FAQ About Safari

Q. Is it safe to go to Africa?
First of all, the most areas where safaris are organized are completely safe, and free of political conflict. Evans Adventure only conducts safaris in countries which are politically firm and where it is safe for our customers.

Q. Are we safe from the animals?
Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4x4 Toyota land Cruiser and Land Rover with hutched roof to give a maximum visible of a day game view.

Q. What kind of accommodation can I expect?
The lodges and mobile tented camps in Africa are essentially hotels in the bush...They provide most of the amenities found at a hotel (i.e., Restaurant, lounge, swimming pool, etc.) While located in scenic locations allowing clients to remain close to nature...They offer the same luxuries you would find in a city hotel with fresh linen, towels/face cloths, good lighting and en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets.

Mobile tented camps consist of large space in the tents camps for up to 2 people set in the most beautiful locations Tanzania has to offer...Our mobile tented safaris provide the perfect balance between comfort and adventure, Affording all the essentials in services while providing you with the experience of camping in the African bush...Set up by our camp attendants prior to your arrival and situated in secluded settings in Tanzania's wilderness areas and parks, Our camps will provide you with some of the best memories of Your safari.

Meals are prepared from fresh produce by a trained cook and served in a separate and spacious dining tent...They include a selection of salads, soups, meats, fish, vegetables, pastas, rice and fresh fruits...A Fridge and deep freeze are brought along to provide cold drinks; ice and bottled water is supplied and available at all times. You may be mobile, but your creature comforts are never lacking!

Our tents are designed for two people sleep and each are equipped with its own sleeping bed, with foam mattresses, Pillows and blankets mosquito nets on the doors and windows, rechargeable neon lights, and feature an awning with chairs for taking in the view...Fresh linens and towels are provided and changed every day, Plus the staff can take care of your laundry requirements and are always on hand to attend to your needs as required.

All of the equipment used in our mobile camp is our own and the staffs are employed directly by us to insure the quality we strive for The idea behind a mobile camp is rooted in the concept of sustainable tourism: "Take only photographs leave only footprints" and mobile camps do just that...Our clients are able to enjoy the once in a lifetime experience of camping in the African bush in the safety and comfort of a modern camp that does not scare the land.

Q. What will I see on safari?
The greatest abundance of animal, bird and plant life on earth. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Cape buffalo and Leopard (the so-called "Big Five"). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, and the large variety of antelope species, Gazelle, Giraffe, Baboon and Hippo. The bird life is fantastic - in some areas up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and the hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! The acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises' one could ever imagine. Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow when the clouds

All these can be seen in Northern Tanzania National Parks such as Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake manyara National Park, Arusha National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

Q. What about snakes and bugs?
This aspect is much overstated. You will rarely see a snake, but if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the idealistic ambience... Bear in mind that malaria is a threat in most wildlife areas, and it is necessary to consult your doctor for advice before embark on your safari.

Q. When should I go?
- The times to visit Northern Tanzania National parks - March to July
- The times to visit Southern Tanzania National parks - March to June
- Zanzibar and the cost March to June
- Western Tanzania May to March
- The times to Climb Mt: Kilimanjaro July to September
- The times to Climb Mt: Meru June to September

Q. When is the wildebeest migration?
- Wildebeest Migration
- Wildebeest location updates (see below) and a month by month guide to lodges and camps giving you the best opportunity to witness the east Africa's wildebeest migration.

The endless plains of east Africa are the setting for the world's greatest wildlife spectacle - nearly 3 million wildebeest migrate annually from the vast Serengeti plains to the champagne colored hills of Kenya's Masai Mara.

There is no real beginning or end to a wildebeest's journey. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water. The only beginning is at the moment of birth. An estimated 500,000 wildebeest babies are born during a six week period early each year - usually between late January and mid-March.

The migration calendar below summarizes the location of wildebeest migration per month of the year.
Wildebeest Annual Migration Calendar
In September;
The Wildebeest herds are in the northern areas of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and in Kenya's Masai Mara Reserve. Wildebeest have been crossing the Mara River daily. Guests staying at the Governor's Camps in the Mara and at Migration Camp in the Serengeti have been seeing hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra daily.

In October;
A trend of cool mornings and warm days in Kenya's Masai Mara. The migrating herds of wildebeest and zebra grazes at the Mara grasses right down. The northern and central areas of the Serengeti have received some very heavy rain showers and the herds have followed their noses in search of lush, green grass. The end of the month October is marked by large river crossings as wildebeest and zebra left the Mara on their long trek down south.

The herds now stretch from Lobo through the Tagora plains area to central Seronera area and down to Naabi Hill. It is common to receive patches of wet weather in the Serengeti towards the end of the dry season (in October), so the rain may just be this and not an early onset of the short rains. If this is the case, it will dry out rapidly and the wildebeest will head back north until they feel the real rains start.

In November;
The arrivals of the short rains call the migration southward. During the short rains of November the wildebeest migration is best viewed from Klein's Camp. Campsites in the Lobo area are best.

As November ends the migration is making its way back to the southern Serengeti and early in the year they once again give birth. The circle of life is complete.

In December, January, Feburary & March;
The Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area is arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. During the months December through March the seemingly unending plains of the southern Serengeti and the Conservation Area are inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. The great herds graze on rain ripened grass. We feel this is the best time to visit the Serengeti.

In the calving season (late January through mid March when over 80% of the wildebeest give birth over a period of a few weeks) the herds concentrate at the Ndutu and Salei plains (Southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area) attracting the attention of predators like lion, cheetah and hyena.

During this period the migration is best observed from a luxury mobile camp in the Ndutu / Naabi area or from Ndutu Safari Lodge.

In April & May;
During the months April and May the depleted plains are unable to sustain the endless herds. The migration, sweeping west and north, moves from the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the long grass plains and woodland of the Serengeti's western Corridor, almost to Lake Victoria.

During this period, the long rains starts and is considered off season for wildlife viewing in east Africa as roads are often impassable. Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Camp and the Serengeti Serena Lodge are fine for wildlife viewing during this time. So are campsites in the Ndutu/Naabi area.

In June;
By the end of May the wildebeest are exhausted the Western Corridor's best pastures and the herds must move further north. Entering the Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle breeding occurs May through June.

This is a transitional period between the rains and the dry season. Faru Faru River Lodge, Sasakwa Hill Lodge, Sabora Plains Tented Camp, Grumeti River Camp, Migration Camp, and Kirawira Camp are good options for viewing the migration at this time. Seronera and Moru area campsites are best.

In July, August, September & October;
By July the countless herds amassed along the swollen Mara River - a final barrier from the short sweet grasses of the Masai Mara. Sometimes the crossing place they have chosen is shallow allowing the majority of animals to pass safely. In other areas the waters boil with drowning wildebeest and slashing crocodiles. Please note that the vast majority of travelers do not witness the wildebeest crossing of the Mara as the timing and duration varies widely each year - in years of little rain very few wildebeest cross the Mara River into Kenya.

Between July and October the wildebeest reside in the Mara. We recommend Governors IL Moran Tented Camp as the leading safari camp in the Masai Mara. Other tented camps include Governor's Main Camp, Little Governor's Camp, and Bataluer Camp. Tanzanian lodges recommended during this time include Faru Faru River Lodge, Sasakwa Hill Lodge, Sabora Plains Tented Camp, Grumeti River Camp, Migration Camp and Kirawira Camp. Kirawira and Moru area campsites are best.

*Note - the migration is a natural event and the timing varies month by month; year by year.

Q. What is the difference between a mobile and a permanent tented camp?
Around the turn of the century (until the 30's and 40's), mobile tenting was the only option, and "camp as you go" was the standard practice. Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile tenting safari has increased. By the same token, one can understand that the cost to have a "luxury hotel" following one around in Africa is expensive. However, most people settle for tented camps which are permanent. Because they are "permanent" they can be equipped with flush toilets and traditional bathroom fixtures and conveniences. Don't be misled by terminology - a permanent tented camp offers the comfort of a 5-star hotel but with the romance and adventure of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa.

Q. What about language barriers?
Although more than 2000 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa,
This presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa

Q. What shall I pack?
Insect repellent- the best way to prevent malaria and other insect borne diseases.
- Sunscreen
- Cap or Hat
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself
- Hand-wipes
- Small Flashlight
- Aspirin, Diarrhea medicine
- Rain jacket, poncho or collapsible umbrella
- Plastic bags for wet clothes, swim suit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment
- Kleenex/toilet tissue
- A neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras
- Any medical prescription you need to fill
- Masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans
- Film, extra camera batteries, as well as light meter batteries