Frequently Asked Questions | Auberge Safari

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A SEAMLESS JOURNEY INTO THE WILD

A safari with Auberge is designed to feel intuitive and unhurried. Here, you’ll find practical information and helpful details — from visas and packing to daily life on safari — so you can prepare with ease and allow your clients to fully step into the experience once they arrive.

Travel

• When should I apply for my visa and how do I apply?
  We strongly recommend all guests obtain a visa prior to arrival. You can apply online, or at the office of a Tanzanian representative abroad. It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival; however, this process could take in excess of 2 hours. For more information on entry into Tanzania, visit the Tanzania Government Web Portal.
• Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?
  Travelers require a valid visa unless their country has an agreement with Tanzania that waives the visa requirement. Please inquire to check if you are exempt.
• What is the luggage allowance?
  15kg/33lbs including hand luggage in a soft bag
• What is the currency?
  United States Dollar, Tanzanian Shillings

What to Wear

• What should I pack?
  It is best to wear neutral safari colours or natural fabrics for comfort. Avoid white, black, dark blue, bold colours and camouflage. Due to the temperature highs and lows from dawn to dusk, layering is key. Suggested items include:
• • Three pairs lightweight cotton trousers
  • A pair of light shoes for evenings
  • Swimming costume
  • Light windbreaker/bush jacket
  • Sweater or fleece jacket for evenings/early mornings
  • Two undershirts
  • Socks and underclothing
  • Open shoes or flip flops
  • Four shirts – two long and two short sleeved
  • Sleepwear
  • Three pairs of shorts
  • Pocket rain and wind-proof jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots
  • Two large brimmed cotton hats/caps
  • Scarf or buff
  • Work-out clothing
  • At the migrational camps, guests need to wash delicates themselves, and soap will be provided in rooms
  • All our camps have laundry facilities

Everyday Basics

• As your journey takes place, you may find yourself needing items of the following nature:
  
  • Camera, video camera and accessories
  • Sunscreen/UV protection
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip balm
  • Binoculars
  • Small flashlight
  • Media player
  • Extra batteries, film, or memory cards
  • Power bank
  • Plug/power converters
  • Journal or sketch pad
  • Charging cords for electrical devices
  • Prescription medication

Weather

• What is the weather like?
  Warm temperate climate year-round. The short rains are usually from mid-November to early December, with a wonderful, temperate climate from December to March. The long rains are between April and May, and June to mid November is the dry season. Rains are subject to change.
• January – March
  Average day: 28°C/83°F
  Average night: 14°C/57°F
• April – June
  Average day: 23°C/74°F
  Average night: 14°C/57°F
• July – September
  Average day: 25°C/77°F
  Average night: 12°C/55°F
• October – December
  Average day: 27°C/81°F
  Average night: 14°C/57°F

General Information

• Is there Wi-Fi available?
  Wi-Fi is available at all lodges and camps, in the main areas as well as all tents and suites. Please note that connection speed is variable.
• Do you have charging facilities and electricity?
  Our lodges have 220V mains power. Some camps are solar powered with a generator backup. All properties have UK plugs.
• Do you accept credit cards?
  Visa and MasterCards are accepted during your stay but not to book your stay. Booking a stay is wire transfer only.
• When is check-in and check-out?
  Check-in: from 14:00pm. Check-out: until 10:00 am
• Is there air conditioning in the rooms?
  Air conditioning is available at Legendary Lodge, Mwiba Lodge, Chem Chem Lodge, Little Chem Chem and Forest Chem Chem. Fans are available at Songa, Mila and Mwiba Plains.
• Is there a gym at any of the properties?
  Chem Chem Lodge, Little Chem Chem, Forest Chem Chem and Mwiba Lodge have fully-equipped gyms. When a gym is not available you will have a ‘gym in a basket’ available in-room.
• Is there access for disabled persons?
  There is no access for disabled persons at any of our properties.
• Do any properties have spa facilities?
  Legendary Lodge, Mwiba Lodge, Chem Chem Lodge and Little Chem Chem have spa facilities. Nail treatments are only available at Legendary Lodge.
• Do any properties have a swimming pool?
  Legendary Lodge, Mwiba Lodge, Chem Chem Lodge and Forest Chem Chem have swimming pools.
• Can your chefs accommodate for different dietary requirements?
  Our team caters to a range of dietary requirements, depending on guest requirements and personal preferences. We also offer standard, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free menus.
• What are the general protocols for tipping staff and guides?
  Guide: $20-$40 USD per person per day
  General Staff: $20-$40 USD per person per day
• Are drones allowed?
  Drones are prohibited unless a special permit is obtained.
• Is there a restriction on single-use plastics?
  Single-use plastics are not allowed in Tanzania (recyclable Ziplock bags are permitted so long as they are not disposed of in Tanzania).

Inclusions & Itineraries

• What do the rates include in a stay?
  3 meals per day, house wines, beers, spirits, water, soft drinks, arrival transfers from the airstrip, laundry, Internet access, private guide and vehicle, and WMA permits.
• How long is a recommended safari?
  We recommend you book a minimum of 6 days.
• Do I have to follow a set itinerary?
  We offer customized itineraries, and the offer will be applied based on the number of nights booked at our camps and lodges. The order of itineraries can differ depending on flights and lodge and camp availability.

Health

• Should I take malaria medication?
  While Tanzania is a low-risk Malaria area, protection against Malaria is recommended. We advise that you consult your doctor or clinic prior to travel.
• Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
  Yellow Fever vaccines are not required in Tanzania; however, if you’ve recently visited a Yellow Fever country or traveled via a Yellow Fever country into Tanzania, you’ll need to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon arrival in Tanzania