Introduction:
Group joining safaris in Tanzania are primarily focused for solo travelers and couples who are travelling on a tight budget. Number of clients in a group joining safari ranges from 4 to 7 people from diverse backgrounds.
For customers travelling with children, family, elderly or professional wildlife photographers we highly recommend a private safari, as it would give you a great degree of flexibility, privacy and an overall personalized and delightful experience.
Before you go ahead and make your choice of safari, the information below will provide you a good insight on what suits you best.
SAFARI VEHICLE:
The vehicle used for Safaris is 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with popup roof top with a maximum seating capacity of up to 7 clients + driver. For smaller group sizes, a truncated land cruiser that can seat up to 4 clients + driver will be provided.
PICK-UP:
GROUP JOINING SAFARI
Pick up will be provided from any hotel within Arusha/Moshi town (or Dar es Salaam for southern Tanzania safaris) between 6:30 – 8:30 AM(depending on itinerary). For Clients staying outside Arusha/Moshi, transport can be arranged to the starting point of the safari at an extra fee. We advice customers to arrive a day earlier in Arusha/Moshi as this would provide sufficient time for resting and also for a brief overview of the safari.
PRIVATE SAFARI
Pick up will be provided from any hotel within Arusha/Moshi (or Dar es Salaam) town between 6:30 – 8:30 AM. Since it is a private safari, start time from Arusha/Moshi can be flexible to an extent. For clients staying outside Arusha/Moshi, transport can be arranged to the starting point of the safari at an extra fee. We advice customers to arrive a day earlier as this would provide sufficient time for resting and also for a brief overview of the safari.
DELAYS:
GROUP JOINING SAFARI
In case of any delays due to flight or unforeseen circumstances, group joining safari customers can be provided with private transport to join the group that has already departed at an extra charge.
Note that extreme delay could also result in customers not doing any game drive on Day 1 of itinerary.
PRIVATE SAFARI
In case of any delays due to flight or any unforeseen circumstances, safari vehicle will wait for clients.
Note that extreme delay could also result in customers not being able to do any game drive on Day 1 of itinerary. (Game drives are only allowed between 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM in all parks/reserves)
BRIEFING AND BALANCE PAYMENT
Briefing about the safari and the balance collection will be done one day prior to safari start day, but if customers are staying outside the city or arriving on the start day itself, it will be done on the day of the safari
SAFARI DECORUM:
GROUP JOINING SAFARI
Customers in group joining safaris are requested to maintain group decorum and not cause inconvenience to fellow travelers.
It is highly expected in the interest of all customers to rotate seats during the safari with mutual understanding. Any and all disputes regarding seating will be decided by the driver/guide as per their judgment.
PRIVATE SAFARI
These issues will not exist in a private safari but it is highly expected of our clients and also our guides vis-a-vis to have a sense of mutual respect of views, opinions and cultures
SAFARI/ DRIVE DURATION:
GROUP JOINING SAFARI
Total travel time for group joining safaris will be about 9-11 hours per day (inclusive of pick up from hotel, game drive, drop back to hotel) and cannot be customized. In group joining safaris, clients staying at different accommodations in/around the national parks can sign up for the same tour. So clients will spend additional driving time (of 20-40 min usually) before/after game drives every day compared to private safaris.
PRIVATE SAFARI
Game drive timings for private safaris are flexible and as per the request of customers. However note that game drives are allowed only between 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM in all the parks and reserves.
LUGGAGE:
Customers opting group safaris are requested to bring only one duffel bag or backpack per client. Having more luggages will cause great inconvenience to fellow travelers and also congest the vehicle.
Add-on Activities:
Customers in private safaris can opt for Add-on activities (at extra cost) while on safari like Masai village visit, visit to Olduvai gorge e.t.c.
In group joining itineraries, some of the Add-on activities may not be possible as the entire group needs to stick to the same schedule. If everyone in the group unanimously agree on the add-on activity, it can be possible.
CONCLUSION:
On the whole, private safari and group joining safari have their own pros and cons. If you are looking for a little extra comfort, convenience and your own schedule, Private safaris are the way to go. However, for those on tight budget and are travelling solo, group joining safaris are a good value for money
