These are some of the most common questions potential travelers ask. Is your question among them?
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It is as safe to travel to safari destinations as it is to go many places around the world. Destined To Travel works closely with DMC (Destination Management Companies) who advise if there is conflict or a potential threat to travel in their destination. If so, alternative arrangements may be made, depending on the situation.
Tanzania is the most stable country in the region. Since 2005 I have had no problems, no turmoil, no instability in this region.
It is best to consult with your physician or a travel clinic for specific areas you may be visiting. Destined To Travel recommends the following: Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Yellow Fever. Malaria prophylaxis (tablets) is always highly recommended.
In order for the logistics of a safari to work and come together, Destined To Travel offers a variety of properties, from tented camps, to lodges to cottages. Generally, you cannot expect to have running water or electricity in many of the remote tented camps. Showers are available ‘on demand’, termed a ‘bucket’ shower and water must be heated, and is a short brief shower, available to you at your request. Electricity is available at a central location, but not in your tent. There are many tented camps, however, in specific areas that offer both running water and electricity within the confines of your tent. All camps, lodges and accommodations booked by Destined To Travel, offer flush or 'camping' toilets, and indoor or attached outdoor showers. Typically, mobile tented camps that move quite frequently are not allowed to install pipes or anything in the ground, so instead of a flushing toilet , a 'camping' toilet may be present which is cleaned several times during the day.
The food in Africa is some of the best I have heard my clients talk about, this writer included. It is considered Pan-African cuisine, you would not consider it African cuisine, though many will have one dish that is considered ‘local’. Many of the camps can accommodate many different types of meals, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian.
The environment in Africa is one of the freshest, cleanest and clearest environments. There are days I consider ‘picture perfect’ with many animals around and still , no hint by the smell or the environment that they are there.
Typically, you can apply the weather patterns that occur in California to much of East Africa, with it’s very cool mornings and very cool evenings. Their winter is our summer, so June, July and August, it can get quite cool, similar to California’s winters. The days in the summer can be warm on safari, and averages in the 80 degrees. The season of the short rains are November and December and the long rains, usually towards the end of March, April and beginning of May. There are other countries in Africa where the weather patterns are extremely hot during their summer months.
In East Africa and South Africa, you would dress as you would at home, with certain conditions while on safari, which is detailed in information disseminated prior to your safari. In summary, the dress is extremely casual with limitations on specific colors, detailed in your safari information. In Zanzibar, which is 90% Muslim, short shorts are frowned upon, and although you may wear sleeveless tops, always keep in mind where you are, and you may be required to cover your shoulders and/or your head.