FAQs
Which airport should I fly into?
We recommend that you fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is about a 45 minute ride from Arusha, Tanzania, the departure point for all of our safaris.
Can African Journey Tours pick me up from the airport?
African Journey Tours works with a handful of reliable and trustworthy local drivers who will welcome you to Tanzania and drive you to Arusha. Airport transfers can be arranged for our customers for $50 USD.
What is the weather like in Tanzania?
The coldest months in Tanzania fall during the northern hemisphere's summer. From June to October, temperatures can range from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest months are December to March and the temperatures range from 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that the temperatures at Ngorongoro Crater can be up to 20 degrees cooler during the day and even cooler at night. Be sure to pack a mid-weight jacket and maybe even some long underwear! The Ngorongoro Crater area contains both cold and warm weather, so it is always a good idea to carry a jacket and layer when visiting this area. Most likely you will experience both extremes. For more information visit the Tanzania Tourist Board website: www.tanzaniatouristboard.come/about_tanzania/weather_and_climate
What type of photography equipment should I bring?
While on safari most people take around 150-200 pictures per day. Be sure to bring memory cards with sufficient storage capacities. We recommend bringing a back-up just in case! Many people also bring an extra camera battery. Extra batteries are especially useful on camping safaris because electrical outlets are not available at the campsites in Serengeti. Depending on the time of year you visit, the landscape can be quite dusty in areas. Be sure to bring a lens cloth to keep your lenses clean and your pictures clear.
What types of immunizations do I need before traveling to Tanzania?
While we are not physicians and we highly recommend you visit yours at least 6 weeks before your safari, we can tell you that as of this posting the government of Tanzania requires that all visitors to the country present an International Certificate for Vaccination for Yellow Fever before they are allowed to enter the country. The CDC also currently recommends a Polio vaccine or booster - whichever applies to you. Most travelers also get a few additional immunizations as a precaution against vaccine-preventable diseases that are known to exist in sub-Saharan Africa. Again, please make an appointment with your health care provider for more information...don't take our word for it! Currently your will be required to have a Yellow Fever shot before entering Tanzania.
Does African Journey Tours offer safari packages for independent travelers?
Yes! By all means. One of the things that separates African Journey Tours from the competition is that we do not charge increased rates for individual safari-goers. Many of our customers are volunteers who travel alone to Tanzania and are looking for a group of people to join up with for a safari. We are happy to accommodate any individual who wishes to go on safari and will work to connect you with other travelers like yourself. While we cannot guarantee specific dates, we will do our best to arrange a safari that works with your schedule. Safari prices are based on a 4 or 5 person safari. If for some reason we can't find a group of at least 3 other people to travel with you, we will let you know at least a week in advance. In these rare cases we may have to charge you a minimal solo traveler fee. Some of our costs, such as fuel, entrance fees to Ngorongoro Crater and hotel room costs, are set fees. We may have to ask you to chip in a little extra if we can't find any extra person to head out on safari with you.
Does African Journey Tours accommodate special dietary needs?
Absolutely. Vegetarian? Vegan? Allergic to dairy? Eat like a squirrel and only want nuts? Please let us know when booking your safari and we will do everything we can to cater to your dietary requests.
How much spending money do I need?
Well, that depends on your shopping habits back home. Are you a shop-a-holic? Do you intend to buy a souvenir for every one of your Facebook friends? Are you planning to splurge for a new Tanzanite ring while you're here? We won't even venture to try to predict how much you should plan to bring, but we can give you some pointers: Hand-beaded bracelets and necklaces range from $5-$15 US. If you are being charged more, move on. Traditional Kanga cloths run anywhere from $4-$10 US. Hand-carved pieces will cost anywhere from $8-$40 US, depending on the size and quality. Canvas paintings cost around $7-$35 US. As for the Tanzanite? Ask your local gemologist before you arrive. Depending on color, cut and quality you can spend anywhere from $100 US to $1M US. And if you're spending $1m on Tanzanite, would you mind buying us some, too? Tips are expected at the lodges for carrying your bags, etc. Average tip for this type of service is $1,000 Tsh.
How much should I tip the guide and (if applicable) the chef?
Ah, the age old question. What to tip? We believe we have the very best employees on the safari circuit. They are paid only in tips. Their job is to give you the experience of a lifetime. They will bend over backwards to make sure you don't miss a thing. We at the main office hope that, in return, you will generously tip your guide and chef if they meet your expectations. Specific amounts are completely up to you, depending on your satisfaction. However, most guides receiver a minimum of $25.00 US per day per vehicle. No matter what, we suggest you tip the amount you feel best matches the service and experience you were given.
What other gear should I bring?
Make sure you bring a flashlight (or "torch" as they say in Tanzania). Antibacterial handwipes always come in handy, as does an extra roll of toilet paper. We can't guarantee that the toilets in the bottom of the crater will be fully stocked at all times! A wide-brimmed hat, aka: safari hat, comes in handy to shield your eyes from the hot African sun. And don't forget the bug spray for the rainy season and lake areas!
