We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Accordingly, you should allow US$40.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Tanzania |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$1.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
$20.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
UK, AUS, NZ. USA & CAN citizens need an entry visa. British citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival but this is subject to the fulfilment of all immigration requirements.
Other nationalities should consult their travel agent or consular office.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
We strongly recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and yellow fever. Please note you may be required to produce a valid yellow fever certificate on arrival in Tanzania. This includes travellers coming from Europe via, or transiting through, an endemic country including the airports of Nairobi (Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may also wish to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
The climate is tropical but varies greatly with altitude. Coastal areas are hot and humid, the central plateau dry and arid. It can be cold at night, particularly in June & July and at altitude. Generally the long rains arrive April/May and the short rains Nov/early Dec, although this pattern can be completely erratic.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of luggage and a daysac. Pack carefully as there are strict weight restrictions on the light aircraft used. Total allowance for main luggage: 33lbs/15kgs maximum. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage to and from hotels and transport – so don’t overload yourself.
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Clothing
Clothing should be lightweight. However, a warm sweater or fleece and a wind/water-proof jacket are advisable for early morning game drives. Take thermal underwear for the occasional very cold night at altitude at places like Ngorongoro (even in summer). A scarf is recommended as protection against dust and dirt on game drives. A waterproof is advisable.
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Footwear
Comfy shoes, trainers or sandals.
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Equipment
You will need a good insect repellent, suncream, sunglasses, sun hat a small torch and a personal water bottle.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
The Selous Game Reserve is the largest in Africa and more than four times the size of the Serengeti and covers five percent of Tanzania. Despite its size, the Selous is still relatively unknown except to the connoisseur and receives less than 3000 visitors a year. While we are here, we stay in a comfortable tented camp on the banks of the Rufiji River. The Rufiji is the largest river system in East Africa creating a string of small lakes and a large swampy area around the Mzizimia and Siwando lakes which attract abundant game. Untamed by the effects of tourism, the animals in the Selous are shy of humans. The Reserve is home to vast numbers of prey and predator alike. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and giraffe are some of the animals that we might see. Of the estimated 3000 African wild dog left in the wild, no fewer than 1300 of the continent’s population is found in the Reserve. Zanzibar is famed for its spices and Arab dhows, where we explore both Stone Town and the north coast. This is a trip for Africa lovers and discerning wildlife enthusiasts: escaping the better known game viewing areas in the north and penetrating into some of the Old Continent’s special secrets.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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