Ngata Expeditions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to Get to Tanzania?

Tanzania has two International Airports and numerous regional airports. Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is the best port of entry for the Southern and Western Circuits. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the usual port of entry for the Northern Circuit.The roads of Tanzania are a mixture of well-maintained tarred roads to bare tracks. Driving safaris are widespread, especially for small groups of 4 to 6 family or friends traveling together, as it often works out cheaper than flying. The other benefit of a drive safari is that you have a private vehicle and the same guide throughout your safari.

Arrival?

Once you land in the Land of Kilimanjaro airport you will wait half an hour before arrive by the company Tour operator giving you warmly words of welcoming you to Tanzania, Where you will identifying us caring special A4 paper written your Name; after pick up we will drive you to Arusha Hotel for about one hour drive, Also we will stop a little for you to have a glance of Mount Kilimanjaro final we will drive you to the Hotel in Arusha ready for safari very early in the morning next day.

Itinerary schedule?

As included in each safaris itinerary tour will be starting very early in the morning at 07:00am , then proceeding with game drive to the respective parkland with driver/guide chefs and escorting of operation manager of Ngata Expeditions with good communications as ours drivers/guides communicate every time for updates where animals are, then the chefs will provide the meals plan for you to select what you want, then the game will proceed to the evenings, Then in the evening we will pick you the camp/lodge after a long rewarding day experiencing a HOT SHOWER before you sit down with a friends you have made and enjoy a lip-smacking meal before either running to the tent/room or sit and discuss the sights and sounds you have experienced during your day with a beverages of your choice around the camp fire.

Meal plan?

Here you will plan you self what you prefer either meet, chicken and vegetables our chefs will collect the choices of all guests and prepare a delicious food of their choices, for sure here you will enjoy a lot.

Best Time of Year to Visit Tanzania?

Usually the dry months, late June to October, give better wildlife sightings, but they are also the most jam-packed months to visit. The “green” season before and after the rains, offer a substantial difference in prices and usually coincides with the arrival of migrant birds. The game is more widely dispersed, at this time due to more water availability, but can still offer rewarding safaris. The country has low and high seasons in different areas at different times, due to the movement of the animals and the rainfall. So it is better ask us before planning your safari.

Many areas of Tanzania have malaria; please check with your medical practitioner for the latest advice reprophylactic treatments. To avoid malaria, it is best to take precautionary steps to limit being bitten by a mosquito. Wear long covering tops and long pants at night. Use bug spray. The majority of lodges and safari camps have fitted mosquito nets around their beds to reduce the risk of bites. Tsetse flies, often found in heavily wooded areas. They can be a nuisance as their bites can be painful. Generally, they prefer moving targets, so the more you move about and flap at them the more they will bite. Your guide will remove you from the area if they are becoming too much of a problem, as usually the flies are found in small forest pockets during the day.

As of 2016, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for ALL visitors coming to Tanzania. It is always prudent to take out travel and medical insurance before travelling to ensure that if there should be an unexpected problem, you are covered.

Language

The official languages are English and Swahili and most of the people that you meet on a safari can speak some English. Tanzanians, on average have a great ear for languages and can quickly learn some new phrases from the tourists that they meet. Generally much faster than visitors learn Swahili phrases. Many guides speak more than three languages. Ngata Expeditions Tours and Safaris guides are licensed, trained, friendly, and have years of experience. Our guides speak multi lingual ie English, Spanish, Italian, French, German & Chinese.

What are the accommodations like on safari tour? 

  • Camping Safari.

In camping safari you will sleep at the tent, -We have tents for solo traveler, 2 travelers, 3 travelers and 4 travelers. We will provide you with camping equipment including tents, sleeping mattresses, tables and chairs. Our professional Chefs will have all cooking equipment for safari

  • Lodging & Tented camp safari.

One of the most important aspects of your safari is maximizing the amount of quality time in the field; there is so much to experience that we don’t want to miss anything. We choose not only quality lodges and tented camps with en suite facilities, but consider their locations foremost in our planning. Our accommodations are located within and outside the national park and reserve boundaries whenever possible, to start each morning closer to the wildlife. The lodges we choose, as well as many of the tented camps, feature spectacular scenery, comfortable furnishings, and friendly and accommodating staff. Some even offer swimming pools for relaxing after a long safari drive! Note that while we make every effort to offer superior facilities, occasionally there 

  • Visas

A visa is required each time you enter the United Republic of Tanzania. It is recommended to obtain your visa prior to travel, however visas are available at the entry ports of Dar es Salaam International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport and Namanga Entry Point in Kenya to Tanzania border. Visas can be obtained from any Diplomatic or Consulate Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania. 

  • Credit Cards & Money Matters

Generally, credit facilities at the camps are few and far between. It is better to check with your Ngata Expeditions Ltd consultant prior to travel if the camp you have booked accepts credit cards. If bringing US Dollars cash, please ensure that all the bills are no older than 2006, as they will not be accepted in the camps or at the bureau de change. We accept all major credit cards as well as debit cards. An invoice will be sent to you when you are ready to start the booking process with Ngata Expeditions Tours and Safaris Ltd. You can pay us through cards  (Visa, Master card, Credit card & America express but there is bank surcharges of 5% which charged by Bank and not Ngata Expeditions Tours and Safaris.

VACCINATIONS OR MEDICATIONS BEFORE COMING TO TANZANIA

Before you leave for Tanzania you should consult your physician, who will be able to give you the most up-to-date information. Our advice below can help to inform you before your trip but should not replace a consultation with your doctor. It is advised to take malaria prophylaxis – usually Doxycycline, Lariam or Malarone. All three are different – again, ask your doctor for more advice.

Many areas of Tanzania have malaria; please check with your medical practitioner for the latest advice reprophylactic treatments. To avoid malaria, it is best to take precautionary steps to limit being bitten by a mosquito. Wear long covering tops and long pants at night. Use bug spray. The majority of lodges and safari camps have fitted mosquito nets around their beds to reduce the risk of bites. Tsetse flies, often found in heavily wooded areas. They can be a nuisance as their bites can be painful. Generally, they prefer moving targets, so the more you move about and flap at them the more they will bite. Your guide will remove you from the area if they are becoming too much of a problem, as usually the flies are found in small forest pockets during the day.

As of 2016, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for ALL visitors coming to Tanzania.It is always prudent to take out travel and medical insurance before travelling to ensure that if there should be an unexpected problem, you are covered.

Language

The official languages are English and Swahili and most of the people that you meet on a safari can speak some English. Tanzanians, on average have a great ear for languages and can quickly learn some new phrases from the tourists that they meet. Generally much faster than visitors learn Swahili phrases. Many guides speak more than three languages. Ngata Expeditions Tours and Safaris guides are licensed, trained, friendly, and have years of experience. Our guides speak multi lingual ie English, Spanish, Italian, French, German & Chinese

What are the accommodations like on safari tour? 

  • Camping Safari. In camping safari you will sleep at the tent, -We have tents for solo traveler, 2 travelers, 3 travelers and 4 travelers. We will provide you with camping equipment including tents, sleeping mattresses, tables and chairs. Our professional Chefs will have all cooking equipment for safari
  • 2. Lodging & Tented camp safari. One of the most important aspects of your safari is maximizing the amount of quality time in the field; there is so much to experience that we don’t want to miss anything. We choose not only quality lodges and tented camps with en suite facilities, but consider their locations foremost in our planning. Our accommodations are located within and outside the national park and reserve boundaries whenever possible, to start each morning closer to the wildlife. The lodges we choose, as well as many of the tented camps, feature spectacular scenery, comfortable furnishings, and friendly and accommodating staff. Some even offer swimming pools for relaxing after a long safari drive! Note that while we make every effort to offer superior facilities, occasionally there may be a particular location that necessitates us to stay in more basic mobile tented camps

What is the wildebeest migration and when is it?

The Great Migration, in Tanzania and Kenya, is one of nature’s greatest events, but how do you know where and when to go to actually witness it? The vast Serengeti plains and the hills of Kenya’s Masai Mara are the setting for the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle, the 1.5 million animal ungulate (wildebeest) migrations. Over 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa’s great predators, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.

Once the ‘short rains’ fall in November and December (sometimes as early as October) the migration moves from Kenya’s Masai Mara down through the eastern side of Tanzania’s Serengeti into its sweet and fertile southern-grass plains. Here, the wildebeest and other ungulates settle between January and April. In April and May the ‘long’ rains set in and the migration starts moving from the depleted southern plains north to the long grass plains in the western corridor. Large river crossings on the Grumeti and Mara Rivers occur as the migration heads back into Kenya’s Masai Mara – the season dries out and fresh grazing and water can be found in the far north. The Masai Mara is usually at its best in August, September and October.

Will I be able to Charge My Electronic Devices on Safari?

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, and some lodges turn off their generators at midnight. Some of the campsites offer outlets in the dining area. Campsite etiquette dictates a first- come-first-served principle. Our safari jeep have charging ports that you can use to charge your phone/camera & laptop while you’re on safari with us.

What type of safari jeep is used on a safari?

We use a combination of 4×4 4WD open roof Land Cruisers & Land Rovers to maximize our viewing opportunities in the field. Our vehicles feature pop-top roofs for all-around visibility, and open center aisles for flexible maneuvering when stopped. All of our vehicles conform to safety regulations and are custom-built to take the rigors of a safari. All vehicles are driven by our experienced and highly knowledgeable local guides, who are integral in explaining the intricacies of the ecological principals or animal behavior that you’ll be witnessing. Our vehicles provide maximum safety as well as ease of viewing. Many of our safaris take place in national parks and reserves, whose regulations require us to stay inside our vehicles due to danger from wild animals.

How many people are typically on your safaris?

Our standard Land Cruisers allow for a maximum of six travelers, plus a guide/driver. Our minimum group size is generally 12, with a maximum of 100 plus on our Safari, which uses regular Land Cruisers instead of extended ones. It is common to have group sizes smaller than 20, which will give you more exclusive time in the vehicles each one having 6pax with your driver/guide.

Game drive in Tanzania safari tour?

There are usually two game drives per day, one in the morning and another one in late afternoon. Our drivers are not limited by the amount of driving that they can do in a day and are masters in reading the environment to place you in the most promising locations to wildlife, there are always opportunities for impulsiveness in our tours.

Is Tanzania a good destination for family safaris?

Yes, traveling to Tanzania can be incredibly rewarding for families. We provide excellent kid friendly guides and try to limit the amount of time spent in a vehicle on all of our family safaris in Tanzania There are always opportunities for stops along the way to interact in local communities and visit markets or schools. For families with children, Tanzania is the best destination to visit and explore with your family, whether your tour leaders/agents we give your tourists group unforgotten experience, we can also customized your itinerary according to your wishes.

Can I create a custom safari tour of Tanzania?

Absolutely Yes, Our safaris can be customized to focus on wildlife safari, photography, cultural tour, (combo safari) trekking and safari, flying safari or other general interests of the participants. In fact, nearly all itineraries are developed based on the desires of our customers. Our safaris provide the perfect adventure for families, couples or individuals and we are happy to cater to special interests and requests to our travelers.

Do you offer the airport transfer?

Yes we offer airport pick up and drop off even bus station/shuttle just share with us your arrival details and our representative will come with your names at the airport(JRO/ARK) for picking up you and transfer you to hotel/hotel Please provide us with your flight details (arrival time + flight number)

Can I Request Special Diet for Safari?

Yes, of course. Just because you’re on safari doesn’t mean you can’t eat how you want or need to! We want to make sure all our guests are well fed and watered. We can cater for most dietary requirements, whether they’re medical (Coeliac, food allergies), ethical (vegetarian, vegan) or religious (kosher).We do need advance notice so that we can prepare everything for you, so make sure you tell us beforehand.

A valid passport is necessary.

         Visas can be obtained at all points of entrance including the Embassy, pot and border.

Insurance

         It is strongly advised that you take out fully comprehensive insurance including death, medical expenses, injury, delays, loss and damage of property. We will not be held responsible for any such claims.

Liabilities

All persons carried on the companies vehicles are governed by the respective laws of the land and all claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Tanzania.

Wears and accessories

Safari lightweight cotton trousers, shorts and shirts, cotton bush jacket / fleece, safari boots, hat, t-shirts, scarf, flashlight, travel alarm clock and sunglasses.

Mountain wear and accessories, Anorak, fleece, pants, short and long sleeves t-shirt, gloves, thermal underwear, hat, balaclava/woollen hat, walking boots, woollen socks, gaiters, crampons, sun glasses / snow goggles, thermal water bottle, head lamp, walking pole, toiletries, chronographic wrist watch, sunscreen lotion, lip salve, Swiss army knife, hand towel, four- season sleeping bag, day pack, first aid kit and back pack cover.

Luggage recommended:

A soft bag weighing maximum of 15kg per person. A reasonable amount of photographic equipment is allowed.

Safari inclusion

• Government imposed increase of park fees, car entrances fees and/or taxes Park fees (for non-    residents)

• All activities (unless labelled as optional)

• Meals (as specified in the day by day section)

• Drinking water (on all days)

• All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)

• Accommodation on the day before the tour departs Roundtrip airport transfer

• Camping equipment

• Sleeping bag

• Bath towels

• A professional driver/guide

• All transportation (unless labelled as optional)

• All Taxes/VAT

• 2nights full board in Arusha Hotel before and after safaris

• Pick Up and Drop off at the airport

• Sleeping bags

• Value added services Safaris Exclusion

• Accommodation on the last day

• International flights (from/to home)

• Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)

• Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)