GUIDES AND POTERS ON KILIMANJARO

Once on the Mountain, your well equipped guides and porters, will rank second, only to your mental determination, in terms of important factors contributing to a successful summit attempt. For the duration of your Kilimanjaro trek, your guide will be your advisor, he will lead you to the summit, and he will bring down safely again. It will be important that you work closely with him and take note of his advice.

Other Important Points:-

Qualified and experienced guides

  As Fredrick Munna, all Guides working with him are compulsory for all routes on Kilimanjaro. All our treks up the mountain are lead by highly trained and qualified guides, registered with the Kilimanjaro National Parks Board. Each of our guides has been selected over years and they have been friend with Fredrick, based on experience, safety record and through feedback from previous clients. Over the years they made a major contribution to proud success rate of 96%+ .

Support staff ratios
The average ratio of our support staff to climbers is 2 porters per climber, a cook and one guide for a maximum of 4 climbers. This excellent staff to clients ratio, bolstered by our superior support equipment, will ensure your safety and enjoyment on the mountain.

Porters and cook
The porters do not only transport your gear and the supplies up and down the mountain. Arriving at every camp site long before you, they will have already erected your tent on your arrival. In the evening they will also boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner of a quality that has surprised many previous friends and clients.



Weight limits for porters
Remember that there is a weight limit of 20 kg (30 lbs) per climber, on the gear of each climber to be portered. A soft duffel bag (barrel type) is preferred - a rucksack is not necessary as they prefer to porter the loads balanced on their heads and shoulders.

Tipping
This is a "compulsory tradition" on every Kilimanjaro climb. We recommend giving a tip of between US $ 150 to US $ 200 per climber to the mountain crew at the end of the climb. We recommend giving the tip to the main guide who will then distribute the tip among the mountain crew. We recommend not to pay any tips until you and all your gear have descended from the mountain. See Below recomended per day tips for mountain crew.

* Guide US$ 20 - 25
* Assistant Guide US$15 - 20
* Cook US$ 15 - 20
* Porters US$ 10 - 15

It is recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have descended from the mountain.

More On Becoming A Guide On Kilimanjaro

Qualifying as a Kilimanjaro guide brings with it great prestige and respect within the local community. Bearing in mind that your guide would have been employed as a porter for at least 3 years after which he would have been trained and employed as an assistant guide for at least a further 2 years. Only then did he earn an opportunity to become a registered guide, provided that he was found suitable and competent. On average guides and porters will do three (5 - 6 day) summit expeditions per month. That equates to between 15 - 18 days per month on the mountain!

SWAHILI PRASES

The Swahili language is of Bantu origin loyal to Bantu grammar and has borrowed vocabulary from Arabic and a number of other languages. The word ‘Swahili’ or 'sawahil' comes from Arabic and it means ‘The Coast.’ It later came to be used to refer to the people and the language. It is widely spoken within East Africa and parts of Central Africa. A few African countries use Swahili as their official language.

Swahili is spoken in the following countries: - Tanzania, Kenya, Democratic republic of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and some areas of Somalia.

Swahili is a reasonably easy language to learn since you basically pronounce what you read (for example, mama = mother, baba = father). Other languages have click sounds, or intonation in the pronunciation.

See Below some English to Swahili words:-

English	Swahili
Hello	Jambo
How are you?	Habari
Fine	Nzuri
And you?	Na wewe?
Where are you from?	Unatoka wapi?
I am from…	Natoka…
Goodbye	Kwaheri
Help me	Nisaidie
I am hungry	Nina njaa
I am thirsty	Nina kiu
I	Mimi
You	Wewe
We	Sisi
Sir	Bwana
Madam	Bi
Mother	Mama
Father	Baba
Sister	Dada
Brother	Kaka
Kin	Ndugu
Family	Familia
There is…	Kuna…
There isn’t…	Hakuna …
Okay	Sawa sawa
I’m just looking!	Naangalia tu
I don’t want	Sitaki
Please	Tafadhali
Excuse me	Samahani
Thank you (very much)	Asante (sana)
No problem	Hakuna Matata
Good	Nzuri
Bad	Mbaya
Quick	Upesi or Haraka
Slow	Pole pole
Sorry	Pole
Call the police	Ita police
Hot	Moto
Cold	Baridi
Hot (spicy)	Kali
Big	Kubwa
Small	Ndogo
Open	Fungua
Close	Funga
Very	Sana
Absolutely	Kabisa
Coffee	Kahawa
Tea	Chai
Milk	Maziwa
Sugar	Sukari
Salt	Chumvi
Food	Chakula
Water	Maji
With/ Without	Na/ Bila
Danger	Hatari
Thief	Mwizi
Doctor	Daktari
Hospital	Hospitali
Medicine	Dawa
Chemist	Duka la dawa
Telephone	Simu
Sunday	Jumapili
Monday	Jumatatu
Tuesday	Jumanne
Wednesday	Jumatano
Thursday	Alhamisi
Friday	Ijumaa
Saturday	Jumamosi
Today	Leo
Tomorrow	Kesho
Yesterday	Jana
Morning	Asubuhi
Afternoon	Alasiri
Evening	Jioni
Night	Usiku
Yes	Ndiyo
No	Hapana
Now	Sasa
Later	Baadaye
Ready	Tayari
Not yet	Bado
What	Nini
When	Lini
Where	Wapi
Which	Ipi
Who	Nani
Why	Kwa nini
What are you saying?	Unasemaje?
I don’t know	Sijui
I don’t understand	Sielewi
1 (one)	Moja
2 (two)	Mbili
3 (three)	Tatu
4 (four)	Nne
5 (five)	Tano
6 (six)	Sita
7 (seven)	Saba
8 (eight)	Nane
9 (nine)	Tisa
10 (ten)	Kumi
Car	Gari
Bicycle	Baiskeli
Aeroplane	Ndege
Road	Barabara
Shop	Duka
Safari	Journey

FITNESS PROGRAM ON KILIMANJARO CLIMB

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. With all the information you have, added to being physically prepared, your chances of reaching the summit have substantially increased. The tests of physical endurance and mental stamina will determine, to a great extent, whether you will be successful in your quest to conquer the Roof of Africa. Being physically prepared for the trek will also greatly contribute and make a world of difference to the most valuable benefit of your preparation - your mental confidence and strength!

How fit do you have to be?
The type of fitness is more important than the degree of fitness. Kilimanjaro is a hike, so the best preparation you can do, is to hike, preferably under simulated conditions. While running helps to some degree, it does not fully prepare your muscles for a strenuous 6-day hike. We suggest that you spend some of your training time by simply walking. Going for walks, in addition to regular gym work in order to also stimulate some muscle development, has proven to be the most successful preparation. Try to do a one or two day local hiking trial in your area, which will not only be an excellent way of preparation, but also most enjoyable.
We have therefore developed a practical (in terms of time and costs) fitness preparation guideline, which will assist you greatly in preparing you body for your Kilimanjaro summit attempt. This guideline contains both a gym, as well as a hiking program which should be followed simultaneously over an 8 week period.

Important points to remember – Before you start!!

Medical Checkup

Before embarking on a fitness program, it is always wise to seek the approval of your family doctor. By all means show him this program so that he can see exactly what you are talking about. Chances are that he will be delighted that you will be exercising regularly.

Progressive Resistance

In essence this gym fitness program consists of regular performance of progressive resistance exercises with either free weights (barbells and dumbbells) or free weight machines as found in gymnasiums. The idea behind progressive resistance is that your exercise can be tailored to your age, condition and strength, and can progress to higher resistance or weights as you develop.

Safety Factor

Because progressive resistance movements are tailored to your strength levels the program is potentially safe. However, it is essential that all the exercises are performed correctly and that the basic safety procedures are followed. It is always a good idea to invest in a book on physical fitness or to ask the local gymnasium instructor to show you how to perform each exercise correctly and safely.

Sets and Reps

Your workout is made up of repetitions (reps) and sets. A rep is a single count of an exercise, i.e. going down for one squat movement. If you perform a series of reps (the average is 10 to 12) and then stop for a breather, this is known as a set.

Warm Up

You should always warm up your muscles before any exercise routine. This means putting your body through a variety of stretches to warm up, strengthen and progressively challenge the tendons, ligaments, joints and muscles. Stretching is the best and most important way to prepare you for an injury-free workout.

Other important gym guidelines

1. The above represents a guideline and can be adapted to your time schedule and current fitness level, but it will give you a good idea of which muscles you should concentrate on.
2. Unfit people should utilize light weights during the first two weeks of this program.
3. To stimulate sufficient muscle growth and development, the weights should be increased progressively at least every two weeks.
4. For effective muscle development every muscle or muscle group should be given a resting and recuperation period of at least 48 hours after every strenuous exercising session if weights were utilized.
5. It is important to execute the various exercises in the same order as listed above.
6. The above program can be adapted for home gymnasiums - we will gladly advise you on request.
7. If time permits it is always a good idea to include some upper body development exercises in your program, in order to achieve a more balanced and overall body development.

Walking program

It is advisable to go for frequent walks which should include some uphill and down hills sections. Take your daypack with you and carry at least three liters of water or three kilograms with you. This will simulate the conditions you will encounter. As mentioned before, doing a one or two day local hiking trial in your area is not only an excellent way of preparation but also most enjoyable. We have developed an adequate hiking program of least 8 weeks to ensure an adequate level of fitness.

If your local weather conditions do not always permit outdoor activities, you can do part of it on a treadmill and simulate the flat, uphill (inclined) and downhill (declined) sections. Terminate your hiking program at least 4 days before the start of your summit attempt to ensure sufficient rest before the climb.

The above training program will prepare you physically for Kilimanjaro to the extent that you are capable of hiking 100 kilometers in one week. If you are fit enough for this, rest assured that your body will still give you more when you need it. If you follow the guidelines for both the gym training as well as the walking routine, you are definitely ready for Kilimanjaro physically. You can now concentrate on being mentally ready.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA

 Best time to go to Tanzania

Tanzania is a year round destination. Due to its close proximity to the equator there are only subtle climatic variations throughout the year. Generally the coastal areas have a tropical climate, the highlands in the north a temperate climate and the vast central plateau is hot and arid.

June to September, the cooler dry season, is the optimum time to visit Tanzania when the grasses and scrubs have receded and animals tend to congregate around diminishing water sources making already excellent game viewing easier and more comfortable. The temperature rises from October onwards making lazy game easy to photograph. The light rains and warmer temperatures arrive in November bringing new life to Tanzania and by December, January and February the game have given birth to their young. Mid Ma

                      

                        TANZANIA TEMPERATURE AND RAINFAL CHARTS

                

                

TANZANIA TEMPERATURE AND RAINFAL CHARTS

                

SAFARI ITINERARIES

Sample of our Safari itineraries

4 Days 3 Nights Wildlife Safari

Featuring : Lake Manyara N.P, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire N.P

DAY 1:

Lake Manyara National Park , one of  Tanzania’s most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a shallow but huge soda lake which frequently host huge flock of Flamingoes, located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment. Three quarter of the park is covered by this blue lake Manyara. It`s notably famous for its tree-climbing lion and big Troops of primates like Baboon and Monkey. Dinner and overnight at lodge/campsite

Day 2:

With picnic lunch box drive to descend down the Ngorongoro crater featuring one of the highest concentrations of game and arguably the densest population of predators and carnivores in Africa like lion ,leopard and hyena. Here you will witness an amazing spectacle of African wildlife –inside a self-contained world teeming with animals. Its considered to be the home of the big five ie Lion, Leopard, Black rhino, Elephant and Buffalo. Dinner and overnight at  Lodge/campsite

Day 3:

Drive for Game drive in the Tarangire national park, this park is earn it’s respect following the highest concentration of Africa Elephants and big cats it at first established as famous hunting block for Lions and Leopard during the colonial time, suitable soil which hold high amount of water attract thousands of animal to this park during the dry season when all the area around are dry the Tarangire national park grows green! The magnificent Baobab trees offer an amazing outlook. Dinner and overnight at the lodge/campsite

Day 4:

Early Morning Game drive in the Tarangire National park then back to the lodge for Breakfast before heading back to Arusha for relax and get prepared for other destinations or drive to the airport and fly to other destinations.

6 DAYS 5 Nights Classic Lodge Wildlife Safari.

Lake Manyara N.P, Serengeti N.P, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire N.P and Arusha N.P. 

 

DAY 1:

Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania’s most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a shallow but huge soda lake which frequently host huge flock of Flamingoes, located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment. Three quarter of the park is covered by this blue lake Manyara. It`s notably famous for its tree-climbing lion and big Troops of primates like Baboon and Monkey. Dinner and overnight at Manyara Wildlife Lodge

Day 2:

Drive to the Serengeti national park, game drive en-route across the Southern plain of the Serengeti national park which used to be the breeding ground for migratory Wild beasts, on the months of December to February the migratory animals occupy the plain for breeding before moving clockwise towards the western Serengeti and northern thereafter cross the border with ought Visa to the Maasai-Mara in Kenya. Dinner and over night at the Ikoma Tented

Day 3:

Early morning game drive at the heart of the Serengeti national park around the Seronera river circuit  we common predator s hunt in early morning, the river make the base for the resident animals which are not migrant grazing on the river basin which is always green. Dinner and over night at the Ngorongoro Wildlife lodge/Ndutu Safari lodge

Day 4:

With picnic lunch box drive to descend down the Ngorongoro crater featuring one of the highest concentrations of game and arguably the densest population of predators and carnivores in Africa like lion ,leopard and hyena. Here you will witness an amazing spectacle of African wildlife –inside a self-contained world teeming with animals. Its considered to be the home of the big five ie Lion, Leopard, Black rhino, Elephant and Buffalo. Dinner and overnight at Migunga Tented Lodge.

Day 5:

Drive for Game drive in the Tarangire national park, this park is earn it’s respect following the highest concentration of Africa Elephants and big cats it at first established as famous hunting block for Lions and Leopard during the colonial time, suitable soil which hold high amount of water attract thousands of animal to this park during the dry season when all the area around are dry the Tarangire national park grows green! The magnificent Baobab trees offer an amazing outlook. Dinner and overnight at the Tarangire safari lodge/Roika Tarangire Tented

 Day  6:

Early Morning Game drive to Arusha National Park for walking safari escorted with Armed Ranger here you will get opportunity to walk very close to African wild buffaloes, giraffe and other antelope, well the Arusha national park consist of three lakes which support a variety of aquatic bird its an ideal place for bird watchers, The park is located in between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania.Late hours drive to the airport or to the hotel in Arusha.

5 Days 4 Nights Combined safari, walking and camel riding in maasai village

Faet: Arusha Town, Arusha N.P, Lake Manyara N.P, Tarangire N.P and Maasai Village in Loliondo

Day 1:

Picked up from the airport and transffer to Outpost Lodge in Arusha for dinner and overnight.

Day 2:

With picknick lunch box drive to for Game drive and Walking safari in Arusha National park escorted by armed park ranger, this walking brings you close the animals like the notorious African Wild Buffaloes and many other animals. It`s a more special for the bird watchers Picnic inside the park, after the walking game drive around the Momela lake host the highest number of Hippos and support a wide varieties of aquatic birds. Late hours drive to lodge/campsite for dinner and overnight

Day 3:

After breakfast Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania's most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a shallow but huge soda lake, located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment. The size of the park makes it perfect for a one-day game drive and is notably famous for it's tree-climbing lions. Dinner and overnight at lodge/ campsite

Day 4:

Game drive in the Tarangire national park, this park is earn it’s respect following the highest concentration of Africa Elephants and big cats it at first established as famous hunting block for Lions and Leopard during the colonial time, suitable soil which hold high amount of water attract thousands of animal to this park during the dry season when all the area around are dry the Tarangire national park grows green! The magnificent Baobab trees offer an amazing outlook.

Dinner and overnight at Lodge/campsite

Day 5:

Camel riding and walking in the Maasai village of Longido, experience the spirit of the Maasai culture and Dance with the Maasai warriors, one of the strongest traditionalist tribe survive in Africa today. Late hours drives to the hotel or to the airport.

7 Days 6 Nights Combined safari and bushmen

Feat: Lake Manyara N.P, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire N.P and Monduli Cultural Tour. 

Day 1:

Picked up from the airport and drive to the Out post lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 2:

Drive to the Lake Manyara National park for game drive with pick nick lunch box, The Lake Manyara National park is famous for its tree climbing Lion and colorful lake Manyara which is the Paradise of flamingoes, the Great Rift valley offer another beautiful geological future which forms the Home of Baboon and monkeys.

Dinner and overnight at Jambo campsite/lodge.

Day 3:

with pickinck lunch box drive to the famous Ngorongoro crater for full game drive, the Ngorongoro crater is sometimes referred to be the Garden of Eden of the Noah Ark, the crater provide the home for the big five, Wild beasts Zebras and un countable number of gazelle and thousand of  pinkish flamingos. Dinner and over night at the lodge/campsite at the Lake Eyasi

Day 4

Walking safari and hunt with the bushmen, the only conservative communities lives in the world today, their life is entirely depend on gathering or whatever nature offer them they feed on fruits and meat as well roots of the tree, they live is small group of closely related members in a communal life as in the first stage of the development of human being evolution.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge/campsite

Day 5:

Drive for full day game viewing at the Tarangire national park, this park is earn it’s respect following the highest concentration of Africa Elephants and big cat it at first established as famous hunting block for Lions and Leopard during the colonial time, suitable soil which hold high amount of water attract thousands of animal to this park during the dry season when all the area around are dry the Tarangire national park grows green! The magnificent Baobab trees offer an amazing outlook.

Dinner and overnight at lodge/campsite

Day 6:

Drive to Munduli hill for cultural tourism and walking in the maasai village, the village located off the bitten truck where hardly Mzungu get there, the hills around the village offer an amazing view of the Great Africa rift valley and mount Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa in a clear day. Late hours drive back to Arusha for dinner and overnight at lodge/campsite

Day 7:

Relax and shopping in Arusha late hours drive to the airport and fly back home or to other destinations.

8 Days 7 Nights Safari and Lake Eyasi

Lake Manyara N.P, Serengeti N.P, Ngorongoro, Lake Eyasi and Tarangire 

. 

Day 1:

Picked up from the airport and drive to the Out post lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 2:

Drive to the Lake Manyara National park for game drive with pick nick lunch box, The Lake Manyara National park is famous for its tree climbing Lion and colorful lake Manyara which is the Paradise of Flamingoes, the Great Rift valley offer another beautiful geological future which forms the Home of Baboon and monkeys. Dinner and overnight at Jambo campsite/Jambo lodge.

Day 3:

Drive to the Serengeti national park, game drive en-route across the Southern plain of the Serengeti national park which used to be the breeding ground for migratory Wild beasts, on the months of December to February the migratory animals occupy the plain for breeding before moving clockwise towards the western Serengeti and northern thereafter cross the border with ought Visa to the Maasai-Mara in Kenya. Dinner and over night at the Seronera Wildlife lodge/seronera campsite located at middle of Serengeti National park place sometimes referred to be the heart of the Serengeti.

Day 4:

Early morning game drive at the heart of the Serengeti national park around the Seronera river circuit  we common predator s hunt in early morning, the river make the base for the resident animals which are not migrant grazing on the river basin which is always green. Dinner and over night at the Ngorongoro wildlife lodge/simba campsite located at the top of the ngorongoro crater-rim.

Day 5:

With pickinck lunch box drive to the famous Ngorongoro crater for full game drive, the Ngorongoro crater is sometimes referred to be the Garden of Eden of the Noah Ark, the crater provide the home for the big five, Wild beasts Zebras and un countable number of gazelle and thousand of pinkish flamingos. Dinner and over night at the Tindiga Tented lodge/Kisimangeda Tented lodge/Mamoya campsite at the Lake Eyasi

Day 6:

Walking safari and hunt with the Bushmen, the only conservative Communities lives in the world today, their life is entirely depend on Gathering of whatever nature offer them they feed on fruits and meat as well roots of the tree, they live is small group of closely related Members in a communal life as in the first stage of the development of Human being evolution {Primitive communalism},your children will enjoy traditional dances of the these tribes. Dinner and overnight at the Ngorongoro Farm house/campsite

Day 7:

Drive for full day game viewing at the Tarangire national park, this park is earn it’s respect following the highest concentration of Africa Elephants and big cat it at first established as famous hunting block for Lions and Leopard during the colonial time, suitable soil which hold high amount of water attract thousands of animal to this park during the dry season when all the area around are dry the Tarangire national park grows green! The magnificent Baobab trees offer an amazing outlook. Dinner and overnight in Tarangire safari lodge/Kigongoni lodge.

Day 8:

Relax and shopping in Arusha late hours drive to the airport and fly back home or  to other destinations.

SAFARI IN TANZANIA

Tanzania Safari Information

Tanzania is a truly outstanding destination in Africa because of the high diversity of wildlife and habitat, culture and activities. Our sample Safaris give you and idea of how a safari itinerary looks. Our samples would expose you to numerous habitats and are excellent for both bird watching and big game viewing, beach and cultural tours. You will be accompanied by friendly and experienced safari guides that will point out numerous rare species and help you identify birds and beasts of interest. If you are camping you will also be accompanied by a superb safari cook to provide you with tasty breakfast, lunches and dinners throughout your Tanzania safari.

Itineraries can also be designed with children, disabled people, or any other requirements in mind, providing an ideal opportunity for everyone to have the safest and most exciting educational experience of a lifetime - after all, a safari is both fun, and full of new experiences.

We provide:

    * Expert safari guides who know their birds as well as animal behaviours

    * Unique safari locations including community based ecotourism, walking safaris and cultural.

    * Exceptional Safaris and Unforgettable wildlife experiences

    * Private safaris, tailor made for your personal requirements

The itineraries on these pages are just a few examples of the memorable Tanzania safaris that we can help you to create. If you don't find a sample safari that suits you, visit our locations page and you will find links to other areas. Some are in National Parks and Game Reserves, but for those who want to see the 'Real Africa' you can leave the beaten trail in your private 4x4 and visit one of our exclusive locations of outstanding beauty and interest.

Wild Things does not compromise on quality of safari, food, service or the design of the safari. The safari you do, is the safari we'd do.

If you require more information about planning your ideal Tanzania safari contact us.

Northern Circuit Safaris

    * Mount Kilimanjaro

    * Arusha National Park

    * Lake Manyara National Park

    * Serengeti National Park

    * Mt Meru

    * Ngorongoro Crater

    * Tarangire National Park

The Northern Circuit includes some of the most famous and remarkable sights in the world, such as the annual Wildebeest Migration and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Certain locations are very popular and early bookings are recommended to ensure you can have your ideal Tanzania safari.

There are a number of slightly less visited destinations in Northern Tanzania, which are not part of the normal tourist trail and offer unique African experiences.

    * Usambara Mountains

    * Mkomazi Game Reserve

    * Ol Doinyo lengai active Volcano & Lake Natron

    * Rubondo Island National Park

    * Lake Eyasi

Please Contact Us if you are interested in any of these destinations and we will design a tailor-made Tanzania safari to suit your individual interests.

TANZANIA GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

 PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS - The morning and afternoon light is perfect for photographing wildlife and your safari guide is an expert at positioning the vehicle for the best results. Wildlife photos must be taken from the vehicle and clients are never allowed to get out of the vehicle for a closer shot. Occasionally, where it is safe, you will be able to get out of the vehicle to take a picture of scenery.

Do not photograph people without first asking permission, as many Tanzanian's take great offense to this, particularly the Maasai, because of social, tribal and religious beliefs. However you will have opportunities to photograph local people on many of your drives, and at some villages, though you may be asked to pay for the privilege. It is also a good idea to bring a small tripod for filming sunsets and scenery. On safari vehicles it is best to use a bean bag to get a steady shot. And try shooting from the lower windows, as the lessened angle will give a more intimate affect.

           

WILDLIFE VIEWING TIPS- Some of the best game viewing in all of Africa, can be found in Tanzania. In order to view the greatest amount and variety of wildlife, we provide highly skilled and knowledgeable guides that will tell you about their country, tribal cultures and wildlife behavior. They will also amaze you with their ability to spot animals that you will have trouble seeing with your binoculars. If you are patient and observe the interaction of the animals rather than rushing to check off the next animal on your list, you will have an extraordinary wildlife experience.

Our Tanzanian guides always put client safety first and on roads that are rough and bumpy, they do their best to avoid tire swallowing potholes. Main highways are paved but roads in the safari areas are dirt and usually the main park roads are only graded once a year. Most "travel days", involve less than 4 hours driving time between parks, with light aircraft flights used for longer stretches.

SAFARI ACCOMMODATIONS - Accommodations on safari are usually a combination of lodges and permanent or mobile tented camps. "In the bush", and miles from civilization, these luxury camp's and lodges are all unique and in amazing settings. Lodge rooms have complete bathroom amenities as do most permanent tented camps. Mobile camps, can have either private en-suite facilities or shared bathroom and shower tents. Unless you are in a major city, there will be no TV's or phones with outside lines. Electric lights, running on generators, are generally lit for a few hours in the early morning and from dark until 10 or 11 PM.

FOOD ON SAFARI - The food on safari is delicious and ranges from simple to gourmet. You can expect lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and wonderful homemade soups. Chicken, lamb, beef or pork are usually served at lunch and dinner as well fish and vegetarian dishes. Breakfast is buffet with lots of tropical fruits, hot and cold cereals, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, breads and pastries and eggs to order. Lunch can be either buffet or served at the table and always starts with soup. Dinner is usually a 4 or 5 course sit-down affair, although there is no need to dress up. Often your safari guide will join you at meals as you recall your days events.

CLIMATE IN TANZANIA - Northern Tanzania enjoys one of the world's most pleasant climates year round. With an elevation of 5000 ft. in Arusha and even higher atop the plateau of the Great Rift Valley. The daytime temperatures are normally in the high 70's to mid 80's and from the mid 50's to low 60's in the evenings and mornings. Southern and coastal Tanzania tend to get much warmer, and can be very humid depending on the season. There are two rainy seasons but the sun shines throughout the year. Travel can sometimes be difficult during the long rainy season of April and May, but the short rains of November and December are fine for traveling, with short showers usually in the late evening.

THE BEST TIME TO GO - The better times for a safari to Tanzania, are any months but April and early May, during the "big rains". If you want to see the "great migration", then November through March and June through July is excellent. This is when the herds are in the Serengeti. By August they have usually moved up into Kenya's Maasai Mara, coming back down in early November. Patterns will fluctuate in most parks depending on the season and where the "food" is. For example in the dry season during July - October, large concentrations of up over 6,000 elephants, and a variety of other animals, migrate to Tarangire National Park to the banks of the Tarangire River.

BOTTLED AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - Diet sodas are seldom available in Tanzania. Wine, beer, extra bottled water, sodas and alcoholic beverages are available at all camps and lodges and are usually not included in the trip price. Beer and sodas are inexpensive but premium spirits can be pricey so you may want to bring your favorite with you.

CLOTHING ON SAFARI - Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight and easy to care for is the best bet while on safari. It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you'll want to dress warmly in layers, until the sun has a chance to warm up the air. "Kenya Convertibles", khaki pants with zip-off legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you're back in camp. Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. For ladies, shorts are not generally accepted on streets in Africa. A cotton bush jacket or wind-breaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for the cool nights. And, a hat that ties on is a must. There is not a good deal of long walking or hiking on most safaris, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate. You will need thorn-proof soles.

EXERCISE - Generally there are no places to jog and there will not be much time for exercise, although we do try to include some walking where it is safe and legal. It is possible to do some walking and exercising within the lodge or camp grounds but because the wildlife is "wild" it is not safe to venture away from the grounds. Also, walking in not allowed in the national parks without permission and is usually escorted by an armed guard.

MONEY AND CASH - The local currency in Tanzania is the shilling. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels and most lodges and camps "in the bush". However - don't even think about finding an ATM machine! US dollars, Euros and travelers checks are readily accepted, but small denominations are recommended for cashing at lodges and camps. Changing money at banks can be very time consuming and it is never wise to change money on the street.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND MALARIA - HEALTH: Food and sanitary conditions while on safari are of the highest standard, however some precautions are recommended. There are no vaccinations required at this time to enter Tanzania. Remember to bring supplies of prescription medicines, spare glasses, contact lenses and sunscreen.

MALARIA: Malaria is transmitted by some female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are active in the early evening and throughout the night. Malaria is not a serious problem if people are sensible and take basic precautions from being bitten by using mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants in the evenings. Safari camps and lodges at not located in any densely populated areas, and many are at high altitude. This greatly reduces the risk of becoming infected. Consult your physician, for recommended malaria prophylactics.

In the United States, the drug Lariam is the most commonly prescribed malarial prophylactic, but it has unfortunate side effects for some people. It should not be taken by anyone with a heart problem or high blood pressure. It should not be used during pregnancy or lactation and it should not be used by people with tendencies towards depression. On July 14, 2000 the FDA approved a new malarial prophylactic called MALARONE. Although it has to be taken daily, it is said to have few side-affects.

SHOPPING - If you don't like to bargain, there are many nice shops and galleries in the main cities that carry nice crafts, including basketry, batiks, beadwork, masks and woodcarvings. Gift shops in hotels, safari lodges and some camps are also excellent places to buy quality souvenirs. If you like to bargain, you may want explore the local markets. However - do not ship goods home ! Shipping rates are not guaranteed and can be exorbitant. Plan to carry your purchases home or pay the surcharge from the airline.

WATER - To keep from getting dehydrated, you will need to drink plenty of fluids. Liter's of bottled water are supplied daily in your room or tent and also in the vehicles for game-drives.

LANGUAGE - Kiswahili is the national language of Tanzania. While on safari you will pick up such phrases as Habari Gana (How are you?) and Twiga (Giraffe). However English is official and widely spoken but do not expect everyone to speak English. However all our guides are fluent.

CHILDREN ON SAFARI - Children are welcome in Tanzania, including mobile camps and most lodges. We will advise you of any restrictions should you wish delight your children by bringing them on safari. Many families travel with children as young as 5 years old. On game drives if you have more than one child you may be required to have a separate vehicle.

TIPPING AND GRATUITIES- As a custom, tipping is not compulsory, but is usually expected as a sign of appreciation of good service in lodges, bars and restaurants and permanent tented camps. Safari guides depend on tipping for a large part of their income, so be sure to bring extra cash for tipping your guide at the end of your safari.

ELECTRICITY - Tanzania's past, has left it with several different international standards of delivering power. Electricity is delivered at 220 Volts, but varies on the connections, so be sure to bring a Universal Adapter. Also, if outlets are not available in your permanent tented camp, the main building or bar area will have outlets so you can recharge your camera. You can also bring a cigarette lighter adapter to charge your camera while traveling in your vehicle.

GIFTS - Tanzania, like most of the developing world, has many people who are in need. However, begging is not generally prevalent, though your safari vehicle may sometimes be surrounded by curious children. Tanzanian's prefer that you not hand out money or sweets, as this encourages begging. However, like anywhere, gifts can be given as a true expression of friendship, appreciation or thanks. And trading T-shirts, hats, or offering magazines to locals not uncommon. Tourism brings needed money to the local economy and many of our ground operators work to support local schools and other improvement projects. Please contact us about how you can support these efforts by offering supplies, money and your expertise.

TRAVELING ON YOUR OWN - Tanzania is a vast and wild country with a regulated tourism industry. Unlike some areas of South America, South Africa and other wild places, tourists can not go it alone, as a 4x4 vehicle is usually needed, along with park permits, camp permits, lodging reservations, and dangers from wild animals.