Kilimanjaro through one of the great trekking routes is one of the most rewarding experiences that any person can enjoy.
‘’Regardless of the route, no special equipment or previous experience is required to climb mount Kilimanjaro’’.
We organize treks to the summit of the Mountain using 5 different routes: Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho and Umbwe. Regardless of the route, no special equipment (just walking gear) or previous experience is required to climb the Kilimanjaro. A good level of fitness but specially an exceptional level of determination (the last 500 meters of ascent to the summit will be extremely demanding, regardless of your physical condition) is all you will need.
We do not usually recommend the Marangu route because, though it is the only route where you can sleep in huts, they sometimes prove to be less comfortable than the tents we provide. Besides, it has a lower success rate (specially the 5 days version) because it does not use the "climb high, sleep low" principle. The Umbwe route is usually considered the most difficult route but, if you are experienced, it can also provide you with some of the most spectacular scenery while having very few people around climbing mount Kilimanjaro with you.

The route that we consider to be the most interesting is the 8 days Lemosho Route. This route provides a very balanced trek, having some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife while not being as demanding as the Umbwe route. It also enjoys a very high summit success rate and very little traffic. If you choose to climb Kilimanjaro on this route, you will have the chance to cross the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike.

The Lemosho route is also the longest and less economic one so, if time or budget do not make it a convenient choice, the other two routes we recommend are the Rongai and Machame ones. The Rongai Route has almost no people and provides great chances of encounters with wildlife precisely due to that fact. On the other hand, the Machame Route is one of the most popular routes, being the first choice of most seasoned hikers and providing impressive views and a variety of habitats. Most climbers choose the 7 days version to error on the side of caution and make sure that they are properly acclimatised before reaching the summit. However, the 6 days route is also quite safe and most people with an active lifestyle will manage it without major problems.

When climbing mount Kilimanjaro, one needs to take into account the seasons: There are 2 "rainy" seasons, from mid-November to mid-December and also in April and May though global weather patterns can sometimes make these "wet months" dry. In any case, we do organize climbs during the wet months and, though rain can create a bit of discomfort, it can also lead to snow in the higher altitudes which makes the whole experience much more dramatic. Besides, you'll have the mountain almost to yourself allowing you to enjoy it without crowds of tourists around you.
‘’the last 500 meters of ascent to the summit will be extremely demanding, regardless of your strength and fitness level’’

For every detail and doubt about these itineraries or for building a custom private tour to climb mount Kilimanjaro, please contact us through our contact page.

In the following section, you have the details of every route. We make a big effort to offer the best possible prices, which depend upon many factors like the time of the year, the number of tourists, the constantly changing prices of gas and park fees, etc.

II.RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Bringing the correct gear will maximize your chances of success when climbing the tallest free standing mountain in the World.
To help you in shopping and packing, it is a good idea to print this recommended equipment list. Feel free to contact us through our contact page for a pdf document with the equipment list

ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
Solid Hiking Boots- Boots should have high ankle support with a solid Vibram, or equivalent, sole. Gore Tex, or other waterproofing, is recommended to have for wet days as well as added insulation. Be sure to break your boots in at least 4 WEEKS prior to departure. Additionally, bring a spare set of laces.


Sun Glasses- Your sun glasses should have 100% UV protection and should reduce glare as well as visible light. The frames should be light weight with a wrap-around design for enhanced grip and staying power. Additionally, side shields are recommended to block peripheral light.


Day Pack- The most important things to look for if you need to purchase one are size (30L is good), hydration pack compatibility, hip and chest straps, internal frame, good padding on shoulder straps, and water bottle holders.

Water/Wind proof Jacket- Your water/windproof jacket is your outer water repellent layer. Gore Tex, seam-sealed is recommended as well as a hood for added warmth.


Water/Wind proof Pants- Your water/wind proof pants will be worn on summit day as well as on rainy afternoons. These pants are essential for warmth and should be Gore Tex lined and have lower leg zips.


Water/Wind proof Mittens or Gloves- These are used for extreme temperatures and primarily worn on summit day. Be sure your gloves or mittens have a wrist cords as well as a reinforced palms to maintain grip during wet conditions. A removable liner is essential for drying, washing, and replacing.


2 large duffel bags- One we will leave at the hotel in Arusha to store non-essential gear when on the mountain (such as clean clothes for changing when off the mountain and for onward travel) and the other for carriage by the porters when on the mountain.


Things to Keep in Mind about the Essentials:

Look for items that will add less volume to your overall pack. We will be using porters to carry our equipment however they are limited in the amount each can carry. Heavy synthetic materials will be very limiting and could cause issues when packing up for the hike.

CLOTHING & LAYERING:
2 pairs synthetic warm weather trekking socks- These socks are for trekking in the warmest part of the day since they are made of a Coolmax fabric. What is Coolmax? - CoolMax wicks moisture, dries quickly and breathes well, keeping your feet dry and preventing blisters.


4 pairs heavier synthetic or wool blend socks- Your wool socks are ideal for around camp when the temperature drops as well as on cold mornings. Merino wool is very comfortable and dries quickly with fewer odors than synthetic blends.


2 pairs long underwear top- This will be your base layer for colder mornings, evenings, and days where the temperature drops considerably. The material is lightweight, tight fitting, moisture wicking, and comfortable.


2 pairs long underwear bottom- This will be your bottom base layer for colder mornings, evenings, and days when the temperature drops considerably. The material is lightweight, tight fitting, moisture wicking, and comfortable.


Warm pants - These pants are ideal for evenings around the camp and cold days on the trail. Typically made of lightweight fleece and Wind Pro material, these pants should offer the added warmth in case of cold nights or high winds on the summit.


Fleece Top - This Polartec 200 weight top will provide added warmth during the evenings as well as on cold morning starts. Please look for fleece material and stay away from cotton sweatshirts. Ideally, this item is worn over the thermal base layer and underneath your water/wind proof jacket.


2 pairs Shorts/Pants for Hiking- These convertible shorts/pants will be what we hike in everyday. They should be of a lightweight, quick drying nylon material. Some come with UPF protection and mosquito protection.


2 pairs long or short sleeve shirts for the trail- Your trekking shirt is what we should wear early in the climb in warmer climates. The shirt is moisture wicking, light weight, and designed for multi-day hikes.


Mid-Layer Top - This shirt is a long sleeve version of the one provided above. The long sleeve trail shirt offers added warmth, more protection from the sun, and an additional layer for evenings and early morning starts.


Warm Hat - This fleece or wool hat is ideal for evenings and will be valuable in the event of cold weather and temperatures on the summit. The hat should be tight fitting with minimal loose ends.


Lightweight Gloves - Fleece gloves are essential. Look for gloves that are Polartec 200 weight with a leather reinforced palm. For more protection wind proofing is available and will add an extra layer of warmth.


Balaclava - The balaclava provides added warmth on summit day and colder evening. The balaclava should be of synthetic or wool material, light weight, and close fitting.


Sun hat - Your sun hat should be worn at the lower camps and should provide ample coverage for the face. A full brimmed hat is good for added shade and increased sun protection. Additionally, a neck scarf should also be considered to protect the back of the neck.


Waterproof breathable Gaiters - Your gaiters should be lightweight and durable. Look for Gore Tex lined with the ability to fit over your boots. Velcro or adjustable sides for easy access is recommended.


Down Jacket - 800 fill down jacket will add much need warmth for cold evenings as well as the added layers for summit day. Down is recommended for its compressibility and is comfortable around camp in the early nights on the climb. Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Marmot, and North Face are brands the guides wear.


Things to Keep In Mind for Clothing:

Less is more!!! It is important to bring the essential gear discussed above, but it is more important to refrain from bringing items that are not recommended. Items to stay away from are cotton socks, jeans, multiple pairs of shoes, and heavy sweatshirts. Look for items that are moisture wicking and quick drying fabrics as opposed to cotton fabrics.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:
Head Lamp- Petzl and Black Diamond make several models of small and efficient head lamps. Look for ones that have multiple lighting levels, LED bulbs and uses AAA batteries.
* Please bring at least 3 sets of spare batteries to ensure ample lighting on your summit attempt.


Camp shoes (Teva, Crocs, Sandals)- These are great for around camp after a long day on the trail. These can also be used for creek crossings that may be higher than the boot. Flip flops work well in warmer climates but are not as effective during cold nights.


Hydrator - Hydrators are ideal when hiking for several hours because they enable you to drink slowly and frequently. 2-3 liters is a good size and should fit easily into your pack. All Camelbaks come with a bite valve, or on/off switch, as well as a large access port for filling. You must bring a NEOPRENE SLEEVE for the hose to prevent freezing.


Bug Spray- DEET based products work well and we find that the spray on versions last longer and are less messy. 4-6 ounce repellents that are perspiration and splash resistant are great.


Sun Screen - 30 SPF or higher is recommended as well as water proof and sweat proof. 8 ounces will be plenty and we typically carry one with 45+ SPF for our faces and a 30 SPF for other exposed areas. Banana Boat, REI, Kinesis and All Terrain are good options.


2 wide mount water bottle - A 1 liter water bottle is essential for hydrating at lunch, around the camp, and refilling throughout the day. Stay away from glass and heavy metals and look for lexan for durability.
* For males a third water bottle should be considered for use as a potty at night and must be labeled accordingly.


Pillow- A Thermarest pillow that compresses down or folds into itself is ideal. A good benchmark for size and weight are 18 X 14 inches and 9 ounces total.


Dry Bag - A 20 liter + dry bag is great for ensuring your personal items are safe in case of rain. Cameras, wallets, money, and any other valuables can be kept dry at all times.


Pack Cover - The pack cover is an additional item we recommend everyone carry in case we encounter heavy rains. The pack cover should have a drawstring cord and elastic edges to fit firmly over your bag. A 40 liter cover will work well on any day pack.


Trekking Poles - Collapsible poles are great for steep downhill terrain and assistance up hill. If you have knee problems they reduce the impact on your joints by 20-30%. A nice soft foam grip will help prevent blisters and the poles with an aluminum shaft are durable and light weight.


Camp Towel - the camp towel should be of a polyester nylon blend that dries quickly and compacts tightly in your pack. The large (50 X 27 inches) is a good size and can be used to wash up at the end of the day. Stay away from house or beach towels.


OPTIONAL ITEMS:
• * Camera
• * Paperback book
• * Journal with pen or pencil
• * Person First Aid Kit (band aids, mole skin or second skin, Ibuprofen, Aspirin)
• * Hand sanitizer
• * Sani-wipes
• * Hand & feet warmers (2X) - Gel/ air activated are best
• * Bandanna
• * Cell phone (with solar charger e.g. solar monkey charger) since you tri and quad band phones work on Kilimanjaro
• * Flavored chocolate/energy bars for snacks
• * A supply or rehydrate sachets
• * 2 extra garbage bags for waterproofing and separating dirty laundry
• * Ear plugs
• * Ipod or MP3 player
• * Pocket knife
• * Water-flavoring to mask the iodine taste in the purified water

LAYERING INFORMATION:
IN GENERAL, THERE ARE FOUR TYPES OF LAYERS:

Base Layer: : The task of the base layer is to maintain a dry and comfortable microclimate next to your skin. The base layer will therefore absorb all the moisture from your skin and then spread it out over the surface of the base layer where it will be ev***rated via the other clothing layers. Typical base layer fabrics are: CoolMax, Polartec PowerDry, Wool, Patagonia Capilene.

Base Layer: :This layer provides more warmth if the base layer and the shell layer do not provide enough insulation on their own. It traps small pockets of air in the fabric the insulation layer is made of which slows down the loss of heat. Typical insulation fabrics are: Polartec Classics, Berber pile, and Windstopper.

Base Layer: : The shell layer provides protection from wind, rain, sleet, and snow, without allowing the build-up of condensation inside the clothing system. It protects while allowing moisture v***r to pass through. Shell fabrics are Gore-Tex, Hyvent, Aqua-Dry, and Dri-Lite.

Base Layer: : It is enough for most people to have the first three layers. However, in extremely cold conditions, you will need to add a large amount of insulation as a fourth layer. Down and Polarguard can both be used for this layer. This layer is either worn as a shell layer or underneath the shell layer for added warmth on summit bids or high camps.

27/06/2020

IV. FAQ

Planning a safari can seem challenging at first. After all, how to decide the itinerary, which parks to visit, where to sleep, when to come or how much time to stay are just some of the decisions one has to make when planning their safari.
We do our best to simplify the work of our customers by having the best customer support in the industry (replying to all your questions in just a few hours or even minutes) and providing clear price structures and our recommendations for itineraries based on your preferences.
However, over the years and after thousands of safaris organised, we have gathered a list of the questions that our customers ask us the most, and answer them in this page. With all these questions here, it will be easier for you to make a decision and even clarify your questions with us with fewer steps. Of course, it is normal to still have doubts as there are always new questions or specific situations we cannot address here. As such, please feel free to contact us through our contact page and we'll help you design the itinerary of a lifetime and assist you in any question you might have.

SHOULD I VISIT THE NORTHERN PARKS (SERENGETI NP, LAKE MANYARA NP, TARANGIRE NP, NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA AND ARUSHA NP) OR THE SOUTHERN PARKS (MIKUMI NP, SELOUS GAME RESERVE AND RUAHA NP)?
This is a difficult question and a personal one. The Northern Circuit is more popular because Serengeti NP is one of the most well-known National Parks on Earth and Ngorongoro Crater is one of the new Wonders of the Natural World. On the other hand, the South has its special allure by being a more out of the beaten track circuit, with less tourists, amazing wildlife, a higher sense of wilderness and remoteness. Usually we recommend the Northern Circuit for travellers coming to Tanzania for the first time and recommend the Southern Circuit for those that have already been in the Northern Circuit or would particularly value the fact that the Southern Circuit will have less tourists and vehicles and provide a more alternative itinerary. We also recommend the South to those landing in Dar es Salaam and only having a few days for the safari.

WHERE DO THE SAFARIS START AND FINISH?
Northern Circuit Safaris usually start and finish in Arusha while Southern Circuit safaris start and finish in Dar es salaam. However, we can provide pickup services from other cities like Moshi.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACCOMMODATION LEVELS?
When you contact us for a quote, we will provide you different levels of luxury for your safaris. The most different one is the standard one, which is included in the daily price of the safari. It normally refers to public campsites where we will bring our own tents (you do not need to put them up, our staff will do it for you), camping equipment (sleeping bags, pillows, mats, sheets, etc.), a cook to prepare your meals, food and cooking equipment.
Now, if you upgrade to any other level of accommodation, the level of comfort will increase drastically. On any level above the basic one, you will stay in private tented camps or lodges, with large tents or rooms with plenty of space, real beds, private en-suite toilets and showers. In this case, we will not send a cook with you because all the meals will be prepared by the camps/lodges (full board is always included).
There will be more than one option for upgrades, ones more expensive than the others, but they will all have beds and en-suite bathroom as mentioned above. The main difference between further higher levels of luxury will be the comfort level, the quality of the tents/rooms, decoration, service level, quality of the restaurant, location of the camp/lodge in the park, etc. The higher the level, the more comfort and luxurious your stay will be.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
- Up to 30 days before departure: Penalty of 20%
- Up to 21 days before departure: Penalty of 50%
- Less than 7days before departure of no show: Penalty of 100%

WHAT IS INCLUDED AND EXCLUDED IN THE SAFARIS?
Each safari is tailor made so there are always services/tours that would be added to the exclusions of a specific safari, like flights, hotels, balloon flights, etc. However, each safari has, at least, the following inclusions:
* 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing and Unlimited Mileage
* Accommodation during safari as detailed (Full Board)
* All National Park entrances **
* Unlimited Water and Unlimited mileage during game drives.
* Donations and payments to local community projects.

** Unlikely and unexpected official Governmental increases of park fees or taxes (after booking time), which are beyond our control, are not included and may be charged to the client.

Excluded:
* Visas
* Souvenirs
* Items of Personal Interest
* Tips for the driver/guide (10 USD per day per person, but it is ultimately up to the Client's discretion)
* Tips for the cook (5 USD per day per person, but it is ultimately up to the Client's discretion. The cook will only be present on public camping safaris)

DO I NEED TO SLEEP IN TOWN BEFORE THE SAFARI?
We usually recommend sleeping at least one night in Arusha (North) or Dar es Salaam (South) before the safari. This is because the safaris start early (9am) and if you arrive much later you will lose valuable time. Besides, even if you arrive early, a day in Arusha is good for orientation, to rest and even to prepare for any flight delay or luggage loss.

WHAT TIME DO THE SAFARIS FINISH? CAN I TAKE A FLIGHT ON THE SAME DAY?
Safaris usually finish around 5pm in Arusha / Dar es Salaam. If the tour is private, we can be flexible if you need to finish a bit earlier (like 3pm) but we do not recommend much earlier in order to not compromise your last day of safari. We recommend only going to the next destination on the next day, to avoid rushing to the airport on the last day, but if you need to fly on that day it is possible. Air Tanzania usually has flights to Zanzibar around 6.30pm, and to Dar es Salaam after 8pm, both of which are compatible with the safari on that day.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR THE SAFARI?
We recommend bringing:
* Khaki, green, beige and neutral colours (dark blue and black clothing should be avoided as it attracts Tsetse flies)
* Shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, as protection from the sun, mosquitoes and Tsetse flies)
* T shirts
* Shorts or a light skirt
* Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
* A jacket and sweater are recommended for early morning and evening game drives
* Lightweight water-proof jacket
* Swim and beachwear
* Comfortable walking shoes
* Sun block, sunglasses, hat, moisturizer and lip-salve are all essentials
* Strong but natural insect repellent
* Camera equipment
* Good quality safari clothing is available in safari shops
* Bath towels and emergency toilet paper (only if you do a budget safari. Otherwise the hotels will provide the towels).

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SAFARI?
All safari costs are included:
* All National Park entrance and camp site fees
* Accommodation as detailed - Luxury tented camps or lodges or public campsites. If doing a budget camping safari, we provide all the camping equipment as well.
* Transport with qualified driver/ guide in well maintainted 4*4 Land Cruiser with Safari pop-up open roof.
* High-End Nikon/Olympus/Bushnell Binoculars.
* All food - breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals.
* Bottled water and sof drinks in the vehicle during the safari.
* Pickup/dropof in Arusha hotel before/afer safari.
* Services of various local guides.
* Donations and payments to local community projects.
Of course, if you request it, we can add other items to the contract, like domestic or international flights, accommodation in Arusha or Zanzibar, extra tours (like balloon flight in the Serengeti or walking safari in Ngorongoro), Flying Doctors insurance, Welcome pack, etc.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
* Tips for the guide (the industry guidelines is $10 USD per person per day, but it is ultimately up to the client's descrition).
* International visa for Tanzania (can be obtained on arrival in Tanzania for $50 USD per person)
* Visas for Tanzania or medicine/vaccination

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Most countries can get Visa on Arrival at the airport. The only exception is citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Abkhazia, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Kyrgyzten, Mauritania, Palestine, Somalia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, Sierra Leone, Uzbekistan and Refugees or stateless individuals.
Remember that, with arrival visa or not, your passport needs to have at least 6 months of validity when you arrive.

WHAT VACCINES AND MEDICATION SHOULD I TAKE?
We cannot legally provide medical advise as we are not a health institution, but most travellers take vaccine for Yellow Fever and take prophylaxis pills for Malaria. Some travellers do not take the prophylaxis pills and instead protect themselves by covering their body at night, using mosquito repellant and/or mosquito nets. If you plan to go to Zanzibar, or if you come from an Endemic yellow fever country (or do a stop-over there) we recommend taking the yellow fever vaccine as it may be requested upon arrival at the airport.

WHAT ARE THE METHOD PAYMENTS AVAILABLE?
Once we have designed your itinerary (only safari or also including transfers, flights, hotels in town, etc.) we will send you a contract with everything. We require a down-payment which can be paid via bank transfer or by Paypal (which also accepts credit cards). The remaining payment can be paid using the same method or, if you prefer, can be made once you arrive in Tanzania, in cash or credit card.

DO I NEED TO TAKE THE VISA FOR TANZANIA IN ADVANCE OR CAN I GET IT UPON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT OR LAND BORDER?
We recommend getting the visa upon arrival as it is a very straightforward process and just takes a few minutes. We recommend bringing a pen and the money for the visas in cash to make the process faster. The price is $50 USD for all nationalities except citizens from the USA who have to pay $100 USD per person.
All nationalities can get a visa upon arrival except citizens of the following countries: Abkhazia (Republic inside Georgia), Eriterea Republic, Mauritania Republic, Sri Lanka Republic, Turkmanistan, Afghanistan Republic, Ethiopia, Morocco, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh Republic, Kazakhstan Republic, Niger Republic, Somali Land, Wakimbizi (REFUGEES), Chad Repubic, Kyrgyzsten Republic, Palestine State, Stateless People, Djibout Republic, Lebanon Republic, Senegal Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Mali Republic, Sierra Leone Republic and Tajikstan.

ARE YOU ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE FOOD RESTRICTIONS, PREFERENCES OR SPECIFIC DIETS?
Yes, it does not matter if you do a budget camping safari or upgrade to a higher level of accommodation, we are able to accommodate any specific request (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, paleo, gluten-fee, specific allergies, etc.). These are very common requests and not an issue at all