FAQ

Best place to go on safari

Safari in Kiswahili, the language of East Africa, simply means a journey. Today it is synonymous in English referring a wildlife viewing adventure in the African Bush. Tanzania is the only destination of choice in Africa where you can experience an abundance of wildlife in unspoiled wilderness. You cannot easily beat the wildlife concentrations found in Tanzania. The National parks and wildlife reserves of Tanzania are inhabited by vast herds of wildebeest and zebra spread out across the Serengeti savanna, huge populations of elephant buffalo and impala, as well as predators and other plains game. All these animals interact and roam freely for thousands of years. Here you'll witness an incredible diversity of ecology and will find the unbelievable vegetation and bird life as fascinating as the big game. Tanzania also boasts a remarkable number of World Heritage Sites including, Serengeti National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Selous Game Reserve (this reserve alone is the size of Denmark) Tanzania is the only country that protects over 25% of its land through national parks and reserves in the continent, This is the home to 90% of the film series produced on African animals.

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Migration

Every year, over one million wildebeest move through the Serengeti plains in search of food and water. The phenomenon of these animals moving en mass through the African savanna is known as the Migration. Their movement is driven by the seasonal rains that water their grazing pastures. It is impossible to predict in advance exactly how or when this progression will take place, but there is a pattern. Generally from mid-December through May the herds are feeding in the southern Serengeti. During February thousands of calves appear on the plains. Between June and July, the wildebeest begin their annual migration north reaching the Mara River that marks the Kenyan border sometime between the end of July and beginning of August. After the first short rains, usually in the beginning of November, the herds move back into Tanzania's Serengeti and make their way to the southern pastures where they rest and feed through the rains until their search for better grazing leads them to begin their annual migration once again. Even when the "migration" moves into Kenya for the summer months, there are many resident herds in the Serengeti and there is always an incredible array of wildlife to experience there. Also, in the summer months, which are the heights of the dry season, thousands of elephant congregate around the Tarangire river This park is at its prime during these months and we adjust our itineraries to take advantage of the prime wildlife viewing there. Each time of year Duma Expeditions offers the visitor to Tanzania a special opportunity for wildlife viewing.

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The best place to go for wildlife viewing in Africa

Most people have heard of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater one of the wonders of the world and the wide array of wildlife dwelling on the crater floor. Most have heard of the vast Serengeti savanna the endless plain, which hosts the annual Migration of Wildebeest and the predators that follow in its wake. You can't beat northern Tanzania National parks for wildlife concentrations although you might be interested in southern parts as well. This is only the beginning of the natural phenomena awaiting your discovery on a safari to Tanzania. Clients of Duma Expeditions consistently tell us the wildlife they experienced far surpassed their most optimistic expectations.

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Animals you can expect to see on safari in Tanzania

Tanzania is home to over 35 species of large four-legged mammals and has over 1,000 species of birds listed. On a typical safari in northern Tanzania you can expect to see elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, baboon, monkeys and a variety of plains game such as wildebeest, hartebeest, zebra, impala and gazelle. Most people see lion and hyena, and possibly cheetah or leopard. In Ngorongoro Crater you may see one of the few remaining black rhino to be found in Tanzania. You'll undoubtedly see several different species of mongoose and some hyrax and other small mammals. If you're lucky you'll see one or more of the smaller cats, foxes, wild dog or the more reticent antelope like lesser kudu, bushbuck, Oryx or eland.

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The best time of year to go on safari in Tanzania

All the year round except during the long rains (April & May) is a wonderful time to be on safari. At Duma Expeditions we adjust our safari itineraries to take advantage of the best possible spots for game viewing in accordance with the seasonal concentrations of wildlife.

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Interaction with the local people of Tanzania

The vast majority of Tanzanians are still living very close to their traditional lifestyles. Most of the people are subsistence farmers. The Maasai people, favored by photographers for their strikingly colorful décor, live a pastoral existence following their herds of cattle to better grazing areas, still adhering to the traditions and ceremonies of their ancestors. Their "villages" are located throughout northern Tanzania. Other small tribes of hunter-gatherers, living according to their ancient customs and traditions can also be found in this area. At Duma Expeditions we consider the cultural component of any safari to be subtle yet essential. All of our guides are Tanzanian born. They are an excellent resource to help you gain greater insight into the local culture. We don't promote specially staged dances and tourist oriented presentations. Instead, on most of our trips, we begin with a visit to a traditional village where you are welcomed as friends of Duma Expeditions into their lives and invited to get to know them as they get to know you. As we drive between parks, we pass many villages and Masai Bomas giving you further glimpses into the lives of the Tanzanian people. We also offer a special trip in which our guests travel well off the beaten path to spend time among the Hadzabeg people and observe their ancient hunter-gatherer ways.

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Tailor made custom safari

We would be delighted to work with you to help you and your family, friends or organization plan the best possible safari to match your interests and budget. We organize custom safaris for professional photographers, honeymoon couples, families and many museums and educational institutions.

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Children on safari

Duma Expeditions has a personal understanding and deep commitment to meeting the special needs of families. We have designed our unique family safari programs to allow you and your children to experience the wonders of Africa together. Safari Guides who enjoy and relate to children You'll have a chance to deepen your understanding of cultural diversity, discover the many miracles of nature, and at the same time play, laugh, and enjoy the pleasure of one another's company. Our trips are well suited for children six years and older.

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Accommodations

Our safaris offer a wide range of safari styles to suit your interests and budget. Please see our brochure for a description of the different types of accommodations we use on our trips.

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Size of your safari groups

Small. Our scheduled safaris vary in size depending on the nature of the safari. We keep our groups small (the very maximum is 15 people) to allow a more intimate connection with the African bush.

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Expected weather in Tanzania

Located at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,600 feet, northern Tanzania's dry sunny climate is nothing like the steamy African jungle of Tarzan movies. The weather is spring-like year round, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, evenings in the 60s. From June until August, temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from the 50s to the mid-70s. The coastal and lowland areas tend to be more tropical in temperature.

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Clothes to bring on safari

Safari dress is comfortable and casual - layers are recommended. Keep it simple and bring things you don't mind getting dusty. After you have booked your safari, we send you a pre-departure information booklet including a detailed packing list to help you prepare for your safari.

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Meals

You will be pleasantly surprised by both 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. If you choose a camping safari, fresh meat and produce is prepared by our expert chefs to the highest sanitary standards. Most returning guests rave about our camp food!

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Safaris safety

Today's modern safari is a far cry from the rugged safaris of the past. After a stimulating day of game viewing, you can relax at comfortable, attractive lodges, with amenities like swimming pools, full service restaurants and en-suite bathrooms. Located right in the scenic settings of the wildlife reserves, the lodges are close to nature… but not too close for comfort. Tanzania is one of Africa's most stable countries, where you'll receive a warm welcome from its gracious people. Every care is taken to ensure your health and safety on safari.

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Water availability

We provide bottled water on game drives and in our Classic Camps, and you can purchase good quality bottled water at all the lodges and most camps.

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The best time to book for your Safaris

It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel, especially during the peak seasons (February, July & August and Christmas time). This is especially important for those wishing to travel on private custom safaris and those adding extensions to the scheduled trips.

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Mode of payment for your safari

Unfortunately we have not yet started credit card facilities but soon we will. You will be required to pay your deposit by Bank transfers, The balance is due 50 days prior to departure and is payable by Bank transfers For late booking arrangements can be done to pay by Travelers check or Cash USD, Euros or Sterling Pound on arrival at our office.

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Vaccinations

It is always best to consult your doctor or travel clinic for Travel advice. The minimum requirements for entry into Tanzania are a yellow fever vaccination and anti-malarial medication. Bear in mind that you will be staying in camps and lodges oriented to meet the needs of American and European guests.

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Passports and Visas:

The first thing you will need is a passport valid for 6 months beyond your planned travel date. Visas will not be issued otherwise. If you are landing in Nairobi, Kenya they now require a visa (transit visa for $20 which can be purchased on arrival and departure) and you can acquire a visa for entry into Tanzania at the border or when you land. The current fee is $50 US, correct change is useful. If you want to acquire your visa prior to travel, you can reach the Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania at:

http://www.tanzania.go.tz/immigrationf.html