Frequently Asked Questions
Can a safari actually be sustainable?
Just about! But it requires rigorous monitoring ,motivation and moral perspective…. One has to think more along the lines of does a safari leave a positive or negative footprint environmentally, while making sure that the local communities receive a good share of the benefits.
There are several strands to sustainability - environmental, benefits for the community, and conservation of wildlife.
When you are choosing a safari, it is important to ask for real details, not just accept the very common marketing messages of “sustainable safaris!” Or “eco travel”.
How is Aloito Safaris sustainable?
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“By the Maasai - For the Maasai”,
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Founded by a Maasai - Isaya Mollel. With the principle that “Your safaris should leave something positive behind”
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All profits remain in Tanzania
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10% of profits go directly to our principal project Lemiyon School in Northern Tanzania , providing school supplies, uniform, equipment and food.
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Other projects include tree planting and irrigation .
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We run a community programme, where you can go from a simple visit to a genuine Maasai village, to a longer stay to see their daily life and traditions, to volunteering to help for an afternoon in the school or elsewhere, or even a longer volunteer stay.
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We want visits to Maasai communities to be encounters based on respect, dignity and genuine exchange, not as a tourist attraction.
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All clients receive a very detailed listing of how costs are divided by the day, so they can be reassured that all is as expected.
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Impact is reduced by avoiding overcrowded wildlife area where possible.
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Visiting places within the Wildlife Management Areas, which have been created with the fundamental principle of granting full ownership and responsibility for wildlife to rural communities on their land, integrating conservations with sustainable rural livelihoods. For example: Enduimet, Ikona, Randilen.
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Keeping mileage to the minimum, without compromising your experiences.
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Choosing camps /lodges that minimise water and energy consummation , employ local staff and still are of mid range quality and upwards. For example : Into Wild Africa in Central Serengeti, Entumoto Camp in western Serengeti and Tortillis Camp in Ngorongoro.
What accommodation to choose and what to expect?
Basically there are 3 standards of accommodation :
Budget: Basic tented camps, simple guesthouses - shared facilities, basic solar power, food - simple buffet prepared by camp cook or packed lunches. Examples: Fanaka camp site, Panorama Campsite . Cost: $20 - $100 per person , per night
Mid Range: Tented camps and lodges which are permanent, and have traditional beds and “Safari” showers. They offer individual “tents” with their own shower rooms, solar electricity and mobile service. They usually have a dining tent, where dinners and breakfasts are served. There is usually WI-Fi in the communal tent areas. For example: Entumoto Tented Safari Camp, Ndovu Tented Lodge, Osiligilai Maasai Lodge. Cost: $100-$500 per person per night
Luxury Lodges: Accommodation in this range tends to have larger rooms and extra facilities like swimming pools and saunas. The accommodation is often not canvas but wood. Dining options are more varied and rooms are large , often with a seating area and luxury bathroom. They are all eco-certified and solar powered. For example: Olkarien Eco Safari Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge. Costs: $500 - $3000+.
As different countries have different standard classifications, it is best if you glance through a few of the camps’ websites to have an idea of what they offer. Aloito can arrange whatever standard you require. Your accommodation will be arranged when you book and you will have the name and address of the camp.
When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
There are basically 3 seasons in Tanzania.
The Dry Season (June to October):
Probably the best time to see the largest selection of wildlife, including the Big Five. They cluster around permanent waterholes and rivers, plus you have the dramatic Mara migratory river crossings in the Serengeti. However it is the busiest time and the most expensive.
The Calving Season (January and February)
Literally thousands of baby wildebeest are born in the Ndutu region , thus enticing the big cats and other predatory animals.. Lush landscapes and far quieter, however there are often afternoon showers.
The Green season (low season) (March to May):
This is the best season for bird watching and vibrant landscapes . Also there are very few tourists and the accommodation is much cheaper. However there can be heavy rain , resulting in some of the park tracks being closed.
Five important Issues to Consider
1. Game drives involve long periods of time in a jeep, bumping over rough ground “the Maasai massage “ as it is called. In addition check that the journey time between destinations is bearable, as the roads aren’t great and you are in a jeep!
2. When on a game drive, there will be times when your guide expects a leopard to wake up in a tree, or a cheetah to move, and he will suggest waiting - sometimes for quite a while. You need to have the patience to wait!! Some of the best viewings are achieved in situation like this. Trust your guide!!!
3. Although it is your holiday, you need to be prepared for early mornings, sometimes very early mornings as often that is when you see the most wildlife.
4. Clothing wise , best to stick to neutral colours and removable layers as the temperature changes considerably through the day. Stout and comfortable shoes and a brimmed hat.
5. Make sure you have the appropriate visas and vaccinations before going and sufficient personal medicines to last you throughout your holidays, as you will go days without seeing a shop.