Author: African Safari and Tours

Africa can be a beautiful country depending on where you go. Lots of people like Kenya and Tanzania, especially after Invictus made its rounds in theatres and Direct TV, but there are lots of other parts of the continent to explore as well. However, you want to make sure you are prepared before you take a trip on the wild side.

No matter where you go or what you do in Africa, you want to make sure you have your papers in order. Some of the more destabilized regions of the country can be downright hostile to the non-local and having fast access to an embassy means having those papers in order. Missionaries and aid workers stationed in Africa usually develop “bug-out” kits containing all the necessary paperwork and visas. A kit like this can really speed up departure and make leaving the country that much easier.

This article is not meant to scare anyone away from the idea of taking a trip to Africa. There are plenty of beautiful sights and locations to really take in. The culture is something many people from the west absolutely fall in love with as well, but you have to be careful and be aware of your surroundings.

A luxury African safari is the best option, especially when visiting the country for the first time. Unfamiliarity with the area, the roads which can sometimes be difficult to navigate, and the best advice for interacting with any wild animals that are sighted are just a few of the reasons for planning a luxury African safari. Going on a luxury African safari will provide fantastic memories that last a lifetime. Professional guides are courteous, very welcoming and knowledgeable about all aspects of an African safari tour.

Having a knowledgeable tour guide is the best way to experience an African safari. Additional information can be found at www.tripadvisor.com. Tour guides will be able to narrate the tour, giving tourists valuable information about the country and the wildlife adventures that occur as these memorable experiences are happening. Excellent tour guides enhance the already amazing experience of an African safari.

During a luxury African safari, visitors stay in excellent accommodations allowing them to have the maximum African safari adventure in an easier and more comfortable way. Watching animals roam the plains during a gorgeous African sunset is an amazing experience that defies description and the entire adventure is made so much better by wisely investing in a luxury African safari.

15 things to know before going on Safari in Tanzania

Before you take a Safari to Tanzania, there are various things you need to know in order to fully appreciate and have an unforgettable experience in this slice of paradise. We have highlighted the most important Top 15 tip you need to know prior to visiting Tanzania on holiday. Every single year, throngs of tourists flock the country but every single one of them is always curious about how to maximize their holiday and have the best time of their lives particularly during these post Covid-19 days.

1. When to Visit in Tanzania

Tanzania has numerous sites to visit and things to do including a Safari in the magnificent Serengeti National Park, taking a tour of the stunning city of Dar-es-Salaam, taking a relaxing Beach holiday in Zanzibar or better yet, Climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro the highest in Africa. You might also opt for all of the above trips if you are interested. So as you plan to do all this, the time of the year when you choose to visit Tanzania is very important and will definitely have an impact on the kind of trip you have whether its memorable or not. You should therefore make sure that you find out which season the country is experiencing then before planning your trip or traveling there.

Below we have highlighted the best time of the year to engage in the different activities

Bird watching

The best time for avid birdwatchers to visit Tanzania is from October until April

Game Drive Safaris Tour

June to October when Tanzania is experiencing the dry season is considered to be the best time to visit Tanzania for a Wildlife Safari holiday as the vegetation is thin and many animals gather around the few water holes in the park. Also, June and July is the best time to catch the Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti National park while January to February is perfect to see the calving season among the wildebeests.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

You can decide to hike Mountain Kilimanjaro anytime throughout the year However, December to mid-March as well as late June through to the finish of October are considered the best time to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro as it is the driest and warmest times of the year. Need to mention, these are also the busiest months up the mountain with large numbers of hikers.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is most popular for its miles and miles of breathtaking beaches and beautiful historical towns. It can best be visited during the dry cool spring months starting in June to end of October

Dar-es-Salaam

You can take a trip to this beautiful city any time throughout the year as there are various things to do all year round there.

2. Not All Safari Parks Have All the Wildlife

As you are preparing for your safari, you need to research about which animals you want to see and which national parks in Tanzania have those animals. Serengeti National Park for example inhabits rhinos, cheetahs and leopards whereas if you want to see lions, the best place to see them is in the Ngorongoro Crater, which on the other hand does not have giraffes. Before you choose which national park to visit, make sure it has the animals you would love to see.

3. You will require a visa to travel to Tanzania

It is compulsory to have a visa when you are coming to Tanzania no matter where you are traveling from. You could acquire your visa after you have reached Tanzania from any of the entry points however it would be more convenient if you applied for one before traveling. It requires only a few minutes and you will receive your visa by mail in the next few days. Alternatively you can apply for your visa online.

Acquiring a visa to Tanzania costs 50 dollars, and you should be able to present evidence of a return ticket to your home as well as a valid passport for the following six months. In case you are scheduled to travel back to Tanzania, you will be required to have a multiple entry visa which costs 100 dollars.

4. What Vaccines to take?

If you are planning to visit Tanzania, you need to ensure that you know the necessary vaccines needed. Usually, there are some vaccinations that you need to receive before to take any trip to Africa and these include diphtheria, polio, Hepatitis A, yellow fever as well as typhoid.

In addition to these, you could also get tetanus and rabies vaccines just to be safe. You are advised to get these shots about three months before you can take your trip and you can get this from the health center near you. You should also carry out a little investigation to identify whether there are any diseases currently spreading and whether they have vaccines that you can get just to be safe.

5. COVID-19 is still a Global Pandemic

Today, with the global outbreak of COVID-19, we advise all our clients as Taste for Afrika to bring adequate face masks and sanitizer for their travel duration and maintain social distance especially when in public.

6. Always Pack light

You might have heard this over and over again however in this case, this guideline pertains to places like Tanzania that is filled with beautiful sights. Nonetheless, we maintain that only carry what you will need or is essential to keep your luggage lightweight. Tanzania is majorly situated on high grounds therefore ensure that you carry warm clothing as well.

What to pack on a Tanzania Safari

We have listed for you some of the necessities that you will need while in Tanzania. They include;

Sunscreen

Your passport and Important verification IDs

A universal adapter

Toiletries

Mosquito repellant

Cash which you need to have at all times

Warm comfortable clothes since it gets really chilly particularly at night.

Strong hiking shoes plus the essential hiking items for hikes and treks

7. Do not forget to move with your camera

Majority of the travelers who bask in the serenity of the Serengeti National Park’s wilderness or that of the Masai Mara carry a camera to capture the endless memorable sights that will continuously unveil before you. And to be honest, there is no better way to share the tales of your memorable Tanzania Safari holiday than with several photos or videos. If you are a photographer or someone who would loves to take a great picture, we advise you to have a 200mm lens is highly recommended for photographers and those passion about this.

8. Buy a Local Sim Card

Sometimes when you are touring a beautiful city or just experiencing nature, you might need access to the internet for one reason or another or to make calls. For that, you need a local sim card and these are sold in majority of the shops in Tanzania and they can be tailored to suit your needs regardless of whether you need it for calls or to connect to the internet. There are numerous internet-data plans that you could select from.

9. Do Not Drink Tap Water

You are advised not to drink tap water in Tanzania, but you can buy bottled water which is relatively cheap. Make sure that the seal on the water bottle is not broken when you buy it. Bottled water cost between 1,000 to 2,000 shillings for 1.5 liters.

10. Which currency is commonly used?

Before you set off for your trip to Tanzania, you need to be aware of the currency they use. The currency of Tanzania is called the Tanzanian Shilling. Currently, the exchange rate is 2319 shillings to 1 dollar. There are ATM and Bureau de exchange situated in many of the large towns.

The USD is allowed as currency at most places that have high numbers of tourists however it is highly probable that you will get a poor exchange rate. credit cards usually are accepted at hotels and tourist hotspots.

11. Do not travel alone at night

Tanzania is one of the most tourist friendly countries with welcoming people however there is still a possibility of running into some local people that could try to rob you. Getting robbed will not only lead to loss of money but also significant documents such as your ids and passport. You could also get injured. You should make sure to move in groups especially in the late evenings particularly in big cities like   Dar es Salam, Zanzibar and Pemba.

12. Public Transport Is Very Confusing

Airplanes are one of the means of traveling in Tanzania however this is costly and does not fit into everyone’s budget. The best option is Car hire services with any of the tourist companies like Taste for Afrika that are very convenient and also budget friendly.

However, if you choose to use the public transport like the local people, you will not be ready for what you will experience. Majority of the locals use small buses which are referred to as dala dala however these often stop in places with no bus stops and do not have an organized time table for movement. Using these little buses as a means of transport is okay however if you want to keep time such as for your flight, chances are high that you may miss it so opt for a taxi instead.

13. The Maasai Culture Is Still Alive

For those of you who have heard about the distinctive Maasai Cattle keeping people known for their colored robs, and wish to truly have a personal experience and encounter with them; I am glad to inform you that this amazing culture is thriving. And we organize private Maasai Cultural Tours to some of these native communities where you will have a firsthand interaction with these amazing people, learn about their traditions, norms and way of life.

14. Tipping is Welcomed with Gratitude

In Tanzania, although it is not compulsory to tip, handing your safari guide, waiter, driver or anyone else that has offered you a good service a tip will be highly appreciated. There is not a stipulated amount that you should offer as a tip but 10-12% is what is normally offered to waiters as well as drivers therefore you should include the tip as you budget for your safari in Tanzania.

15. Make sure to check out the mountains, plane as well as the beaches

There are so many sites to visit and explore while you are in Tanzania. Ranging from the limitless plains of Serengeti, wild jungles in the Mahale Mountains, the highest summit in Africa, the luxuriant mountain vistas in Mountain Usumbara as well as the magnificent beaches in Zanzibar. The diverse wildlife as well as beautiful culture will keep you entertained throughout your safari.

To book your Tanzania safari today or to make any inquiries on Tanzania, please contact us at BOOK NOW and our professional team will get in touch with you right away.

Following the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic at the start of 2019, the tourism industry was hit internationally with many activities especially outdoor activities such as mountain Kilimanjaro climbing coming to a total halt. However in Tanzania on 8th June 2020, his Excellency president John Magufuli the president of Tanzania announced that the country is covid-19 free. The country’s international boundaries and gateways like airports were opened and since then tourism has continued to take place. Prior to this announcement, all foreign visitors entering Tanzania were mandated to take 14 days quarantine as well as a covid-19 test however after the announcement such restrictions were lifted.

Today, several tour operators including us at Taste for Afrika have swung back into tourism actions organizing various activities such as game drives and Mount Kilimanjaro climbing after international travel regained motion.

Is it safe to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro amidst the COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

In this article, we are going to look at whether it is safe to climb Mount Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa found in northern Tanzania amidst this ongoing covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

What safety precautions has Tanzania put in place during this pandemic?

Below is a highlight of the various measures that the Tanzanian government put in place to assist in preventing the spread of the coronavirus across its tourism industry

· All foreign visitors will be required to fill in a health surveillance form while on the aeroplane

· On arrival at the airport in Tanzania you will be subjected to a temperature check and persons showing any symptoms of the covid-19 virus will be mandated to take a 14-day quarantine at their own expense in a hotel approved by the Tanzanian government.

· You will be required to wear a face mask that properly covers both the nose and mouth

· You will be required to properly sanitize your hands as often as possible

· You are highly advised to maintain social distance especially in public areas

· Tourists engaging in Mt. Kilimanjaro climb will be subjected to temperature checks at their hotel in Arusha or Moshi as well as at the park entrance gate into Mount Kilimanjaro national park

How to use Face masks and hand sanitisers during the Mount Kilimanjaro climb

It is mandatory that you bring enough face masks to last you through your Safari in Tanzania. During the Mount Kilimanjaro climb you will wear the masks anywhere else except up on the mountain due to the fact that there is a limited amount of oxygen up there. Although it is not compulsory to wear face masks across the country we as Taste for Africa advise our guests to always wear them during their other travels before and after climbing the Kilimanjaro as it is recommended in the SOPs of the world health organization.

In addition, you are advised to carry adequate hand sanitiser to last you through Safari. Taste for Afrika will provide you with sanitiser throughout the Kilimanjaro climbing expedition. Furthermore, the majority of the establishment like airports and accommodations where you will be staying before and after your hike also provide hand sanitiser but none the less it is better you have an extra bottle in your hand luggage

Standard operating procedures by Taste for Afrika on Mt. Kilimanjaro Expeditions

As one of the leading tour operators in organizing Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions, we as Taste for Afrika have come up with a list of SOPs to ensure that we safeguard both our staff and our climbers and minimize the risk of contracting covid-19 infections during the Safari and while up on the mountain

Below are some of the things you should expect during your climb on Mount Kilimanjaro

• · The entire mountain crew will have to wear masks while in the vehicle, at the park entrance gate and even while at the camp
• · All stuff at the hotel will be required to wear masks as they interact with the guests
• · While in public places and vehicles all guests will be required to wear masks it be medical masks like the surgical masks or N95 or non-medical masks such as neck gaiters, cloth masks or buffs. (Please carry your own)
• · All guests are required to hand sanitizers among their personal items at all times
• · Where possible, wash your hands as often as you can
• · The mountain crew, as well as the hotel staff, will maintain social distance of a minimum of 1 meter from all guests at all times; in case of medical emergencies this may not be maintained

· Clients who would prefer to enjoy a social distancing experience from other climbers during the hike will be provided with single accommodation tents up the mountain as well as while in Moshi or Arusha. In the same way, they will be served meals in the comfort of their tents rather than going to the mess tent to join other climbers.

Is business normal up the mountain?

After the reopening of its international borders mid-2020, the number of climbers who have been booking and taking on expeditions on the northern Tanzania safari circuit in an attempt to make their way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro has slowly been increasing. Today the mountain slopes are not as busy as they were before the pandemic; however, the more adventurous holidaymakers are utilizing this time to enjoy a less crowded Mount Kilimanjaro climbing experience. Popular routes like Machame and Marangu which in the past were crowded with large volumes of climbers today remain quiet.

Since mid-2020 we have been organizing a number of hiking expeditions up Mount Kilimanjaro and we have registered an amazing success rate. As Taste for Africa, we have put into place a number of guidelines to ensure that both our clients and staff are protected during this pandemic while on their expedition on the mountain as highlighted above.

Status of Covid-19 in Tanzania

In January 2020 covid-19 (coronavirus) was declared an international health emergency and later in March 2020 announced a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. by the first quarter of 2020 close to 4 million people died from this deadly virus and a very large number of infections rejected across the globe. in Tanzania just as other East African countries covid-19 cases were confirmed and on 16th March 2020 Tanzania registered it’s index covid-19 confirmed case however infections across the country have not been very rampant as in other parts of the world. as a result of the global outbreak, a travel bun was sanctioned by most African countries on all international travels.

Tanzania registered up to 509 infection and 21 deaths related to covid-19 as per the information relayed on 29th April 2020. On 8th June 2020, the president of Tanzania His Excellency John Magufuli announced that this country is covid-19 free and the government stopped publishing any covid-19 statistics. Since then tourists have been slowly visiting the country to enjoy the different tourist activities here.

Do you need a covid-19 test to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania does not require that you get tested for the coronavirus prior to arriving into the country; however it is very important that’s you find out the different requirements as stipulated by the airline you will be flying with, and the different countries you will go through during your Transit.

Majority of clients visiting Tanzania from the USA use Delta or KLM as their airlines and these flights connect in Amsterdam where all passengers are mandated to present a negative covid-19 test result especially when travelling from a country that is not in the EU region. This result must be presented in Dutch, English, Germany, Spanish or French and should include the following details:

• · Name plus contact information of the laboratory or institute where the testing was done
• · Passenger name as indicated on the passport
• · Time and date when the test was done (this should be within 72 hours before arriving in the Netherlands)
• · The type of test; only the molecular PCR test for the diagnosis of SARS-Cov-2 infection which covid-19 is accepted.
• · Test results; this should be negative.

Because Amsterdam will require a negative result both ways this means that even at the end of your Mount Kilimanjaro climb you will have to take a covid-19 test in Tanzania just before departing the country which you will be able to present in the Netherlands.

Can you test covid-19 around Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Yes, it is very possible for you to carry out the covid-19 test while in Tanzania. Near Mount Kilimanjaro, this can be done both in Moshi town and Arusha town found on the foothills of the mountain at any of the facilities listed below.

1. Selian Lutheran hospital (Arusha)
2. Mount Meru Referral Hospital (Arusha)
3. Mawenzi Regional Hospital (Moshi)
4. Kilimanjaro Christian medical center (Moshi)

Payment for this test is done on-site in the local Tanzanian currency (TZS 230,000) and the turnaround time for the results is 48 hours. These facilities operate from Monday to Friday opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 3:30 p.m. while on Saturdays and Sunday they open at 10 a.m. and close at 12:30 p.m. these sample-collecting centres then send the samples to the National laboratory found in Dar Es Salaam where the actual testing is done.

You will be required to make a reservation for this test and this can be made directly online at pimacovid.Moh.go.tz

As Taste for Afrika, we can assist by transferring you to any of the testing centres, make the payment on your behalf (but at your cost) and even pick up your results.

Tanzania is considered to be one of the top tourist safari destinations on the African continent and every year, the country receives millions of tourists from all corners of the world who travel to enjoy a Safari in Tanzania as they explore it numerous destinations and engage in memorable activities such as Big Five Wildlife Safaris, Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing, viewing the Great Wildebeest Migration, Bird watching, beach safaris and many other activities.

The country prides in a very rich and largely diversified number of plants, animals (including Africa’s Big Five) and gifts of Nature such as Mount Kilimanjaro (also known as the Rooftop of Africa) which is the highest mountain in African and the second highest in the world.

In this article we are going to look at Africa’s Big Five animals found in Tanzania and where to see them.

What are the ‘Big Five’ animals?

Back in the 1980s, the phrase ‘Big Five’ became very popular among game hunters to refer to the five most difficult animals on the African continent to hunt down on foot. These animals which also bring a sense of fear and terror by mere looking at them include the lion, African Leopard, African elephant, rhinoceros and the Cape buffalo.

These were the most preferred (sought-after) animals back in the past among game hunters a thing which greatly decreased their population on the continent; however, because of the stringent hunting regulation and massive conservation efforts internationally, uncontrolled hunting has been halted and the population of these animals has been revived not only in Tanzania but across Africa as a whole

Basing on Mother Nature’s wildlife hierarchy, the ‘Big Five’ emerge on top of the food chain, and they are considered to be among the deadliest animals on the African continent a good reason why they should be included among your list of ‘must-see’ on your Tanzania Safari Holiday.

1. The African Lion

The lion is the most popular and leading predator in Tanzania. There are between 14,000 and 16,000 lions making Tanzania the country with the highest lion population in Africa. The renowned Serengeti National Park has the highest population of elephants with an estimated population of about 3,500 lions. Lions are very social and live in large pride that comprise of males, the female lionesses and their cubs. Although the Males demarcate their territories, it’s the females (lionesses) that hunt down prey and will only feed after the male has finished.

Where to see lions in Tanzania

• · Serengeti National Park – home to the largest lion population in Tanzania
• · Ruaha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park – ideal for game drives
• · Selous Game Reserve – where trophy hunting is conducted
• · Tarangire National Park

2. African Elephant

The African elephant is the largest land animal in the world, with a fully mature one growing to a weight between 2268kg and 6350kg (5000lb and 14000lb). It is estimated that there are slightly over 43,000 African elephants in Tanzania according to the 2015 population census which indicated a significant decline from 110,000 elephants as per the 2009 census a thing attributed to the rampant poaching that was in the country then.

Where to see the African elephant in Tanzania

• · Tarangire National Park – home to the largest elephant population in Tanzania
• · Serengeti National Park
• · Ngorongoro Crater
• · Ruaha National Park
• · Selous Game Reserve
• · Arusha National Park
• · Lake Manyara National Park

3. Cape Buffalo

The Cape Buffalo also known as the African Buffalo has a fearful look, appears shy but is very powerful and considered to be among the most difficult animals to hunt on foot. Buffaloes can easily be spotted while on safari in Tanzania due to their large number however they are a species that should not be messed with as these animals once provoked can become extremely fierce and dangerous. A fully grown cape buffalo can grow to a weight of 2,000lb (900kg) while their strong horns can grow to 42 inches. They face two main predators which are the lion and human beings who hunt them down. Please keep in mind that although buffaloes have a poor vision, they are gifted with a great sense of hearing.

Where to see Cape Buffalo in Tanzania

• · Ngorongoro Crater
• · Serengeti National Park
• · Selous Game Reserve
• · Tarangire National Park
• · Ruaha National Park
• · Arusha National Park

4. African Leopard

The African Leopard, which is a powerful wild cat is elusive in nature which makes it is fairly hard to spot. These animals which enjoy their solitude can, however, be tracked down while on a Tanzania safari especially during the night time game drives. During the day, they can be spotted resting up in large tree branches where they also prefer to eat their prey from after hunting. This behaviour of feeding up in the trees is associated with them not wanting other animals or scavengers to snatch their catch. It is estimated that there are just over one thousand leopards living within northern Tanzania with the largest population being found in the Serengeti National Park.

Where to see Leopards in Tanzania

• · Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater – in northern Tanzania
• · Ruaha National Park – in Southern Tanzania

5. Rhinoceros

On the African continent, there are two types of Rhinoceros; the black rhino and the white rhino both of which are characterized by large grey bodies and only distinguished by the shape of their lips. The black rhinos have an upper pointed lip while the white rhinos have an upper square lip. generally speaking, rhinos have a pre-historic appearance and prefer living a life of solitude. because of the high demand of their horn on the black market, this species suffered extreme poaching not only in Tanzania but across the continent causing it to be extinct in some countries.

In Tanzania you will only be able to encounter the black rhino subspecies (Diceros bicornis minor) and as earlier mentioned their population declined from 2000 back in the mid-1900s to just small populations basing on the census carried out in the 1990s as a result of extreme poaching.

Where to see the Black Rhino in Tanzania

• · Selous Game Reserve
• · Ngorongoro Crater
• · Serengeti National Park

Best time to see the Big Five in Tanzania

When planning a safari in Tanzania and you are looking forward to seeing the Big Five of Africa, you are advised to visit the country during the dry season which is from June to November when most of the country is experiencing dry weather and the vegetation is thin offering clearer views of the animals. During this time there is hardly any rain so the animals tend to gather around the few remaining water sources in the different parks making it much easier to spot them.