Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari Independent Adventure

For this 4 day lodge safari in Tanzania, you will be accompanied on your trip by a G Adventures driver/guide. All of our driver/guides are certified safari guides, and are of course very skilled and experienced drivers. With years of experience taking wildlife seekers into the wildlife parks of Tanzania, our local driver/guides are exactly what will make your safari a success.

3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Included in your tour price are 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners. The breakfasts and dinners are provided at the lodges in which you are accommodated, and lunches on days 1, 3, and 4 will be packed lunches eaten in picnic areas. All meals you have during your trip will be prepared from fresh local produce. The lodges cater to vegetarians; for that, any other dietary requirements, please inform G Adventures prior to arrival. Please note all bottled drinking water will be at your own expense.

7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle.

This trip is done in private 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles. With sliding windows and a large pop-up roofs, these vehicles are designed for wildlife viewing. Road conditions can run the full range of conditions from new to very poor. This style of travel is the best under the local circumstances, as the seats are comfortable and having our own private vehicle allow us the flexibility of making stops when needed, and to stay and watch that crouching lion prepare for an attack.



Speed governors set to 80kph are used on all vehicles to ensure a safe driving speed. Please note for your own safety it is mandatory to wear your seat belt at all times when in a vehicle. All G Adventure vehicles are regularly serviced and follow a strict maintenance schedule. However given the long travel days and rough conditions of many of the roads in Africa, vehicles can and do breakdown on occasion. If such situations occur all drivers are trained mechanics and any vehicle issues are rectified as quickly as possible so as to not disrupt your trip. Your patience is requested if the vehicle you are traveling in happens to encounter a mechanical fault.



Land Transfers & Included Tours/activities: Many of the land transfers and included tours will be by private van, car or taxi, while others may be shared with other travellers depending on availability, nature of the activity and destination. For transfers, you may have a local non English-speaking driver only, for included tours, you will be accompanied by an English speaking local guide.

Mobile tented camp (2 nts), permanent tented camp (1 nt).

Serengeti National Park

Tortilis Tented Camp is a mobile tented camp strategically located to cover the wildlife routes and migration corridors of the vast Serengeti Plains. The camp offers unique comfortable accommodation in a traditional time-honoured safari style and provides you with the opportunity to enjoy a real safari camp experience. A cosy mess tent is located in the centre of the camp where the finest in bush cuisine is served by the dedicated safari crew. The evening unwinds around the campfire, during which you get a chance to learn about the fauna and wild life from your CEO driver / guide, discuss the arrangements for the following day with your CEO or simply soak up the nocturnal orchestra that pervades around the bush.



Ngorongoro Crater

Ngoro Ngoro Wild Camp is located overlooking Lake Eyasi in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Spacious walk in tents are tastefully furnished. Relax on the verandah and enjoy the Lake Eyasi view as you watch the sun rise or set before heading out on your safari.



A variety of accommodation standards are available for Independent tours, see your dossier for the accommodation class specific to your tour. Please remember that hotel/lodge/camp standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.



Note:

1) Under certain circumstances we reserve the right to change accommodation and provide something slightly different to what is described, though it will always be of similar or better standard/level.

2) Most lodges do not have 24hr electricity - they usually run on generators which are routinely shut off overnight from approximately 10pm to 5am.

3) Internet is not available at the lodges.

4) Lodges are NOT equipped with fans or air conditioning due to the electricity constraints listed above.



If you have booked this tour for 1 traveller, you will have your own room throughout. If you have booked this tour 2+ travellers, you will be sharing a twin-room/s throughout.

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.



This tour begins early in the morning of Day 1 in Arusha. Accommodation in Arusha is not included but can be arranged at the time of booking with G Adventures. We recommend that you arrive a day early as your tour departs at 730am on day 1; please let us know where you are staying the night before Day 1, so that we can arrange your pickup point accordingly.

Similarly, this tour arrives back into Arusha on day 4, in the late afternoon, so you may also choose to pre-book a post-tour accommodation in Arusha.



If you are booking accommodation on your own outside of Central Arusha, please provide us with the hotel name and address at time of booking so we can advise you of the appropriate pick up time and whether any extra transport charges will be incurred.



International flights and some domestic flights into the area actually arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, and if you require, you may be picked up directly from the airport on day 1 for an extra charge.



If arriving into the Arusha Domestic airport on the morning of Day 1, please inform us and we can arrange to commence the tour from there. Whatever your arrangements may be, please be very specific about your requested pick-up point at time of booking the tour.

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel or refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.



AIRPORT TRANSFER 

If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:



Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.



EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

G Adventures Local Representative (Tanzania)

Mussaddiq

During office hours, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm local time

From outside Tanzania: +255 27 250 7322 or +255 27 250 3929

From within Tanzania: 027 250 7322 or 027 250 3929



After office hours emergency number

From outside Tanzania: +255 754 400 141 or +255 784 400 141

From within Tanzania: 0754 400 141 or 0784 400 141



G Adventures Local Office (Nairobi, Kenya)

Emergency number:

From outside Kenya: +254 727 208 832

From within Kenya: 0727 208 832



If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.



Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100

Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000

Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000

Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618

Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307

Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

This tour ends upon arrival into Arusha in the afternoon of day 4. Though this tour does not include accommodation in Arusha, you may choose to pre-reserve a room at our finishing point hotel for after your tour through G Adventures.

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack, no larger than 30cm(height) x 30cm(width) x 60cm(length), maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced, and due to limited vehicle capacity, the cost of transporting any luggage beyond these restrictions is the responsibility of the client. Please note, if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage and wish to leave a portion of it at the start hotel, this is indeed possible as storage facilities are available.



It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. Light, quick-drying, practical clothes are advisable for this safari trip. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable for your time in Arusha.

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: The climate in East Africa varies between the dry and rainy season. Please ensure you bring a windproof rain jacket if you are travelling between April & May, October & November.

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels and lodges for a charge. You should write a list of items that you send for washing. It will be difficult for hotels to have your laundry ready if you arrive in the late afternoon and leave the next morning, so the lodge in the Serengeti would be best, since you are there for 2 nights.

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.



Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here





Tanzania Host information for the online Visa application for travellers:

1) Host – G Adventures

2) Full Name - G Adventures

3) Email – experience@gadventures.com

4) Relationship – Tour Operator

5) Mobile No - +255 754 400 141

6) Company Name / Organisation registration No - G Adventures

7) Physical Address: P.O.Box 1912, Boma Road, Arusha



IMPORTANT NOTE:

It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country. Please check in with your local consulate and health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.



Information is accurate as of March 1st, 2024.

American Dollars that are series 2006 or earlier are not accepted and very difficult to change in Southern and Eastern Africa, because of past forgeries.



REGIONAL INFORMATION

Climate

There are generally two rainy seasons - the short and the long rains. The short rains normally occur from late October through November, and the long rains from late March through to early June. A good time to visit is between late June and October when the rains have finished and the air is coolest. Alternatively, from late December to early March is another good time to visit, just after the short rains, but before the long rains; this is the warmest time of the year. The highest season for travellers into the region is in January and February, when the hot, dry weather is generally considered to be the most pleasant.



Electricity

The electric current in Tanzania operates on 230V, 50Hz.



Language

The official languages are Swahili and English. There are also numerous dialects spoken throughout.



TANZANIA - Offical Statistics

Full country name: United Republic of Tanzania (Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania)

Area: 945,087 km2

Population: 38,329,000-July 2005 est (34,443,603-2002 census)

Capital city: Dodoma

People: 99% native African (over 100 tribes), 1% Asian, European and Arabic

Languages Swahili, English, indigenous.

Religion: 40% Christian, 33% Muslim, 20% indigenous beliefs

Government: Republic (multi-party state)

President: Benjamin William Mkapa

Major industries: Tobacco, sugar, sisal, diamond and gold mining, oil refining, cement, tourism

Major trading partners: India, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Rwanda, the Netherlands, South Africa, Kenya, U.K., Saudi Arabia, China Currency: Tanzanian shilling



INTERESTING FACTS

• The name is name made up from an amalgamation of TANganyika and ZANzibar.

• Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa (although not in Africa as a whole, the Sudan is 3 times larger); it’s landmass covering an area of just over 945,087 sq. km (including Zanzibar).

• This makes Tanzania about the size of France, Germany and Switzerland combined; 3 times the size of the entire British Isles or one-tenth the size of the whole of the USA.

• Tanzania’s population at the last official census was 31.3 million, with approximately one third being classified as “urban”.

• Agriculture forms roughly half of GDP and agriproducts (e.g.: coffee, tea, tobacco, cashew nut, sisal, cotton) some 75% of export earnings. Dodoma, in central Tanzania, is the political capital of the country although Dar es Salaam is the effective trading and business capital, with its safe harbour ("Dar es Salaam” means “Haven of Peace”), international airport and population of some 1.75million.

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH).



Shillings can be obtained locally by changing foreign currency or by using ATMs (where available) which will disperse local currency. Your CEO will inform you where you can change money throughout the tour and approximately how much money you will need for each country.

The easiest foreign currency to exchange for locally for any of the local currencies is the $US; however the British Pound and Euro may also be exchanged as well. Please note that due to past problems with forgery, $US notes that are older than year 2006 are not accepted in Africa.

Large note ($US 50, $US 100 etc) can be difficult to change in some places, but will gain you the best exchange rate.



If you plan to rely on cash, please bring foreign currency (Euro, Pound, USD) with you, as it is often expensive to buy these currencies locally. And in more rural areas, it is often not likely.

If you plan to buy your visas at borders, you will need to bring $USD cash to pay for these visas. Please note you cannot use the local currency or any other currency to buy these visas- they must be purchased in USD.



Please do not bring Travellers’ cheques toAfrica. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places.



Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. it is harder to find machines Mastercard/Cirrus cards. We highly recommend that if you hold a Mastercard, you obtain a Visa card prior to departure and travel with both. This is also useful should somethingunforeseen happen to one of your cards during your travels.

While there are many ATMs in the major centres, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank.



Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. The majority of our optional activities can also be paid by credit card. Your CEO will advise on these.



Please note that in many areas there may be occasional power-outages, where there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.

A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.



As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

USD30, usually included in most international air tickets.

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion.



Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward.



You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per person format:



CEO: $5 USD (per day)

Driver: $5 USD (per day)

Supply crew: $2-5 USD (per day)



Local guides: $1 USD (per couple of hours)



Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the cost of the bill

Serengeti National Park
- Serengeti Balloon Safari

We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.

 

 

Yellow Fever Certificate Note: (Updated: May 2023)

 

It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to the following G Adventures-visited countries from a Yellow Fever endemic country:



-           Botswana

-          Ethiopia

-          Kenya

-          Madagascar

-          Malawi

-          Mozambique

-          Rwanda

-          South Africa

-          Swaziland

-          Uganda

-          Zambia

-          Zimbabwe

 

For some of these countries, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is also required for passengers who have travelled more than 12 hours through the airport of an endemic country. If other countries not endemic to Yellow Fever have been visited after visiting an endemic country, then a Yellow Fever certificate may still be required on entry. Please check country-specific regulations before your departure.

 

 

Malaria

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is present in some regions in Africa. Risk of malaria can increase during periods of heavy rain, during the rainy seasons, and in densely populated areas of Southern & East Africa. To prevent malaria, we recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis), combined with regular use of insect repellent spray/cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time, we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.



Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.



Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety.



Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.



We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:





www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

Arusha

-People are generally friendly in Arusha, but don’t let people take advantage of you

-Always leave your passport (It’s better to carry a photocopy of it instead), traveller’s cheques, flight tickets and money that you won’t be using in the safe deposit in your hotel room
eception. This is free of charge to G Adventures clients.

-Remember that like in any other city, you should never leave your bags unattended, nor flaunt jewellery, cameras etc

-Please don’t wander through the city at night. Stick to the main streets only during the day, and after sundown, please take a taxi. Taxis can be organised from reception of your hotel. Also, take the address of the hotel with you.

-Beware of people approaching you on the street with an apparent interest of where you are from, and want to sit down and have a chat with you. These people are con men and will ask you for money.

-People on the street who ask you if you want a safari and have a brochure are often con men, best to avoid these folk. Besides, you’re already on safari!



Photography

Please refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration are border crossings, army barracks and personnel, or any government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated.

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts yourself and those around you at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.



G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.



Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.



Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com
ewsletters/



Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum age of 2 years for this trip.

Check-in times and baggage allowances
estrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Please note that when booking an independent tour you will need to contact a sales representative and provide the information for your first night hotel.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) who is a certified safari guide/driver.

G Adventures was established in 1990

Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.

It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.

https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/

https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/