Here we have collected the most common questions that we receive from our travelers when they are going on safari in Tanzania. If you can’t find answers to your questions, just email or call and we’ll be happy to answer them.
What can the travel company Jolita Safari offer us as future safari travelers?
Jolita Safari has focused on providing customized safari packages to our customers. This means that you as a customer choose how many days a safari should last; from 1–14 days, if you want to camp or stay at a lodge/hotel or have a safari with a mix of camping (some/a few nights) and accommodation at a lodge/hotel (some/a few nights). We can also offer guest house accommodation for low-budget travellers, young people and back-packers – which means that the cost of a safari drops significantly. As a customer of Jolita Safari, you choose which parks will be included during the safari – this is something that is really appreciated by our customers. Of course, expert advice will help you in this process (as different parks are best at different times of the year). Another specialty is that we can include days with other activities during a safari; eg paddling, hot air balloon rides or hiking.
We also guarantee that all our travelers get to travel in their own safari jeep, i.e. you never share a jeep with any other travelers during a safari. If you have different ideas about what you want to see during a safari and how long the stops should last – then the comfort in a jeep can deteriorate quite quickly – that is why it is so luxurious to travel around on safari in your own jeep. Since all Jolita Safari customers book their own tickets with the scheduled flight down to Tanzania, it follows that you can completely decide the timing of the Tanzania trip yourself. A safari can be started during all 365 days of the year. We also regularly deal with tailoring specially adapted safaris for professional photographers as well as couples on their honeymoon – everyone can feel welcome! We guarantee fast and personal service – this at the market’s affordable safari prices.
Why go on safari to Tanzania?
Safari means journey in Kiswahili, the language spoken mainly in Tanzania and Kenya. The word “safari” has become a synonym precisely for going out into the African wilderness and looking at animals. Tanzania protects as much as 25 percent of the country’s total area in the form of national parks and reserves, which is significantly more than any other country in Africa. 9 out of 10 nature films dealing with African animals are actually shot in Tanzania, where the Ngorongoro Crater (Garden of Eden) and of course the Serengeti are two particularly popular parks. Tanzania can also boast a large number of places that have been selected by the United Nations as World Heritage Sites for future generations, such as the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Crater. In addition to the unprecedented concentration of which animals and birds in Tanzania, the visitor is also met by very fascinating and varied natural environments in the country. By African standards, Tanzania is also a safe country to live in and the Tanzanians are wonderful with their politeness, which invites easy and fun socializing.
Can you buy a package trip with flights from Jolita Safari to Tanzania – or do we have to book the regular flight ourselves? animals?
The answer to that question is that we leave it up to our customers to book the regular flight themselves. It will be cheaper for the customer and increase the freedom of choice because you can then travel exactly during the period you wish to carry out your trip. You can book your flight to the airport JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airport outside Arusha in Tanzania. Note that flight prices can vary greatly depending on which day you choose for departure and return, respectively – so it can pay to fly on the “right” days (departing on Mondays, for example, usually pays off).
Some travelers also choose to fly to Nairobi in Kenya and from there take a bus for 5 hours to Arusha (the bus departs daily at 08:00 and 14:00 from Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi to Arusha – the bus journey costs about 50 USD per person – and this amount is paid at the bus, but the seats must be booked in advance). Since most travelers choose to fly down to Zanzibar (alternatively Mafia Island or Pemba) after finishing the safari, domestic flights also need to be booked between Arusha (from Kilimanjaro International Airport or alternatively from the local airport Arusha Airport) down to airport in Zanzibar. The flight takes about 1 hour. It usually pays to also book the domestic flight at home, as the prices are usually higher when Jolita Safari office makes the bookings in Arusha. The journey home can take place either from Arusha (JRO airport), Zanzibar or from Dar es Salaam on the mainland, or from Nairobi in Kenya. Most of our travelers choose to travel with one of the airlines; KLM, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Egypt Air or Kenya Airways. These can be considered equivalent in terms of service and quality – but price, departure/arrival times, number of stops and journey times vary of course.
How far in advance should you book the safari trip in Tanzania?
It is best to have good foresight and book as early as possible to ensure that the desired accommodation is still available. This applies above all during the high seasons (approx. 1 July–15 August and approx. 15 December–28 February). If you intend to travel over the Christmas and New Year period, we recommend that the trip be booked before the summer – this if you have specific wishes regarding the choice of accommodation in the Serengeti and at the Ngorongoro Crater. After that, and even well into autumn, accommodation can also in principle always be found in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but then it may be a question of 2nd or 3rd hand options, or living in the area around the community of Karatu outside the Ngorongoro Reserve itself (this if the lodges inside the Ngorongoro Crater itself are fully booked).
As Tarangire National Park is a highly sought-after travel destination due to the large concentration of elephants during the European autumn, it is also important here to book the travel arrangement about 4–6 months in advance if you have specific wishes regarding the accommodation. Jolita Safari have well-established contacts with the hotels in the northern and southern national parks, which means that even for those travelers who book regular flights very late, we can always find a safari arrangement that suits the customer, even if it may cost more than usual because only more luxurious hotels are available.
How do you book a safari trip in Tanzania with Jolita Safari?
After reading through this F&Q, we hope that many of your questions about a safari trip have been answered. We will then help you further with a safari proposal that we will send to you by e-mail based on the wishes you have regarding the layout of the safari; number of safari days, which parks you want to visit and type of accommodation. Write to Jolita Safari at: contact@jolitasafari.com and request the information you want and we will get back to you as soon as possible. After reading through the safari proposal sent over, additional questions will probably appear – we will answer these by e-mail or telephone. We are always there to help you with the information you need in your planning of the safari trip until the final arrangement is determined.
When you have booked the regular flight tickets and thus have flight numbers and flight times, the time has come to book the safari trip. Jolita Safari then draws up a travel agreement with a description of your travel arrangements, current dates and what else has been agreed on the content. In order to draw up the travel agreement, your name and year of birth (especially important when it comes to accompanying children), address information and telephone number are needed. The travel agreement also contains information about the payment procedure for the trip. Additional information about (e.g. BIC, SWIFT, IBAN number) can be sent.
In normal cases, the customer pays 50% of the total sum for the ordered travel arrangement after the travel agreement has been approved. As a confirmation of payment, send a screenshot to: contact@jolitasafari.com. It usually takes about 5 working days before the transaction is registered at the bank in Tanzania. Once the payment has been registered, our staff will immediately make the bookings for your travel arrangement. During certain periods of the year when it is busy, it can take up to 2–3 weeks before all the pieces of the puzzle in a travel arrangement are booked. Should any of the hotels/lodges you wish to stay at turn out to be fully booked, we will contact you shortly after payment has taken place to see how we can resolve the matter in the smoothest way possible.
As a rule, in the event of a full booking, we offer a corresponding hotel/lodge with the same standard and in the same price range – whereupon you as a customer may like this proposal – and then give us your approval for this option to be booked instead. Sometimes we can let the customer remain on the waiting list for a hotel/lodge – and this is usually resolved later on by another traveler/tour operator canceling a room at the hotel. Jolita Safari’s travel terms and conditions can be found at the following link: https://safariasap.com/terms-and-conditions-applicable-for-all-bookings/ Since many travelers book their trips with Jolita Safari many months in advance before departure, you will not hear from us after your payment and booking have been completed on long, but about 1 month before departure, Jolita Safari sends out an information letter with some practical tips before departure.
Is it safe and comfortable to go to Tanzania on safari?
Yes, absolutely! In the jeep you are and feel very safe, even though elephants, African buffaloes and predators such as lions can sometimes be seen from only a few meters away. Of course, you are never allowed to leave the jeep anywhere other than at well-controlled and safe rest areas and at a few other strategically selected and safe places. Today’s modern safari travel is a far cry from what it was just a few decades ago.
After a stimulating safari day, you can relax at a comfortable and pleasant lodge with modern facilities such as a swimming pool, a good restaurant and pleasant hotel rooms. Many lodges are located in the middle of nature with wonderful views of animals and nature. Tanzania is one of the most politically stable countries in Africa and there have been close ties between many countries and Tanzania for a long time. You are guaranteed to receive a warm welcome from the friendly people of Tanzania. As a tour operator, we are extremely keen to ensure the safety and health of travelers while on safari in Tanzania.
This trekking during a safari sounds really exciting – what does it mean?
Yes, hiking in Tanzania is truly amazing and can be highly recommended! In addition to the large, week-long expedition on Kilimanjaro (5,895 m above sea level – Africa’s highest mountain) for the true enthusiast, we offer a range of more humane hiking options. For example, Mount Meru (4566 m above sea level) can be climbed during a 3-day expedition, which is a mighty adventure. During a safari, one or more hikes can be included in the program for information and details about hikes inside the Ngorongoro Reserve.
The fun part of hiking is that you get closer to nature than during a safari, and that you get to places that are otherwise unreachable, and that you get to move physically. The coziness factor is also high as in some cases you camp and then have a cook with you who prepares the food. In the Ngorongoro Reserve, we offer hikes up to the peaks of Mount Oldeani or Mount Makarot (these hikes take about 4-5 hours to complete). Another popular hike is to walk for about 2 hours along the crater rim up on the Ngorongoro Crater – this with the mighty crater in the eye. The most spectacular hike is still the one carried by donkeys, this for 2-3 days from the Olmoti Crater or the Empakaai Crater to the foot of the mighty mountain Oldoinyo Lengai south of Lake Natron. This hike is an experience that you are guaranteed to never forget – one of the finest things you can experience on a nature trail.
When is the best season for safari in Tanzania?
All months of the year are suitable for safari in Tanzania! However, with a reservation for the month of March to mid-May when it is rainy season – but as the rain usually falls as intense showers, it is still possible to be on safari in May (which a number of travelers annually testify to). The advantage of May is that it becomes more affordable to go on safari because most lodges/hotels lower the prices then. However, it can be muddy and wet in some places in the parks after a rain regardless of the season. Which month of the year is best to go on safari cannot be answered simply because the parks have their different qualities and these do not coincide with a specific month.
The Ngorongoro Crater is always as reliable from an animal point of view, regardless of the month of the year whether it is lush green or parched. Lake Manyara National Park is also generally stable all year round (however, the lake can dry up in September–October), which means that many of the animals migrate to better pastures. Tarangire National Park is great to visit from August to December. And as far as the Serengeti is concerned, the following applies; the southern Serengeti is best during December–April (when the wildebeest are then in the south), while the northern Serengeti is best during the summer form June to October (when the animals are in the north). However, in the middle of the Serengeti in the area around Seronera, watercourses are always available to the animals, making this place in the Serengeti a reliable spot for animal sightings throughout the year. Jolita Safari always adapts the safari arrangement for you as a customer and chooses, depending on the season, the parks/places where you can best follow the seasonal variations of animals.
Which national parks can we visit during a safari?
Jolita Safari organizes safari trips in northern Tanzania starting from Arusha to the parks; Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. And starting from Dar es Salaam, we arrange safari trips to the parks; Mikumi, Udzungwa Ruaha, Nyerere National Park and Sadaani. And in Zanzibar you can visit the Jozani National Park.
Which national parks are the best to go on safari to?
It is not for nothing that the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater are among the most famous and visited parks in the world. Of course, this is because these parks have something really extra to show off in the way of animals and nature. The concentration of wild animals in the north is unsurpassed. The Ngorongoro Crater is simply not to be missed! There is also the only one of two species in Tanzania of rhinoceros left to view.
During the autumn months, more elephants can be seen in Tarangire than in any other park in Tanzania – making this park a ‘must do’ during the period August – December. If you have a chance to see a leopard, it almost always happens up in the Serengeti (in the area around Seronera). The vast Serengeti where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest move in search of water and food is naturally a scene of the highest dignity. The southern Serengeti is fantastic during the period December – April when the wildebeest are on the savanna in this area. The best parks are undoubtedly those in the north (i.e. starting from Arusha), but every year we also have many satisfied customers who have been on safari in Mikumi and Ruaha – and who testify there to fine sightings of lions, giraffes and elephants.
What does a typical safari day look like from morning to night?
The starting point for Jolita Safari is the local city of Arusha with close to half a million inhabitants and from there the start takes place at 09:00 (safari day 1) with pickup from the hotel you are staying at. When a safari day ends, the guide/driver always makes a small reconciliation with you when you agree on the start time for the next day’s safari. You will leave when agreed (i.e. after breakfast), for example at 08.00, 08.30 or 09.00. Agree with the guide/driver if you have special requests regarding the start time. Once you are inside the parks, there are rarely any actual transport routes, but the sunroof is raised immediately and the day’s safari can begin.
At lunchtime, the day’s packed lunch box is eaten at a picnic spot, and then you roll on out into the wilderness/savanna until the day’s safari is over. It is only permitted for the guide/driver to travel inside the parks when it is light, i.e. from 06:00 to 18:00. However, the visiting time down in the Ngorongoro Crater differs from other parks, as a jeep is allowed to be down in the crater for a maximum of 6 hours in 1 day. As the drivers are equipped with internal communication radios and thus coordinate with each other where animals and interesting observations appear, it is not possible to predict in advance exactly how the planned day’s safari will turn out. The most important thing is that you yourself communicate with the guide/driver so that the stops are long enough – so that you have time to photograph and study the animal, bird and nature trail that interests you. If you are out on a longer safari, you can even treat yourself to ending today’s safari a little earlier in the afternoon to make it to the hotel/lodge in time for a dip in the pool or a moment in the sun. You make all these decisions together with your own guide/driver during an ongoing safari.
Can we leave Arusha earlier than 8am on the first safari day? Is it possible for a morning safari?
The departure time from Arusha for a safari is set at 08:00 in the morning, this is because the drivers have to pick up the jeep and have time to go through the papers related to the customer case at Jolita Safari’s office in Arusha. In addition, you should have time to eat breakfast before the pick-up takes place from the hotel you are staying at. If you wish to leave earlier during one of the safari days, it is possible to do this later during the safari – you will agree on this with your guide/driver.
Can you go on safari for only 1 day?
Yes, it is possible to go on safari for only 1 day – this to the small Arusha National Park outside the city of Arusha. The jeep journey to the park takes about 1 hour. In the park, you usually see a relatively large number of giraffes, baboons and African buffalo – but it can be emphasized that you primarily go to this park for the nature experiences and not for the big animal sightings. The park is a scenic experience with the beautiful Momela Lakes, which are occasionally invaded by flamingos, and the majestic Mount Meru (4566 m above sea level). In Arusha National Park, it is also possible to include a hike (when a ranger accompanies you) and to paddle for those who wish. Since the trip to Tarangire or Lake Manyara takes 2 hours (one way) by jeep, you only have time to get there and turn around – making a 1-day safari to either of these parks pointless. To see the Ngorongoro Crater you need at least 2 days at your disposal, and to enjoy the Serengeti National Park you need at least 4, but preferably a safari arrangement of 5 or 6 days.
Can you go on safari for two days?
Yes, absolutely! Many travelers choose a shorter safari over 2 days, especially those who have been to Kilimanjaro and hiked, and who may also not have the budget for a more extensive safari program. A 2-day safari can be done as a combination of either Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, or Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The fact is that you actually have time to see the most and the best during a 2-day safari, even if the arrangement is something of a mini package.
Is it too short to go on safari for three days?
Not really – any safari is better than no safari at all. In fact, many of Jolita Safari’s travelers settle for a 3-day safari package with visits to Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park. The park that does not fit within the scope of a 3-day safari is the Serengeti. During 3 days you have time to see most of the animal way; such as elephant, giraffe, zebra, hippopotamus, rhinoceros (seen during more than half of all safaris down in the Ngorongoro Crater), wildebeest, ostrich, impala, lion, hyena, dik-dik, etc.
How many days should a safari cover?
It is not possible to simply answer this question with a given number as a number of factors such as; season, choice of parks, special interests, budget etc. have an effect and then means that the “perfect” length of a safari can vary by fewer or more days. However, we can say that approx. 80 percent of all our annual travelers travel on safari between 4 and 7 days – so the “truth” probably lies within this range. If you want to make it to Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara National Park, as well as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, you need to allow 5-7 days for the safari trip. During a 4-day arrangement, you can visit the parks with advantage; Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. We advise against making it to the Serengeti within a 4-day schedule (even if two of the other parks are crossed out) as it inevitably results in a lot of jeep travel along long transport routes.
Which national parks are best to visit in Tanzania during the low season (March-May)?
During the low season or European winter, a few days’ stay in the Serengeti is a “must” – this is because the wildebeest (about 1.5 million animals) are then in the southern parts of the park, where they also calve during the month of February. In December, Tarangire is also a very reliable park with a high concentration of elephants and should then also be included in the safari program.
However, when the grass thrives and Tarangire is lushly green in January, February and March – the elephants in the park spread out of barely visible range, whereby we usually advise against a visit to Tarangire during these months. Even Lake Manyara is highly reliable during the low season, which can justify a day’s visit there. If you are going up to the Serengeti, the first day’s safari trip is too long, and then a “transit stop” is almost always made at Lake Manyara during safari day 1. The Ngorongoro Crater is always as reliable from an animal point of view regardless of the season – and is therefore always a must regardless safari month during the year.
In which parks can you go on a night safari?
Night safaris are only possible up in the northern Serengeti starting from Ikoma and then from the lodges located in this area. The season when we recommend our customers to stay at Ikoma applies to the period June–July. If you wish to do a night safari, this is of course a service we are happy to book for you. However, this with night safaris is over-advertised as many travelers have the idea that this is something absolutely fantastically exciting. Our experience is that ordinary day safaris provide incredibly finer experiences.
Can we ride a hot air balloon in a safari park – how is it done?
Balloon safaris are available in Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park. The price tag is USD 599 (Serengeti) and USD 550 (Tarangire) per person. As the number of places is limited, this travel adventure must be pre-booked well in advance. It is an incredible experience to soar at sunrise up to about 1,000 meters above the Serengeti’s endless savannah and hover around up there for about 1.5 hours. In the Serengeti, these balloon safaris start in Seronera at the Maasai Kopjes. After completing the safari, you receive breakfast and champagne on the ground slope, while you are awarded a certificate for the achievement!
How much does it cost to go on safari in Tanzania?
The price tag for a safari is a result above all of four factors; the number of safari days, how many of you travel in the jeep, which accommodation choices you make and which parks are visited. Prices can vary greatly for a safari as accommodation varies greatly in price, from about 200 USD (double room) per night and upwards. However, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Reserves do not have low-cost accommodation, so safari trips to these parks will inevitably always cost much more than if only Arusha, Lake Manyara and Tarangire parks are included in a safari.
All accommodation costs from around USD 500 per night for a double room in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The low-budget safari (guest house accommodation) over 2-4 days to the Arusha, Lake Manyara and Tarangire parks can be arranged for about 1000-1900 USD per person, when two people travel in the jeep. A 5-6 day safari that includes the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater usually costs between 2000-2600 USD per person, including high-quality accommodation. The tented safari costs about USD 300-350 per person and day of safari. For exact prices, once you have decided which accommodation you want, please contact Jolita Safari at: contact@jolitasafari.com
What is included in the price of a safari?
The prices quoted to the customer for a safari over x number of days always include:
- own safari jeep with driver/guide (who is English speaking)
- 3 meals (including drinking water/tea/coffee) per day during the safari trip
- all park and entrance fees
- accommodation during the safari trip (lodge/hotel accommodation) according to agreement
- hotel accommodation in Arusha the night before and the night after the safari trip
- transfer from and to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on arrival and departure respectively
- tented safaris include tent equipment and a cook accompanied who prepares the food
- on hikes guide and park fees are included
What is not included in the price of a safari?
The prices quoted to the customer for a safari over x number of days do not include (unless otherwise agreed):
- drinks such as alcohol, soft drinks, etc.
- lunch and dinner at a hotel in Arusha
- tips for the driver/guide, and any cook
- extra activities during safari, e.g. Masai village visit (US$50 per person) or night safari
- flights to Tanzania/Kenya
- possible domestic flights or bus trips within the country
- cancellation protection
- travel insurance
- vaccinations
Why is it so expensive to go on safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania has learned to charge for the world famous and famous national parks and for a poor low income country this revenue is of significant value. Due to the wear and tear that occurs along the bumpy roads, the repair costs on the jeeps are also extensive. The cost of petrol/diesel is also high. But, what costs above all during a safari is the accommodation. Most lodges/hotels during a safari cost from US$400-500 per night per double room. For affluent travelers, there are a number of accommodations in the Serengeti that cost around 3000-5000 USD per night.
Is there any way to get away with a cheaper safari?
Yes, there actually is! If you travel 4 people in 1 jeep, the jeep cost is shared between you, which lowers the cost per person. If you choose not to book a pick-up/drop-off at the airport on arrival/departure, and arrange a hotel yourself in Arusha – the cost is of course also reduced. However, the hotels we use in Arusha are relatively cheap and cost about 100 USD per night for a double room. However, the biggest price reduction is achieved by choosing accommodation at a guest house between the parks Arusha, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Unfortunately, there are no low-cost accommodations available in the Serengeti, so if you as a traveler promptly insist that the Serengeti be included in a safari, it will be impossible to get a low safari price. Another variation on the layout of the safari is available, which to the greatest extent affects the price in the right direction, and that is if you choose to camp during the safari. However, the cost may not really drop as much as one had thought because all tent equipment must be rented, tent site fees are added, as well as costs for food and the fact that a cook comes along who cooks all the food during a tented safari.
Is it possible to share the jeep with other travelers to reduce the cost?
No, it doesn’t work because all travelers are promised their own Jeep – this is a promise we never give up. As a traveler, you get what you booked and paid for. Many other travel companies crowd the safari travelers into one and the same jeep, of course the price will be lower, but it will also be crowded and the wills all the more. As all our travelers also go on tailor-made safari packages, it would not be practical to coordinate different travelers’ itineraries with regard to the choice of national parks, number of days for the safari and choice of accommodation. All our travelers are therefore always guaranteed their own jeep during the safari – something that is highly appreciated by all our annual customers.
Why do you quote costs for a safari in USD (US dollars)?
It simply has to do with prices for hotels, national park fees and jeep costs being quoted and paid in USD in Tanzania. Since most travelers book their safari trips well in advance, there is also a point in paying in dollars, because if there are differences in the exchange rate, this does not affect the traveler because the trip is paid in USD – because here in Tanzania, the exchange rate for US- the dollar very stable.
Can you get special food (gluten-free diet, lactose-free diet, vegetarian diet)?
We can easily accommodate requests for a gluten-free diet, dairy-free diet, vegetarian diet or special diet in case of allergies, as long as we find out about your wishes in time. During a tented safari, you have your own chef in the jeep who prepares all the meals of the day – and then the foods that meet the customer’s wishes are purchased in advance. When staying at a lodge/hotel, just let the reception know if you have special dietary requirements. It is important to inform the reception at the hotels you arrive at of any wishes you have regarding the diet so that the “right” food is packed in the lunch box for the upcoming safari day.
Who will be our guide/driver during the safari days?
We cannot share this information with the customer in advance, as we normally make the final arrangements for your safari only a few days before your arrival in Arusha and then a driver/guide is also selected. In Arusha and Moshi alone there are about 3000 licensed guides/drivers, and these are helped to do the safari drives that the travel companies order (unless they happen to be specifically tied to a particular safari company), so it’s always a bit of a lottery which guide /driver you will be assigned.
Common, however, is that the guides/drivers are almost invariably very reliable, knowledgeable and service-oriented. Their English is generally at least robust or even very good. Almost always, our customers are extremely satisfied with the guide/driver who accompanies the jeep. We do our utmost to ensure that Jolita Safari’s travelers receive a friendly and nature/animal knowledgeable guide who speaks good English as well as other international languages during the safari. If you happen to know the name of a guide/driver that you have previously heard of – we will gratefully accept the name of this person – and enter this as a request when ordering the trip.
If we are not satisfied with our guide/driver during a safari – what do we do?
Normally, all the guides/drivers hired for drives to Jolita Safari’s customers are very reliable and recognized as skilled. In principle, the guides always receive a lot of praise from our customers as they, with a sharp eye, patience and cheerful commitment, make the safari days a wonderful experience. But, but, but… if after all there is something not right (“personal chemistry”, conflict, or other problem) between your guide/driver and you as travelers in the jeep – and that this problem is of such magnitude that you are really stressed and finds the driver unacceptable – then of course it is necessary to act quickly to find a solution to the problem. Whatever you do… don’t let the safari days roll on with a guide/driver who makes the situation untenable for you in the jeep. Because once you are up in the Serengeti, the distance is too far even for Jolita Safari to be able to depart from Arusha.
And when you are back home much later, unfortunately, for obvious reasons, there is no possibility whatsoever for us to remedy or remedy the situation for you. The problem with a bad driver must therefore be fixed on the spot directly in Tanzania during the ongoing safari. First contact the reception staff at the lodge/hotel where you are staying and explain the situation to them, and ask them to call Jolita Safari’s staff in Arusha. We can then send a new guide/driver from Arusha overnight (replacing the guide/driver you no longer trust at the wheel). In this way, everything can quickly become peace and joy again, and you can continue your safari with a new driver in the driver’s seat already during safari day 2.
How much do you need to tip the guide/driver (and possibly the cook)
It is customary to tip in Tanzania, but the size of the tip is of course also determined if you are satisfied with the service delivered by your guide/driver. When 2 people are traveling on safari, it is advisable to pay a minimum of USD 20 (per travel party/for both of you together) per safari day, but if you are traveling with more than 2 people, the sum can reasonably be higher. When a cook accompanies you during a tented safari, he also needs to be tipped – recommended level is about USD 15 or more per travel party and safari day.
To hotel staff or other servants, you choose to tip yourself if you like. The tip for the guide/driver (and possibly the cook) is never paid in advance, or after each individual safari day, but is given in a lump sum after the safari when you are back in Arusha. Sometimes it happens that the guide/driver expresses that the tip is small and that they are not satisfied – this is just to be ignored – they try to get as much as possible when given the chance – you have to interpret this as human behavior.
Is there anything to see in Arusha – is it worth staying there an extra day?
Tanzanian cities and towns are generally not charming retreats – Arusha is unfortunately no exception in this regard. Arusha lacks walking paths, cycle paths and leafy parks, which means that you cannot stroll at your own leisurely pace anywhere. In some areas, especially around the Clock tower, there are also many “street boys” out on the streets trying to sell safari trips, maps, paintings, etc. If this is not something you are attracted to, decline the invitations kindly, but firmly, so that you don’t have to have a “guide” ” with you during the day.
In Arusha, however, there are a couple of interesting fruit and vegetable markets that are well worth a visit. If you also wish to visit a home for orphans, we will be happy to arrange such a visit. Jolita Safari sponsors a couple of these orphanages in Arusha. You can also give any gifts yourself, or buy food from a market for such an orphanage for orphans. If your flight arrives late in the evening or during the night, we suggest that you stay an extra night in Arusha before your safari begins – it can be nice to get into the holiday mood in a pleasant way and have time to adapt a little to the African rhythm a extra day, so that you are rested before the safari.
How do you deal with toilet visits during a safari?
Sure, you can take care of your needs during a safari. In the parks, there are special rest areas in a number of places, where, among other things, lunch stops take place, and adjacent to these places there are also toilets. If you need to attend to your needs in the middle of an ongoing safari out on the savanna, you will probably have to stay for a while, but if it is urgent, and the visibility is good enough to be able to guarantee that no predators are nearby, there is a possibility that the guide/driver can drop off you so you can get behind the jeep and do what needs to be done.
Which jeeps do you use during a safari? Is there a sunroof?
The jeeps Jolita Safari uses during the safari are Toyota Land Cruisers (4-wheel-drive) and Land Rover Defenders (4-wheel-drive). In a standard Land Cruiser and Land Rover there is room for 4 or 6 passengers with a window seat (sunroof is available for the 4 passengers sitting in the back) and in an extended safari jeep there is room for 7 passengers with a window seat (sunroof for the 6 people sitting in the back). When a cook comes along during a tent safari, one of the seats in the jeep disappears. Minibuses are not used during safari trips in Tanzania’s northern national parks because it is not possible to get down into the Ngorongoro Crater with these because of the steep winding road.
Can we drive the jeep ourselves during our safari?
No, it is not possible to jump into a jeep and drive it as a private person during a safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Game Reserve. The authorized guides who are hired as guides/drivers have 1 year of training behind them. Since the Serengeti is very big and with an almost total lack of signs, it would also be impossible to find the right roads in this huge natural area. In addition, should something happen such as the jeep breaking down, it goes without saying that you must have good knowledge of the areas and also have good contacts with other drivers to be able to handle such a situation. The guides/drivers employed by Jolita Safari possess this competence.
What happens if the jeep breaks down during a safari?
If the jeep gets stuck in a ditch or water hole, or breaks down, the guide will first consult another guide/driver by radio for help. Towing assistance, changing a tire in the event of a puncture and all sorts of minor problems can usually be fixed fairly quickly as the guides/drivers are willing to help each other, so that the time for the safari trip is not wasted unnecessarily. In the event of an engine failure or other major incident that renders the jeep unusable, the ongoing safari day will inevitably be negatively affected. Unfortunately, in such a situation Jolita Safari can neither extend the safari nor financially compensate the travelers as this type of incident is beyond our control. However, you can be sure that the driver will try to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, or alternatively place you in another safari jeep for the rest of the day. Should this be required, a new safari jeep will have arrived by the time the next safari day begins.
How does Jolita Safari contribute to ecotourism and the development of a better life for the local population in Tanzania?
Jolita Safari contributes its straw to the stack by donating 5% of the profit without deduction as operating support to some of the orphanages for orphans in Arusha and Moshi. Furthermore, Jolita Safari annually also supports some of the forest planting projects that are underway along Kilimanjaro’s slopes on the north side towards Kenya, where deforestation has been a widespread problem. In the past, Jolita Safari has also participated and assisted with financial funds in the renovation of two schools outside Moshi, as well as participating in and part-financing the drilling of three water wells for the local population at the town of Singida.
Do you need to bring your own binoculars from home to Tanzania?
As a rule, this is not needed as most guides/drivers have binoculars in the car that travelers can freely borrow. But if you have performance requirements and are interested in birds, you should of course bring the binoculars you are familiar with. The best thing about a safari is that being close to the animals basically makes the binoculars superfluous, because even if, for obvious reasons, it is possible to promise that you will see just “this” and “that” – we can promise that you will see and experience animals at close range as most have never done before.
Can you leave luggage/bags at the hotel in Arusha during a safari?
Yes, it is fine to leave your luggage at your hotel in Arusha while you are out on safari. In fact, most clients leave at least one suitcase at the hotel in Arusha during the safari, this is not to make the space unnecessarily cramped in the jeep (especially important to consider when you are 4 people in a jeep). Your packing for the stay in Zanzibar is also hardly of any great use during the safari trip. But, if you stay at a hotel/lodge with a pool – and intend to swim – then don’t forget to bring your swimwear during the safari.
What is the quality of the roads during a safari – will it be shaky, dusty and if you have a backache, can I still go on safari?
There is an asphalt road on the transport route, the road from Arusha to Arusha National Park, as well as from Arusha to Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park respectively. By African standards, these roads are in exceptionally good condition. Inside the national parks and in the Ngorongoro Reserve, however, dirt roads apply. Periodically during the year, the dirt roads can become quite bumpy, but the speed at which you travel during a safari is, on the other hand, slow – so these potholes usually do not cause any major annoyance. Some customers have commented that they benefited from a cushion on the seat, especially if their backs happen to be sore – so this tip may be well worth considering. Another, if possible, bigger problem is that it can be really dry and thus very dusty during a safari, especially during the period August – October. However, this is something that cannot be influenced. If you are sick of all the dust – ask the driver to roll down the windscreens and drive more slowly along dusty transport routes, especially in the Serengeti.
Can children come along on the safari?
Yes, Jolita Safari understands the special wishes of families with children. We can also arrange help with an English-speaking nanny who can help look after the children or look after them when you go out to eat, etc. – if that would be desirable. That’s why we design special safari packages that are particularly suitable for families with children. We have made our safari programs so that you and your children can discover the best of Tanzania’s northern national parks together. Thanks to your children, you will actually get closer to African culture, as Tanzanians are very fond of children.
How do we live with our family during a safari?
In Arusha and between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Reserve, there are family rooms in some of the hotels/lodges if you wish to stay together as a family in the same room. Also in the Serengeti and inside the Ngorongoro Reserve, there are hotel rooms available that have family rooms. Parents with a small child or two small children are of course still allowed to live together in the same double room (possibly triple room if available).
How is the food in the hotels/lodges during a safari?
You will be pleasantly surprised by both the quality and variety of the food served at the lodges/hotels during a safari. At many lodges, a buffet is served so that you can choose your own food. There is usually both European-influenced food and African food with elements of curry and other exciting seasonings. If you choose to go on a tented safari, the food is prepared by a chef. Most of our guests rave about the good food that is then prepared out in the fields.
My partner’s birthday is during the safari, can you arrange some exciting birthday arrangements on that particular day?
We will be happy to help you with special arrangements or a surprise for the birthday party during a safari. It can be about simple and pleasant measures such as placing wine bottles or flowers in hotel rooms, or about a music or dance show. Come up with suggestions about what you would like in that case – and Jolita Safari will try to the best of its ability to meet your wishes according to the budget frame you specify.
Can we charge camera and phone batteries during a camping safari?
There are no electrical outlets at the tent sites for charging batteries, but your guide/driver can help you with this during the night when he goes off and socializes with other drivers at one of the gathering places and simple sleeping places that are available for the drivers out in the parks in some places . So ask the guide/driver for this help. To be safe, it may be wise to have a spare battery for the camera in your pack.
Can I call home from the National Parks – what about the coverage?
The coverage in some places and areas in the Serengeti is non-existent or highly unstable, but in other places in the Serengeti and around the hotels/lodges at Seronera there is mobile phone coverage. In the other parks (Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha NP) coverage may vary, but usually there is coverage at the hotels/lodges where you stay. It may be a good idea to buy a SIM card (costs a maximum of USD 20) for one of the operators Airtel, Vodacom or Tigo after arriving in Arusha. Then you think about money and can cheaply send sms home. And if someone wants to call you from home during your stay in Tanzania, you can then be reached on your Tanzanian phone number.
What animals will we have the opportunity to see during a safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania has 35 large four-legged animal species and about 1000 common bird species. On a typical Safari in Northern Tanzania you can expect to see elephants, buffalo, giraffe, hippopotamus, baboons, monkeys and a variety of plains animals such as wildebeest, hartebeest, zebra, impala and gazelle. Most people see lions, hyenas and possibly leopards. In the Ngorongoro Crater, you can see one of the few remaining black rhinos left in Tanzania. You will undoubtedly see a number of different species of mongoose, hyrax and other small animals. If you are lucky, you will see some smaller felines, foxes, wild dogs or antelopes such as bushbuck, oryx or eland.
What is migration for?
Every year, about 1.5 million wildebeest move in a large oval circle across the Serengeti plain in their search for food and water. This phenomenon is called migration. Their migration across the plains is governed by the rainy season, which makes the land green, providing the animals with pasture and water. It is impossible to predict exactly how the animals move, but there is a pattern.
In general, you can say that from mid-December to May the wildebeest graze in the southern Serengeti. During February, tens of thousands of calves are born on the plain. Between June and July, the wildebeest begin their annual migration north towards the Mara River, which is also the border with Kenya, which they reach at the end of July and the beginning of August. During the low season, the wildebeest once again begin to head towards the southern Serengeti. After the first short rains, which normally fall in November, the southern Serengeti turns green again. Here the wildebeest stop to rest and eat as long as the rains provide the area with good pasture. Although the “migration” means that the large population of wildebeest is up in Kenya during the summer months, there are still large herds of animals remaining in the Serengeti, especially around the Seronera area, where there is a year-round supply of water.
Is it possible to get in touch with the people and culture of Tanzania during a safari?
The majority of Tanzania’s population still lives according to its traditional lifestyle. Many earn their living from agriculture. The Maasai people who are popular to see in their traditional colorful clothing live a nomadic life following their herds of cattle to new pastures. They still hold on to the traditions of their ancestors and Maasai villages can be found in northern Tanzania.
Other small tribes of hunters and gatherers who live according to their old traditions also remain in this area, for example the Hadzabe (bushmen) and the Datoga. If you would like to visit there to, for example, go on a small game hunt with a bow and arrow, it will require an extra safari day, please contact us for more information. Jolita Safari believes that the cultural element is of the utmost importance for a successful safari to Tanzania. Therefore, all our guides are Tanzanian and they are happy to share information about the local culture. We do not provide stage dances and other tourist oriented gimmicks, however there is the possibility to stop at any masaai in the Ngorongoro Reserve if desired (USD 50 per traveler paid for such a visit directly to the masaai village). Here you have the opportunity to take part in the interesting culture and living conditions of the Maasai. Since the end of the 1950s, no Masaai live in the Serengeti, but they now live in the Ngorongoro reserve, a total of about 40,000 Masaai.
Can we visit Olduvai Gorge during a safari?
Absolutely! In that case, such a visit takes place after the safari days up in the Serengeti when you come back down to the Ngorongoro reserve. From the main road, it is only 6 km to Olduvai Gorge. This area is well worth getting to know because in this environment lived 3.8 million years ago our little hairy ancestor Australopithecus afarensis (the same species that “Lucy” belonged to that was found in Ethiopia in 1974). There is a small museum that provides information, and you can take a look down into the gorge where the first man was dug up.
What is the weather like in the Serengeti and in the northern national parks?
The safari parks in northern Tanzania are located at an altitude of approx. 1500-2300 meters – this makes the climate pleasant despite the proximity to the equator when one would have expected much warmer weather. Northern Tanzania’s dry and sunny climate cannot be compared at all to the subtropical climate that prevails in the lowlands, along the coast and out on the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. The weather in Arusha and in the northern parks almost feels like a summer in Europe- this when it is at its best during the summer. The temperature during the day is often around 25 degrees (although it is hotter in the sun) and at night it drops a bit below 20 degrees. It is warmest during the Swedish winter months, while during the Swedish summer period it is slightly cooler, especially at night it can get slightly chilly at high altitude (e.g. in connection with camping in the Ngorongoro reserve).
What clothes are suitable to bring on safari?
During the day, shorts or long trousers are used – depending on what feels comfortable. A long-sleeved sweater and windbreaker are most often needed in the morning before the sun begins to heat up, but may also be needed during the day in the wind or when the temperature drops in connection with rain. In the evenings, it is often a little chilly at the lodges in connection with dinner, and then some warmer clothes will also come in handy. No special dress code needs to be met at the hotels/lodges during the evenings. Make sure to protect your arms and head against the strong African sun (which is easily forgotten during a day’s safari when the focus is on animals and it’s windy) – because it’s all too easy to get burned without a strong sun protection factor, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt. Also keep in mind that clothes get very dusty when you’re out on safari – so the finest collection might as well stay at home. Training shoes are the most comfortable to use, and for those of you who are going on long walks, the hiking boots are of course also included.
If we were to get sick and have to cancel the trip to Tanzania – what happens then?
As a tour operator, Jolita Safari is very keen that this type of matter be resolved in a satisfactory manner for the customer. The customer always comes first. In the few cancellation cases that arise annually against presentation of a doctor’s certificate (in case of illness or accident), we will of course cancel your entire travel arrangement. Costs for the jeep, staff and parking fees can then be fully refunded to the customer in the event of cancellation of the trip. The hotels have their own cancellation conditions (which can be found on the respective hotel’s website) and these vary depending on the time of cancellation before arrival. However, the hotels are also usually accommodating when they maintain good cooperation with their tour operators such as Jolita Safari, whereby it is usually possible to obtain a reservation of canceled rooms for some other prospective travelers. In this way, the potential losses that would otherwise befall a customer in a cancellation situation are minimized. During high season, cancellations usually do not cause any problems at all, as we can instead offer a new customer the already booked hotel rooms.
How will we stay during our safari in Tanzania?
We offer a large variety of different safaris, where we mainly look at your budget and your specific wishes. To get a better understanding of the different accommodation options, you can go to Jolita Safari’s website under the different standard packages that we offer. You choose which hotels you wish to stay at, but in the programs we send you on request, we always suggest suitable hotels along the safari route you ordered a description of. The hotels are selected so that they are close to animal-dense areas according to the season, this minimizes unnecessarily long transport distances that take time and can tempt the stamina. Common to the hotels/lodges that Jolita Safari frequently hires is that the standard is high and that the places have a recognized high comfort factor. Sometimes a hotel is written down by a single or few travelers on e.g. Tripadvisor and this can have major negative consequences as prospective travelers can immediately experience fears and doubts when we suggest such a “condemned” hotel. If Jolita Safari still uses a hotel, despite the hotel receiving negative publicity on the internet in some forum, it is because we still rate the hotel as highly reliable and fully satisfactory for our travelers. In this context, we do not allow ourselves to be influenced by what any individual traveler says, but it is the overall assessment that applies.
“Tented lodge” sounds interesting – what kind of accommodation is it – can we stay at this during a safari?
Accommodation at a “tented lodge” is very popular among safari travelers and many choose this type of accommodation during one or two of the safari overnights. This type of accommodation should not be confused with ordinary “primitive” camping. Tented lodges are fixed tents built on a molded floor base and the tents are fully equipped with modern facilities (electricity, toilet, sink, shower). The tent fabric is as thick as a mat and robust. Living in a tented lodge is very pleasant and as you can feel the wind pinching the tent cloth, the feeling of closeness to nature is immediate. This also means that you may hear some voices from wild animals that pass through the area outside of nighttime. No particular risks are associated in this respect with this form of accommodation. However, staying in a tented lodge is not cheaper than staying in a regular hotel, but rather more expensive, and up in the Serengeti these accommodations cost about 500 USD per night for a double room. It is also possible to stay at the Tented Lodge outside Lake Manyara.
Can you stay in a lodge/hotel some nights during a safari and camp some nights?
Yes, it is perfectly possible to mix the different forms of accommodation desired during a safari. And you can very well put in 1 or 2 tent nights during a safari when you otherwise stay in a lodge/hotel. However, such a safari will be more expensive than a safari with only lodge/hotel accommodation, which at first glance may seem strange. The explanation is that the costs for the tent equipment tick even on the days you are not camping because the equipment cannot then be used for another customer. In addition, a chef is included whose salary is also paid on the days when he is not on duty, as he cannot then work for another customer.
After finishing the safari trip in Serengeti, can one take the flight from there back to Arusha?
If you wish to limit the jeep driving during a safari because the distances are long and as it can sometimes be difficult to drive around in a jeep all the time, it is advantageous to end the safari up in the Serengeti, and take the flight from centrally located Seronera back to Arusha. In that case, the safari route is rescheduled so that the other parks are visited first, i.e. you start with Lake Manyara/Tarangire, followed by the Ngorongoro Crater and end your safari with a stay in the Serengeti before the flight back to Arusha. The plane ticket costs about 200–250 USD per person (max. 15 kg of luggage is allowed), and from Arusha you can then fly further down to Zanzibar if desired. The following airlines operate the Serengeti – Arusha route: www.auricair.com , www.coastal.cc , www.airexcelonline.com
Is it OK to drink the water in Tanzania?
Of course, you never drink any tap water in Tanzania. During the safari days we provide water in plastic bottles. And at the lodges/hotels it is fine to buy bottled water or other drinks. Bottles of drinking water are also sold in all shops and hotels in Arusha.
Are there a lot of insects and how big is the risk of malaria in Tanzania?
There are more insects in many places in Europe than you will ever come across when you go on safari – so you won’t get stung. Abundant and painfully stinging tsetse flies appear locally especially during the dry season – this during the day – and they can temporarily disturb the peace inside the jeep before being aired out. After all, this is not a major problem.
The risk of malaria is palpable in many areas around Tanzania. However, the safari parks in the north are on a high plateau, which makes the presence of mosquitoes and thus malaria limited. And in Zanzibar, malaria is considered to have been eradicated since 3 years ago as no new cases of malaria have been registered since then. Most safari travelers are of course still recommended to take malaria prophylaxis – and how you do this you can get help from a vaccination centre. A good tip is to always spray or lubricate the surfaces of the body that are not protected by clothing with mosquito oil at nightfall. Long trousers and long sleeves can be justified clothing choices in this context.
How do we get a visa to Tanzania?
You receive a visa after arrival at the airport in Tanzania. It’s usually a relatively simple procedure to go through that takes 20-30 minutes at most. Fill out two forms and pay $50 in cash (no photo required). The visa is valid for 90 days. It will be more expensive to order a visa from the Tanzanian embassy in your country. For further information, please see: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
Currency: How to exchange money in Tanzania?
Which currency should you have? How much money do we need to take with us during a safari?
In Tanzania, the currency is Tsh (Tanzanian shilling) and it is available in denominations of 10,000 Tsh, 5,000 Tsh, 2,000 Tsh, 1,000 Tsh and 500 Tsh. 10,000 Tsh corresponds to just under USD 10. For the sake of simplicity, you can think like this about Tsh when converting to USD. Subtract 2 zeros and divide by 10 – and you have a Tanzanian price for a good/service in the corresponding sum in USD (eg at 60,000 Tsh, remove 2 zeros and you have 600, and divide it by 10 – thus approx. 60 usd ).
The easiest and most cost-effective way to obtain Tsh through is to go to one of the many ATMs in Arusha and make a withdrawal using a VISA card (just like here at home). However, you can only withdraw Tsh 200,000, Tsh 300,000 or Tsh 400,000 at the same time (the size of the amount varies slightly between banks). If you happen to have USD with you, these can easily be exchanged for Tsh at one of the many exchange offices in Arusha. Keep in mind that most exchange offices in Tanzania require USD notes that are from 2006 onwards (as there have been problems with counterfeiting of older notes).
Most purchases in Tanzania are of course made in Tsh – so that is the currency that applies in the country. However, USD is needed to pay for the visa after arrival at the airport (50 USD per person) and at some of the lodges/hotels during a safari, USD is required to redeem the bill from e.g. the bar. But since everything other than alcohol/drinks at the lodge/hotel is included during a safari, your own costs during that trip will be very low. And furthermore, it is also Tsh that applies if you travel on to Zanzibar after finishing the safari. A maximum of USD 500 per person should therefore be enough to take with you as a cash travel fund in USD.
What vaccinations do you need for Tanzania?
Jolita Safari recommends that you visit a vaccination center in the town where you live well in advance of departure for advice and vaccination. Normally, vaccination against yellow fever is needed (especially if you have stopped over in another African country), which is also checked at the airport on arrival. If you cannot present the yellow vaccination card against yellow fever, you may be denied entry into Tanzania. Furthermore, you should of course review your basic protection, as well as review the need for malaria prophylaxis and protection against hepatitis A and B (Twinrix). Bring your vaccination card to the vaccination centre.
