Experience

Francoline Adventure does not restrict your mileage during safari, game viewing within the parks is from 6am to 6pm, so we plan your itinerary according to the designated area for game drives on that given day thus park regulations must be observed (these are posted at each park entry point. If doubt please ask your guide).  

While some days you may decide to set out by sunrise, other days you can have a slower paced breakfast before start your daily exploration. In some parks, however, it is best to view game early morning and late afternoons as animals tend to be less active during the hot hours.  We recommend early game drives especially in Serengeti & Ngorongoro, where you can depart with breakfast boxes and lunch boxes.   Simply sit down with your guide at the end of the day to plan your safari schedule for the following day.

Your driver/guide will provide you with suggestions for game drives and other activities based on wildlife location & weather, but of course this is a private safari and is completely flexible – so you do have the freedom to choose how you wish to explore.  Patience is a key factor in wildlife viewing. We prefer not to race off to animal sightings, as it could be more rewarding to observe a certain animal’s behavior, and learn more about that animal as often something exciting always happens out in the bush! It will be of great benefit to you to communicate with your driver/guide on your interest in specific animals and what level of game drives fits your requirements. Rest assured your driver/guide will do his utmost to meet and exceed your expectations.

DUST AND ROAD CONDITIONS:

Many roads in the parks are unpaved, dusty and bumpy. Dust affects people with allergies to dust and those wearing contact lenses. Bumpy roads often cause problems to people who have back problems and old injuries (We will need to know well in advance if you do have problems that may be affected by drives on bumpy roads), we can provide additional back pillows for extra comfort.

While our vehicles are customized and equipped for rough roads, we still always recommend our guests to always fasten their seat belts and hold on when standing on their seat to enjoy the view through the popped-up roof. Please also make sure that your cameras and other electronic equipment are always safely stored in case of any damages due to bumpy roads.

TOILETS:

Throughout your safari, there are various areas with public bathroom facilities such as ranger stations, museums, visitor centers, camps, lodges and picnic sites.  At Lodges & most Tented Camps, flush toilets are available.  On camping safaris, Some toilets are flush type whilst others are pit latrines. (Please check to see first that it is safe before using.)

We recommend you have your own roll of toilet paper. Wet wipes are handy items to carry along as are miniature disinfectant spray bottles. If frequent bathroom stops are required, please speak to the driver/guide who will do his utmost to accommodate these stops.

BUGS:

Insects are present in significant numbers in Tanzania depending on location and weather. The altitude & temperate climate of North Tanzania result in lesser insect concentration than in other parts of Tanzania. Flies are a nuisance, especially near villages where cow dung is plentiful as well as near the Wildebeest migration, where herd droppings are plentiful.

Tsetse flies thrive mostly in thick bush & woodlands, their bites are painful and can sometimes cause an allergic reaction, with itchiness and swelling. (Fly Swats will be found handy!!) Mosquitoes, although present, are known to be not as active during the day as they are from dusk to dawn (mosquito repellant highly recommended)

We recommend that dark colored clothes are avoided and that when driving through insect infested areas, you wear light colored clothes, long sleeves, long pants, socks, (carry a swat) and make sure your windows are rolled all the way up.  You may want to consider bringing along some ‘Gear insect repellant” that you spray your clothes with the night before…

EXCURSIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Viewing wildlife from the vehicle is one way of experiencing Africa however the other way to experience African Nature is to be out a vehicle on walking Safari, cycling/quad biking, canoeing, Balloon Safari and a variety of cultural excursions that will give you the opportunity to see Tanzania from a different perspective! Of course, you are in no way obliged to take part in these activities just choose and pick whatever takes your fancy. Our activities are described in detail on our website.

Since you are on the level of the wildlife and out of the protection of a vehicle you feel more vulnerable. For many this slight element of risk only enhances the total wildlife experience. Although the organizers of these activities try as much as possible to avoid dangerous situations and train their guides accordingly, they do not have any control over irrational behavior of wild animals. All guests who participate in these activities must realize they are conducting a potential dangerous activity and there is always a risk of wildlife harming humans. These accidents are extremely rare but the organizers of these activities would like to make you aware of the risk.   Please note that this applies to all adventure excursions that you have chosen on your safari, whether it is a canoeing safari, trekking, night game drive, hot air ballooning, cycling or horse riding. These excursions, although exciting and adventure-filled, do carry an element of risk. (Whilst the organizers of these activities will try their best to ensure that our clients and staff are not in any danger, they will accept no liability in the event of any injury, death or damage to belongings in such situations).

A safari can be tiring thus Zanzibar Island is a tranquil.  Few days on the beach paradise at the Indian Ocean vacation in Africa, amidst soft and white sands are a great way to relax at the end of your trip. Thanks to its southern equator location, Zanzibar has a tropical climate allowing you to plan your seaside vacation in Eastern Africa at any time of the year without any extreme variability in temperatures.  The Island offers travelers the history enthusiast, the underwater realm explorer, coastal wanderer, the spice cuisine enthusiast or active-water buff and many more.  Zanzibar has varied beachfront and Stone Town hotels located in distinct areas of the island. Option include staying in the north, east, south and west sea sides to distinct, private islands like Mnemba and Chumbe.