At the Start
HOW TO BOOK YOUR AFRICAN SAFARI WITH US.
Great to see you here!
We know planning a Luxury Safari can be overwhelming. East Africa is huge, with many amazing National Parks and private concessions. The list of lodges and tented camps is very long, with varying levels of quality and exclusivity. What activities besides game driving would make your Safari? We are listening. Let us guide you in creating the best Safari itinerary for you.
SIX STEPS TO BOOKING YOUR LUXURY AFRICAN SAFARI.
1. GETTING TO KNOW YOU.
You can fill out a Safari form or email us at info@urthsafari.com and answer the following questions as much as possible. You can also call us at 1(512) 787 4628 and provide the necessary information. We will personalize your Safari.
What month are you planning on being on Safari?
How long can you enjoy your Safari?
Who is traveling with you? Is it your family with children and grandchildren, your new spouse, or a group of friends?
Or are you traveling solo? We have done that as well.
What is your style of lodging? Luxury is personal.
Would you like to try some activities that take you away from watching wildlife on vehicles? We are pointing you toward things like a Serengeti Walking Safari or off-the-beaten-path Lake Natron to the Maasai Village with our friends.
Would you like to be guided by a specialist guide? These guys are who BBC Cat Diary or National Geographic call when they need a guide on Safari.
Are you celebrating any special occasion on your Safari? Honeymoon, birthday, or anniversary.
Any special request we need to know about? CPAP machine or no stairs?
Any financial parameters we need to work around?
We will get working on your Safari itinerary.
2. YOUR SAFARI ITINERARY.
Once you have a Safari itinerary you like [we will go back and forth until we get here], let's add the dates to your Safari. We will check on the accommodation availability. If all looks good with the lodges, the activities, and the International Flights ....the next step happens.
3. BOOKING YOUR AFRICAN SAFARI!
You are going on a Safari! We will need a 30% deposit from you [we prefer wire transfers/bank transfers; credit cards are also accepted - we have to charge 3.5 %]. That is our green light. We will confirm all details we have discussed in our Safari itinerary. You will get your final confirmed Safari itinerary and Safari invoice. You are set.
4. GET READY FOR YOUR SAFARI.
The excitement begins. What to pack, travel insurance, who will meet us on arrival, visas, and much more. We will be guiding you all the way. We will go over this in person if you live in or around Austin, Texas..
5. SAFARI NJEMA.
This is your dream coming true. We will have double-checked your Safari itinerary and given you emergency numbers for our ground crew in Tanzania, Kenya, and our US office. Pack your sense of humor ... you are going to Africa. We will be taking care of you every step of the way.
6. Okay
not a booking step, but tell us about your Safari.
We love hearing from you and getting your Safari Story. And yes, we love looking at your Safari photographs. Please do share and reminisce.
NEXT STEPS……
SIGN AND RETURN ESSENTIAL FORMS
To be fully confirmed on your trip, the documents below must be received within two weeks of putting down your deposit.
Booking Conditions and Release of Liability
A link to this form was sent to you upon booking your trip.Photo or Photocopy of Your Passport Information Page
PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance within two weeks of making your deposit, as we cannot change our cancellation policy for any reason. Travel Guard, World Nomad, and Alliance come highly recommended by our guests, but you’re free to pick whichever insurer you like.
Considerations:
Coverage for pre-existing conditions is usually NOT included if you buy a policy more than two weeks after making a deposit, so it’s always best to buy a policy as soon as possible.
Even if there are unfinished details like flights or extra services, purchase the policy now, and amend it later.
Our deposits are non-refundable. Insurance coverage protects your investment before you even depart!
During the trip, you will be in beautiful, very remote destinations; even minor injuries like a bad sprain or a simple fall may require evacuation by medical flight, which can cost as much as $30,000.
Please ensure you have your itinerary handy to ask the travel insurance agent for the best policy coverage.
Tanzania also requires emergency evacuation insurance, which works as a supplement to your travel insurance. *
If you are postponing your trip to a future date, please be sure to notify your travel insurance provider immediately and be sure to insist on maintaining the coverage of your pre-existing conditions.
* MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE (Urth Expedition will cover this)
Proof of local emergency evacuation insurance
This works as a supplement to your travel insurance and is not a replacement for travel insurance. It allows any evacuation to happen more quickly and efficiently, using local services instead of waiting for pre-approvals from your provider.
CONFIRM PASSPORT VALIDITY
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. If not, start the passport renewal process immediately.
Make sure you have at least two blank-facing pages in your passport. This is required for obtaining your entry visa.
You can obtain or renew your passport by contacting the U.S. State Department or your local post office for more information. Canadians should inquire with Passport Canada.
REVIEW COVID-19 UPDATES
Using protocols suggested by the WHO, the CDC, and the government of Tanzania, standard operating procedures (SOPs) were developed to keep both our guests and staff’s safety a top priority.
Please check the requirements of the countries you are transiting through or have a layover in.
10 month out
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Flights typically become available 10-11 months before departure.
If you prefer to book flights sooner, we recommend booking flexible or refundable fares in case there are any changes to your travel plans.
Anticipate purchasing international flights 330 days before the trip – NOTE: Please DO NOT purchase travel from third-party sellers. Always book directly with airlines in case a flight or itinerary changes.
WHY IS DELTA/KLM THE PREFERRED AIRLINE?
Delta/KLM has the quickest, easiest route: an overnight flight from North America brings you to Amsterdam for a brief layover before arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our scheduled trips – and airport transfers – are designed with the KLM arrival schedule in mind, so using a different airline might require additional services and extra fees.
WHY SHOULD I BOOK FLIGHTS ON MY OWN?
It’s up to you! Booking flights directly with the airline will give you maximum flexibility. Third-party solutions – including our flight deck, Kayak, Orbitz, etc. – have stricter policies and much lengthier turnaround times should refunds or credits become necessary. In either case, we would happily assist by reviewing your itinerary or guiding you through your options.
Once your flights are booked, it is critical that you send your full flight itinerary and 6-digit reservation code, along with any major flight updates, to your trip manager prior to your departure.
6-8 months out
PACKING LIST
Get your belongings together to take inventory of what you still need. Purchase travel items and pack your soft-sided duffel bag and day pack. Remember, hard-sided luggage is not allowed, and your carry-on and duffel have a 33-pound combined weight limit.
LUGGAGE
Soft-Sided Duffel Bag: Due to aircraft and vehicle space in Tanzania, your checked luggage must be a soft-sided duffel bag no larger than 30” L x 15” W x 15” H, without a rigid structure. Wheeled duffels are acceptable if they do not have hard sides.
Soft-Sided Day Pack: This bag will serve as your carry-on for international flights and can be used as your day pack in Tanzania. During your flight to Tanzania, this bag should contain one complete change of clothes, medications, essential toiletries, binoculars, your camera, and other irreplaceable items, like your passport, wallet, and electronics.
Spare Foldable Duffel Bag: If you tend to bring back lots of souvenirs when you travel, pack a small spare foldable duffel bag in your main duffel
If you are extending your trip and require additional internal or inter-Africa flights, please note that you may need to adhere to the 33 lb. weight allowance and consolidate your belongings into one bag.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR PACKING
Excess Baggage: If your trip includes multiple destinations/activities requiring you to pack more than the standard safari packing list, excess baggage can be stored in Arusha with advance notice and if your itinerary allows. It may be possible to purchase additional weight allowance for internal flights if you need excess baggage on safari (such as professional-style camera gear). Please check availability with your trip manager.
Organizing and Labeling Your Bags:
Put your address on a piece of paper inside your bags if a luggage tag is torn.
Make sure important items like camera gear and documents are safely sealed in waterproof/dustproof stuff sacks.
Any liquid items like toiletries should also be sealed in waterproof bags. Please note: single-use plastic bags and packaging are banned in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya.
Once you are completely packed, take a photo of your bags in the event you need to file a claim for delayed or lost baggage.
Laundry: Laundry is available on safari for a small fee (about $1-3/item). In most camps, and even some lodges, this is done by hand, and laundry is air-dried. You may want to bring several mesh or nylon packing cubes or stuff sacks to organize your clothing.
Toiletries: Camps and lodges provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Some guests choose to bring a small amount of their preferred brand from home, but this is not required.
SAFARI EXTENSIONS
If you have booked a trip extension, read the following expectations: visa information, weather, what to pack, etc.
Note on visas: Some destinations will require you to apply for a visa prior to departure.
90-60 Days out
FINAL PAYMENT
Your final payment must be received no later than 60 -90 days before departure. We accept final payments via wire transfer, check, or electronic funds transfer (ACH). Credit cards include a 4 % Service fee. Include your booking name with all forms of payment.
Once you have sent your payment, please notify us via phone or email. We will then notify you when the payment has been received.
Mailing Checks: We also accept final payments via mailed checks. Please make the check out to Urth Expedition/Gabriele Brown and include your booking number in the memo line.
FINAL INVOICE
You will receive your final invoice once all flights, extensions, balloon safaris, transfers, and additional services have been arranged. Please review the invoice to ensure that the additional services are correct. If a service is not on your invoice, it has not been arranged.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Single travelers will be charged a single supplement unless there is another single traveler of the same gender on your trip and both of you are willing to share accommodations. Contact us for details and availability.
CANCELLATIONS
If you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. A written cancellation is required by mail or email; cancellation fees are applicable based on the date we receive your written cancellation. Please refer to the full cancellation policy on your Booking Conditions Form for complete details and note that deposits are non-refundable.
TRAVEL CLINIC APPOINTMENT & MEDICATIONS
Please make an appointment with a travel doctor, as they have specific knowledge about your destination, vaccines, and preventative care that your physician may not. Most large hospitals have a travel clinic, or you can use the CDC’s travel clinic finder.
If you have special health concerns or conditions, we also recommend making an appointment with your primary care physician.
FREQUENTLY RECOMMENDED TRAVEL MEDICATIONS
There are no other immunization requirements if you are traveling to Tanzania directly from North America via Europe. However, if your itinerary includes travel to Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, or any other yellow fever endemic countries, immigration authorities in Tanzania may require proof of vaccination for yellow fever (or an appropriate medical waiver) as a condition of entry. If you are unsure of immunization requirements for the countries you are visiting, contact the Embassy/Consulate or ask your travel doctor for advice.
Many of our past travelers have asked their travel doctor about the following:
• Anti-malarial medication
• Yellow fever vaccination
• Hepatitis A vaccination
Other Considerations
• Tetanus booster
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and polio update
• Typhoid fever vaccination
• Hepatitis B vaccination
FOR MORE HEALTH INFORMATION
Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website or call 800.232.4636. Navigate to the page specifically about travel in Tanzania for the most up-to-date information.
Please note the information on the site applies to all visitors to Tanzania, including long-term aid workers and others who have more health concerns than average tourists
30 Days out
BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS
Money & Currency: U.S. dollars are accepted throughout Tanzania; therefore, there is no need to exchange U.S. dollars for Tanzanian Shillings. Local vendors and markets may not be able to provide change for larger bills, so we advise using small bills ($1, $5, $10) for small purchases, but $50 and $100 are okay for larger purchases and tips.
Travelers’ checks are not recommended, as they are not widely accepted. Canadian residents should exchange Canadian dollars for U.S. dollars before departure.
Credit Cards and ATMs: Credit cards are accepted at some lodges and some higher-end shops; however, usage comes with surcharges from 3 to 6 percent.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I BRING?
Typically, each guest brings around $1,000 – $1,200: $400 – $500 cash for souvenirs and beverages, $350 – $450 cash for tips, and $250 emergency cash. Please note many guests choose to bring more, as it may be difficult to obtain more cash, but you can always bring extra back home.
There are four primary expenses you should consider when planning your budget:
Emergency Funds: With any kind of travel, it’s best to prepare for the unexpected. We suggest carrying a credit card and at least $250 in U.S. dollars for emergencies. Please note that MasterCard and Visa are more widely accepted than American Express, and some merchants require chip-enabled cards.
Beverages :
Soda: $1
Diet soda: $2
Beer: $3
Liquor (gin, vodka, whiskey, Amarula): $3
A glass of wine: $6
Bottle of wine: $20
Bottle of premium wine: $35Souvenirs and Gifts: Small souvenirs such as carved crafts, beaded jewelry, T-shirts, Maasai shukas (fabric), etc., often cost less than $20. Larger pieces of artwork can range significantly, starting around $20 and going up to hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Tips: Tips for safari guides and camp staff are tokens of added appreciation and are customarily given to the people who help provide the best safari experience possible. The practice of tipping is the norm for the tourism industry in Tanzania. Click for more information on tipping and tipping guidelines.
ELECTRONICS, BATTERIES & COMMUNICATION
Charging Batteries on Safari: camps are typically not wired for electricity; however, your room has solar-powered lighting, and there’s a solar-powered charging station in each lounge tent.
Additionally, each vehicle has power inverters and U.S.-style wall outlets, so you won’t need any special equipment for your small electronic devices, such as cameras, batteries, and phones. All charging must be done while the vehicle is in use. Please note that vehicles and lounge tents are not equipped to handle larger items such as laptops.
Buying a Universal Adapter: At hotels, lodges, and some permanent tented camps, you will likely find 220-volt AC, 50-cycle current. Most modern electronic appliances can operate on this current – check your devices for the voltage requirements printed on them. If you would like to charge batteries at lodges, you will need outlet adapters, and we recommend a universal travel adapter that will cover you for all outlets you run into (and you can use it for your future travels!).
Travelers extending their trip to Zanzibar, Ruaha, the Selous, Mahale, Rwanda, or other destinations may need to charge batteries at lodges that have varying outlets – European or U.K.-style adapters.
Pack Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Bring at least two battery packs — three if you are an avid photographer. Extra memory cards are also a good idea. Extra lithium batteries must be packed in your carry-on bag for international flights.
Please note, we do not recommend bringing a laptop computer, as it is heavy (considering your limited luggage weight), cumbersome, and must always be kept on your persona and protected on bumpy and dusty drives.
TIPPING GUIDELINES
Tipping is optional, but it is customary in Tanzania. It is not a replacement for wages but is a way of showing appreciation for service that has met and exceeded expectations, the same way Americans tip a barber, hairstylist, or other service professionals.
On safari, most travelers tip:
• Head guide
• Each support guide
• Each Nyumba camp crew (received and distributed by each camp manager)Guests often ask us for tipping recommendations, so we have compiled industry standards along with guest suggestions in a Tipping Guideline that you will receive prior to departure. You are welcome to tip more or less than the guidelines.
We will send you tipping guidelines, including any trip extensions, before your departure in your final packet.
Please Note:
Many people choose to tip much more than what is recommended, and some choose to tip less. It is a personal decision. We recommend bringing an additional envelope with extra cash for tips if you decide to tip more, as ATMs will not be readily available on your trip should you need additional cash.
Most guests tip their guides at the end of the safari and their camp crew upon leaving a given camp.
Above all, don’t spend your time on safari worrying about tipping. Have fun, and enjoy the journey!
One Day out
CHECK-IN FOR YOUR FLIGHT
You can check in for your flight by going to the airline’s website, clicking on “My Trip,” and entering your 6-digit reservation or booking code. Please review your itinerary and let your trip manager know if any flights have been changed.
PREPARE YOUR CARRY-ON BAG
Your carry-on bag will be your carry-on for international flights and can be used as your day pack while in Tanzania. It should be soft-sided and contain your must-have items.
This bag should contain the following:
• Passport
• Wallet
• Final documents, your itinerary, and tipping guidelines
• Electronics
• One complete change of clothes
• Medications
• Essential toiletries
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Other irreplaceable items
Arrival
OBTAIN YOUR VISA
At this time, we recommend applying for your visa upon arrival in Tanzania. The process is simple and will allow for the most flexibility in case you need to alter your travel dates for any reason if you have booked an extension to another country.
Travelers who are visiting Tanzania as tourists can obtain a ‘travel visa’ upon arrival at any official port of entry.
• You can request a visa application form from the cabin crew.
• If the cabin crew does not have any on hand, they are also available inside the terminal.
• Inside the terminal, go to the windows labeled ‘Visas’.
When you get to the visa window, be prepared with the following:
The visa application fee is $100 USD cash for US citizens.
Citizens of other nations should check with the Tanzanian embassy in their home country to find the most up-to-date visa requirements and fees.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your trip’s end date, and it must contain two blank, facing pages for the visa endorsement.
A completed visa application form.
If asked for your contact person/address in Tanzania, please provide the following:
Urth Expedition LTD
Sakina
P.O. Box 16038
Arusha, Tanzania
Email Contact: info@urthsafari.com
Phone Number: (255) 758 358 892
You may also be asked to provide supplemental information to confirm your reason for visiting Tanzania – so have your trip itinerary and a copy of your onward flight itinerary in hand.
The agent will take photos of you, issue your visa, and return your passport to you with the visa sticker/stamp.
U.S. passport holders will receive a multi-entry visa valid for up to one year.
Once you have your passport and visa, you will be directed to the main immigration lines to complete the immigration formalities.
ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA
What to do when you land at Kilimanjaro International? Follow these step-by-step instructions and refer to the map below.
1. Have your boarding pass in hand to enter the airport.
2. Obtain your visa, and pay the visa fee in US Dollars. Directions to obtain your visa
3. Proceed to Immigration to show your passport and get your visa validated.
4. Claim your checked bags at the baggage claim.
Tip: After getting your bag from the baggage claim area, you may be approached by porters who, looking for tips, will try to carry your bags or load them onto carts. Kindly say, “no thank you” or in Swahili, “hapana asante.” Your guide is only a few steps beyond customs and will carry your bags if you wish.
5. Proceed through Customs. You may be asked if you have anything to declare.
6. Exit the airport and look for your transfer guide holding an Urth Expedition placard.
Note: You may need to wait while other travelers in your group arrive
Your guide will check off the names of travelers as they arrive. Please do not leave the terminal. Once everyone is gathered, your guide will lead you to the vehicles nearby.
FLIGHT OR BAGGAGE DELAYS
If your flight is delayed or canceled, local airport staff are in the best position to assist you. Remain calm, clear, and polite and ask about same-day options, like flying via another African hub, such as Nairobi, with continuing service to Kilimanjaro airport.
Contact Urth Expedition with new flight details (airline, flight number, and ETA):
Weekdays during U.S. business hours: 512-787-4628
In Africa, text or call: +255-758 358 892Urth Expedition will greet you at the airport and take you to your lodge.
Catching up with your group may require a few extra logistics but it will be doable. Good travel insurance will cover most fees associated with flight delays and trip interruptions.In case of lost or delayed baggage:
File a claim at the airport’s lost luggage office. Provide your claim information to the Urth Expedition staff member at the airport. Your guide will keep you informed about the status of your bags.SETTLING IN
Get to know your driver: This is a great time to ask some of your preliminary questions, engage in conversation and get to know everyone.
Set your watch to Tanzanian time: From early March to October, Tanzania is 7 hours ahead of North America (EDT). It is an 8-hour difference (EST) from November to early March.
Notify your guide if you have excess baggage you want to store: Urth Expedition can store excess baggage you bring for pre- or post-safari travel if you let us know in advance and if your itinerary allows. This service is a courtesy, and luggage is stored at your own risk.
Keep money and valuables with you always: There is no need to be overly concerned about your valuables. However, for peace of mind, do not keep them in stored luggage or leave them in your room.
Use only purified water for drinking and brushing your teeth: Place a water bottle in the sink as a reminder not to use the tap for brushing your teeth in the morning.
On Safari
GENERAL SAFARI TIPS
Prepare for some bumpy rides: Your safari vehicles are tough and your drivers are experts, but the roads can be rough. If you have a medical condition that can be aggravated by rough roads, consult your doctor. Bringing a seat cushion or lumbar back brace, and sitting near the front of the safari vehicle can help.
Prepare for dust: It is especially dusty in the dry season (July-October), we recommend wearing a bandana or mask and using moist towelettes.
Avoid packing white, black, dark blue or bright colored clothes: Whites tend to get dirty/dusty quickly. Black and dark blue tend to attract tsetse flies. Muted colors, like beiges, khakis and greens work well.
Don’t be embarrassed; everyone needs to use the restroom: Let your guide know early if you need to stop somewhere to relieve yourself. The best option may be outdoors, depending on the remoteness of your location.
Respect animals’ space and habitats: Situations when you especially want to be quiet and remain at a safe distance include:
• When animals are mating
• When a predator is on a hunt or eating a kill
• When a mother has a young animal beside her
• When animals are in the middle of the road
• When a lone male (buffalo, lion, elephant, etc.) is near
Bring your headlamp/flashlight to dinner: There will only be the ambient light of the stars to guide you back to your tent. The camp crew will also be happy to escort you.
Use common sense in cities: Be respectful of the culture, do not flaunt jewelry or valuables, keep a money pouch or belt hidden from view, and be firm but polite when declining offers of CDs, souvenirs or other unwanted requests.
The equatorial sun is intense: Bring a wide-brim hat, sunscreen/lip balm (minimum SPF 30), and drink plenty of water.
The climate is temperate: Even at the equator, mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool, especially at higher elevations like the Eastern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater camps.
Bring masks: You will need your own supply of masks for public places and airports. These, or a bandana, can even be used on safari in dusty conditions.
Respect park and camp rules: Never feed or attempt to interact with wildlife, and never walk outside the immediate boundaries of your camp or lodge at any time.
KEEPING HEALTHY
BUGS AND MALARIA
Pack repellent with 30-50% DEET: Try out DEET products at home if you have particularly sensitive skin. If you are traveling with young children, you will want to consult with a doctor about a more appropriate repellent.
Tsetse fly tips: Wear lighter colored clothing, no blue or black, and use citronella-based repellent in combination with a DEET repellent. Some guests find permethrin-treated clothing to be effective.
Cover up when mosquitoes are active: During the hours before dawn, at dusk and at night, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks.
Zip tents and turn off lights: To prevent bugs inside, keep your tent zipped shut at all times, and always turn out the lights when you are not in the tent.
Tell your head guide if you feel ill: If you experience fever, chills, sweats, headache, body-aches, nausea, vomiting or fatigue, alert your guide immediately. Meals can be adjusted if you have an upset stomach, or your guide can seek medical assistance if necessary.
TUMMY TROUBLES
Eat your fruits and vegetables: It is safe to eat raw fruits and vegetables at camps.
Wash your hands often. Bring moist towelettes and hand sanitizer for when you are on the road, away from soap and water.
Be prepared if stomach issues strike: It’s always a good idea to bring Imodium, Pepto Bismol or even prescription medications like Ciprofloxacin, all of which you should discuss with your doctor.
Try not to ingest water while showering.
Stay hydrated: Complimentary drinking water is always on hand in your vehicle and in camps, so take advantage of it as often as you like. Never drink or brush your teeth with tap water.
Keep clean and refreshed: Hot showers are available any time, on request. Staff will also provide hot water, soap and hand towels to your tent verandah table each morning and before every meal, but you can request more at any time. .
KEEP FIT ON SAFARI
Enjoy your meals; there will be more than enough to eat.
Stretch, walk or jog: If you’re feeling restless in the vehicle, ask your guide for appropriate times and places where you might get out and stretch your legs. Jogging is available at most camps and lodges, depending on staff availability to escort you, and seasonal wildlife movements.
TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Learn about your destination.
Refrain from making empty promises: f you are approached by someone who asks for a contribution to one of their projects, a gift, or even correspondence from North America, we do not suggest saying “yes” or even “maybe” just to be polite. Being clear and direct with “no thank you” will suffice.
Wear appropriate clothing: In cities, towns, and when visiting locals, long pants and at least knee-length shorts or longer skirts and dresses are the norm. You can be more relaxed while in national parks on safari. In Zanzibar’s towns,, dress is more conservative, but at beach resorts, you can dress as you would on any beach in North America.
Be aware of different personal space norms: It is common for Tanzanian male friends to hold hands and for friends and acquaintances to show physical signs of affection. Personal space is much closer than in the U.S. However, excessive public displays of affection between couples are taboo.
Bargain but don’t go overboard: At some shops, bargaining is the norm. Definitely make an offer and counteroffer, as you can sometimes drop the price 30 percent. But it’s normal and acceptable for you to pay more than what a Tanzanian would pay for the same item. That’s part of being a traveler in any country.
Take only photographs and leave only footprints: Do not litter, disturb plant life or take anything from the wild. If you have any trash, no matter how small, please dispose of it in a trash receptacle or gather it in a plastic bag for later disposal.
Prepare for possible culture shock: Even veteran travelers can experience degrees of culture shock. Your senses will be engaged on every level. You will also witness varying levels of poverty that may be jarring. Relax into the journey and always feel free to ask if you have questions about what you are experiencing.
Remove unneeded packaging from items you bring to Tanzania: Generally, you can recycle packaging in your home country while you cannot do so in Tanzania.
Keep used batteries until you return home: Tanzania does not yet have recycling programs that will handle hazardous materials such as batteries. There are many resources for properly disposing of old batteries within North America.
Do not purchase souvenirs with coral or endangered animal products: It is illegal to take these items out of Tanzania and doing so encourages further illegal activity.BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE & TIPS
Always ask Tanzanians if you can take their photo: Make sure they understand you and take your time if they do not speak English. Respect their wishes. Refrain from taking photos of people from your safari vehicle without asking.
Be especially respectful to ask the Maasai to take their photos: Many Maasai believe that tourists are exploiting and making money from their images. Others may feel culturally violated. When in doubt, ask your guide for advice.
Please do not pay to take someone’s photograph: When you ask for permission to take an amateur photograph, you may get a request for money. Simply decline the photo opportunity. As harmless as such a transaction might seem, it will result in more people demanding money for photos.
Contact us if you plan to take professional photography or video: There are strict requirements/fees imposed by the Tanzanian government.
Remain patient and quiet while photographing wildlife.
Do not use flash photography when photographing wildlife.
Make sure you are not taking photographs in a prohibited area. If unsure, ask your guide.
Pace yourself and do not take too many photographs early on: You might miss seeing and experiencing things if your eye is constantly behind the lens.
TECHNICAL TIPS
For digital, use an SLR camera and for film, a 35mm SLR works best: Use telephoto lenses (at least 200mm) and fast shutter zoom lenses (70-300mm).
Use the beanbags we provide in the vehicles for camera stabilization: You will not need a tripod or monopod for wildlife photography.
For close-ups, try shooting through the window while sitting: This often leads to better angles and composition.
Research how to use your camera in low light conditions: Light is best during the golden hours before sunset and after sunrise, which also happen to be the times when many animals are more active.
Take extra fully charged batteries and film/memory cards: Whenever possible, bring more batteries, memory cards or film than you think you will need. These items are not readily available or are extremely expensive in Tanzania.
Keep your camera gear with you at all times: Remember to take it out of the vehicle at the end of each day; you will likely want to clean it. Never leave camera gear in the car while on a village or cultural visit.
Remember your duffel bag weight restrictions: Try not to bring numerous extra lenses or other specialty gear. If you are a professional or an experienced photographer who needs to bring more gear, please contact us about the possibility of purchasing additional baggage weight on your internal flights.
Use sealable waterproof bags to protect your gear, lens cleaner and lens paper: Keeping your camera gear in sealable bags will help protect it from any moisture or dirt that could damage the equipment. These reusable plastic bags must be taken home with you, as Tanzania has a plastic bag ban.
SOUVENIRS
Early on, examine souvenirs and items to begin comparing prices and quality: You will make better purchasing judgments while on safari or when you return to Arusha for more shopping.
Please do not arrange international shipping with stores: Shipping costs can be double the original store quote, and merchandise can arrive damaged. Past guests have found that using DHL has been the most reliable. Urth Expedition and its agents are not responsible for any goods purchased or shipped.
Make sure you do not purchase illegal products: It is illegal in the U.S. to import ivory, many furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers or plants.
Contact TRAFFIC for more information on illegal products
TRAFFIC (U.S.) c/o the World Wildlife Fund
1250 24th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-293-4800
tna@wwfus.org
www.traffic.org
GIVING BACK
If you want to give a gift, find the right time and place: Appropriate times include when you visit a school or a family for a cultural activity. Please talk with your guide, who will present gifts on your behalf to the necessary authority. Remember these should be seen simply as tokens of your appreciation and not as charity.
For schools, consider the following gifts: We recommend trying to make a small contribution to a school, as opposed to individual students. Gifts should be given to a headmaster to ensure fair distribution.
• Book bags
• Backpacks
• Pencils and pens
• Maps of the world
• Rulers
• Small solar-powered calculators
• Photo of American pen pals and family
• Soccer ball with pumpConsider donating to an organization that is making a difference in Tanzania: Urth Expedition has a close relationship with Give a Heart to Africa, which was started in 2012 by Monika Fox. GHTA is a 501(c)(3) empowering women through education.
After 10 years we remain a grassroots, hands-on, volunteer run and supported organization with a core focus of empowering women by providing free education in business, vocations, math, and English.
What makes Give a Heart to Africa different?
100% of the money donated goes to programs and students
Real experience and impact – you work directly with Tanzanian women and can tangibly see people’s lives change while you’re here
Intimate experience – you work with a small team of school staff and other volunteers
Personal touch – you live with a small number of other volunteers, allowing you to get to know each other well.
Our budget is comprised exclusively of donations and volunteer fees
We believe so strongly in the power of education that the only paid staff we have is our Tanzanian school staff (all former students) and our locally based (Tanzania) General Manager.
This means that 100% of all donations to go directly to our programs, our students and the operation of the school.
www.giveahearttoafrica.org
monika@giveahearttoafrica.org