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Frequently Asked Question
Flights
Travel Information and Seasons
Health and Immunizations
Reservations and Cancellations
Money Issues
While on Safari: Lodging and Food
Driving on Safari
Photography on Safari
Souvenir Shopping
Wildlife and Other Information
Flights
Q.
What is the best way to get to Tanzania?
A. If you are coming from North America or Europe, we
recommend flying KLM to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
If you are coming from Australasia, Emirates has the best deals
and fly into Nairobi and Dar es Salaam daily. Kilimanjaro
Airport is a one hour drive from Arusha while Dar es Salaam and
Nairobi are a one hour flight or several hour bus ride from
Arusha. If planning a visit to Zanzibar or Pemba during your
Tanzanian holiday, consider flying into Dar es Salaam and then
flying to Kilimanjaro for your safari and climb.
Q.
Can NasPhotoSafaris book my flights?
A. NasPhotoSafaris books East Africa internal travel,
including flights, bus rides and shuttles. Your tickets will be
kept in the office for you or mailed to you, depending on your
first destination. For international flights, please contact NPS
and we will provide you with contact information for our travel
agent in South Africa and Australia – who will look after you.
Q.
Are there any airport taxes to pay in Tanzania?
A. Airport taxes are not included in the price of
internal Tanzania flights. Be sure to bring extra US dollars
with you to pay airport taxes which range from US $5 to US $15
per flight.
Q.
What is the best way to get from Kilimajaro to Zanzibar?
A. Precision Air or Air Tanzania are the best way to get
to Zanzibar. There are several daily flights departing
Kilimanjaro from 8am to 3:30pm. A one way flight is
approximately US $140pp and travel time is about 1.5 hours.
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Travel Information and Seasons
Q.
I am traveling alone. Is it possible to join a group?
A. Yes, NPS can work with you to find a group to join.
Group rates are applied to individuals who join open safaris.
Q.
What are the best months to go on safari?
A. For the best wildlife viewing, visit Tanzania during
the dry seasons of November/December to February, and July to
September. To avoid the crowds, visit in May, June or November.
Q.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
A. The driest month to climb Kilimanjaro is September.
However, it is also one of the coldest and busiest. Because
Kilimanjaro is such a large mountain, it has its own weather
pattern and it often rains on Kilimanjaro when it is not raining
elsewhere. You should prepare for rain and have your rain gear
with you at all times while on the mountain.
Q.
What are the seasons like in Tanzania?
A. Late March through late May represents the period of
long rains in Tanzania. This is usually not an ideal time to
plan a safari because of the potential for sudden downpours.
Directly after the long rains, however, is a wonderful time to
visit Tanzania's national parks due to the abundance of
wildflowers and vegetation. It is also a wonderful time to go on
safari because the level of dust and the number of tourists is
minimal. July through October is Tanzania's dry season and also
the high season for tourism. This is the best time to view
wildlife as grasses are virtually nonexistent. It is usually
very dusty and can be cold at higher elevations such as
Ngorongoro Crater. Tanzania's short rains occur from late
October through mid December. This is a low season for tourism
in Tanzania. December through March is Tanzania's "summer" and
many tourists visit during late December and January for optimal
game viewing.
Current Weather
Forecast
Health and Immunizations
Q.
Does NasPhotoSafaris provide health insurance?
A. Health insurance is not included in tour quotes.
However, for an additional US $15 to $50 per person, we provide
emergency medical evacuation through The
Flying Doctors (AAR).
Q.
What immunizations do I need before visiting Tanzania?
A. For current immunization recommendations and
requirements for travel to Tanzania, please check the
Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) site.
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Reservations and Cancellations
Q.
Can I pay with a credit card?
A. At present we cannot accept credit cards for payments.
This is a work in process and we hope to have this system up an
running soon. We recommend bank transfers directly to our
account for payments so that all treks and safaris are paid for
in advance. This reduces any risk you may have by travelling
with traveller’s cheques and large amounts of cash.
Q.
Can NasPhotoSafaris help me with my Zanzibar hotel reservations?
A. Yes, we can arrange flights and hotels for Zanzibar.
We can also arrange airport transfers directly with most hotels.
We have a great selection for you and liaise directly with the
owners who will look after you like we do!
Q.
What is NasPhotoSafaris cancellation policy?
A. Please read our
Terms and Conditions page
for details on our cancellation policy.
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Money
Issues
Q.
Will I be able to use ATM/credit cards in Tanzania?
A. You can withdraw Tanzanian shillings using a
Visa/MasterCard in Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam.
Most restaurants/hotels do not accept credit cards, and the ones
that do usually charge a commission of at least 10%. Please call
your credit card company before you leave for Tanzania to notify
them of your travel plans. Some companies will put a block on
your card if you try to use it at a Tanzanian ATM. There is a
withdrawal limit of 800,000/- (approx US$600) Tanzanian
shillings per day at ATMs so plan ahead if you have something in
particular that you need to pay for.
Q.
Should I change money to Tanzanian Shillings or can I pay in
foreign currency?
A. We recommend changing some money to shillings to pay
for small items during your trip. Local stores and restaurants
charge in shillings, and if you pay in dollars you will pay a
higher rate. At souvenir stores in Arusha. US$100 and US$50
dollar noted attract a better exchange rate than US$20, US$10,
US$5 and US$1 – however these smaller notes are handy sometimes
for buying souvenirs enroute during safari.
Q.
Should I bring travelers cheques?
A. We do not recommend bringing travelers cheques to
Tanzania as banks require you to have the receipt of purchase as
well as the cheque. We recommend bringing USD cash and using an
ATM machine to withdraw shillings.
Q.
Are old USD notes accepted?
A. NO, your USD notes will need to be the recent notes
that have the large faces on the bills.
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While on Safari: Lodging and Food
Q.
How does NasPhotoSafaris choose lodges and tented camps in
Arusha and on safari?
A. NPS matches the type of experience you desire with the
most appropriate lodge arrangements. Available lodging ranges
from private luxury tented lodges to adventure camping. There
are both mid and high-end private lodges so we can accommodate
any budget.
Q.
On camping safaris, what equipment does NasPhotoSafaris provide?
A. NasPhotoSafaris provides camping equipment including
tents, sleeping mattresses, tables and chairs. We also provide
all cooking equipment for the safari. Please see our Personal
Equipment Guide for items you should bring with you to Tanzania.
All of NasPhotoSafaris’s equipment is less than two years old
and has been highly rated by many of our past clients.
Q.
Are all types of diets catered for?
A. Of course; just let us know in advance so we can make
necessary arrangements.
Q.
Do I need to bring a water filter?
A. On safari we provide bottled water. On Kilimanjaro
trips, we boil all drinking water. To double treat your drinking
water, feel free to bring water purification tablets (iodine
based) or your own water filter.
Q.
What is a typical menu on a camping safari or Kilimanjaro climb?
A. During a camping safari, NasPhotoSafaris provides
three meals a day as well as afternoon snacks. We also provide
all of your bottled drinking water. After your game drive, a
snack with tea or coffee will be waiting for you at the
campsite. You will have a choice of fresh popcorn, peanuts, cake
or sliced fruits.
Q.
What is Tanzanian food like and will I get to try some?
A. Staple foods found throughout Tanzania include ugali (maizemeal),
chapati (thick naan-like bread), kachumbari (tomato, cucumber,
bell pepper salad), nyama choma (barbecued meat- goat, chicken,
beef) and mchicha (green vegetable stew). Dishes specific to
Northern Tanzania include ndizi nyama (banana beef stew) and
mahindi maharage (maize and bean stew). If you would like to try
Tanzanian food, let us know prior to your climb or camping
safari and we'll include some local dishes on your menu.
Q.
What precautions should I take to avoid stomach problems?
A. Be sure to wash your hands often with soap and avoid
eating raw vegetables and fruits. Before meals, wash and dry
your hands before touching your food. Do not eat food sold by
street vendors. Wipe the mouth of soda and alcohol bottles
before drinking and ensure that water bottles are sealed
properly before purchasing. Also, eat fruit that can be peeled,
such as bananas, unless it is fruit prepared by NasPhotoSafaris.
If you unsure of any food, ask our cooks and guides.
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Driving on Safari
Q.
What are NasPhotoSafaris vehicles like?
A. NasPhotoSafaris uses 4WD Land Cruisers & Land Rovers
on all safaris and all vehicles are owned and maintained by us.
We have made our vehicles safari ready by including comfortable
seats and an open roof that allows for better animal viewing.
Each passenger is guaranteed a window seat.
Q.
What are the road conditions in Tanzania?
A. Although the roads between cities and the national
parks are generally well-maintained, the roads inside the
national parks are rough and dusty, and hence, often muddy.
During game drives, we drive slowly for a more comfortable
drive.During the dry season you will get very dusty, so bring
some moist cleansing cloths to clean up before meal times. The
road from Arusha to Ngorongoro is now tarmac so the driving time
to the park is approximately one and a half.
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Photography on Safari
Q.
Is it possible to recharge a digital camera on safari?
A. NPS's cars are outfitted with inverters that allow you
to charge your camera batteries or laptop right in the car.
Q.
Should I bring extra batteries for my camera or will they be
available in Tanzania?
A. You can find AAA-D batteries in Arusha including
Energizer and Duracell brands in an emergency but batteries are
probably cheaper in your home country, so you may want to bring
them with you. It is difficult to find high quality batteries
outside major cities.
Q.
What extra camera equipment should I bring to Tanzania?
A. 1. Small sand bag on which to rest your camera. The
safari vehicles shake quite a bit and sometimes you may miss a
great shot if you wait for the car to be turned off. 2.
Lightweight tripod or monopod. 3. Small can of compressed air to
clean the camera. Be sure to clean your camera every night as it
is usually very dusty while on safari.
Q.
Will I be able to charge rechargeable batteries while in the
bush?
A. Most lodges have outlets so you will be able to
recharge batteries. However, because the lodges are run on
generators, the electrical current is not as strong as
traditional electrical currents. Some lodges turn off their
generators at midnight. Keep in mind Tanzania uses 240v
electricity and you will need to bring necessary converters and
plug adaptors. Try to take as few electrical powered tools as
possible.
Q.
I'm planning to use a film camera. How much film should I bring?
A. It really depends on the passion you have for
photography. As a general guideline, plan on shooting three to
four rolls with 24 exposures per day; this is adequate for most
people. Remember also that animals often move just when you want
to shoot and don't pose for you so you may waste some pictures.
Q.
What sort of film should I use?
A. Much of the time you will be in bright sunlight so
ISO100 speed will give you the best quality. However, some of
the best times to see animals is in the late afternoon or early
morning and the light may be low. In this case, ISO 200 or ISO
400 would be better.
Q.
What lenses should I bring?
A. This will depend on the type of photography you do. If
you are interested in vegetation, you may want a macro lens. For
animals, because you will be photographing from a distance, you
will definitely want a long lens, at minimum 300 mm and up to
500 mm if possible. A zoom lens will provide you with the best
flexibility.
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Souvenir Shopping
Q.
What about purchasing souvenirs?
A. You will have many opportunities to purchase souvenirs
in Arusha and while on safari. The souvenir market with the best
prices is located in the center of Arusha town approximately 500
meters southwest of the central post office/clock tower on
Sinoni Road. You will have to bargain at this market;you should
pay about 50% of the asking price. There will also be many
opportunities to purchase souvenirs while on safari. Most hotels
have souvenir shops, and there are a couple of large souvenir
shops along the way: Oldonyo Orok and Cultural Heritage
(expensive). If you are interested in buying Tanzanite, please
let us know so we can deliver you to certified gemologists who
mine and wholesale Tanzanite (among other precious stones) –
this will ensure good value and good quality. You will also be
issued with a certificate.
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Wildlife and Other Information
Q.
Who travels with us during safari?
A. During your safari, youll be accompanied by a trained
wildlife guide. All of our guides have at least five years of
experience on safari and have taken several language and
wildlife courses. If you choose an adventure camping safari,
you’ll also travel with a NPS chef, who will prepare all of your
delicious meals while in the bush. As with any NPS-arranged
trip, we will only combine tourist groups at the clients
request. You can expect a private vehicle with your very own
NasPhotoSafaris wildlife guide.
Q.
What are the Big Five?
A. The Big Five were originally the animals most sought
after by hunters. They were the fiercest animals, the animals
that hunted the hunters. They include rhino, elephant, lion,
leopard and cape buffalo and today are the animals that tourists
most want to see when visiting Tanzania's national parks. You
can see all five of these animals during a visit to Northern
Tanzania.
Q.
What is the wildebeest migration?
A. The wildebeest migration is the annual movement of 1.2
million wildebeest and zebra from Tanzania's Serengeti National
Park to Kenya's Maasai Mara National Park. The migration offers
excellent opportunities to view animal behaviour and lucky
Although the migration is usually in the Serengeti from December
through September, the rains in recent years have kept the
wildebeest in the Serengeti longer than normal.
Q.
When is the famous wildebeest migration in Tanzania?
A. The wildebeest migration is usually in the Serengeti
from December through September. During the dry months of
December, January and February, it is common to see the
migration as a mass of several hundred thousand animals. During
the long rains in March, April and May, the migration often
splits up into several sub-groups and roams in different areas
of the Serengeti following the fresh grasses. The migration
remains in these smaller groups throughout much of the remaining
season until it returns to the Kenya in October. Having said
that – the global seasons are consistently changing, so contact
us in advance to find out the latest updates.
Q.
What is a bush walk?
A. A bush walk is a nature walk or walking safari inside
or near a national park. We can tailor a bush walk to your
interests. If you are a bird lover, we'll take you on a bird
walk. If you want to be near big game on foot, we'll arrange a
bush walk in a national park. (These walks require an armed
guard.) If you're interested in Tanzanian culture, we'll arrange
a cultural tour. A bush walk can be a leisurely stroll or
strenuous hike and ranges in length from thirty minutes to six
hours.
Q.
What are appropriate tips for NasPhotoSafaris staff?
A. We have put together detailed guidelines for tipping
in Tanzania. Please contact the office directly for further
information.
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