Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TYPES OF SAFARIS
Vehicle Safaris
In many parks, due to park regulations, vehicle safaris are the only option. In the northern
parks, vehicle safaris must be done in a 'closed' vehicle, which means a vehicle with closed
sides, although there is almost always an opening in the roof, which allows you to stand up,
get a better view and take photographs. These openings are sometimes just a simple hatch
that flips open or comes off, or (better, as it affords some shade) a pop-up style roof. In
Selous Game Reserve, some of the southern parks and Katavi National Park, safaris in open
vehicles are permitted. These are usually high vehicles with two or three seats at staggered
levels and a covering over the roof, but open on the sides and back. If you have the choice,
open vehicles are best as they are roomier, give you a full viewing range and minimise bar-
riers. The least-preferable option is minibuses, which are sometimes used, especially in the
north. They accommodate too many people for a good experience, the rooftop opening is
usually only large enough for a few passengers to use at a time and at least some passengers
will get stuck in middle seats with poor views.
Whatever type of vehicle you are in, avoid overcrowding. Sitting uncomfortably
scrunched together for several hours over bumpy roads puts a definite damper on the safari
experience. Most safari quotes are based on groups of three to four passengers, which is
about the maximum for comfort in most vehicles. Some companies put five or six passen-
gers in a standard 4WD, but the minimal savings don't compensate for the extra discomfort.
Night drives are permitted in Lake Manyara National Park, in wildlife areas adjoining
Tarangire National Park and inside Tarangire park - the latter for guests of certain lodges
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Walking Safaris
Places where you can walk in 'big game' areas include Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha,
Mikumi, Katavi, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Arusha National Parks. There are
also several parks - notably Kilimanjaro, Udzungwa Mountains, Mahale Mountains and
Gombe parks - that can only be explored on foot. Short walks are easily arranged in Ru-
bondo Island National Park.
Most walking safaris offered are for one to two hours, usually done in the early morning
or late afternoon and then returning to the main camp or lodge or alternatively to a fly camp.
Not much distance is covered; the pace is measured and there will be stops en route for ob-
servation, or for your guide to pick up an animal's track. Some walking safaris are done
within park boundaries, while others are in adjacent areas that are part of the park ecosystem.
Multiday walks are possible in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park and
Selous Game Reserve.
