FAQ
Unrivalled wildlife viewing – The Great Migration of millions of animals between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara is one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles
Unforgettable romantic or honeymoon destinations
A birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 1,000 bird species
Camps and lodges perfectly situation to maximize wildlife viewing and to suit every experience and budget
Family friendly, you and your children will never forget your safari experiences
Hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti Plains and the Maasai Mara…fabulous!
Olduvai Gorge – Birthplace of man
Picnic on the Ngorongoro Crater floor – known as the 8th Wonder of the World
Unique Tribal Cultures – Unique village and school visits.
The Great Migration traditionally follows the rain as animals migrate towards better pastures. Therefore it is difficult to determine precisely when it will happen. Typically the migration generally begins in early April, May and June, when the calves are strong enough and the journey north begins. From June/July the wildebeest gather in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti National Park and in August/September they cross the Grumeti River and head towards the Maasai Mara in Kenya. From October to December the animals begin to move back into the Serengeti
Passport Entry Visa which can be obtained on arrive at the airport on arrival in Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda or in advance.
A Yellow Fever immunization will be required when entering Tanzania and Kenya from countries where Yellow Fever is present. If traveling from the US or Europe Yellow fever is not required. The Centers of Disease Control highly recommends Malaria Precaution (Malarone or Larium); Tetanus update and Hepatitis A. Please contact the CDC for additional information at www.cdc.gov
The main entry point into Tanzania is Kilimanjaro Airport and Dar es Salaam to which there are direct flights from Amsterdam and several easily connecting flights from other points in Europe. Another common route to Kilimanjaro is to fly direct from Europe into Nairobi in Kenya, and from there into Kilimanjaro. Safari Legacy recommends Delta/KLM Airlines from the US to JRO (Kilimanjaro Airport), Kenya Airways, BA and KLM from the UK and Lufthansa from Germany.
If your safari has an internal flight, the weight restriction is 33 pounds per person. All luggage will be stored in each safari vehicle while travelling from park to park/camp to camp and it is highly recommended to travel light. Laundry service is available at most lodges and camps.
The East African climate is surely one of the finest in the world. The area lies along the equator, so temperature varies little during the year, varying by region rather than by season. The climate is temperate and sunny year round with two rainy seasons. “Long rains” occur between April and June; the “short rains” in October and November. But even during these times, it is seldom overcast all day. Days vary little in length: sunrise about 6:20 A.M. and sunset about 6:30 P.M. Temperature seldom varies from mid- to upper 70′s with evening lows near 60 degrees. It is somewhat warmer along the coast and drier bush country. It will be cooler in the upland areas like the Ngorongoro Crater, where it can be chilly at night. December to March are the warmest “summer” months. July and August are considered their “winter” and are the coolest months. September and October are springtime and weather again gets a little warmer. In late July to September, you will see the annual migration of wildebeest into the Maasai Mara. Although the sun is intense, early mornings and evenings can get quite cool, especially in mountainous areas.
There will be a maximum of 6 guests per safari vehicle and a guaranteed roof hatch and window seat.
There are incredible opportunities for wildlife photography. Please be sensitive when photographing people. Although the local people of Tanzania and Kenya are renowned for being friendly, they prefer to be asked permission before their photograph is taken.
Yes and they will love it! In East Africa all of the game drives in the national parks are done in closed vehicles with pop-up roofs (as opposed to open vehicles in Southern Africa). We do recommend if you are travelling with children that the minimum age be nine years of age on a group departure.
No, the water is not safe to drink from the tap. We recommend that you drink bottled water which is readily available at all of the lodges, hotels and tented camps. There will always be complimentary bottled water in each safari vehicle while on game drives. You can purchase cold bottled water with meals. Sodas, juices and alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase at each camp or lodge.
Yes, all accommodation will have some form of permanent electricity (solar power or generator), albeit sometimes erratic! The supply is generally 220-240v and plugs are three-pin square or round. If you have a video or digital camera, make sure your battery charger is of the same voltage.
Cell phone service is possible, but not always reliable. It is a good idea not to depend on it on a daily basis. Some hotels, lodges and tented camps will have internet access; however, there is usually a fee for usage. Text messaging is the most efficient way to communicate to family and friends back home. Be sure to sign up for an international plan before you depart. There are also free apps you can use for free calling and texting. (Whats App)
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian and Kenyan Shilling, but we recommend instead of exchanging your money that you rather carry small denominations of US Dollar cash with you. Plan to carry enough money to cover your expected expenses, plus a small reserve – most people carry between $50 & $100 per person per day for all expenses. Major credit cards (MC and Visa) are accepted at many of the larger lodges and hotels, but should only be used as a backup plan because power failures or credit card machine errors are not uncommon. American Express is not accepted in Tanzania.
Tipping in Tanzania and east Africa is entirely at your discretion. However, we suggest the following as a reference guide: Safari Legacy safari guide(s) – US $12.00 per guest per day (You will tip only 1 guide – this tip will be pooled together at the end of your safari and given to all guides as 1 tip to be split among themselves) Game lodge, hotel staff – US $5-$10 per guest per day placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally
There is no dress code on safari but casual, comfortable, light weight clothing is recommended. Due to the higher altitude on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater it can be chilly at night (even in summer) therefore it is very important to pack warm clothing for the nights or dress in layers. Bring light cotton tops, trousers/shorts and long sleeved blouses/shirts for game drives. A fleece or sweater and a warm jacket are often needed for early morning and evening game drives. Pack your swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
If you are very lucky yes, safaris are all about luck and every drive you have is different! The Big Five are leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
Yes! Tanzania and Kenya are excellent all-year-round birding destinations with over 1,000 bird species.
6:00 wake up; 6:30-7:00 am breakfast – morning game drive; return for lunch or at times we have picnic lunches – afternoon game drive. Return to lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
You will be surprised by the quality and the variety of the food available on safari. In most lodges, meals are served buffet-style so you can choose what you like. The food is prepared according to western tastes, with some curries and local cuisine included. There is no problem to accommodate a vegetarian diet.
Not usually, however, at certain times of the year there can be the presence of biting flies. It is recommended that you bring insect spray with deet or Premithrin.
Yes, all accommodations on safari will have en-suite or private bathrooms with running hot and cold water and flush toilets.
The optional hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti and/or the Maasai Mara will replace a morning game drive and is an amazing experience. You will depart before sunrise and watch the sun rise over the African plains. This finishes with a champagne breakfast served on the open plains, truly magical and very special. You will be taken back to your lodge or tented camp after the balloon safari in time for lunch.
Expertly designed safari with four decades of expertise
Travel planning and pre –departure booklet; packing lists
Extraordinary wildlife viewing
All transfers
Safari Legacy expert safari guide
Comfortable, well located accommodations to maximize wildlife viewing Customized safari vehicles with pop up roofs and guaranteed window seats
Complimentary bottled water on game drives and in your rooms
Internal flights if applicable to your safari
All Park and vehicle fees
All Meals as indicated in your safari itinerary
Temporary Membership is Flying Doctors Service
Gorilla permit(s) for Rwanda Extension
Round Trip international airfare (we would be happy to arrange this for you via our air supplier)
Travel Insurance – please contact our insurance desk: [email protected]
Tanzania, Kenya or Rwanda Entry Visa
Laundry, bar beverages, bottled water with meals; sodas; phone/internet charges, and other personal matters Tips for Safari Legacy safari guides; camp and lodge staff and waiters
Optional Serengeti or Maasai Mara Balloon Safaris
Optional Internal flights
Nature walks, Bush lunches and dinners unless specified in your itinerary