Other than just a few exceptions, most safari lodges and camps do not have air conditioning. The climate in Northern Tanzania is usually pleasant enough that folks don't miss air conditioning (this is especially true in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, due to the high elevations). But if you want to have air conditioning for part (or most) of the time, we suggest considering the Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge, which is recommended year-round and can be utilized as a base to game drive both the North and Central Serengeti. January and February are the warmest months of the year in Northern Tanzania. So it might be best to avoid those months if you are particularly susceptible to warmer temperatures, though even in those two months it rarely gets above 85 degrees in the Serengeti. The slightly cooler months in Northern Tanzania are from April to September.

Please note that there is no air conditioning in our vehicles due to their open nature.

View PDF

Learn about monthly seasonal highlights and where different species migrate throughout the year.

View Migration Map

Arusha Layover

We highly recommend the Arusha Layover option for all guests without any significant time constraints. There are dozens of accommodations in Arusha with a wide range of prices including 5-star coffee plantation resorts, private multi-bedroom villas, large international resorts, and smaller boutique hotels. Some of our favorites include Arusha Coffee Lodge, Lake Duluti Lodge, Kili Seasons Hotel and both the standard rooms and private multi-bedroom villas at Kili Villas. The following is a list of reasons why an extra night in Arusha may be a worthwhile addition to your itinerary:

• Though missed or significantly delayed connections are unusual, they do occur from time to time. An extra day in Arusha functions as a form of insurance that would protect your safari itinerary from being compromised as most international flight problems result in a delay of not more than 24 hours. With two nights in Arusha, the worst case scenario from a missed connection would mean the loss of just one night in Arusha while the main safari itinerary would remain unaffected.
• The Delta / KLM flight that most people utilize for their international airfare routing arrives late in the evening while the flight to the Serengeti departs the next day at 8.00am in the morning. By adding an extra day in Arusha, one can rest and recuperate from the long international flight before beginning the safari as well as adjust to the time difference. Being well rested and in a healthier position will ultimately lead to a more enjoyable safari experience.
• Adding an extra day in Arusha allows for opportunities to explore the charming town of Arusha for cultural and shopping excursions. The more adventurous may wish to spend the 'Arusha Layover' in the Mount Kilimanjaro region on a full day excursion to hike Materuni Waterfall or in Arusha National Park walking up the slopes of Mount Meru.
• Some international flights arrive at Kilimanjaro early in the morning. As such, you may wish to add a night at the hotel for the night before to facilitate an early check-in. Otherwise, you may have to wait until the late morning while your room is getting ready depending upon availability. For example, if your flight arrives at Kilimanjaro on August 2nd at 3.00am, you may wish to add a night to the hotel in Arusha on August 1st so that you may check-in as soon as you arrive during the early morning of August 2nd.

Arusha Activities

There are endless activities and sightseeing tours available in the Arusha-Kilimanjaro region. We've listed a few of our favorite options, though we can customize and combine activities depending upon each guest's specific interests. Please contact your ADS safari consultant for activity pricing, tipping guidelines, and further recommendations.

Sightseeing & Shopping Tour

This option includes half day use of a vehicle and guide to tour the charming town of Arusha. The tour includes general sightseeing and shopping opportunities and is often combined with a visit to a colorful Maasai market or a tour of a local coffee plantation. Some popular souvenir items in Tanzania include wooden animal carvings, African masks and picture frames, hand woven baskets, dining sets, local paintings, jewelry, safari books, and Maasai arts and crafts (beadwork, shields, spears, jewelry, etc.). Tsavorite and Tanzanite are two popular gemstones in East Africa.

Tanzanite, a bluish gemstone, is mined only in Tanzania (next to Kilimanjaro Airport) and many people think that it makes a special souvenir. One shop that we recommend is called 'Cultural Heritage'. If you like shopping, you could spend several hours at the Cultural Heritage center in Arusha - there seems to be an infinite supply of woodcarvings, tribal masks, artifacts, paintings, and Tanzanite jewelry to look through (they also sell loose stones). Cultural Heritage has a particularly good restaurant on the premises, and many of our guests have us book lunch for them there on their layover day. If you are really interested in Tanzanite, we might suggest visiting a place downtown Arusha called Tanzanite Experience. You can stop by and view Tanzanite in their show room on an impromptu basis, but if you want a tour (they have a small museum) and cutting demonstration we'll need to make arrangements for you ahead of time.

Poli Village Tour

Visit a traditional village in Arusha and learn about the culture and life of most Tanzanians. Poli is a village within the Usa River district and close to the offices of Africa Dream Safaris. Clients who wish to visit a non-touristy village will enjoy this half day excursion to the nearby village of Poli. Clients will meet with the Chairman (Mayor) of the village or a representative from his village council and learn how a village of this size is managed, along with the day-to-day issues. Site visits will include the primary school, hospital, courthouse, and the village offices. This tour is usually a highlight for clients seeking cultural interactions and insight into the life of most Tanzanians.

Nikon Action 7 x 35 Ultra Wide View Binoculars are available for each person to use while on safari in Northern Tanzania. Your safari vehicle will be stocked with enough binoculars so that everyone will have their own pair. Binoculars are essential for game viewing. You need them to see small or distant animals clearly and they greatly increase your ability to observe behavior of larger animals. In addition, binoculars enable you to see much better in dim light. Binoculars between 7 and 12-power are suitable for game viewing. The higher the number, the greater the magnification will be. However, unless you have very steady hands, you may have trouble seeing clearly with a 10 or 12-power binoculars. Accordingly, we recommend 7 power binoculars for the average person. The second number on binoculars refers to the diameter of the larger, objective lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light is transmitted and the greater the relative brightness of the image. At the same time, though, the field of view becomes much smaller and the binoculars need to be much bigger. A good compromise is somewhere in the 30's. Putting both numbers together, we recommend a 7x35 or perhaps an 8x32.

For those seeking more powerful binoculars, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you purchase one pair of binoculars with image stabilization (IS) to share with your spouse or traveling companions. This will greatly increase your enjoyment while wildlife viewing for extended durations and will supplement the lower magnification binoculars that are provided in the vehicles.

The more powerful the binoculars, the more vibrations are magnified and even a slight movement of your hands will shake the image. With higher magnification binoculars, the image shake may quickly become intolerable. However, image stabilized binoculars offer a solution to this problem and even powerful 12x binoculars become instantly sharp and steady once the 'IS' is initiated.

Our personal favorite 'IS' binoculars are the Canon 10x30 IS (version #2) Image Stabilization binoculars (under $500) and the Canon 12x36 IS (version #3) Image Stabilization binoculars (under $700). These binoculars are powerful enough to spot a leopard at 500 meters while at the same time remaining perfectly steady so that you can enjoy hours of wildlife watching. We find that amazon.com and B&H Photo seem to have the best prices on these Canon Image Stabilized binoculars.

"Bush Bathrooms" are a concern that almost everyone shares to some degree or another. We host an array of different guests...some are just slightly shy about the prospect of using au naturel facilities, and others have physical limitations that make it next to impossible. So, there are a few different strategies we can employ, which may vary depending on the guest's specific situation.

• One common way to manage this issue is to simply ask your guide to make a scheduled stop by a rest room facility every couple of hours or so. There are camps, ranger stations, and visitor centers sprinkled throughout the various national parks, so with a little pre-planning, your guide can work to arrange for a stop at one of these locations that have public bathroom facilities every few hours (a suggestion would be to bring a zip lock bag with a bar of soap). For example, there are three separate public bathroom facilities on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Our guides are quite sensitive to the dilemma of bush bathrooms and will bend over backwards to accommodate your needs. Remember this is a concern that every single guest shares.
• If you find yourself out in the wilderness without a facility in sight, you may opt to use a more au naturel setting, such as behind a tree (after your guide has checked the surrounding area for safety, of course). The easiest, safest, and most private spot is directly behind the vehicle. At any time, your driver-guide can find a safe and private area, and you may simply exit the vehicle and walk to the rear. There are large double spare tires at the back of each vehicle blocking the view from anyone else within the vehicle. Every vehicle does come equipped with a roll of toilet paper, but it's also a good idea to pack a few miniature travel type rolls. Please act in an eco-friendly manner and bring small bags with you to carry out any tissue paper, such as small, scented bags that you may purchase online. Folks catch on to the 'bush bathroom' etiquette and lingo pretty quickly! The verbal code for a pit stop is to say "Hey, let's stop. I need to check the tires." Say that to your guide and he'll know exactly what you mean!
• For folks that are genuinely concerned about their physical ability to bend, sit, or lean in the ways necessary in order to go behind a tree or the vehicle, we can utilize a port-a-loo, or mobile toilet, which travels in the vehicle with you. We have even hosted folks in wheelchairs using a port-a-loo, and it's been quite successful. If you need something like this, be sure to let your safari planner know ahead of time so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Fire plays a number of important roles in any savannah ecosystem. In the Serengeti ecosystem, fire enhances the quality and productivity of the grasslands by removing mature, coarser grasses to make room for more palatable grasses that the Serengeti's great herds of grazers prefer. However, out of control fires that burn too hot can be damaging to critical and sensitive habitats. Accordingly, the Serengeti park authorities have implemented a comprehensive fire management plan that balances these opposing forces by initiating controlled burning at the beginning of the dry season to reduce the risk of larger wildlife fires at the end of the dry season. Throughout the dry season (June to October), smoke filled air along with dust may pose an annoyance or health risk for guests and especially those with asthma.

Using Your Cell Phone on Safari

Using your cell phone while on safari is easy these days thanks to more affordable packages and the addition of new cell phones towers throughout Northern Tanzania. There is relatively good cell coverage in most areas that you might be traveling including Arusha-Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Zanzibar, the top half of Tarangire and many regions of the Serengeti National Park. Coverage is also good throughout the Central regions of the Serengeti though it can be spotty at times in some of the more remote areas of the North, West and Southern Serengeti. However, your guide will know the areas (sometimes even a top of a hill) where cell phone reception is best in these remote regions and can provide recommendations accordingly.

To use your cell phone on safari, you simply need to call your carrier and purchase an international package and have your phone 'unlocked' for use in Tanzania or any other country you may be visiting. The packages at least through AT&T and Verizon have become more affordable lately making purchasing one a wise decision when travelling abroad. For example, AT&T has a package that works in 200 countries (including Tanzania) called the AT&T Passport Package that is valid for 30 days beginning on your chosen effective date. The cost is $70 per device and includes unlimited texting, 2GB of data use and calls back to the U.S. are charged at only 35 cents per minute. Other plans are also available and please make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before selecting.

For those individuals that require the regular use of a phone in even the more remote areas that have spotty cell phone coverage, you may wish to rent a satellite phone in the U.S. before departure. An iridium satellite phone can be rented in the U.S. before your departure that you can use anywhere in Africa as long as you have a direct line of sight to the sky.

WhatsApp - Messaging Our Staff During Your Travels

(FREE / highly recommended)

Please download WhatsApp to your phone and we will create a group chat with our operational staff in both Tanzania and the U.S. You can message the group with any questions or concerns while on safari as almost all properties in Tanzania have WIFI. Once you have WhatsApp loaded on your phone, please send a message to your safari consultant. We will capture your number and create the Group Chat for you.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if there is something we can do to make your safari experience more enjoyable, and it is important that we are immediately advised of any problems with your safari so that we have the opportunity to rectify them before you return home. We strive to conclude each guest's safari experience with 100% customer satisfaction. This starts with you!

If you do encounter any problems or need any assistance while on safari or traveling to/from Tanzania, please immediately use the group chat we have created on WhatsApp. Our staff will provide immediate assistance and answer any questions while in Tanzania. If you believe your international flight to Tanzania may be delayed, please also immediately use the group to notify us of the flight delays. It is critical that we be advised of any possible international flight arrival delay as soon as possible to enable us to begin making potential adjustments to your safari itinerary including changing your arrival transfer.

WhatsApp is a 'must have' application to have on your phone while traveling internationally that allows for fast messaging with anyone else in the world that also has the application loaded on their phone. And, best of all, it's completely free as long as you're connected to WIFI. If you're not connected to WIFI, data charges will apply so make sure to purchase an international package that includes data use and have your phone 'unlocked' for use in Tanzania or any other country you may be visiting. All of our staff in the U.S. and Tanzania have WhatsApp and it's become one of our main forms of communication, as it's fast, free, and easy to use. It also works great for sending pictures and short video clips to family and friends.

WIFI & Internet Access

We're happy to report that just about all the camps and lodges in Tanzania have WIFI these days. Even the remotely located Hemingway camps in the Serengeti have WIFI though it can only be accessed from the reception area and not from the individual rooms or tents. The WIFI speeds are fast in the Arusha-Kilimanjaro area but the speeds are limited at most of the properties in the national parks as they utilize slower satellite connections (Starlink has yet to launch in Tanzania). The WIFI speeds at the properties in the national parks are sufficient to send texts and emails but they won't work well for sending large files such as high resolution pictures or videos.

As a final note, there are a few recent developments regarding WIFI where some lodges and camps in the Serengeti have employed faster WIFI speeds and even some that can be accessed directly from your room. Please note that basic WIFI is still complimentary but some properties in Tanzania have begun charging supplements for higher speeds including at the Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge.

The majority of the famous wildlife parks of Northern Tanzania (situated just south of the equator) rest upon an elevated plateau creating a wonderfully temperate climate. Average highs are in the low 80s and average lows are in the 50s and 60s. The temperatures are very comfortable and there is little humidity due to the high elevation. The moderate climate creates a comfortable environment for wildlife viewing throughout the entire day. Even during mid-day it is rarely too hot for game viewing and many animals remain active. Wildlife viewing is a year round event due to the equatorial climate and there really is no preferred season in terms of weather though some individuals prefer the green season as it's not as dry or dusty. Full rainy days are rare and even during the green season (November to May), there is a greater proportion of sunshine and only brief and refreshing showers are the norm.

Altitude & Average Temperatures

The Serengeti National Park ranges in altitude from about 5,000 - 6,000 feet while Tarangire and Lake Manyara (situated in the rift valley) are lower in elevation (approximately 3,500 feet) and a little warmer. On the other hand, the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater is situated at 7,500 - 8,000 feet and is significantly colder especially in the early morning. During the slightly warmer months from October to March, the average high is 84 degrees while the average low is 60 degrees in the Serengeti. During the slightly cooler months from April to September, expect an average high of 81 degrees and an average low of 55 degrees in the Serengeti. However, the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater can get significantly colder due to the high elevation and one needs a heavy sweater here year round. June, July and August are the coldest months and lows can sometimes drop into the 30s and 40s at the Ngorongoro Crater though daily high temperatures are unaffected. Make sure to bring a heavy sweater, gloves and warm hat during June, July and August for those early morning game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Learn about monthly seasonal highlights and where different species migrate throughout the year.

View Migration Map

Your Cell Phone

Using your cell phone while on safari is easy these days thanks to more affordable packages and the addition of new cell phones towers throughout Northern Tanzania. There is relatively good cell coverage in most areas that you might be traveling including Arusha-Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Zanzibar, the top half of Tarangire and many regions of the Serengeti National Park. Coverage is also good throughout the Central regions of the Serengeti though it can be spotty at times in some of the more remote areas of the North, West and Southern Serengeti. However, your guide will know the areas (sometimes even a top of a hill) where cell phone reception is best in these remote regions and can provide recommendations accordingly.

To use your cell phone on safari, you simply need to call your carrier and purchase an international package and have your phone 'unlocked' for use in Tanzania or any other country you may be visiting. The packages at least through AT&T and Verizon have become more affordable lately making purchasing one a wise decision when travelling abroad. For example, AT&T has a package that works in 200 countries (including Tanzania) called the AT&T Passport Package that is valid for 30 days beginning on your chosen effective date. The cost is $60 per device and includes unlimited texting, 1GB of data use and calls back to the U.S. are charged at only 35 cents per minute. Other plans are also available and please make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before selecting.

For those individuals that require the regular use of a phone in even the more remote areas that have spotty cell phone coverage, you may wish to rent a satellite phone in the U.S. before departure. An iridium satellite phone can be rented in the U.S. before your departure that you can use anywhere in Africa as long as you have a direct line of sight to the sky.

WhatsApp - Free Messaging

(highly recommended)

WhatsApp is a useful application to have on your phone while traveling internationally that allows for fast messaging with anyone else in the world that also has the application loaded on their phone. And, best of all it's completely free as long as you're connected to WIFI. If you're not connected to WIFI, data charges will apply so make sure to purchase an international package that includes data use and have your phone 'unlocked' for use in Tanzania or any other country you may be visiting.

All of our staff in the U.S. and Tanzania have WhatsApp and it's become one of our main forms of communication as it's fast, free and easy to use. It also works great for sending pictures and short video clips. If you do install WhatsApp on your phone make sure to also load our local staff contact numbers in Arusha (you'll receive a current listing of contact numbers roughly 2 weeks prior to your departure).

ADS Company Cell Phone

(local Tanzanian cell phone)

Our #1 priority at Africa Dream Safaris is for you to have a safe and enjoyable safari. If any problem arises while you are on safari we are here to provide you with immediate support and assistance. It might sound obvious, but before we can help you with any problem we need to know about it! To facilitate this communication, we lend out a local Tanzanian cell phone (one per group) on every safari.

You'll be given the local cell phone (again one per group) upon arrival in Tanzania along with a current listing of all our local staff contact numbers in Arusha including our director of operations, general manager and reservations manager. Please don't hesitate to use this phone to contact our staff in Arusha if you encounter a problem while on safari such as with your guide, accommodations or vehicle. The vast majority of any problems can usually be fixed promptly with a simple phone call and we can have a replacement guide or vehicle sent to you immediately. Your local cell phone is preloaded with approximately $10 to $20 in talk time, which is an ample amount of credit to call and receive dozens of calls within Tanzania.

Some areas of the Serengeti do not have good cell phone coverage. If you encounter problems with your cell phone or there is no cell phone coverage and you need to call one of our staff in Arusha for assistance, please feel free to use the lodge or camp phone instead and we will reimburse you for any associated costs. All lodges and camps (even the semi-permanent and mobile camps) have a phone at the main lodge that can be used by guests to call one of our staff in Arusha for assistance.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if there is something we can do to make your safari experience more enjoyable, and it is absolutely critical that we are immediately advised of any problems with your safari so that we have the opportunity to rectify them before you return back to Arusha. We strive to conclude each guest's safari experience with 100% customer satisfaction. This starts with you!

Emergency Communications

You will be provided with all of our emergency contact information to give to your family and friends on how to contact you in the bush roughly 2 weeks prior to your departure. In case of an emergency, a family member can contact our emergency mobile phone, which is carried by a member in Los Angeles 24 hours a day. We will then immediately relay the message to our Arusha office and they will contact your driver guide by long distance radio. We will also try telephoning the lodge or camp where you will be staying. Whether you are out game driving in the bush or residing at a lodge, we will be able to contact you in case of an emergency.

Every vehicle is equipped with a long distance radio. These radios are used for communication between other driver-guides for game reports and with our main operational office in Arusha. If there is any problem on safari, your driver-guide can immediately handle the situation as he is trained and has the experience to handle any problem. He also can use his long distance radio to communicate with our operational office in Arusha.

You will also be provided with our in-country emergency contact listing before your departure. This listing includes our office numbers in Arusha as well as several emergency mobile numbers that our senior staff in Arusha carry on them 24 hours a day. If you encounter a problem while in Africa, the quickest solution would be to call one of these local numbers and you will be immediately assisted.

WIFI and Internet Access section

The GOOD news is that most camps and lodges have WIFI in Tanzania these days (please refer to our lodge amenities checklist for a complete listing). Even the smaller Hemingway camps (Mara River Camp, Seronera Sametu, etc.) have WIFI, which can be accessed from the main lounge/dining tent. However, the BAD news is that WIFI speed is limited and it can also be unreliable since most properties (especially in the Serengeti) utilize a small satellite connection. Note that basic WIFI is complimentary at most lodges and camps but please be aware that some may charge a supplement for higher speeds.

Satellite connection speeds (especially the ones employed in Tanzania) do not deliver connection speeds nearly as fast as Cable or DSL. Therefore, the WIFI found at most camps and lodges (except Arusha) is only really usable for sending emails with small attachments. It's usually not powerful enough to be able to send or receive large pictures or other large files. Please note that at many of the properties that do offer WIFI, it's only accessible from the main lodge area (not in the rooms). The exception to all this is in the town of Arusha where most of the hotels employ very fast WIFI similar to what you would have available at home.

As a final note, there are a few recent developments regarding WIFI where some lodges and camps in the Serengeti have employed faster WIFI speeds and even some that can be accessed directly from your room. Note that some of these properties charge a supplement for these higher speeds. Basic WIFI would still be complimentary but many properties are quickly providing options for faster connection speeds at an additional cost. Please feel free to contact us for the latest developments regarding WIFI speeds as it is quickly evolving in Tanzania.

You will have the same driver-guide for the entire trip. At the end of the day, the single most important factor in our clients having a successful safari is the quality of their GUIDE. Our guides are all local Tanzanians, well-educated and they all speak fluent English. We hire only the very best, and once we hire someone great we treat them like gold, not only do they deserve it but we also want to keep them! We continue to invest in them and their training. It is important to us that our guides are the most educated and passionate in the industry. Our guides are well educated and happy to be working for ADS! Here at ADS, our guides are the heart and soul of our company. They are our employees sure, but they are also our family.

Expertise, Passion & Hard Work

Your guide-driver will be responsible for helping you plan your days by giving you suggestions, although ultimately the decisions are up to you. Probably the most important aspect of his job is that he is responsible for finding the animals - after all, that's why you've come! Thus he must understand intimately the animals' habitats and behaviors. It is important for your guide to have experience so he is not afraid to go off the beaten path for fear of getting lost, otherwise you may never make it far from the main road! It is important that he is well educated and a good communicator because he will be responsible for communicating information about the animals, trees, insects, ecosystem etc. to his guests. It is important that he is a professional, and has a pleasant personality because you will be with him for the entire trip! It is important that he is passionate about his job, because we all know enthusiasm is contagious and can greatly enhance one's enjoyment of the trip. This is the guide profile here at ADS.

Why is a Private Guide Better?

A frequent question we receive is 'why is it better to have a private guide instead of utilizing different guides employed at various properties?' Some companies will shuffle you between different camps without a dedicated driver guide, and that means you will have a new guide at each location and you will need to go out on shared game drives with other guests. That means you lose the ability to control your own schedule and the amount of time focused on your interests. By the time you're done shuffling between the various driver guides, you may have heard the same lesson on dung beetles 20 times, which is always repeated 1) because the driver guide is new to you and he doesn't know what you've heard, and 2) for the benefit of other new guests in the vehicle with you. And you never do make it far from the driveway to find the leopard or cheetah cubs or other interesting animals that may be a little bit more difficult to find.

Driver Assignments

We have a high number of returning guests and are often asked if we can again assign the driver-guide our guests had on their previous ADS safari. The assignment of our driver-guides is actually quite complex and based on a formula that interweaves factors such as annual leave, scheduled safaris, duration of scheduled safaris, client interests and various other factors.

In fact, the assignment often looks like a complex jigsaw puzzle and removing just one piece of the puzzle -such as a specific guide-effectively dismantles the carefully pieced together jigsaw puzzle. With this in mind, we are unfortunately unlikely to be able to assign a specific guide however as evident by the blog postings, all of our guides are talented professionals and you will not be disappointed. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and this starts with who we assign to guide our returning guests.

Additional Info

For more detailed information about our expert drivers, visit our Driver Guides section.

Even in the green season, dusty conditions can be aggravating while out on game drives. The Serengeti Plains are especially prone to dusty conditions due to the shallow soil base and lack of long grass roots. During the dry season, dusty conditions are significantly worse. Please be prepared for dusty conditions and let us know in advance if you're especially sensitive to dust and we will adjust your itinerary accordingly to help minimize any negative impacts. All guests sensitive to dust are advised to bring bandanas.

Photography and video equipment may be especially prone to dusty conditions. It is a good idea to bring a bag that can be easily opened and completely sealed so you may store your equipment when not immediately needed. Bring a couple photo soft cloths to wipe dust from the lenses. Contact lens wearers may be especially sensitive. Please plan accordingly and bring an ample supply of lens lubricant.

A 3 rectangular pin United Kingdom (British) plug adapter (type G) is required to use electrical appliances including phones, tablets, cameras, battery chargers, etc. Please note that Tanzania electrical sockets are identical to those found in London, Hong Kong and Dubai. The 3 rectangular pin 'type G' plug adapter is placed onto your device plug so that it will fit into the 3 rectangular pin electrical sockets. You may wish to consider bringing several of these little adapters allowing charging of more than one device at a time. Amazon.com sells a package of 3 adapters (type G) for just $13.

Here's the link:

Ceptics Hong Kong Travel Adapter

Voltage in Tanzania

The electrical voltage in Tanzania is 220V while the electrical voltage in the United States is 120V. If you have a dual voltage appliance or a universal power supply capable of operating safely with either 120V or 220V, all you will need is the little plug adapter that adapts the American style plug to the Tanzanian style plug, mentioned above. All newer phones, laptops, tablets and cameras come equipped with a dual voltage power supply so again all you'll need is the little plug adapter. Check to make sure that the input reads 100V - 240V or 120V - 240V.

For more information, please visit:

electricaloutlet.org/type-g

Electricity in the Lodges

Even though just about all lodges and camps operate 24-hour electricity these days, there are frequent power outages in Tanzania and you may not be able to have power through the entire night. Accordingly, a rechargeable battery pack equipped with a minimum run time of 8-hours is required for guests bringing CPAP breathing machines. It's also always a good idea to be prepared with two extra batteries for digital cameras.

Charging Your Media Devices

Guests can also charge devices directly in some of our newly equipped vehicles. All you'll need is the plug adapter mentioned above. However, the charging outlets in the vehicles are notoriously finicky and suffer frequent issues. Accordingly, we recommend planning to charge all your devices back at your lodge or camp each day. Again, most properties have 24-hour electricity (even the Hemingway Bush Camp) and all have ample plug outlets in each room. Just make sure to begin charging your devices after your last game drive for the day.

A note about Hair Dryers:

While many of the lodges, hotels and larger tented lodges in Tanzania come equipped with hair dryers in their rooms, some of the smaller camps in the Serengeti do not provide hair dryers as they run on solar power. Specifically, Mara River Camp, Seronera Sametu Camp and Woodlands Camp do not have hair dryers in the rooms. If a hair dryer is important, we would recommend bringing a Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer where the wattage is low enough to work at the smaller camps that operate on solar power.

There are several lodges and camps in Tanzania that offer two-bedroom/two-bathroom family suites that are ideal for parents traveling with children. Please see further below for a list of recommended properties with family suites. We do recommend booking the family suites well in advance, as most properties only have one or two available and they quickly fill up, especially during the peak summer, spring, and holiday periods.

• All the Hemingway Camps (including Mara River Camp in the North Serengeti, Seronera Sametu Camp in the Central Serengeti, Woodlands Camp in the South Serengeti, Ngorongoro Lion's Paw Camp at the Ngorongoro Crater, and Elephant Springs Camp in Tarangire National Park) have two-bedroom/two-bathroom family suites that are perfectly designed for families. Each family tent has similar specifications and includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms along with a separate lounge or family room area between the two bedrooms. The master bedroom features a king size bed and the second bedroom includes two twin beds (and one additional bed can be added, as needed). There are two of these family suites at each of the Hemingway properties. These spacious family suites are highly recommended for families wanting an authentic 'under canvas experience' in the remote wilderness, but with the added safety and comfort of being under one roof with plenty of space and privacy. Extra benefits for kids staying at the Hemingway Camps include S'mores kits and various Junior Game Ranger activities.
• The sprawling Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge, which can be used as a base to game drive either the Central or North Serengeti offers one bedroom/two bathroom Terrace Suites. These Terrace Suites come with a large master bedroom with a king size bed and a separate living area that has a double trundle bed, and two full bathrooms. With a maximum occupancy of 2 adults and 2 children, these suites also feature an outdoor terrace with a private plunge pool that overlooks a waterhole. The Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge also has more expansive two and three bedroom villas, all with their own living and dining rooms and private pools.
• For families wanting to stay at a luxurious tented lodge during their safari, but in a two bedroom family suite, we would recommend Nimali Serengeti or Nanyukie Tented Lodge in the Central Serengeti, Nimali Mara Camp in the North Serengeti, and Crater's Edge Lodge on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. All four of these luxurious properties feature two-bedroom/two-bathroom family suites.
• The Arusha-Kilimanjaro region also has plenty of family suite options available and makes for a great two night stopover after arriving on the long international flight and before heading off to the Serengeti. We highly recommend adding an Arusha Layover for all guests, but especially for families traveling with children. Our favorite property with family style accommodations in the Arusha region is Kili Villa as they offer several multi-bedroom villas including two beautiful 5-bedroom villas with private pools and loads of activities, including hiking, golfing, and horseback riding. Other recommended options in the Arusha region include Lake Duluti Lodge (beautiful estate on a working coffee plantation with two interconnected chalets, nature walks and canoeing), African Tulip Hotel (quaint hotel in town with a beautiful two bedroom/two bathroom family suite and close to shopping and cultural options) and Gran Melia Hotel (sprawling 5-star resort on 18-acres with interconnecting rooms and extensive facilities including an infinity swimming pool, golf course, fitness center, spa and 6 different restaurants and lounges).

You will be briefed upon arrival as to the exact pick-up time for your transfer to the Arusha Airstrip for your internal flight to the Serengeti, if applicable. The pick-up time from your hotel in Arusha (usually between 6.00am and 6.45am) will vary based upon the location of your hotel, current traffic conditions and your Serengeti flight departure time (usually 8.00am but it can vary by as much as 60-minutes). It is critical that you be ready and on time for this airport transfer, as the morning Serengeti flights board and depart promptly.

Please note that the flight to the Serengeti may make multiple stops before arriving at your destination airstrip, depending upon the destinations of the other passengers. This can be an inconvenience. The pilot will know each guest's destination airstrip, and he or she will make sure you disembark at the correct airstrip. The flights can be quite loud and you may wish to bring disposable ear plugs.

Though we do our best to minimize driving distances by including a flight to the Serengeti, there are a few long drives in our regular safari itineraries, which can be further compounded by rough dirt treks, uneven terrain, and a bumpy ride in the land cruiser. Accordingly, you may wish to add additional flights between game drive locations. Some of the longer drives include those from the Central Serengeti lodges to the Ngorongoro Crater lodges, and also the Ngorongoro Crater lodges to the Tarangire lodges. You may also wish to add a night by Lake Manyara in the town of Karatu to break up the drive between the Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha, or the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. Please talk with your safari consultant if you are interested in adding additional flights to your itinerary to alleviate one or more of the longer drives.

A typical dinner at many lodges and camps will consist of approximately 3-4 courses. You'll be able to order a la carte off of a menu most of the time, and have a choice of an appetizer, soup or salad, main course (consisting of baked or grilled chicken, beef, or fish) often served with delicate sauces, vegetables, and a starch (baked potatoes or cooked rice, etc.), followed by a dessert, such as a fruit torte or tiramisu, and tea or coffee.

The buffets are also quite good. For example, the international dinner buffet at the larger lodges usually consists of many (many) items from which to choose; a salad bar with salads and vegetables, such as fresh avocados; a selection of fresh fruits, such as mango, watermelon, pineapple and passion fruit; fresh breads and cheeses; sliced meats or baked or grilled entrees (such as those listed in the first paragraph above), and a dessert bar with an assortment of fresh fruits, pastries, cakes, tortes, pies, etc.

Hot lunches may be lighter than dinners, but you'll still have a variety of many of the items listed above from which to choose. Hot breakfasts usually consist of eggs cooked to order along with a breakfast meat, such as sausage or bacon, as well as a cold buffet of cereals, yogurts, breads, fruits, and sliced meats.

You will always have the option of eating a hot breakfast and lunch at the lodge, but we do recommend going out early in the morning on most days, and maybe even staying out all day on some. In these cases, we do recommend bringing a picnic breakfast and/or lunch with you. Usually, the boxed meals feature items like roasted chicken (served cold), sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, bread, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, yogurt, coffee, tea, etc. If you want to enjoy an early hot breakfast at the lodge, it can usually be arranged for around 7am, or even earlier at some locations if requested ahead of time. Or you can also choose to go out for an early morning game drive (i.e., 6am) and then come back to the lodge for a hot breakfast mid-morning, such as at around 9am. The options are endless!

All the properties that we regularly utilize in Tanzania can cater to many types of special dietary requirements including Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian and Vegan. Please note that for vegetarian and vegan guests, adequate protein during meals can be difficult to provide and we recommend supplementation with items such as protein bars, which you can pack in your suitcase and take with you on safari. Please do let us know of any dietary requirements or food allergies well in advance and, preferably, at the time of booking. We will communicate your dietary preferences to each property on your itinerary, including any restrictions and food allergies. Please always make sure to double check upon check-in at each property to make sure your specific requirements have been noted by the kitchen.

Please be aware that the majority of time on safari is spent in a vehicle game driving and wildlife viewing. Please advise us well in advance of any potential problems with long duration game drives and we will plan your itinerary accordingly and alert your driver of the situation in order to minimize any negative impact. Our private safaris are completely flexible and if need be we can shorten game drives and transit times, add additional flights and eliminate areas of rough terrain from your itinerary.

Fly-In / Drive-Out Itineraries

Transit driving is a big turn-off for most people, and here at ADS we certainly don't like it! Nobody likes to waste their precious moments in Africa driving from point A to point B without anything interesting in between. The whole idea behind our "fly in, drive out" program is to minimize transit. Luckily, once you get to the Serengeti, most of the lodges are going to be logistically situated within an easy 1-2 hour drive from each other (if you were to drive straight without stopping that is). So there is some driving, but the vast majority of these drives are through the heart of the National Park so they are a "game drive", not just a "transit drive". (As a result, the drives themselves do take longer than they would have to, but that's only because you are stopping to enjoy all the animal viewing opportunities along the way!)

There are two exceptions with longer drives, that occur on our itineraries that need to be given careful consideration including 1) the drive between the Central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 4 hours), and 2) the drive between the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park (3 to 6 hours depending upon the lodges selected ). Most clients find these drives still quite doable, and also find the sights in between very interesting (villages, farmlands, etc.). However, past guests have expressed disappointment with regards to the length and poor road conditions on these two aforementioned longer drives. Please talk with your safari consultant if you are concerned about long drives. There are several changes we can make to your itinerary to help mitigate these two long drives including building in an additional flight between the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, adding another flight between the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park and also inserting lodges in between some destinations. A great spot to insert a lodge is in the town of Karatu, which is strategically located about half way between the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire/Arusha. Again, please voice your concerns to your safari specialist and he or she can provide recommendations to help alleviate some of the longer drives.

Some companies that own their own lodges will propose to "fly you" between their properties, but in most cases they are only doing that because there is no other way to get you from one of their lodges to another, since you wouldn't have your own private guide and vehicle. You'd be using different guides that are employed at the various camps on shared game drives with other guests. Be extra careful with safari companies that own their own properties, too, as often their first priority is to utilize their own properties, which aren't always all in the best locations for the time of year that you are traveling.

School Supplies

School supplies are in great need in Tanzania. You may wish to bring school supplies with you and present to a local school while on your safari. There are schools between the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara as well as in Arusha. Some items you may wish to consider bringing include pens, crayons, exercise books, composition/spiral books, small back packs, coloring books, colored markers, chalk, chalk board and world maps (inflatable globes are always a big hit). Please note that our guests are increasingly being hassled to pay duty upon arrival at Kilimanjaro on donated school supplies. Accordingly, we recommend distributing school supplies among your regular clothes and luggage to reduce the chance of being asked to pay duty. A better alternative to bringing school supplies to Tanzania would be to bring a little extra cash and we can take you to a school supply shop in Arusha to purchase supplies and then assist you with delivering them.

Contributions

Rather than giving out school supplies on an impromptu basis along the way, you might consider a making a more organized contribution to one of the schools we work with on a regular basis. One worthy school we are working with at the moment is School of St. Jude's. If you want to stop by the school and visit them in person to see the kids or deliver supplies, please let us know and we can set up a tour for you with one of the school administrators, as long as school is in session during that time.

Sponsor Opportunities

If you want to lighten your load completely, one alternatively option would be to sponsor a child at St. Jude's or make a financial donation towards school supplies, which can help the school make curriculum specific purchases that you know will be used to their full potential. You can make a donation before your safari, while you are there, or after you get home as the school makes it very easy to do online:

schoolofstjude.org/support-us/donate.html

Gifts for Driver Guides

Some individuals like to bring a small gift for their driver-guide. A good option for this would be a t-shirt or hat with a logo of your local sports team of any other item identifying with your hometown. If bringing a t-shirt, a large size is usually appropriate. However, we do believe the best gift you can give is simply bringing your excitement about your safari. Also, we suggest bringing three questions that you think will 'stump' your guide.

You will find that your driver guide quickly becomes your best friend in the bush and it is very natural to want to continue to communicate with him after your safari ends. As a safari outfitter, we have guidelines for maintaining communication so that the professionalism of our company remains intact. All communication should be sent to our main office in the US with the driver guide's name clearly in the "subject". We will forward all emails on your behalf and the driver guides will communicate back to you in the same way. This is very similar to the policies of other US companies making sure that employees maintain appropriate relationships with customers. While it might be appealing to write to a driver guide's private email, it is not permitted for a driver guide to provide their personal information and we want to be sure none of our staff are put in a compromising position. A driver guide will not ask for your private email and we hope that our clients will not ask the driver guide for this information either. Tanzanians are very friendly people and if asked for an email, they are often uncomfortable to say no, despite the company policy.

Care Packages

A common inquiry we receive from our returning guests is that they would like to send a care package to their guide to thank them for their wonderful experience. You may certainly send a package directly to our office at P.O. Box 2189, Arusha, Tanzania (just address it to the name of your guide). Please note that shipping from the U.S. to Tanzania via the USPS can take months and can sometimes be unreliable so we do suggest adding tracking to your shipment.

The Serengeti is particularly famous for the Great Migration, which describes the annual cycle of movements made by wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's gazelle and eland. Elands, weighing up to 2,000 pounds, are the largest of the antelope species while Thomson's gazelles, affectionately called Tommies, are the fastest. The movements of the dominant migrant, the wildebeest, define the borders of the Serengeti ecosystem. The migratory movements are slightly different for each animal but the general pattern is that the migration uses the Southern Serengeti Plains in the green season and the Northern Serengeti Woodlands in the dry season. The famous migratory movements between the Plains and the Woodlands usually occur in May-June (northward migration) and October-November (southward migration).

The wildebeest, in particular, follow a fairly predictable clockwise route around the Serengeti Ecosystem on a never-ending quest for fresh green grass and water. At roughly 1.7 million strong, this giant lawnmower quickly exhausts pastures. During the green season (December to May), the wildebeest are located on the Southern and Eastern Plains. Typically, in early May (the beginning of the dry season), the great herds are forced to depart the plains due to lack of water and immediately shift west to the Western Serengeti and greener pastures. The wildebeest herds remain in the West until July when the dry season completely takes hold forcing them to venture further north towards the permanent sources of water in the Mara River and Lamai Triangle watershed areas of the North Serengeti. During the heart of the dry season from July to November, the wildebeest occupy the North Serengeti, spilling over into Kenya's Masai Mara reserve (in recent years as much as 80% of the migration remains on the Tanzania side due to controlled burning strategies implemented by the Serengeti park authorities). Scattered showers typically begin in November, heralding the end of the dry season, and trigger the migration southwards to their ancestral calving grounds on the Southern Plains where the eternal cycle repeats once more.

Zebra follow a similar migration route except for a few differences. During the green season, zebra occur further north of the wildebeest. They are more concentrated in the central plains around Naabi Hill while the wildebeest concentrate to the south and east in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Toward the end of the green season, zebra move more directly north through the Central Serengeti and reach the Northern Serengeti much earlier than the wildebeest.

Thomson's gazelles show a somewhat different migratory movement in that they range more on the Eastern Plains rather than the Southern plains. Their main movements are between the Eastern Plains and the Central Serengeti. They typically do not occupy the northern areas of the Serengeti in large numbers.

Several species of carnivores have adapted to a nomadic lifestyle to exploit this great moveable feast including cheetahs and 'nomadic' lions, while 'resident' lions and leopards occupy territories. Most of the Serengeti cheetahs follow the Thomson's gazelle migration from the Central Woodlands in the dry season to the Eastern and Southern Plains during the green season. Only a small percentage of males set up resident territories. Cheetahs are diurnal predators with some males forming coalitions composed of siblings while females lead solitary existences except when rearing cubs.

While cheetahs have evolved a nomadic existence in sync with Tommies, hyenas have adopted a 'commuting' system to exploit the migratory wildebeest. Hyenas live in large communities called 'clans' of up to 80 individuals with females being the larger and dominant gender. Hyena clans defend exclusive group territories like lion prides but combine this with long distance (up to 50 miles) foraging trips, termed 'commuting', where they are given safe passage from other hyena clans. Hyenas are capable nocturnal hunters and in fact a study showed that they killed 70% of their food in the Serengeti and an astonishing 96% of their food in the Ngorongoro Crater. Hyenas are renowned for several unique characteristics, perhaps the most notorious being their distinctive whoop or 'laughing' call.

Don't I need to visit Kenya to see The Great Migration?

The short answer is "No". You can see The Great Migration by visiting Tanzania alone, but if you just go to Kenya without visiting Tanzania you may miss it! For long answer, read more about this here: africadreamsafaris.com/faq/when-to-go

Learn about monthly seasonal highlights and where different species migrate throughout the year.

View Migration Map

Inclusions

• All accommodations and meals
• All airport transfers, hotel transfers and meet and greet services (safaris are 100% escorted from the moment of arrival to the moment of departure)
• All national park and reserve entrance fees including special game drive permits and exclusive access to some of the most secluded and wildlife abundant areas in the Serengeti
• Private use of a specially outfitted 4WD Stretched Land Rover with unlimited game drives providing for maximum flexibility, comfort, and wildlife viewing.
• Private services of your professional and knowledgeable driver-guide (all our guides are local Tanzanians, fluent in English, and most have advanced wildlife certificates from the Mweka Wildlife College with an average experience of 10 years)
• Internal airfare from Kilimanjaro-Arusha to the Serengeti National Park
• Use of Nikon Action 8 x 40 wide view binoculars while on safari
• Unlimited bottled drinking water and refrigerated cool box with soft drinks and bush snacks
• Laundry, beer, wine and spirits are included at select lodges and camps
• Detailed welcome package mailed to your residence
• All-inclusive services from your ADS safari specialist in the US
• Comprehensive support from our operational office in Tanzania
• Donation to The Foundation for African Medicine & Education and the School Of St Jude

Exclusions

• International Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Laundry, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits not specified above
• Travel Insurance, Gratuities and Items of a personal nature (souvenirs, etc)

The most convenient and efficient point of entry into Tanzania is Kilimanjaro Airport (airport code is JRO), which is next to the small town of Arusha and the origination point for all our safaris. There are four airlines that service Kilimanjaro Airport from the U.S. and Canada including Delta/KLM Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines. There are pros and cons with each airline (discussed in the following sections) and the best choice will certainly come down to pricing, availability of direct flight routing and European layover plans (if any). In general, Delta/KLM is the most popular choice given the large number of connections from North America while Qatar Airways offers the most comfortable experience with a relatively new fleet and excellent amenities, service, and seats.

Given the frequent flight delays in the U.S. that many of our guests have experienced in recent years, we recommend, where possible, to minimize flight segments from the U.S. to Tanzania and to schedule an extra night (two nights total) in the Arusha-Kilimanjaro area before your safari begins. Our safaris always include one night in Arusha-Kilimanjaro before the safari begins, and adding an additional night (referred to as an Arusha Layover) is a simple and cost effective adjustment. The vast majority of flight delays our guests experience last no longer than 24-hours and having two nights in Arusha-Kilimanjaro would ensure that you don't miss any time on safari.

If you'd like some additional assistance with booking your flights, feel free to call Cathy King who is an airline booking agent. Cathy has helped many of our guests with airline bookings to Tanzania in the past, and she is familiar with the appropriate routings. She is not tied to any one airline, so she really can make an unbiased decision based on your situation. She is based in North Carolina - Eastern Standard Time.

Cathy King (flight consolidator)

Phone: 828-421-5000

Email: adventuretrips@hotmail.com

Delta /KLM Airlines

The largest airline serving Kilimanjaro is KLM Airlines, a codeshare partner of Delta Airlines. We estimate that about 40% of our guests use the Delta/KLM routing from North America to Tanzania. The flight consists of two segments. The first segment is from your departure city in North America direct to Amsterdam (19 cities in North America offer nonstop service to Amsterdam on Delta/KLM). The second segment is from Amsterdam nonstop to Kilimanjaro. The daily flight from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro arrives into Kilimanjaro between 7.00pm and 9.00pm in the evening depending upon the season. As previously mentioned, we highly recommend scheduling two nights upon arrival in Arusha-Kilimanjaro before the safari begins and this is especially valid with the evening arrival on Delta/KLM. On the outbound flight from Kilimanjaro to Amsterdam, the Delta/KLM flight departs between 8.00pm and 10.00pm in the evening and we usually incorporate a day room at a hotel in Arusha to relax before your departing flight.

For planning purposes, if you were to depart the U.S. on a Monday, you would arrive at Kilimanjaro on Tuesday night. On the return trip, a departure from Kilimanjaro on a Monday would yield a Tuesday arrival back in the U.S. Flight time from the east coast to Amsterdam is about 7 hours while it is about 10 hours from the west coast. Flight time from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro is about 8 hours. The return flight times are a little longer. Please note that there is a 45-minute technical stopover in Dar es Salaam on the return flight from Kilimanjaro to Amsterdam, though you are not permitted to leave the aircraft.

You may wish to add a layover in Amsterdam for a night or two to help break up the long flight. If you do choose a layover in Amsterdam, it is recommended that you incorporate the layover at the beginning of your trip. For shorter layovers in Amsterdam, we recommend the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel, which is inside the Amsterdam Airport. It's great because it's actually inside the terminal so you can walk there with your luggage (only about a 10-minute walk inside the terminal after you clear customs). Plus, it's a 5-minute walk from the train station, which has direct trains to Amsterdam Centre for all the shops, restaurants and museums. This train ride is only about 20-minutes. Accordingly, as soon as you get off the plane you have an easy walk to the Sheraton to check in and relax. Then, you can take a train to Amsterdam Centre and go see the sights. The best part is that when you leave you don't have to stress about getting to the airport because your hotel is actually inside the airport!

Some of the flight connections from North America to Kilimanjaro on Delta/KLM Airlines may have significant layovers (4 - 8 hours) in the Amsterdam airport before the connecting flight to Tanzania. Accordingly, you may wish to consider this great little hotel which is located inside customs on the transit side of Amsterdam Airport: Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal.

What we like about Delta/KLM:

• Large number of connections in the U.S. and Canada with nonstop service to Amsterdam and onwards to Kilimanjaro
• Delta Premium Select Cabin (i.e. Economy plus)
• Opportunity to combine the safari with a European trip with an extended Amsterdam layover

What we don't like about Delta/KLM:

• Risk of delayed flights out of the U.S. (though to be fair this could happen with any airline)
• Difficult to add layover days in Amsterdam on restrictive fares without increasing airfare costs

If a client initiates a last minute change to the safari itinerary including accommodations, flights, services, etc., the client is responsible for any additional expenses occurring as a result of that change; the same is true for changes occurring as the result of a flight delay or airline schedule change. It is usually impossible for Africa Dream Safaris to get refunds for accommodations, flights and other services that have already been arranged and paid for, and then canceled under 90 days prior notice. These additional expenses are the responsibility of the client to pay for directly in Tanzania. We will, of course, endeavor our level best to minimize the costs of any changes by appealing to the lodges, airlines, etc. Should you fail to join a tour, or join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no tour fare refund will be made. Airfare may also be non refundable. There will be no refunds from Africa Dream Safaris for any unused portions of the tour. The above policy applies to all travel arrangements made via Africa Dream Safaris.

Furthermore, Africa Dream Safaris is not responsible for any airline changes or costs incurred as a result of those changes, including airline schedules, fares, cancellations, over-bookings or damage to or loss of baggage and property. Any and all claims for any loss or injury suffered on any airline must be made directly with the airline involved. Air schedule changes may necessitate additional nights being added to your tour. Again, these schedule changes are beyond the control of Africa Dream Safaris and any additional costs resulting from such changes are the responsibility of the client. Africa Dream Safaris shall not be held liable for any delays or additional costs incurred as a result of airlines not running to schedule.

Itinerary Design

Our published itineraries have been meticulously designed over a number of years using a variety of resources including scientific studies, first hand experiences and returning client feedback. To start with, we design each itinerary first and foremost around monthly concentrations of wildlife. Secondly, lodging options are recommended to maximize your game viewing opportunities as well as providing an optimal mixture of different styles of accommodations. Rest assured that when you book with Africa Dream Safaris you will receive the very finest wildlife viewing and lodging experience available.

Fly In & Drive Back

All our itineraries are built upon a Fly In & Drive Back basis. This is the best way to conduct a safari in Tanzania as it maximizes your precious time and eliminates all redundancy. Each day offers something new and exciting, as you never retrace your tracks. It is also the most enjoyable and optimal way to explore Northern Tanzania. It is certainly an amazing way to kick off your adventure by first flying over this vast wilderness and then landing onto a small grassy airstrip in the world famous Serengeti!

You are at once introduced to your private driver guide and he will load your luggage into your private vehicle. Without further delay you are thrust into the heart of the wilderness on your first action packed game drive. It is likely that you will encounter many different animals, including some of the big cats, before lunch. Flying into the Serengeti forms a wonderful introduction to the spectacular parks of Tanzania, and is an extremely comfortable way to jump start your adventures. Additionally, transit time is greatly reduced giving you more quality time 'in the bush' for wildlife viewing, relaxing and other enjoyable activities that you wish to incorporate into your itinerary.

Our Fly In & Drive Back itineraries utilize different Serengeti airstrips to take advantage of seasonal wildlife concentrations:

• December - April: Seronera Airstrip in the Central Serengeti
• May - June: Grumeti Airstrip in the Western Serengeti
• July - November: Lobo Airstrip in the Northern Serengeti

Learn about monthly seasonal highlights and where different species migrate throughout the year.

View Migration Map

Language

The official language in Tanzania is Swahili but there are hundreds of other local dialects. English is the second official language and the country's commercial language. It is also the main teaching language used for all higher education institutions. You will find that the majority of the people that you come in contact with are fluent in English and have a surprisingly good command of the language. Some useful and fun Swahili words and phrases are as follows:

English / Swahili

• Hello / Jambo
• Response to Jambo / Jambo or SiJambo
• How are you? / Habari?
• Good / Nzuri
• How's Things? (fun slang) / Mambo?
• Good (fun reply to Mambo) / Poa
• Have a good trip (safe journey) / Safari Njema
• Thank You / Asante Sana
• You're Welcome / Karibu Sana
• Yes / Ndiyo
• No / Hapana
• OK / Sawa
• No Problem / Hakuna Noma
• Good Night / La La Salama

Culture

Tanzania's culture is a result of African, European, Arabic and Indian influences. The mainland population is comprised of over 100 tribal groups. The Tanzanians are friendly people (especially to foreigners). Politeness, respect and modesty are highly valued. Handshakes are very important and it is also kind if you learn a few basic Swahili greetings before you arrive. Immodest attire or tattered clothing and open anger are disrespectful to the Tanzanian people.

View PDF

One of the key privileges you gain by choosing a private safari is flexibility in how you spend your time. Every day brings choices and one of the most important decisions you can make is whether to have breakfast and lunch at the lodge or rather a picnic box in the bush.

Picnic 'In the Bush'

Early morning game drives at the first light of dawn are pure magic, and we strongly encourage you to partake in them! And there will likely be times you want to stay out on safari all day, either for an adventure game drive to a remote area of the park or to simply maximize each golden moment you are in "the bush". But even the most die-hard safari enthusiast still needs to eat! One way to get it all in without starving is to bring along a picnic *to go*. A picnic allows you to maximize your time wildlife viewing rather than delay your departure from the lodge or be forced to return to the lodge for a meal.

"Picnic boxes" (both breakfast and lunch boxes) are prepared on a daily basis by the kitchens at each respective lodge or camp on your itinerary. A typical breakfast box consists of a hard boiled egg, bacon or sausage, bread or pastries, juice and a banana or apple. A typical lunch box consists of a piece of chicken, bread, hard boiled egg, banana or apple, muffin, juice and bottle of water. These picnic boxes can be picked up from the kitchen before sunrise by your driver-guide.

Feedback from our returning clients suggests the quality of these picnic boxes is falling short of client expectations. Recent complaints include a lack of variety in the food choices, redundancy and over-cooked meats. Although we have committed substantial resources to lobby the various lodges and camps to improve the quality of their picnics, in the end we have little control over what food they prepare for the to-go boxes on a daily basis. We believe our efforts have been successful in working with some of smaller proprietors, though the larger lodges have proved more difficult to influence.

Although you can always choose a hot breakfast or hot lunch at the lodge, we still feel picnics are critical for maximizing the quality and quantity of your wildlife viewing experiences. Let's face it - a hot meal at the lodge will almost certainly result in a better culinary experience, but you can miss a lot with regards to wildlife viewing! So please keep that in mind when choosing breakfast or lunch (or both) at the lodge versus a picnic box to go.

With that being said, there are some days when it will be easier than others to return to the lodge for a hot meal should you desire to do so, and there is no reason you can't vary your decisions from day to day. Discuss the plan for each day's activities with your driver guide the night before so he can make appropriate arrangements. Your guide will certainly have suggestions, but the final decision about how to spend your time is ultimately up to you!

For those individuals who anticipate utilizing more picnic boxes, you may wish to consider bringing snacks (nutritional bars, turkey or beef jerky, dried fruit, granola, nuts, trail mix, etc.) to supplement your picnic boxes.

The "Maasai Village Visit" is an optional activity we offer to enhance the cultural aspect of a client's safari. It is fairly easy to incorporate a visit to a Maasai village on a traditional wildlife safari, as there are several villages dotting the NCA landscape on the drive between the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. However, based on recent feedback from returning clients, the Maasai village seems to be falling short of most visitors' expectations.

Although the villages we take our clients to are authentic, residents are beginning to get used to tourists stopping by. Tourists are often willing to pay money in exchange for Maasai jewelry and other wares. As a result, many of the Maasai residents have started soliciting our guests for such transactions. Although completely harmless and without foul intent, such solicitations can still make many guests feel uncomfortable. In an effort to mitigate our clients' exposure to such behavior, we have strived to take our clients further and further off the beaten path to more remote villages, where the residents are less likely to solicit our guests. It was only a matter of time, however, before residents of the more remote villages started soliciting behaviors as well.

We will continue to offer a visit to a Maasai Village to all interested clients. However, it is important that all guests' expectations are in line with reality before making the choice about how to best spend their time on safari. If you choose to incorporate a village visit, you can expect to see real Maasai residents in an authentic setting. You can expect to see how these unique people live, where they sleep, and maybe even see a school in session. However, you should also expect to be approached by at least some residents selling their wares. If this type of solicitation makes you uncomfortable, we recommend skipping the optional visit to a Maasai village. Please don't hesitate to discuss with your driver-guide if you have additional questions or concerns about the option of incorporating a Maasai Village visit into your safari.

The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania Shilling though U.S. dollars are readily acceptable and preferred on the tourist circuit. There is little reason to exchange money upon arrival if bringing U.S. dollars. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most lodges and many shops (please see the credit card warning section). It is recommended to bring enough US dollars plus an additional cushion amount to cover all additional expenses just to be on the safe side. Please make sure to bring crisp, new vintage bills (no older than 2010) as many shops, hotels and banks in Tanzania will not accept older bills due to counterfeiting problems.

The majority of the costs on your trip are included in your package. Please refer to the specific inclusions and exclusions section on the last page of your itinerary along with the tipping guidelines below for a gauge to determine the amount of money you will need to bring. You should bring U.S. dollars in both large and small denominations to pay for any additional expenses.

Drinks & Laundry Costs

All properties in Tanzania have full bars and offer laundry services. However, only some lodges and camps offer complimentary drinks and laundry while at others these are considered chargeable extras. Please refer to the inclusions and exclusions section on the last page of your itinerary for a specific listing of the lodges that include drinks and laundry on your safari. Below is a listing of typical costs at lodges and camps in Tanzania where drinks and laundry are not included:

• Bottled water, soft drinks, and juices: $2 - $5 each
• Local Beer (Serengeti, Tusker, Kilimanjaro): $5 each
• House Wines: $10 per glass or $30 - $40 per bottle
• Premium Wines: $40 - $60 per bottle
• Mixed Drinks (Gin and Tonic, etc.): $10 per drink
• Laundry: $2 - $3 per item

Bottled water is complimentary in your room at all properties in Tanzania but bottled water ordered at breakfast, lunch or dinner is considered a chargeable bar item at properties that don't offer complimentary drinks. It's usually about $5 for a liter sized bottled water. Since all the various lodges and hotels specifically in the town of Arusha do not offer complimentary drinks, please expect to pay for bottled water along with other drinks consumed during your meals while staying at any of the properties in Arusha including Arusha Coffee Lodge, Lake Duluti Lodge, Kili Seasons Hotel, Kili Villas, Mount Meru Hotel and Gran Melia Resort.

Please note that all the lodges, hotels and camps in Tanzania are individually owned and operated, and we have little control over whether or not beverages are included in their rates. Nobody likes hidden costs, so we can assure you we do try hard to make it very clear up front exactly what is included and excluded in each safari itinerary.

Tipping on your Safari

Tipping is just one way for guests to "give back" to the local people of Tanzania. It's true that tipping has become a customary and integral part of the safari industry, but it remains an excellent way to recognize one's appreciation for excellent service. Many guests express a desire to understand ahead of time what amounts and methods are appropriate or customary, which is the reason for the suggested guidelines expressed here. Please see below for recommended tipping guidelines for your safari:

• Driver-Guide: $40 to $70 per vehicle per day
• Meet & Greet Staff tip in Arusha/Kilimanjaro: $20
• Porterage/Baggage Handling: $1 to 2 per room
• Lodge/Camp Staff Gratuity Boxes: $10 per person per night

The biggest tip on your safari will most likely be to your driver guide. It is typical to provide the tip to your driver-guide all in one lump sum amount on the last day of your safari. So, for example, if you tipped your guide $70 per day for 10 days of safari, that would equate to a total amount of $700. Large denomination bills ($100) are suitable for your driver-guide tip. Please make sure to bring crisp, new vintage bills (no older than 2010) as many shops, hotels and banks in Tanzania will not accept older bills due to counterfeiting problems.

At each lodge and camp there are gratuity boxes located in the reception area. We recommend using these gratuity boxes in lieu of providing a tip to the people that assist you directly (waiter, bartender, etc.). By using the gratuity box, your tip is divided fairly among all the staff members including the ones behind the scenes such as the cooks, room attendants, house keepers and security guards. Providing a tip in each lodge's or camp's gratuity box is by no means mandatory but if you feel that you have received excellent service and are inclined to provide a tip, then a $10 per person per night tip would be sufficient (i.e. if you are a couple staying 2 nights at a camp, then a $40 total tip would be appropriate).

The Meet and Greet Staff tip suggested above refers to ADS staff in Arusha, specifically the representatives picking you up at the airport and transferring you to your arrival hotel; they will also give you a "pre-safari briefing" and will ensure all your initial questions are answered. We suggest $20 for your car, and give it directly to the main meet and greet ambassador who does your safari briefing and answers your questions. If you have an Arusha Layover included in your itinerary and you conduct one of the optional tours (town tour, shopping excursion, etc.), we would also recommend tipping $20.

If you choose to do an optional walking safari, we recommend tipping your walking escort about $5 to $10 per person for the escorted walk. Lastly and regarding the Maasai Village visit, the 'tip' can vary a bit from village to village, but an appropriate amount would be $50 for your car.

Tipping may seem like an old fashioned tradition to some, but like other service oriented businesses (restaurants, etc.) it remains a cornerstone of the safari industry. Paying out tips ahead of time, even though it may be more convenient for guests who don't want to travel with cash, really robs tipping of its original purpose.

Credit Card Warning

Due to recent occurrences of credit card fraud in Tanzania, we are advising all guests to take extra precautionary measures. If you carry a credit card with you to Tanzania, be aware that there is a higher than average risk that fraudulent charges may be made on your card. Accordingly, we believe that it is prudent to take the following precautions:

• Plan to use cash for all purchases.
• Please call your credit card company prior to departure to discuss the following:

A) authorize charges only during your travel dates and only to the countries you will be visiting, B) set up text and email alerts for transactions so you can quickly identify unauthorized charges, C) set a maximum transaction limit of $200 and D) set up two-factor authentication, such as a code sent to your phone, before a transaction can be completed.

We encourage all our guests to try and avoid using credit cards where possible. It's not a matter of the shop or lodge's reputation, it's a matter of computer security in general in Africa.

Traveling Safely with Cash

Many guests express concern about carrying cash, which is understandable. On a trip like this it is somewhat necessary, but luckily it is easy to keep your cash safe by following a few tips and by practicing common sense. First of all, keep your money with you at all times. We recommend carrying your cash in a neck wallet, money belt or undercover hidden pocket, similar to those found at the following link:

eaglecreek.com/collections/money-belts-neck-wallets. Luckily, most animals aren't big on pickpocketing, and since most of your time is going to be spent in wilderness areas without many people around, there is little occasion for concern there. But if you find yourself in a village, market, airport, or other public place, simply practice common sense and don't flaunt your cash or valuables.

While staying at the lodges or camps, don't leave your cash or valuables laying out in plain sight in the middle of your room while you are out on safari. Most local Tanzanians value their jobs too much to risk losing it for petty theft, but at the same time many of them are far from wealthy and are often using the money they make at their jobs to support the needs of family members back home. It's courteous to remember this and simply wise to not put the temptation out there for them. Many lodges or camps have security safes, but better yet just keep your money and valuables with you at all times.

We're very excited to tell you all about a new section of our website called - Our Photographic Ambassador (africadreamsafaris.com/safari-details/photographic-ambassador). In this super comprehensive guide to safari photography, our expert wildlife cinematographer/photographer Jeff Smith shares 20+ tips to ensure you capture the most awe-inspiring and unforgettable moments from your trip. From suggestions on cameras and lenses to details about shooting from a safari vehicle and packing your gear, he thoroughly answers all of the photo questions we've been gathering from our guests for years. Jeff should know a thing or two about how to show up prepared to shoot wildlife, he's been on safari with us 5 times!

In this section of our site, you will find a series of articles that will answer many of your photographic questions. Questions every photographer and every tourist has, regardless of their skill level. So, do you want to know just how close you will get? Wondering what camera you should buy? Curious about weight restrictions and how to pack your gear? Want to know how to best work with the strong (and magical) African sun or what it's like to shoot while standing in a safari vehicle? The list of great expert photo tips goes on and on. What are you waiting for? DIG IN

Camera & Lens Rentals

There are quite a few retailers offering cameras and lenses for rent, but one of our favorites is an online site called "Lensrentals." They will FedEx the camera and/or lenses to you almost anywhere in the United States, and they provide prepaid shipping labels and packaging so you can easily FedEx the gear back to them when you are done. Packages are available that include everything you would need (camera, lenses, memory cards, extra batteries, charger, etc.). They even have wildlife kit packages by popular brands including Canon and Nikon that include everything you need to capture great wildlife photos. Costs for the popular wildlife kit packages start at about $500 for a 2-week rental. The Wildlife Kit for Canon is especially enticing as it includes the trusty Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens, which we've seen produce tremendous results over the years from hundreds of guests. Here is a link to the Canon Wildlife Kit: lensrentals.com/rent/wildlife-kit-for-canon and the Nikon Wildlife Kit: lensrentals.com/rent/wildlife-kit-for-nikon

Bean Bags

The best way to stabilize a camera with a large lens while shooting from the vehicle is simply with a bean bag. This allows you to quickly move the bean bag, depending upon the action you're trying to capture, to various locations in just a few seconds. While shooting from a standing position, you can lay the bean bag on the roof rail and stabilize your camera. If you need a lower angle, you can rest the bean bag over the window frame and shoot from there.

Our vehicles always come equipped with one large bean bag, but just let us know in advance if you need any additional bean bags. If you're bringing your own empty bean bags, just let us know how many pounds of filler (i.e., beans) you will need and we will make sure your guide has that exact amount in the vehicle waiting for you. Some of our guests do bring tripods that mount to the roof rails of the vehicles as well - see link: blog.africadreamsafaris.com/2012/07/18/client-photography-tip-a-tripod-to-go/.

Africa Dream Safaris offers only "private" safaris. Most safari companies out there offer pre-packaged "group tours" which is a completely different type of product and is organized in a completely different way. To facilitate a "group tour", typically a pre-planned itinerary is set up on specific calendar dates, and a block of rooms are booked at specific lodges on those dates. Then various people can "sign up" to join others for that tour until the designated number of spaces are filled. While out on safari with a "group tour", strangers are shuffled together and must go along with the group's decisions, despite whatever individual interests they may have. Unfortunately, this almost always leads to compromise and disappointment on what is already a highly emotionally charged trip for most people.

In contrast, when designing a private safari, we customize the trip based on your schedule and preferences, with our expert guidance to make sure you don't miss anything, and while you are out on safari you have the freedom to explore your specific interests at your pace without adhering to the whims of others. Here at Africa Dream Safaris, we don't think anyone should have to compromise on a big trip like this one, and that's the reason we do only private safaris!

Field Guides

1. East African Wildlife (Bradt Travel Guide) by Philip Briggs

The 'East African Wildlife' is the most practical and useful field guide available on the flora and fauna of East Africa. It is a must for every wildlife enthusiast embarking on a safari to Tanzania! This new visitor's guide provides a colorful overview of the region's variety of large mammals together with an insight into their habits and habitats. The book also provides an excellent introduction to the region's less heralded variety of 'small stuff' - including 1,500 bird species and butterflies. Accessible and beautifully illustrated, the guide will appeal both to the first-time visitor and to the serious naturalist seeking a compact volume to carry around. Our favorite aspect of this field guide is the fact that all photos were taken in East Africa and 'stock' photos or photos from other regions in Africa were not used.

2. Wildlife of East Africa by Martin B. Withers and David Hosiking

This handy little field guide is the perfect match for those mainly interested in animal identification and short descriptions on each species behavior and ecology. This is a compact and concise field guide with beautiful color photographs and descriptions identifying each animal. The 'Wildlife of East Africa' includes mammals, birds, plants and reptiles and focuses on East Africa making it extremely useful while out on safari in Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda. The color pictures and easy to read descriptions are extremely helpful in terms of identifying common animal species that are similar in appearance. For example, there are several species of regularly encountered antelopes that look similar to each other at first glance including the Grant's Gazelle, Thomson's Gazelle, Steenbok, Oribi, Reedbuck, Klipspringer, Duiker and Dik-Dik. Your safari guide will certainly be impressed as you call out each species with the use of this handy little field guide by your side.

3. The Safari Companion by Richard D. Estes

The 'Safari Companion' is the most comprehensive field guide on African mammals. A detailed analysis is provided on each mammal (excludes birds, reptiles and plants) that you will encounter on your safari. Black and white sketches and descriptions are provided for each animal as well as information on each particular animal's social / mating system, reproduction, communication and ecology. There is also a superb and fascinating discussion on each animal's behavior. A downside with this guide is the poor black and white sketches with regards to identifying common animals species. Another minor problem with the 'Safari Companion' is that it covers all of Africa and can be a bit complicated for first time visitor to East Africa.

Research Books and Field Study's

1. Serengeti: Dynamics of an Ecosystem by A.R.E. Sinclair and M. Nortons-Griffiths

2. Serengeti II: Dynamics, Management and Conservation of an Ecosystem

The 'Serengeti' and 'Serengeti II' combine to form the authoritative literature on the Serengeti Ecosystem, which is the most famous, abundant and diverse ecosystem in all of Africa. Both are a product of over 40 years of research and a collaboration of dozens of field biologists and researchers who have spent their lives studying and documenting just about everything (from dung beetles to lions) that inhabits the Serengeti. The books are a collection of short essays including such topics as the wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migration, the Serengeti environment, plants and herbivory, herbivores and predation, predator demography and behavior and conservation and management. The 'Serengeti' and 'Serengeti II' are best purchased together and are highly recommended.

3. The Serengeti Lion by George B. Schaller

This legendary and groundbreaking book details George Schaller's observations and conclusions from his long-term study of the Serengeti lions from 1966 to 1969. Schaller's study was groundbreaking in that he was able to explain many aspects of lion society. However, the most important aspect of his study was that his findings proved that predators (mainly lion, hyena, leopard, cheetah and wild dog) did not limit the population sizes of their prey species. This may seem a minor conclusion but keep in mind that for decades park game wardens used to shoot predators, particularly wild dogs, as it was believed that they would decimate prey populations (wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, etc.) if not eradicated. We now know, as Schaller clearly showed in his study, that it is not necessary to regulate carnivores to ensure large populations of herbivores. Most herbivore populations are indeed limited by dry season forage and not carnivores.

The Serengeti lions that inhabit the area around Seronera have been continuously studied since 1966 when Schaller began his work. Though there have been significant changes to the Serengeti since the 1960's (most notably the increase in wildebeest and the disappearance of the disease Rinderpest), the research and conclusions remain valid and the book is still the authoritative literature on the Serengeti lion. You will find references to Schaller's work in just about every subsequent research study in the Serengeti. The pride structure, behavior and hunting tactics and much more are described in detail. Additionally, a few of the Serengeti's other predators are described in lesser detail including the Leopard, Cheetah, Hyena and the now locally extinct Wild Dog. 'The Serengeti Lion' is a must read for every lion fanatic.

4. Cheetahs of the Serengeti Plains by T.M. Caro

T.M. Caro documents nine years of research (1980 - 1989) in this book about the cheetahs that inhabit the Serengeti National Park. This Serengeti cheetah is notably different then the cheetahs that inhabit other parts of Africa in that the majority of the cheetahs found in the Serengeti are migratory. Most of the Serengeti cheetahs follow the Thomson's gazelle migration from the western and central woodlands in the dry season to the eastern and southern plains during the green season. This book describes in detail cheetah behavior, reproduction, range, hunting tactics and conservation. This is a superb book and reading it will greatly enhance your enjoyment of cheetah viewing.

5. The Spotted Hyena - A Study of Predation and Social Behavior by Hans Kruuk

Hans Kruuk lived in the Serengeti between 1964 and 1968 and spent 4- years studying spotted hyenas in the Serengeti National Park as well as the nearby Ngorongoro Crater. This was the first study ever conducted on hyenas and remains the most comprehensive and authoritative literature on hyenas. This is a wonderful book and the discussions about hunting behavior, clan society and mating rituals are captivating. Spotted hyenas are fascinating animals and completely misunderstood. Hans Kruuk's well-written book offers a glimpse into the hyena's mysterious life and his findings are enlightening.

Hyenas are capable hunters and in fact this study showed that they killed 70% of their food in the Serengeti and an astonishing 96% of their food in the Ngorongoro Crater. Hyenas are the most successful predator in the Serengeti and truly fascinating to watch if you know their behavior. They live in complex societies like lions called clans but the females are at the top and are actually larger then males and possess external genitalia. Most people tend to think of them as scavengers. Though they are well adapted to scavenging, they are more likely to kill their own food (even adult zebras) and lions actually scavenge more from hyenas then vice versus.

Insects

The fear of bugs and insects is generally much greater than the reality of what you will encounter. However, tolerances differ widely from individual to individual. The temperate climate and high elevation of Tanzania's Northern Parks mean that insect concentrations are significantly less than other areas of Africa. Please be aware though that insects can be present in significant numbers depending upon your location and current weather patterns. This could pose to be an annoyance for some individuals.

Mosquitoes are present but they are generally not active during the day. The African Mosquito is most active from dusk to dawn. Whether or not you are taking antimalarial drugs, it is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites from dusk till dawn. This is when the type of mosquito whose bite transmits malaria is active. Precautionary measures include using DEET (concentration of 20% or more) based insect repellent and covering up before dusk and wearing long sleeved shirts, trousers, socks and shoes in the evenings.

You may also wish to use permethrin treated clothing and gear such as shoes, pants, socks and shirts. You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear with permethrin or treat them at home. Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. Permethrin should NOT be used directly on skin. You should certainly cover up and use insect repellent before going to dinner each evening. Pay particular attention to your ankles and legs as mosquitoes, if present, seem to hover at ankle level.

Flies can be more of a nuisance than mosquitoes, especially when you're near the wildebeest migration. Flies are attracted to animals and the droppings of herd animals, so you don't get one without the other. You will undoubtedly know when you have found the larger migratory wildebeest herds (100,000 plus!)

Tsetse flies are worse than the average fly and they are mainly found in the woodlands, and their bite does hurt. Areas where you would have some potential exposure to tsetse flies include Tarangire National Park and a few pockets of woodlands in the Northern and Western Serengeti. The more open areas of the Central Serengeti, South Serengeti, East Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are usually free of tsetse flies.

Participation on a safari requires that you be in generally good health. All guests must understand that while a high level of fitness is not required, a measure of physical activity is involved in all African Safaris. It is essential that persons with any medical problems and/or related dietary restrictions make them known to us well before departure.

For detailed health information for travelers to Tanzania visa wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel (go to the 'For Travelers' section and select 'Tanzania' in the drop down window). It is important that you read through all the information on the specific health information page on the CDC site for travelers to Tanzania including the following sections: Vaccines and Medicines, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, Travel Health Notices and After Your Trip.

For a detailed discussion on Malaria including the different antimalarial drugs available and ways to prevent mosquito bites, please visit: cdc.gov/malaria/about/index.html

Whether or not you are taking antimalarial drugs, it is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites from dusk till dawn. This is when the type of mosquito whose bite transmits malaria is active. Precautionary measures include using DEET (concentration of 20% or more) based insect repellent and covering up before dusk and wearing long sleeved shirts, trousers, socks and shoes in the evenings. You may also wish to use permethrin treated clothing and gear such as shoes, pants, socks and shirts. You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear with permethrin or treat them at home. Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. Permethrin should NOT be used directly on skin. You should certainly cover up and use insect repellent before going to dinner each evening. Pay particular attention to your ankles and legs as mosquitoes, if present, seem to hover at ankle level.

Tanzania is a very safe, secure and tourist friendly country. Tanzania has enjoyed a remarkable period of stability and growth since independence back in 1961 and is one of the safest countries in Africa.

Tanzania has more than 132 distinct tribes that have lived in harmony for centuries. Tanzania has a founding philosophy from its first President, Julius Nyerere (a man who Nelson Mandela called his mentor and inspiration), which emphasized tolerance and the idea of a nation coming before any sense of tribal loyalty. His belief that "we are Tanzanians first and foremost", helped to create and encourage a national character of tribal, racial and religious tolerance. Tanzanians are very proud that they have never had a civil war and as they watch what happens in neighboring countries (Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and now Kenya), they are even more committed to the ideas of tolerance and peace. Nyerere insisted on a national language (Swahili) and insisted that the ruling power never show preference for their own tribal history. Power is shared most equitably in Tanzania and no one tribe is favored or has the majority of power.

There are currently no travel warnings issued on Tanzania by the U.S. State Department. Kenya currently has a travel warning issued and those travelers seeking to add a safari extension to Kenya are advised to read the warning at travel.state.gov. Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid travel to a certain country.

Though the risk of crime is minimal in Tanzania, some common sense precautions are recommended:

• Leave your expensive jewelry and watches at home
• Keep all your valuables (passport, wallet, etc.) in a money belt that you can hide under your clothes
• Make copies of all documentation (passport, air itinerary, traveler checks etc.) and keep segregated from the originals
• Carry a few dollars for spending money in an accessible pocket rather than accessing your money belt when shopping
• The majority of the costs on safari are included in your package. See your inclusions and section

To be 100% safe, carry your wallet and money with you at all times. Do not leave these items in your room while out on game drives, eating at the lodge, etc. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times. When on your safari, you will be in a new, unfamiliar and exciting place. You will likely be distracted, enthusiastic or tired enough to make mistakes and forget the little hazards around you. For example, watch your step when walking and avoid brushing up against thorny bushes and trees. Additionally, watch your fingers when the vehicle doors are being closed. Please be especially cautious when standing up game viewing in the open top vehicles. It is always dangerous to stand up in the vehicle while driving - please watch out for branches and other potential hazards. And don't assume any of the animals are tame.

Wild Animals

Please be aware that our safaris may take you into close contact with wild animals. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but no safari into the African wilderness can guarantee that this will not occur. Please note that many safari lodges and camps are not fenced and that wildlife does move freely in and around these areas. Always follow the safety instructions from the lodge or camp's staff with regards to moving to and from your tent and while on game activities throughout your safari.

Please be especially cautious and informed when staying at a private camp or the smaller tented lodges. Please make sure that if you have small children with you, to not let them out of your sight or wander alone. There will be a security briefing at most tented lodges upon arrival but do not hesitate to voice your concerns to the staff or your guide. Many of the smaller tented lodges will escort you to and from your tent for dinner. Under no circumstances should you move to and from your tent/room during the night without being escorted. When staying at a private camp, you must not wander out of the campsite and you must always be escorted to and from your tent.

Clients often ask questions about the various planning phases of an African Safari. After all, this is a big trip, and there are some major steps involved in planning! So when do the major steps occur and in what sequence?

6 to 11 months prior to travel (up to 2 years or more in some cases):

1) Initial Planning: Contact the friendly staff at Africa Dream Safaris! Our staff of expert consultants, based here in the US for your convenience, are well-traveled and happy to talk you through any questions you may have about getting started. We'll help you solidify your priorities for the trip, budget and time for travel. We'll develop a sample itinerary for you and, with your feedback, we'll customize it to your priorities, schedule and budget. This part may be the most fun step of all! With exception to when you depart for the trip, of course!

2) Safari booking: Once you have settled on a final itinerary and travel dates, the next step is to make it official! A $500 per person deposit is required to secure your safari reservations. All our safaris are individually customized, and lodging in these remote wilderness areas can and will sell out. So in order to guarantee securing your first choices in accommodations, the early planner has the advantage. Admittedly we do have much more flexibility than a large group package operator and we are often able to make last minute safaris work out too. We've had folks book their safari as close as 30 days out, while other folks book their safari over 2 years in advance. That being said, it seems the majority of folks book their safari 6-9 months ahead of time. As much advance notice as possible is always helpful for the holidays and other peak seasons such as summer when most families travel (July-Aug). Keep in mind, once you have finalized your desired safari itinerary with your consultant, it will take an additional 1 - 3 weeks to confirm all your reservations.

3) International Airfare: Most major airlines start selling tickets within 11 months of the proposed travel dates, and most people will book their plane tickets as soon as possible after their safari has been confirmed. Some people may ask, shouldn't I book my plane ticket first? Well, that's an option too. But keep in mind all of our safari packages are customized and can only be confirmed upon your booking. Once the airfare is purchased the travel dates are obviously set, and there is no shifting by a day or two to make the reservations at specific lodges work out. However, if a client's dates are already set for other reasons, and if they are flexible with regards to specific accommodations, many times clients will go ahead and purchase the airfare first. Especially if fares seem volatile or if they've snared a really good airfare deal. Then, if a specific lodge happens to be sold out on a certain date we'd just substitute in a different lodge or shift the order of the lodges to make it work out. As long as you are somewhat flexible, it always works out. Worth noting this is a long flight, so important to be as comfortable as possible. Do you prefer a window or aisle seat? Try to get your seats assigned at the time of booking your plane ticket. If it's not possible, find out when the earliest time is to get your seats assigned and mark that date on your calendar. It's a good idea to get your seats assigned as soon as they become available for the best selection.

4) Travel insurance: It's important to note that most travel insurance companies offer guests a more comprehensive policy (ie, coverage for pre-existing conditions) if the guests purchase their travel insurance within a 15 day window of the date they put down a deposit on the trip or purchase their airline ticket, whichever one comes first. Also, in order to qualify for some travel insurance policies, guests must purchase their insurance BEFORE making FINAL payment on the trip.

5) Passport: At the time you book your safari, be certain to obtain a passport or check your current passport and make sure the expiration date is at least 6 months beyond your travel date. Also, make sure you have at least 2 blank pages left in your passport for your Tanzania visa. If you are visiting other African countries on this trip, make sure your passport meets that specific country's requirements (for example, both Kenya and South Africa also require at least 2 blank pages for a visa, making for a total of 6 blank pages required for a trip that encompasses Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa). Unless you are willing to pay extra for expedited service, you may need several weeks to get your passport renewed.

There are plenty of opportunities for shopping during the course of your safari. Some popular souvenir items in Tanzania include wooden animal carvings, African masks and picture frames, hand woven baskets, dining sets, local paintings, jewelry, safari books, and Maasai arts and crafts (beadwork, shields, spears, jewelry, etc.). Tsavorite and Tanzanite are two popular gemstones in East Africa. Tanzanite, a bluish gemstone, is mined only in Tanzania (next to Kilimanjaro Airport).

Most lodges and camps have gift shops, and three are a myriad of shops and markets in and around Arusha. One shop that we recommend in Arusha is called 'Cultural Heritage'. You can negotiate at most shops and roadside stands, except Cultural Heritage and many lodge gift shops, which have fixed prices. If you like shopping, you could spend several hours at the Cultural Heritage center in Arusha - there seems to be an infinite supply of woodcarvings, tribal masks, artifacts, paintings, and Tanzanite jewelry to look through (they also sell loose stones). Cultural Heritage has a particularly good restaurant on the premises, and many of our guests have us book lunch for them there on their layover day.

Some of the best deals and selections can actually be found at the airports including Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). There are several shops at JRO that you can peruse while waiting for your flight. Zanzibar also has great shopping opportunities and some great bargains. For unique items like tribal jewelry, small authentic carvings, etc., you can purchase from one of the Maasai Villages in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, or at the Esalali Women's Project in Karatu (between Lake Manyara and the Crater).

You'll have various shopping opportunities during your safari, such as local crafts and jewelry from the Maasai Village or the various lodge gift shops that often contain hand selected local items. You'll see some roadside shops along the main road as you are driving from the Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha, near the town of Karatu; just ask your guide to help you find a reputable shop. But by far, the most popular place to buy local crafts (wood carvings, masks, artifacts, jewelry, etc.) is at the Cultural Heritage Center in Arusha.

Many countries in Africa, including Tanzania, have recently passed new environmental protection laws prohibiting the production, sale, and use of certain plastic waste items including single-use plastic bags. This is a welcomed move to combat the growing problem that plastic waste poses to the environment.

Visitors to Tanzania are advised to avoid carrying plastic carrier bags or packing plastic carrier bags or items in their suitcase or hand luggage before embarking on a visit to Tanzania. A special desk will be designated at all entry points for surrender of plastic bags that visitors may be bringing into Tanzania. Plastic carrier items known as 'Ziploc bags' that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted. Additionally, plastic for medical services, foodstuff, sanitary and waste management are permitted.

If you received a plastic shopping bag at one of the airports enroute to Tanzania, please make sure to remove any items and leave the plastic shopping bag on the plane before disembarking. Many different reusable products are available including TSA approved carry-on toiletry bags. These are clear quart sized reusable bags that are compliant with the TSA 3-1-1 rules.

There is an unfortunate scam that a few of our returning guests have recently reported. It involves being contacted by a person pretending to be someone you interacted with during the course of your safari (such as a worker from one of the lodges or camps, or even your guide). They inevitably ask for money due to an illness in the family, an opportunity to start a new business, etc. These emails take various forms, but they have all proven to be fake. Please forward to us any emails that you may receive, and we will continue to forward them on to the local authorities in Arusha, as well as to the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, who are trying to get to the bottom of this scam that is impacting dozens of tour operators in Tanzania.

Many hotels, lodges and camps in Tanzania require a registration card to be filled out as part of the check-in process. Please do not provide your personal email address or phone number, and instead simply write 'ADS' in all communication related fields.

Tanzania resides just south of the equator. The strong equatorial sun combined with the fact that you are at elevation can lead to sunburn and sun poisoning quickly. It is important that you wear a hat and apply sun block frequently to all exposed areas.

Tanzania is a very child friendly and makes a great safari destination for families. A safari to the African wilderness of Tanzania can be the single most rewarding family vacation experience. The educational opportunities and enriching activities are endless. The guides and lodge staff love children and they will receive lots of extra attention and careful looking after. However, special consideration must be given to safety when traveling with young children. Please note that many safari lodges and camps are not fenced and that wildlife does move freely in and around these areas. Under no circumstances should you let your child wander alone or out of your sight. When traveling with children it is important to follow the safety instructions of your guide and from the lodge and camp staff with regard to moving to and from your tent and while on wildlife game drives. You should not move to and from your tent/room during the night without being escorted. Some specific recommendations to make your family safari more rewarding are noted below:

• Diversify your safari experience with cultural and educational activities including visiting a Maasai Boma (i.e. village) and the museum at Olduvai Gorge, conducting the Hadzabe cultural excursion, learning about ecology at the Seronera Visitors Center or rhino conservation at the Moru Kopjes museum and touring a local Tanzanian school or orphanage. It's an enlightening experience for children to see how other children live in Tanzania (both in Arusha town and also the rural areas).
• Incorporate educational nature walks guided by traditional Maasai warriors where kids can learn to shoot a bow and arrow, track footprints, or learn about insects and various medicinal plants.
• Plan a diverse itinerary including lodges with swimming pools and try to group accommodations in two-night bundles where feasible.
• Include at least a couple nights in one of the Hemingway camps (Sametu Camp, Mara River Camp or Woodlands Camp). These bush camps make for wonderful family experiences with roasting S'mores around campfires, bush dinners, game viewing from Camp and thrilling nocturnal sounds.
• Zanzibar makes a great post safari extension including some time on the beach for various water sports and historical walking tours of ancient Stone Town.
• Have your driver-guide teach you a few Swahili words each day. Please let us know any special dietary requirements in advance. We recommend to pack snacks and other comfort foods to supplement meals and they also come in handy on longer game drives. Some suggestions include granola bars, trail mix, crackers, candy, nuts and fruit rolls. Additionally, you can purchase chips, candy bars and crackers at the various ranger stations and visitors centers throughout the national park system.
• Dehydration and sunburns can be a problem so make sure they drink lots of water and use ample amounts of sun block
• Walkie-talkies (two-way radios) are a good idea to keep in contact between rooms and tents.
• Request adjoining rooms or family suites where available (some properties have 2-bedroom family suites).
• It's a good idea for each child to have their own digital camera as this makes things more interesting and interactive (even a simple and inexpensive bridge camera would suffice).
• Provide each child with an animal checklist (see the ADS animal check-list) to record their sightings including the animal names in Swahili.
• Buy field guides and other safari related books (see ADS reading list)

Please see the section entitled 'Visas & Entries Requirement' and paragraph on 'Traveling with Minors' for important documentation requirements if you'll be traveling with children under the age of 18

Africa Dream Safaris maintains a fleet of specially outfitted 4-wheel drive Stretched Land Cruisers providing for maximum flexibility, adventure, and wildlife viewing. Our spacious stretched Land Cruisers come equipped with a total of eight seats with six seats in the back under a retractable sunshade. Please note that there is no air conditioning due to the open nature of the vehicles. These are rugged 4WD vehicles capable of handling challenging terrain, rocks, and mud. Given the off-road capability of these vehicles, the ride quality can be very bumpy and noisy at times, which can be further compounded by rough dirt treks, uneven terrain, or long drives to remote areas.

Every vehicle is equipped with a long distance radio. These radios are used for communication between your vehicle and other driver-guides for game reports, as well as communication with our main operational office in Arusha. If there is any problem on safari, your driver-guide can use his long distance radio to communicate with our operational office in Arusha, or any ranger station, for additional support.

Flat tires are fairly common when game driving the rough tracks in the national parks. Tire changes are handled quickly by your driver-guide with little inconvenience. Vehicle breakdowns are extremely rare, as our vehicles are rigorously maintained. However, in the unusual event of a vehicle breakdown, a replacement vehicle would be immediately sent and would likely arrive within 4 to 6 hours, as support vehicles are always on standby. With our excellent contingency planning and communication systems, you'll never have to worry about being stranded (or even significantly inconvenienced) while on safari.

It may be difficult to hear your guide from the 3rd row of seats in the back of your safari vehicle. This is especially true for a group of 6 people. Additional vehicles may be booked at an additional cost, which would allow for fewer guests in each vehicle.

*Please note that our vehicles are NOT equipped with air conditioning.

Tanzania Entry Requirements

A valid passport and Tanzania Visa (purchased online in advance of travel) are required for travel to Tanzania (see the section entitled Tanzania Visas for detailed instructions on how to obtain your visa). Your passport should be valid for at least six months past your arrival date. Please make sure you have at least 2 blank pages in your passport and additional blank pages if visiting multiple countries during the course of your travels. There are no required vaccinations for entry into Tanzania except in certain situations, as described further below, when a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate may be required. A Yellow Fever Vaccination is NOT required for all travelers flying direct to Tanzania from the U.S. or Canada. This includes flights on KLM Airlines via Amsterdam, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Qatar Airways via Doha.

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry into Tanzania only when arriving into Tanzania from a yellow fever infected country (Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, etc.) AND where you leave the airport/clear customs in such country. For example, some of our guests arrive in Tanzania via a connecting flight in Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In such instances, a yellow fever vaccination would not be required if you do not clear customs and remain 'in transit' until boarding your connecting flight to Tanzania. Please visit the CDC website for a current listing of yellow fever infected countries.

Please print (one per person) your approved Tanzania Visa Grant Notification (all pages including the cover letter, visa grant notice and the entry/arrival declaration form) and bring with you to Tanzania along with your passport valid for at least 6 months past your arrival date and with at least 2 blank pages. The Entry/Arrival Declaration Form is usually included with your Tanzania Visa and is prefilled with the same information used to complete your visa application. In the case where it was not included, you can simply print it out online and fill it out manually.

Regarding your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, please make sure to retain your boarding pass as you will need to present this to enter the customs building after you have disembarked the aircraft. As a safety precaution in case of a lost passport we recommend that all guests carry a photocopy of their passport in a separate piece of luggage or scan and email your passport to your ADS sales representative.

Tanzania Visas

The Tanzanian Government has instituted an Electronic Visa Application System. All travelers arriving into Tanzania will need to purchase their Tanzania visa directly online prior to arrival. You are required to complete the online application form and submit your credit card payment for the $100 per person visa fee. After about 1 - 2 weeks, please login to the website again to print your visa and make sure to bring with you to Tanzania. Please only apply directly through the Official Government Application System at visa.immigration.go.tz/

Please refer to our step-by-step instruction guide to assist you with completing the visa application, which includes a list of helpful tips that we frequently update as we receive guest feedback: africadreamsafaris-pdfs.s3.amazonaws.com/ADS-Visa-Instructions.pdf

The secret is out with Northern Tanzania and most of the general public is now aware that this area offers the very finest wildlife viewing in all of Africa. Tourists from all over the world are flocking to the famous northern safari circuit to enjoy its beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Please note that high vehicle concentrations in some high use areas including the Ngorongoro Crater may pose an inconvenience. To combat this potential problem, we highly recommend early morning game drives and adventure game drives to some of the more remote areas of the Serengeti, which can be even more rewarding.

Please keep in mind that by departing at 6.00am each morning, you will have most areas all to yourself until about 10.00am when the package tours begin. Our expert guides know many secret spots and strategies to get you off the beaten path and avoid vehicle concentrations. The Serengeti, in particular, is a massive park and there are plenty of areas where you will likely encounter very few other vehicles. Make sure to communicate to your driver-guide your interest in adventure and exploring the more remote areas. Additionally, by incorporating the smaller and more remotely located camps into your itinerary (as opposed to the big centrally located lodges) you will see relatively few other vehicles even in the busy summer months of July and August.

Safaris are extremely informal vacations and the main goal is to pack lightly and smartly. Most lodges and camps will launder your clothes for free or a small fee ($2 - $3 per item) within 24 hours. Loose fitting, casual and comfortable clothing is recommended, as you will be spending most of your safari wildlife viewing in a vehicle. Be prepared for daily highs ranging from the mid 70's to the mid 80's and lows in the 50's and 60's except during the cold season (June, July and August) when the lows can drop into the mid 40's. The rim of the Ngorongoro Crater can get significantly colder during the night and early mornings (low 40's) due to the high elevation (7,500 - 8,000 feet).

There is little or no opportunity for fashion while on safari, though you may wish to bring a nice outfit for a special dinner. All the lodges allow casual clothing and traditional safari wear while dining. There is a large temperature range each day and it is recommended to wear layers enabling you to adjust to the varying temperatures. It can be quite cold on early morning game drives and long pants and a warm sweater are needed. In contrast, shorts and t-shirts can be worn on afternoon game drives as it can get warm during midday especially with the strong equatorial sun (there is no air conditioning in the open safari vehicles though the retractable roof provides plenty of shade). It is important that you wear a wide brimmed hat and apply sun block frequently to all exposed areas when outside of the vehicle.

Dark colors do tend to attract unwanted attention from certain insects. The tsetse fly is active only during the day and is attracted to dark colors (primarily dark blue and black) so these should be avoided when game driving during the day (it's fine to wear dark blue or black during the nighttime). Tsetse areas include the woodlands of the West Serengeti, Tarangire and a few parts of the North Serengeti. The plains of the south and east Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and most areas of the Central Serengeti are tsetse fly free. It is recommended to wear long pants and shirts when game driving an area known for concentrations of tsetse flies.

Lighter and more natural colors such as khaki, brown, beige, olive and green should be worn during the day to keep a low profile and avoid spooking shy animals. We recommend avoiding bright colors that don't appear naturally 'in the bush'. White is fine, but by the end of the day it may look khaki colored due to dust while out on game drive. We recommend packing clothes that can dry fast and don't wrinkle easily. During the nights, the color of your clothing is irrelevant. From dusk to dawn, it is highly recommended that you protect yourself from mosquitoes by wearing pants, long sleeved shirts, socks, and shoes plus insect repellent.

We recommend lightweight clothing with moisture-wicking technology that draws moisture away from the skin to help keep you cool and dry. Many options are available from the various online outdoor outfitters such as REI that are ideally suited for warmer climates, and many feature stretchy fabrics for maximum comfort with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) sun protection and even vented side seams.

To give an idea of what a typical guest would bring on safari: They would bring 4 to 6 short-sleeved or long-sleeved t-shirts to wear as a base layer and a medium-heavy weight fleece jacket to wear in the chilly morning or evening. They would bring about 3 pairs of pants, a couple pairs of shorts and plenty of socks and underwear (although most lodges will offer laundry service for a nominal fee, most kindly ask guests to exclude laundering lady's underwear due out of respect to the conservative culture, since most of the staff are men.) We recommend bringing one pair of light hiking shoes or sneakers.

Shorts or pants? This is simply a matter of personal preference. If you are unsure, a great compromise is to wear a pair of convertible 'safari' pants that easily convert to shorts by zipping off the pant legs. That way you can wear pants OR shorts, depending on how you feel at any given moment and without looking for a changing room! You can see a suitable selection of convertible pants at many outdoor stores or any number of online outfitters, such as REI.

Please see below for a recommended African safari packing list:

SAFARI CLOTHING

• One pair of comfortable walking shoes (i.e.: sneakers, cross training, or light hiking shoes)
• Casual, comfortable, and loose fitting clothing in khaki, brown, beige, green and olive colors
• Two or three T-shirts or light tops
• Two or three Long-sleeved shirts/blouses
• One or two shorts
• Two or three light long pants or convertible long-short pants
• Medium heavy fleece, sweater, or sweatshirt
• Socks and underwear
• Pajamas
• Hat and bandana
• Heavy sweater, light gloves, knit hat/beanie for the Ngorongoro Crater
• For the ladies, you may consider wearing a sports bra while out on game drives as the roads can be a bit bumpy
• Optional: lightweight jacket or windbreaker

OTHER ITEMS

• Passport, plane tickets, safari itinerary and emergency contact document
Tanzania Visa
• U.S. dollars in large and small denominations (no older than 2010)
One or two credit cards (see credit card warning section)
• Small flashlight
Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
Insect repellent
• Contact lens solution, spare glasses, and extra contact lenses
Waterless antibacterial gel, hand wipes and Kleenex
• Camera, extra batteries and charger, if applicable
UK plug adapter
• Playing cards, small games and reading material (see safari reading list)
Journal or notebook for recording daily observations and pens
• Snacks - nutrition bars, nuts, candy, etc.
Zip lock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, small trash bags
• All rooms at each lodge/camp have soap, shampoo, and conditioner
Small medical kit including Tylenol/Advil, antimalarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, cream for itches and rashes (i.e. Benadryl itch relief stick), band-aids, stomach ache medicine (i.e. Pepto-Bismol), antibiotic ointment (i.e. Neosporin), multi-vitamins, antihistamine tablets, diarrhea medicine (i.e. Imodium), prescription antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacteria including traveler's diarrhea (i.e. Ciprofloxacin commonly known as Cipro) and any prescription medications.
If you have back issues, you may wish to consider bringing along a travel pillow to pad the safari seat over the bumpy roads (it can also double as a tool to steady your camera while taking pictures)
If you wear contact lenses, you should also bring along a pair of glasses in case your eyes get irritated from the dust
Be sure to bring enough cash. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, and there are no ATM machines out in the bush. See the money section for more information.
As a safety precaution in case of a lost passport, we recommend that all guests carry a photocopy of their passport in a separate piece of luggage, or scan and email your passport to your ADS sales representative.
Small battery operated hand-held fan
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if traveling to or from a Yellow Fever infected country such as Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda|*ListItem*|

Really, you are a winner anytime you visit Northern Tanzania! Many of the animals are migratory, meaning they move from one area to another throughout the year, but they do follow a predictable pattern and most importantly they are always *there*, it is just a matter of knowing where to go to find them. And we do. Therefore, we strategically design your itinerary to put you where the animals are, setting you up for success no matter what time of year you ultimately go on safari. Plus, the sunny climate and high elevation of North Tanzania ensures comfortable, spring-like temperatures for wildlife viewing year round, as opposed to many lower lying areas in Africa that can get very hot and muggy. With all that being said, it is also good to understand the difference between the "green season" and the "dry season" here in Northern Tanzania, in terms of animal viewing.

Green Season (Dec-May):

The scenery is green and beautiful during this time (great colors for photography) and the animals are generally healthy and active as the green season is a time of plenty for them. Many animals time the birth of their families to coincide with the green season too, so you will be maximizing your chance to see small cubs, pups, foals, fawns, calves, etc. The green season is one of the best times to see cheetahs as you will game drive Gol Kopjes in the green season, as well as the NCA, which are favorite hangouts for cheetahs because of the open plains, short grass, and ample supply of Thompson's gazelle (their favorite prey.) The Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra will be densely concentrated on the open Southern Serengeti plains, offering a stunning spectacle you won't soon forget. The wildebeest all have their babies in February, making March , April, and May excellent times to go on safari. The great predators are never far away from this great moving buffet, so in addition to cheetahs you'll have lots of opportunities to see lions, leopards, and hyenas too. There is a chance for rain showers though even in the green season it is mostly dry, warm, and sunny (rainfall is limited to a couple inches a month and rarely impedes game drives).

Dry Season (June-Nov):

With hardly any rainfall during this time of year, the weather and associated driving conditions are fairly predictable, and the grass and foliage are sparse which can make it a bit easier to spot some of the more elusive wildlife such as leopards. The weather is also cool, with average temperature highs peaking in the low-mid 80's. The Great Migration will be surging through the pristine Northern Serengeti, which is an inherently beautiful area full of trees and other pretty scenery, so it's rather convenient when the animals are located in such a beautiful area because this is the area where you will want to spend a large amount of time, and you can enjoy both animals and scenery! Some areas like the Tarangire River will also be a huge draw to thirsty animals like elephants when smaller water sources have disappeared. Downsides to the dry season include more dust and small accommodations can book up quicker since many people in the US and Europe travel during their summer. But still, because of the nice weather, lovely scenery and consistently good wildlife viewing, the dry season is a pleasant and fairly predictable time to plan a safari.

Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara are less seasonal and remain good for animal viewing year round, although they are definitely 'prettiest' in the green season.

Favorite Seasons for Wildlife Viewing

December thru February - This is the beginning of the green season in Tanzania. The Serengeti plains are a beautiful shade of green, dust levels are minimal and most wildlife species are easy to spot. The weather is ideal for wildlife viewing and the famous wildebeest migration is concentrated in massive numbers on the Southern and Eastern Serengeti plains, which in turn attracts large numbers of predators. This is the time of plenty in the Serengeti and many animals time the birth of their families to coincide with the beginning of the green season. The wildebeest have a pronounced birth spike usually in early February but other species give birth throughout the green season. February is one of the most popular months for wildlife photographers.

March thru April - This period marks the end of the green season and the beginning of the low season in Tanzania. The weather is ideal and the occasional thunder shower rarely impedes game viewing. There is hardly anyone around in the parks, wildlife concentrations are at their very highest and the landscape is lush green (great for photography). It's a little industry secret that April is arguably the best time in Tanzania for the safari enthusiast (it's when many of us here at ADS take our personal safaris). It's a great time to get 'off the beaten path' and explore the remote corners of the parks. There is an old adage in the Serengeti that 'rain means game' and this definitely rings true during this period as wildlife viewing is unbeatable.

May thru June - May heralds the beginning of the dry season in Tanzania and the start of the northward migration season. Dry conditions prevail and the occasional afternoon or evening thunder shower is a welcome relief. Wildlife viewing can be tremendous in both May and June when the migration is on the move and the great herds pour through the Central and Westerns regions of the Serengeti. With pleasant temperatures and extraordinary wildlife viewing, May is one of the most popular months in Tanzania for a safari. This is the time of the wildebeest rut and a synchronized mating pandemonium ensues as the migration comes together and marches off the plains. Male wildebeest madly dash about rounding up females and chasing off other males. After an 8.5-month gestation period, the synchronized calving takes place in early February.

July thru October - The core of the dry season is one of the best times to plan a safari in Tanzania. The migratory animals will be surging through the pristine Northern Serengeti, while the resident animals become concentrated around the remaining sources of water in the Central Serengeti making many species easy to spot, especially the big cats. This is also the time of the famous river crossings along the Mara River in the North Serengeti, a dramatic event featured in countless wildlife documentaries. In Tarangire National Park, massive herds of elephants congregate around the Tarangire River. The dry season is a great time for predators, and especially good for viewing large prides of lions along the rivers.

November - During the southward migration that occurs every November in the Serengeti, the great herds stream south through the woodlands and flood onto the plains as stunning thunderclouds form in anticipation of the approaching green season. It is an amazing spectacle to see hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle thundering southwards with lion, cheetah, and spotted hyena in close pursuit. November is the sweet spot sandwiched between the busy summer months and even busier holiday season. There is hardly anyone around in the parks and wildlife viewing is tremendous. Superb off the beaten path drives are available in the Serengeti during November.

View Guest Testimonials and Photos by Month

We've collected thousands of reports on our travelogue over the past 20 years submitted by our guests who have shared their inspiring photos, videos, and words. You can hear first-hand from our guests about their experience of traveling during a specific month and check out their photos and videos. This is a great way to quickly see wildlife highlights during a particular month. For example, to view the respective reports from April or September:

April: blog.africadreamsafaris.com/tag/apr/

September: blog.africadreamsafaris.com/tag/sep/

Simply replace the last 3 letters of the above URLs with the first 3 letters of the month you would like to view.

When is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is perpetual, and it is always going on! But as the name implies the animals are still *moving*. Like a big lawnmower, the giant herds quickly exhaust their food resources and must keep moving to find more grass and water. The Serengeti National Park is wide and vast enough that it captures the bulk of the Great Migration within its boundaries all year long. So even though the migratory animals move around from one area of the Serengeti to another throughout the year, they do follow a fairly predictable pattern. The trick to finding the animals lies in understanding their patterns of movement. And we do! Therefore, we strategically design your itinerary to put you where the most animals are located, including the Great Migration, and thus setting you up for success no matter what time of year you ultimately go on safari.

My safari is during the dry season (July - Nov). Don't I need to visit Kenya to see The Great Migration?

The short answer is "No". You can see The Great Migration by visiting Tanzania alone, but if you just go to Kenya without visiting Tanzania you may miss it!

The long answer: If you look at a map, you can see that Tanzania borders Kenya, and that the Serengeti National Park butts up against the Northern border of Tanzania aka Southern border of Kenya. The Maasai Mara is quite simply a small extension of the Northern Serengeti ecosystem, the part that lops over the Kenya border, and even though it is a large area, it is quite small in size compared to the vast Serengeti on the Tanzania side.

It's true that a (relatively) small portion of the Migration may spill over into Kenya's Maasai Mara during the dry season, August through September, but even during this time it is estimated at least 70% of the Migration is always on the Tanzania side. There is not a convenient way to cross the border from Tanzania to Kenya at the Mara, or vice versa. There is a gate "Sand River/Bologonja Gate" that links the Masai Mara to the Serengeti, but this is NOT an official border crossing between the two countries.

It's no secret that the Maasai Mara has become overbuilt with many tourist lodges, and Tanzanian officials have been adamant about keeping the Sand River Gate closed "for environmental reasons", which basically means keeping all those crowds of Kenya tourists at bay. Not a particularly convenient policy for people wanting to visit both countries, but it has been an invaluable strategy in keeping the Northern Serengeti in its pristine condition.

So as stated previously, you can see The Great Migration by visiting Tanzania alone, but if you just go to Kenya without visiting Tanzania you may miss it. But don't take our word for it. Per the latest research published in Serengeti III , Human Impacts on Ecosystem Dynamics:

• The use of the Maasai Mara Reserve and the Mara area by the Serengeti migratory wildebeest population had dropped by some 65%.
• The percentage of migratory wildebeest moving into Kenya was at its highest in 1984 when an estimated .866 million wildebeest or 68% of the total wildebeest population entered into Kenya. Since 1984, there has been a precipitous drop in the numbers of migratory wildebeest entering the Mara area and Kenya, which has never recovered.
• It is estimated that currently only .307 million or 27% of the wildebeest migration enter into Kenya during the peak of the dry season. The remaining 73% or .830 million of the migratory wildebeest remain in Tanzania and within Serengeti National Park during the dry season.

In the absence of any evidence of major changes in rainfall, various explanations have been hypothesized as to reasons for this phenomenon including:

• Explosive growth in large scale (mechanized) agriculture on the borders of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya
• Small-scale cultivation and land subdivision in the Mara area of Kenya
• Concentration of both pastoral settlements and tourist facilities within and around the Mara reserve

These factors above may have contributed to the loss of viable grazing land in Kenya for the migratory wildebeest and zebra population.

Furthermore, the Tanzania government conducts controlled burns in the Serengeti right before each dry season. These controlled burns stimulate the growth of new, more nutritious grass, and provide better grazing conditions in the North Serengeti for the migratory animals during the dry season (perhaps sufficient enough to keep the wildebeest and zebra herds from migrating further north into Kenaya).

Learn about monthly seasonal highlights and where different species migrate throughout the year.

View Migration Map

View Migration Map

This is a discussion of some general wildlife viewing recommendations that we think will provide you with an overall better game viewing experience in terms of quality and quantity of wildlife seen. A good start is your detailed day-by-day safari itinerary, which includes recommendations for duration and areas of game drives based upon the month you will be traveling. Your driver-guide will also provide daily suggestions for game drives and other activities based upon current wildlife concentrations and weather. However, please keep in mind that your private safari is completely flexible and you have the freedom each day to choose your activities and game drives including number, duration and areas of exploration.

Early Morning Game Viewing

The first thing to keep in mind is that the moderate climate in Tanzania creates a comfortable environment for wildlife viewing throughout the entire day. In many parts of Africa, animals are not active during the afternoon because of the excessive heat. This is not the case in Tanzania due to temperate climate and some of the most amazing sightings do happen in the afternoon. However, the overall best time for wildlife viewing is certainly in the early morning from 6.00am to 9.00am when many animals are most active. It is a magical feeling to be game driving during the still dawn as the sun breaks the horizon while a pride of lion stirs to go hunting or a family of elephants begins their daily migration for water and forage.

We highly recommend early morning game drives each day and especially in the Serengeti National Park and Crater. All lodges and camps can prepare breakfast boxes to go (versus breakfast at the lodge) so you can maximize wildlife viewing during these critical early morning hours. Your driver-guide will certainly recommend early morning game drives each day but feel free to decline if you would rather have a more leisurely morning. Additionally, some of the more adventurous may wish to embark on full day game drives to the most remote areas of the Serengeti which will require a lunch box, as well.

Be Patient

It is also important to be patient with wildlife viewing. Instead of racing off to each animal sighting, it can be more rewarding to find an animal that interests you and stick close for an hour or longer watching different behaviors and learning about the specific animal. Something exciting will just about always happen and ultimately, you will be pleasantly surprised. Most safaris eventually offer quality-viewing opportunities of all the major large and small mammals. Lastly, please communicate with your driver-guide your specific animal interests and what level of game drives fits your specific requirements. Your guide will bend over backwards to make sure that your expectations are met and exceeded.

Learn about monthly seasonal highlights and where different species migrate throughout the year.

View Migration Map