07 mars 2015

How To Select The Best Tour Operator For Your Tanzania Safari

By Leslie Ball


Visiting East Africa for safari is one of the most important decisions that you can make in your life. Most people save money to go on African expeditions. It then goes without saying that all you need is value for your money. Planning is key to the success of your Tanzania safari the following are some factors you need to check to ensure you select the right tour company.

You might be wondering about the best time to travel. This country is too close to the equator and thus does not experience a summer and winter. Instead, seasons are divided into rainy and dry seasons. The most popular months for a safari are January to March and the high seasons of June and November.

One of the first things you need to check is your travelling visa. Travelers to this country are required to be in possession of a valid visa. These can be requested at any Tanzania embassy or consulate abroad. Make a point of informing yourself from official websites about visa requirements for your nationality. However, single entry visas can be obtained upon arrival at access point such as Dares salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar airports as well as Namanga entry point.

Another option is searching online. Most, if not all tour operators have websites which are used to market their services. Through a simple online search, you will be able to find a host of companies providing a wide range of safari packages. Similarly, you can get leads by reading reviews written in online travel advisory websites. Whichever the option you choose, it is important to get views from people who might have used services of that company in the past.

Another approach is asking for leads from your local tour agent. Travel agents act as the middlemen between tour operators and clients. You can learn a lot from the agent including which circuit and package will best fit your goals. Searching online is an alternative too, but ensure you check their services and reviews before dropping them an email.

Getting around can be tricky. Tanzania is a vast country with major cities separated by long distances. The major cities and towns are linked by airway. The road transportation network is the most commonly used. If you plan to use road transport in your tour, keep in mind that the roads here might not be as good as what you are used to.

The reputation of a tour operator is very crucial. First ensure you are dealing with a company that is licensed and registered by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators. Licensing and registration will give you an assurance that you are dealing with a legitimate company. Visit travel advisory websites and read what past clients think about services provided by that company.

A Tanzanian Safari can be your most thrilling and experience in life. However, the success of this travel will be dictated by how well you plan for it. Consider educating yourself on the requirements for the expedition, the best time to visit and qualities that constitute the right tour operator.




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