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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Where is the best place to go on safari?
Safari in Kiswahili, the language of East Africa, simply
means a journey. Today it is synonymous in English with a
wildlife viewing adventure in the African Bush. If your primary
reason for traveling to Africa is to experience an abundance of
African wildlife in unspoiled wilderness, then Tanzania should
be your destination of choice. Tanzania protects over 25% of its
land through national parks and reserves, more than any other
country on the continent. You simply cannot beat the wildlife
concentrations found in Tanzania. The parks and wildlife
reserves of Tanzania are inhabited by vast herds of wildebeest
spread out across the Serengeti savanna, huge populations of
elephant and buffalo, as well as plains game and their
predators. All these animals interact and roam freely, the same
as they have for thousands of years. Here you'll witness an
incredible diversity of ecology and will find the vegetation and
bird life as fascinating as the big game. This is the home to
90% of the film series produced on African animals. 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), Kilwa Kisiwani and the Songo
Mnara Ruins and Mafia Marine park.
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When is the best time of year to go on safari in Tanzania?
Anytime other than during the long rains (April & May) is a
wonderful time to be on safari. At MultiPark Excursions
we adjust our safari itineraries to take advantage of the best
possible game viewing in accordance with the seasonal
concentrations of wildlife.
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Where is the best place to go for wildlife viewing in Africa?
You simply can't beat northern Tanzania for wildlife
concentrations. Most people have heard of the spectacular
Ngorongoro Crater and the wide array of wildlife dwelling on the
crater floor. Most have heard of the vast Serengeti savanna,
which hosts the annual Migration of Wildebeest and the predators
that follow in its wake. This is only the beginning of the
natural phenomena awaiting your discovery on a safari to
Tanzania. Guests of MultiPark Excursions consistently
tell us the wildlife they experienced far surpassed their most
optimistic expectations.
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What kinds of animals will I see on safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania is home to over 35 species of large four-legged
mammals and has over 1000 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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What is the 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 height of the dry season, thousands
of elephant congregate around the Tarangire River. This park is
at it's prime during these months and we adjust our itineraries
to take advantage of the prime wildlife viewing there. Each time
of year offers the visitor to Tanzania a special opportunity for
wildlife viewing.
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Will I have a chance to interact 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.
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At MultiPark Excursions 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 MultiPark Excursions 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 Wahadza people and observe their ancient
hunter-gatherer ways.
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What if I want a 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 and families.
Click HERE to go to our
online Trip builder.
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Can I take my children on safari?
YES! MultiPark Excursions 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. 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.
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Will I stay in tents or lodges?
Our safaris offer a wide array of safari styles to suit your
interests and budget. Please see our website for a description
of the different types of accommodations we use on our trips.
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How big are 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, minimal 2 - 5 people) to allow a more intimate
connection with the African bush.
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What's the weather like 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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What clothes should I 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 through emails to help you prepare for
your safari.
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What's the food like?
On Safari, 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!
On Kilimanjaro, dinners are typically a main course with
vegetable and salad. Chicken and fish are served at some of the
days during the climb, with pastas and rice dishes being served
in the middle of the climb while up high. Lunches are often on
the trail and usually consist of cold cuts and vegetables laid
out on a table so you can make your own sandwich. Fresh hot
vegetable soups are served at every meal, and packet soup is
available on request between meals as is coffee and tea.
Breakfast is your choice: granola, toast, fruit, eggs, and
sometimes pancakes or French toast. While hiking some people
have a favorite snack that they like; it is a good idea to bring
this from home.
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Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?
Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic
meals can easily be arranged with advanced notice. If you are
vegetarian or vegan you may wish to bring along some alternative
protein sources. If you have multiple food allergies, you'll
definitely want to bring along supplemental snacks. It is
important we know of any possible dietary restrictions as soon
as possible.
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Are safaris in Tanzania safe?
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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Is it OK to drink the water?
We provide bottled water on game drives and in Campsites,
and you can purchase good quality bottled water at all the
lodges and camps.
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Are there a lot of bugs in Tanzania?
There are more bugs in many places in the USA or Europe than
you will encounter on safari. Again, remember that most of the
areas you'll be visiting are arid (especially from July -
November). The bugs you will see are fascinating, but certainly
not anything to be concerned about.
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How far in advance should I book my safari?
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 (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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Can I use a credit card to pay for my safari?
We do not directly accept Credit Cards for your safari
deposit. But you can use your Credit Card for payment through
Western
Union. The balance is due a day prior to departure and is
payable through our Bank in Tanzania.
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What shots should I get?
For medical advice it is always best to consult your doctor
or travel clinic. 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 International
guests.
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What additional costs can I expect when I travel with
MultiPark Excursions?
Our safari packages include all accommodation and meals
while on safari, airport transfers, park fees and services of
MultiPark Excursions guides and drivers. It is customary to
tip your guide and driver, as well as the Cook or Camp staff if
you are camping during your safari. You will also need to pay
for your own beverages and personal items like laundry service
and phone calls. Before you come, you are responsible for any
passport and visa fees. We also highly recommend you purchase
travel protection insurance. And finally, if you know yourself
to be a big souvenir shopper you'll need to budget accordingly.
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Recommended tipping guidelines
- Porters USD $5 to $10 per porter per day
- Guide, assistant guide, cook USD $15 to 20 per person per day
Please note that tipping is customarily recommended, but depends
on your service satisfaction.
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