ABOVE
KILIMANJARO
EXPEDITIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS;

1: When should I book my safari?

Be sure to book your safari as far in advance as possible particularly if you plan to do a lodge safari and you are scheduled tight. It’s advised to make your booking as soon as possible, that will ensure availability at the time you decide to travel. Lodges in national parks have limited availability especially during the peak (Dec/Jan) and high season (June-Sept)

2: When is the best time of the year to go on safari in Tanzania?

Being tropical, certain roads in the wildlife parks in Tanzania are accessible at any time, if you mind “doing it in the dirt (during the long rains of April/May), even though it does not pour much now a days. Whatever conditions, anytime is wonderful period to be on safari in these tropical countries, depending on individual’s choices and interest. Most clients come during the summer season from June to late January.

3: Where is the best place to go on safari?

The Northern Circuit is world famous for its large concentration of wildlife. The parks are linked to one another and infrastructure is much better organized giving one a greater chance of enjoying the Big 5. Tanzania has lots of interesting places to be explored from 600m below sea level of the great lakes to a high altitude of about 6000m, and +300,000sq km land of protected natural wildlife parks and its geological and historical facts. This country is enriched with almost all natural resources (minerals, Gas, Sea, Lakes, Jungle, mountains), TZ consist over 120 ethnic tribes, many more languages and cultures and over 800 km stretch of warm, clear azure sea waters of the natural romantic ocean beaches. You surely can`t go wrong on selecting Tanzania as your holiday destination in East Africa.

Recently this July the President of the Republic of Tanzania inaugurated four new wildlife inhabited areas as National Parks, namely Nyerere National Park, Ikagera National Park, Nyanza National Park and Rungwe National Park.

4: Can I take my children on safari?

That would surely be the most wonderful and a highest looked up to, gifts amongst the many presents you have bought for your kids. They will always cherish and treasure it. Anwar (12) from Kazakhstan, despite his illness successfully summited Kilimanjaro Uhuru peak in six days with us in 2004.Meanwhile Skylar (13) from the USA in 2010 made it to the summit peak via the most difficult but scenic route up the massif trekking the Umbwe trail with no problems at all!

Above Kilimanjaro Safaris Company have personnel and experienced Guides who will safely support your little loved ones during your Mountain Trekking and safari holiday. Children aged 4-16yrs have special options designed for them depending on their preference like visiting Schools, purposely for making new e- pals with local children and sharing some ideas and playing traditional games and to gain a whole different experience.

5: What if I want a custom safari?

 Above Kilimanjaro Safaris company offers you a complete customer designed holiday package. We are always delighted to work with our clients or their touring agents/ organizers to plan the most suitable Safari Itinerary to match each individuals/groups interest, time and budget. We organize custom safaris for individuals, private groups, families, honeymooners, and Sports climbing. We can priory assist in requests about internal flight, train, ship/boat and land and hotel reservations.

6: Will I stay in tents or lodges?

This depends on someone`s wish. There are many luxury, standard and budget hotels, lodges, hostels, camping sites and tented luxury lodges around the cities and even within all National Parks and beach Resorts within our country. Most of the lodges in the parks are of high ranking, built using local traditional materials that makes them attractive with a different touch -Afri/Western styles. It is quite adventurous camping out deep in the African wilderness.

7: Are safaris in Tanzania safe?

AKE makes this safety a top most priority, precaution is taken to ensure your health and security during your safari holiday until your departure. This is where you will hear terms like Karibu sana= your most welcome, Salaama- peace greeting, mambo… poa = things. Cool and Kwaheri, fikka salama = farewell, safe journey, and if climbing you will hear pole pole = slowly-easy, such words being uttered over and over again…mind you Please don’t get bored its only part of the Tanzanian hospitality. Probably unbeatable by most Africa, Tz is one of the most democratic and politically stable Countries if not the world in general. It has very friendly and welcoming people. Our Guide/Driver listen, and will take you to the best, clean and safest lodges/campsites of your specification as well as colorful interesting market places.

8: Is it ok to drink the water?

While on the Safari or Mountain, we offer bottled mineral water for drinking. Water treating drugs are also obtainable in super markets, lodges, bars and small kiosks for reasonable rates. However, the price quadruplets as you distance yourself to remote areas, even though Pipe water is centrally treated by the water authorities.

 

 

9: What’s the food like on safaris and lodges?

Most of hotels and lodges cook traditional western style tasty meals that water your tongue and stimulate your appetite. Worry not about camping food, our highly experienced and handy chefs don’t mind cooking with you to make a nice dish of your own taste. Lunch boxes are served during long drives and game trekking. Our menu covers both vegetarians and others, however special diets are considered on request.

10: How many of the staff crew is coming with us?

During the Safaris and Camping Tours you are accompanied by the Tour guide who mostly happens to do the driving at the same time a safari chef(s) and the helper depending on the group size and while on the lodge safaris you travel with your tour guide only.

 

11: What mode of payment should I use?

Currently we would not accept credit cards (we shall keep you updated regarding this) deposits should be paid via bank electronic wire transfers only (SWIFT A/C). The advance down payment should be affected out 30 days prior to commencing your departure. * Please contact E-mail:

12: IS THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COST?

While on a safari AKE Company does not expect you to pay any more money other than what had been agreed upon the initial contract at the of booking in. Our packages are inclusive of all National Park and crater services fees, accommodation and triple full course meals per day, all motor vehicle transfers including airport and AKE staff services.

13: TIPPING/GRATUITIES: -

Even though it is customary to tip your driver or guide and camping crew while on safari or mountain expedition, our staff are strictly prohibited on pressing for tips or gratuities. We expect you to be kind and considerate enough on this issue, they are the ones who make your trip successful even though it all depends on the kind of services rendered by the individual. However, the only extra expenditures you might incur are for your personal effects, souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones back home. An extension of your tour itinerary will increase costs.

14: What to wear;

The climate in Tanzania can range from minus -0 to 36 Degrees Celsius depending on where you go. Light weight clothing in the tropics is the norm at the lowlands and on Safaris, Khaki, blue/green Jeans and grey to brown is most favorable. Although colorful shorts and bikini wear within the confines of your lodges/hotels/campsites, swim pools and beaches are acceptable, nudity is intolerable. Legg covering wrapper cloth is recommended especially in coastal areas and towns. Shades and hat/cap to screen you from the afternoon blaze, light trainer and sandals are also useful.