We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The infrastructure in southern Tanzania is poorly developed and minor roads/tracks are in poor condition. These can deteriorate quickly after rain, so come prepared for some rough roads and travel. There are some long drives, but the varied landscape through which you travel more than makes up for it.
Please note in Zanzibar a local Explore representative will accompany you on days 14 to 18.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
The majority of optionals can be paid for by credit card (NOT debit card). Please check with your tour leader for the most up-to-date information in this regard. Please note that any credit card transactions may attract an approximate rate of 5% per transaction.
Accordingly, you should allow US$60. Tipping in Zanzibar is at your own discretion.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Tanzania |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$1.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
$20.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
UK, AUS, NZ, USA & CAN citizens will need an entry visa. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
The Tanzanian government says that all travellers to the country require a visa, but visas can be obtained on arrival. Explore recommends you acquire your visa before departure.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
We strongly recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and yellow fever. Please note you may be required to produce a valid yellow fever certificate on arrival in Tanzania. This includes travellers coming from Europe via, or transiting through, an endemic country including the airports of Nairobi (Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may also wish to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
The climate is tropical in Tanzania, but varies greatly with altitude. Coastal areas are hot and humid and the central plateau dry and arid. Generally speaking, the long rains arrive April/May with short rains falling mid- November to mid-December. However, this pattern has been known to be completely erratic in the past.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of luggage (not suitcases, soft holdalls are essential for ease of storage on our vehicles) and a daysack. Total allowance for main luggage: 33lbs/15 kgs maximum. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage to and from hotels and transport – so don’t overload yourself.
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Clothing
Pack for 'All Tours' plus 'Hot Conditions'. Clothing should be lightweight. A waterproof is recommended for the wetter months (April to May and mid November to mid December). Although it has been known to rain through June, July and August on the plateau. Warm sweaters or fleeces are advisable for the evenings and on early morning game drives. On the plateau around Mufindi night drive temperatures can drop to 10°C. Bring a swimming costume and a towel. A scarf is useful to protect you from dust on game drives. Bright clothes should be avoided for walking safaris. Laundry is available and your tour leader will advise. This service is free at most accommodation.
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Footwear
Sturdy safari boots or walking shoes and sandals.
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Equipment
Bring a powerful torch (with spare batteries), insect repellent and a water bottle. Binoculars are useful, as is a telephoto lens for keen photographers. We recommend that you take a beach towel, swim wear, snorkelling equipment, high factor sun cream and sandals.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
Taking in three of the largest, but least visited game areas in Tanzania, this trip provides a comprehensive safari around southern Tanzania. Ruaha National Park is one of the few parks in which you can make walking safaris into the bush. The Great Ruaha River that runs through the park attracts antelope, gazelle, buffalo, lion and leopard. Larger in area than Switzerland, the Selous Game Reserve has over one million creatures and is home to the endangered African hunting dog. Mikumi National Park holds over 2,000 elephant, 3,000 zebra and 12,000 wildebeest. Our transport includes chartered 4WD safari landrover or land cruiser throughout, boat on the Rufiji River and on foot. All walks are optional. Accommodation is in a variety of simple local hotels, bandas (chalets) and comfortable lodges.We then continue our journey to the tropical shores of Zanzibar’s spice island. Here we have a chance to relax and swim and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of its beaches and reefs. We also have the chance to explore the bustling streets of Stone Town, and visit the spice plantations.
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Please note:
Zanzibar is a Muslim island and people may be offended by shorts or revealing dresses, which can attract unwelcome attention. Therefore you should dress with respect for local sensibilities. Women should also cover their heads when entering a sanctuary, though in general, mosques are forbidden to non-Muslims.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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