The Magical Tanzania Serengeti Safari

Tanzania’s hospitality industry has garnered a commendable reputation for its top-notch accommodations. With numerous award-winning camps and lodges scattered throughout the national parks, this industry caters to a discerning clientele with a taste for high-end experiences.

A trip to Tanzania is sure to provide visitors with a luxurious stay that is nothing short of exceptional. Whether nestled in a remote location by the Tarangire River, surrounded by the Serengeti plains, or treated to stunning views of the Great Rift Valley, guests can expect nothing less than the finest wines, chef-prepared meals and a suite of indulgences that are synonymous with deluxe four or five-star hotels.

To ensure that our guests receive nothing but the best, we have meticulously handpicked hotels that have been highly rated. Additionally, our staff members regularly visit these accommodations to ensure that the quality and service delivered to our guests are consistent with our exacting standards.

A game drive is an activity commonly organized in African game reserves and national parks where visitors go on guided tours to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

The drive can take place at different times of the day and typically lasts between 6-8 hours. Visitors are accompanied by experienced guides, who can offer insight into the different animals and birds encountered during the tour.

To maximize the chances of seeing animals, guides often use specialized vehicles that are open, allowing visitors to move around and observe wildlife from different angles. Game drives are popular with tourists as they provide a unique and unforgettable experience of the natural world.

Have you ever heard of a safari? Wondering what sets it apart from a regular vacation?

The term safari has roots in the Swahili language, signifying a journey and serving as the foundation for the verb “to travel” in this East African tongue. When seeking a remarkable safari experience, Tanzania reigns as the top destination throughout Africa. Not only does Tanzania showcase the biggest national parks, but it features UNESCO World Heritage Sites and lays claim to Africa’s highest mountain.

Serengeti National Park, located in Tanzania, has consistently been recognized as the leading safari destination in Africa for multiple years in a row. This accolade serves as a testament to Tanzania’s position as the top country for safaris in the continent, as Serengeti National Park has been awarded the title of ‘Best Safari Destination’ by experts, surpassing several national parks within Africa.

A safari in Africa offers more than just a mere vacation but a compelling travel experience. It is noteworthy that advertising ‘safaris’ at other destinations such as Thailand or India is significantly different and cannot be matched to an African safari. Additionally, these excursions to observe animals lack any historical relevance to the Swahili word ‘safari.

It is mandatory to have a visa for entry. The visa fee is USD 50 per individual, whereas US citizens are required to pay USD 100 per person. While it is possible to obtain visas on arrival, it is advisable to obtain them beforehand.

To safeguard against unforeseen events that may disrupt travel plans, travel protection plans offer a range of benefits including coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay, and other customizable options.

As a responsible travel operator, EAS Guides mandates all travelers to acquire essential Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation insurance protection. This rudimentary coverage, also known as Post-Departure or Travel Med, is available for as little as $60 per person and guarantees peace of mind during travel.

While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary to show appreciation for exceptional service. To assist you in determining an appropriate gratuity, below are some suggested tipping ranges per person per day/vehicle, based on the number of people in the vehicle:

– 6 people: $10 to $15 per person per day

– 4 people: $12 to $20 per person per day

– 2 people: $15 to $25 per person per day

If you are on a camping safari, it felt your chef should be tipped like the safari guide, as they work as a team. Most lodges/camps have a tip box at the front desk, and we recommend using it instead of tipping individuals so that everyone who contributed to your enjoyable experience can share in gratitude, including those working behind the scenes. In most lodging and hotels, it is usually for staff members to offer assistance with your luggage. While it is common to consider tipping as an appropriate gesture, the decision to do so is ultimately at your discretion.

About Kilimanjaro Tipping

These are our recommended tipping guidelines when trekking on Kilimanjaro (not per climber): Guides should receive $15/day, assistant guides should receive $10/day, cooks should receive $10/day, and porters should receive $5/day. For every 2 hikers, we suggest having 1 guide, for every 3 hikers, 1 assistant guide, and for every 8 hikers, 1 cook. The number of porters should meet the following minimums:

– 4 porters per hiker for the 8-day Lemosho Route (minimum of 8 porters)

In some cases, additional porters might be required based on luggage weight. We recommend a budget of $250-300 per hiker for tips during an 8-day trek.

While Tanzania is generally a secure country, it is advisable to exercise caution. Avoid attracting attention by keeping a watchful eye on your personal belongings. It is recommended to refrain from walking in towns or cities after dark and instead, opt for a taxi.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying valuable items like cameras, as these can make you a target for pickpockets. Use hotel safety deposit boxes and ensure to obtain a receipt to secure your valuable possessions. Consider leaving valuable jewelry at home to avoid any unwanted attention.

It is essential for all individuals traveling from yellow fever-endemic countries/regions to obtain the yellow fever vaccine. This requirement applies to individuals who are in transit for at least 12 hours or those who venture beyond the immediate airport premises in a yellow fever endemic area. Furthermore, individuals from yellow fever endemic regions traveling via air, marine, or land transportation must also meet this vaccination requirement. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the United Republic of Tanzania has reinstated HEALTH SURVEILLANCE DESKS in all border crossings, ports, and international airports. Therefore, it is crucial to carry your health certificates when entering Tanzania. While malaria is endemic in Tanzania, it is preventable by taking appropriate measures, including using insect repellent, protecting oneself at sundown, sleeping under a mosquito net, and taking anti-malaria prophylactics as prescribed by a medical professional. It is wise to bring prescription medication, spare glasses, contact lenses, solution, sunscreen, a first aid kit, cream for insect bites and stings, and medication for diarrhea.

About Covid-19

To enter Tanzania, travelers arriving from or transiting through Uganda or the DRC need to complete a Traveler’s Health Surveillance Form at least 24 hours before their arrival. The completed form will generate a Unique Health Code (UHC), which the traveler needs to present upon arrival. To access the form, please follow this link: https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz/. For those arriving directly in Zanzibar, please use this alternative link.

While proof of Covid-19 vaccination is not required, arriving guests are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. No RT-PCR certificates or Rapid Antigen tests are needed upon arrival; however, guests will undergo thermal and physical screenings. It is essential to review your airlines and international airport(s) pre-boarding testing requirements carefully. Kindly ensure you read and understand the full regulations to avoid any inconvenience during your travel and entry into Tanzania. A significant number of our visitors transit via Amsterdam, and it’s important to note that as of now, passengers who do not exit Schiphol Airport are not subject to Covid-19 testing protocols.