Planning your African expedition –
What you need to know!

  • Accomodation

    Escorted expeditions: We use a variety accommodation

    • Own room/s in the Peace Matunda Orphanage and school village are in secure areas, with shared toilets, hot showers and wifi

    • On Safari: pre-erected by our Safari crew high quality 2-3 person tents, stretchers, mattress and bedding.

    Unescorted Safari: Determined by clients the type of expedition, could be a range of the following

    • 2-4 Star Lodge with your own room and bathroom

    • Pre erected tents

    • Own room/s tents in the Peace Matunda Orphanage and School village in secure areas, with shared toilets/ hot showers/wifi

  • Bags and Luggage

    Luggage space in our expedition 4WD vehicles is often limited due to the vehicle size so we recommend one piece of soft sided bag (that is squash-able, no hard sizes and preferably no wheels and no more than 20kg ) can also bring a day pack.

    If using light aircraft for the lodge based expedition, due to the compartment size of the aircraft, the maximum weight size is likely to be reduced to 12-15 kg.

  • Flights

    Our expeditions are all ‘land only’ unless stated in the itinerary. You are welcome to use your own preferred travel agent or we can work with our travel agent who is familiar with our expeditions.

    Flying into Africa is as easy as flying to anywhere else in the world. Most of our expeditions arrive via Kilimanjaro International airport.

  • Gear List

    We have a comprehensive expedition list for our travellers, from many years of trips - which we can share with you on request.

  • Health & Safety

    We have a very long history of leading tours to Africa for many years, but we are not medical experts. We recommend well before you depart on your expedition to visit your GP or Travel Doctor to discuss vaccinations you may require. Your GP will make recommendations based on your destination and personal medical history.

    Tanzania is a safe and friendly country compared to many of the other countries in the continent. Having lived, traveled and escorted trips through this area, Brendon has a good understanding of this diverse continent and we work with our partners to ensure our travellers health and safety needs are a priority.

  • Malaria

    Malaria is one of the most common diseases in Africa. Like yellow fever it is carried by the mosquito, and contracting this disease is highest when mosquitos are prolific during the hot and humid summer months. Most of our trips are during the dry, cooler months when the risk is low. There is no vaccination against malaria, you can take anti-malaria medication.

    To avoid being bitten:

    • On dusk wear, long-sleeved shirts, legs and feet covered

    • Apply insect repellent after showering and when changing

    • Keep your lodge/tent windows/doors closed

  • Meals

    An essential ingredient of our life and our expeditions for many years.

    Julis and Jackson, our long serving trained chefs, will create three meals a day based using local ingredients, clients and using the conditions they have. The meals are based on popular western and local dishes. Beef, chicken, fish and vegetarian are the usual combinations for evening meals. The Tanzanian pancakes are a favourite for many!

  • Participants: Group make up and age

    Our popular escorted expedition is made up of travellers who are looking for adventure, this is not defined by age but more by attitude. Who are eager to explore, interested and willing to learn about local culture and history, wanting to create new genuine connections, and are excited to try new activities, cuisines, and experience a different way of life but with a few comforts of home and knowing everything is taken care of. We have a variety of age groups on our adventures.

  • Travel Insurance

    Full Comprehensive Travel Insurance is compulsory for all travellers on all expeditions. All travellers need to provide information about their travel insurance details and policy numbers.

    Insurance should cover for:

    • Trip cancellation, interruption and delays

    • Loss, theft or damage to luggage

    • Baggage delays

    • Medical expenses

    • Emergency medical transportation

    Please purchase travel insurance once you have booked your expedition. This covers you for unexpected cancellations from the time you have booked your expedition. We are happy to organise this for you.

  • Vehicles

    Our Expeditions use 4WD’s, normally the highly reliable Toyota land cruisers with a pop top roof. Our expeditions travel on tarmac, gravel and sometimes dirt roads. These vehicles are ideal for this sometimes harsh road conditions.

  • Visa and Passports

    Most East African countries require visas which can be obtained at the border or online before departure. If travelling on a NZ passport, most vias can be obtained on arrival or online.

    The current cost is $50 USD cash for Visas for Kenya and Tanzania. We recommend where possible obtain a visa online before arrival. We will support you through this easy process.

    For all countries you will need a passport which is valid for six months in excess of the planned departure from Africa.

  • Walking

    There are many opportunities to walk and explore during the expeditions in safe stimulating unique diverse environments. Optional early morning and evening walks are often taken by many of our travellers.

    • Our base at Peace Matunda allows us to explore the daily life of the African rural community under the gaze of Mount Meru. The local people are friendly and enjoy a ‘chat and smile’ and especially local children who will follow you and will often want to hold your hand. Many of the dirt walking tracks weave through the community and often lead to views of Kilimanjaro.

    • Lake Natron: The iconic colours of the Lake, Maasai and their cattle, Flamingos, Pelicans..

    • Massai village and schools, we follow the donkey trails to the village by foot

    • Massai waterfall: exploring upstream to this secret spot