Klein's Camp Bedroom

 

 

 

Boma at Grumeti
River Camp

 

 

Make sure to take a
mental picture as
well - put down your
camera every once

in a while and
enjoy it live

 

 

Gourmet meals are
often served in
the bush

 

 

The acacia tortilis, one
of the quintessential
African trees

 

 

 

Crowned Crane

Safari Life

ACCOMMODATION: While on safari in Tanzania, one can expect comfortable beds, fresh linens, superb meals and hot (mostly) showers in en suite facilities. Many lodges and tented camps also provide amenities such as soaps, shampoos and insect repellents. Rooms and tents are either mosquito proof or offer mosquito nets over the bed. You will not find telephones or televisions (except for perhaps in larger cities like Arusha and Dar Es Salaam etc). You will find unexpected comfort and décor.

ROADS: When visiting remote areas or national parks and reserves, the roads could be rough and bumpy. Occasionally you will travel "off road," where it is possible that injuries may occur if for example a hidden pothole is struck. Most main roads are tarred, but not those in the national parks.

TYPICAL DAILY SCHEDULE ON SAFARI: All times are a guide only for a non-traveling day.* Times can and do change depending on local conditions.

Time Activity
6:00 am Wake up call. Light breakfast consisting of coffee, tea and snacks may be served.
6:30 am Depart on morning game drive, returning approximately 9:00 am.
9:00 am Full American breakfast will be served, which consists of a large selection of cereal, fruit, eggs, bacon etc.
10:00 am Second game drive, if desired. All Classic Escapes programs in East Africa offer 3 game drives per day. If not, relax around the pool and catch up on a good book or writing in your journal.
12:00 noon Return from second game drive.
1:00 pm Lunch is served (most likely in a buffet style). From now until afternoon game drive, your time is at leisure to read or relax.
4:00 pm Depart on afternoon game viewing activity.
6:30 pm Return to camp from third game drive before dark.
8:00 pm Dinner is served (sit down style).

*On travel days, you begin with a full breakfast, followed by a drive to your next destination. Usually this drive is not more than 4 hours in length. You arrive at your next lodge in time for lunch and your day's schedule continues as noted above.

GAME DRIVES: For the most part, game drives will be conducted in minibuses with a guaranteed window seat for each traveler. On some occasions, the lodges and camps chosen for your program will use their own open vehicles for game drives. Land Rovers will be used in the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

WALKING SAFARIS: Walking safaris may be offered from some lodges/camps on a request basis, usually at an additional cost. Some camps offer a hide within walking distance of the camp.

SATELLITE TELEPHONES: Telecommunications in the urban areas are easily accessible but please note that the safari lodges and camps you may be visiting could be located in very remote parts of East Africa and often do not have telephones. An increasing number of guests have been bringing satellite phones along with them on safari. As most people come on safari to "get away from it all," we feel that we must set some limitations on the use of these phones when on safari. We suggest the following guidelines on the use of satellite phones:

  1. Please ensure the ring tone is kept at a low volume to avoid disturbing other guests.
  2. Please use your phone in the privacy of your room and not any of the common areas: dining room, bar/lounge area, or on any of the vehicles or on game drives.
  3. Phones should be used for outgoing calls and to check messages only. Incoming calls, and the loud ringing that ensues, should be curtailed.

LAUNDRY: Laundry is available at most hotels, lodges and tented camps and there may be an additional charge for this service. The local staff may not wash underwear, due to prevailing local traditions. Typically, you will have time for laundry service at any locale where you stay two nights or more.

ELECTRICAL POWER ON SAFARI: Most lodges and camps on safari are situated in remote areas and have to generate their own electricity, which is done in a number of ways. Each camp has a generator that runs for about six hours per day (three hours in the morning and three in the afternoon when guests are out on activities). These generators then charge batteries located at each tented room or supply power to each guest lodge room. Typically, power will be available when you are in the lodge or camp, except for overnight. Therefore, it is imperative that you have your own flashlight handy. Electrical plug outlets are not usually available in guest rooms and therefore it may not be possible to use appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers during your stay. Solar heated water may be used for showers. Some lodges offer electricity 24 hours a day and the use of hair-dryers that are either located in the room or available at the front desk.

SMOKING POLICY: While on safari, there is a no-smoking policy at meals, on the vehicles, on the aircraft, and on boats (in fact anywhere where there is a fire hazard). If you are a smoker, there will be "smoke breaks" on the drives to keep you happy! Please respect this ruling.

DRINK POLICY: While on safari, coffee, tea and bottled water with meals will be included. In some Tanzanian lodges, iced tea or coffee is considered a separate beverage when ordered with the meal (as opposed to after the meal) and may charge extra. Bottled water is also available in the vehicles. In general, all other beverages such as soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included and will cost extra. Some of the more exclusive camps may include all beverages.

WILD ANIMALS: Many of the animals and reptiles you will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare. However, no safari in Africa can guarantee that such incidents will not occur. Please note that most camp and lodge areas are unfenced. Kindly make sure that you listen to and abide by the safety talks given by your guides or lodge/camp staff. Don't go wandering off on your own without a guide - even to your rooms. After retiring to your rooms at night, don't leave your rooms. If you are sensible, you will be safe.

FLASHLIGHTS As the grounds of many lodges/camps are unfenced it is essential that you bring a small flashlight (locally known as a torch) as you may encounter wild animals at night. You should also bring a spare globe as well as batteries as they are unobtainable en route.