This blog is to assist you in gathering information. Post below a question.

We're getting some good questions lately, and even if we've covered many in emails & handbook we realize there is a lot to absorb, so thought we'd post the answers for all of you here on the blog.  Check back regularly and we'll keep updating the blog as we get more questions.  We don't mind answering as long as you're asking. 

1.  Will the lodges have hair dryers in the bathrooms?  
     ANSWER: yes, I asked Keven, of Lion's Safari and he assured me they do provide them.

2. Should we drink bottled water & boiled water?  
    ANSWER: yes, for sure, be careful about the water.  We will have bottled and boiled water provided with meals and on the safari.  

3. What about bathroom stops?  If we have to stop frequently what will happen on the game drive?  
      ANSWER: provisions will be made for those whose bladders are in need of frequent stops.  You can let us know if this is a problem for you and we may have a van organized with that need in mind. Mark feels your pain and empathizes, so don't hesitate to let him know if you are in that camp.

4. Will there be a shuttle at the airport to take us to the hotel?  
        ANSWER: yes, I sent you all that information and if you didn't get it, call me or look at this blog where there is another post with that information.

5. What about tips?  Are you paying them?
         ANSWER: We pay the hotel and restaurant tips. You need to provide at least $150 per person for your guide and if he does an excellent job and you would like to provide additional reward, it would be very appreciated. 

6. Will we be able to get Tanzanian Shillings when we arrive? 
        ANSWER: yes, we advise you to have a debit card with a pin number to be able to withdraw money from debit machines or banks.  These are readily available.   Laundry services, tips and souvenirs are all best paid in shillings. We suggest you get approximately $100 in shillings for sundry purposes.

7. Will we need to be tested if we have had a covid vaccination, but not the latest booster?
            ANSWER:  No... not at this time.
8. What gifts should we bring for the school children?
              ANSWER:  This is totally optional, but we suggest crayons, colored pencils, paint brushes, paints, coloring books, sticker books, drawing books, reading books, etc. Don't bring too much.  Keep it simple. There are 35 of us, so if everyone brings a little bit it adds up.
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Text me at 801.669.1777  with any questions you still have and we'll answer them. (liz)

Since we're about to embark on this great adventure,
here are photos of our hosts in country.
Eugen Tzan, general manager, Julie Manongi; tour manager, 
& Prosper Mongi; vehicle operations

For those who are staying at the Ramada in Amsterdam, here's the shuttle information.

We will be attending church in Arusha the first Sunday of our Safari. Here's a photo of members of the branch we'll be meeting.  Such a wonderful opportunity to meet with Brothers and Sisters in Tanzania.

Here's the latest: ​https://tz.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
From what we are reading, it appears there is testing at the airport at JRO, however, we are double checking to be sure that is going to be available when our flights arrive in the evening. We will update you as soon as we know.

Please check to make sure we have your arrival time and airline correct. Contact Liz if there is an error so we can make the needed corrections.  We will include this in the handbook so you can look out for each other the flights.

PACK LIGHT: in three ways - weight, color and volume. Mosquitos are attracted to heat and darker colored clothing produces heat and is easier seen by the insects, so it makes sense to wear lighter colored clothing as well as lighter weight fabric to keep cooler since sweat also attracts mosquitos. Plan your wardrobe with that in mind and remember that he who brings less, enjoys more with fewer bags to worry about.  (Click HERE to read about colors & mosquitos) 
1. Light slacks and long shorts with short sleeved shirts that are easily laundered will be best as it will be hot and you will wear bug spray and sweat, so plan to wash your clothes.  The lodges all have reasonably priced laundry service or you can bring a  clothes line (click to see one I bought on Amazon) to hang your clothes on overnight.  Since this is a dry heat, things do dry overnight.  
2. A lightweight jacket or sweater for the evenings. Sometimes it may become a bit cooler in the evenings and of course you'll need that for the plane.
3. Bring comfortable shoes, but know what we won't be doing a lot of walking so even comfortable sandals are OK.  But at least one pair of sneakers is a good idea.  
4. A swimsuit if you want to swim at the lodges as there is at least one pool, possibly more along the way and it will be very inviting after a day's safari drive.
5. Church clothes:  Dresses for women at church, but not required in the evenings. Ties are not required for men in the evenings but it's a good idea to wear one for the church service on Sunday.  Maybe plan to leave it for the members?  
6. At least one hat
7. Sunglasses
8. Sunscreen 
9. Strong insect repellent - Deet is recommended. 
10.Binoculars Want to make the most of your safari in Tanzania? Bring a pair of binoculars! They’re fantastic for spotting wildlife lurking in the tall grasses, or birds flitting in the trees, and they’re sure to take your wildlife viewing experience to the next level.

19. Electric adaptor  & converter.   You can't use your electric appliances in Tanzania without a voltage converter, because the standard voltage in Tanzania (220 V) is higher than in the United States (120 V).  The adaptor to bring is the G type as found in England and much of Europe.  This has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. If  you're bringing a laptop computer it has its own built in converter but all other appliances require a converter. (Click here to see a converter with adaptor that is reasonably priced with phone charging ports).
20.Cash & Cards Most of your expenses will already be covered including your accommodation, transport and all meals. However, there are a few things you’ll need cash for like souvenirs and tips. It’s best to come prepared with  a mix of credit or debit cards and cash on your Tanzania packing list.